Dear all:

Happy belated new year!

On Sunday 11 January 2009, I noticed and made some observations on two new and active heronaries, within the Eastland’s side of Nairobi City.

Situated on a mature Yellow Fever Tree Acacia xanthophloea, within the grounds of Shauri-moyo Police Station, off Jogoo Road, was the first one. The birds (c.20), all Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala, seem to be enjoying the comfort zone and state security - what a privilege! My previous report of a mixed heronary was at the precincts of Industrial Area Police Station, barely two kilometers away, as the crow flies. Have the birds identified security hot spots of Nairobi?

The latter, was at the school grounds of St. Anne’s Primary, next to Jogoo Road Market, near the corner of Jogoo and Lusaka Roads. There was a frenzy on-going feeding regime of the young ones. The breeding pairs (c.6) of Marabou Stork Leptoptilus crumeniferus, were observed. The garbage from the market, obviously made the birds to feel at home, as the food source was right at the doorstep!

On a lighter note, would anyone within the group(s) be interested to visit the potential IBA, unknown, remote and rarely visited Malka-Mari National Park, Mandera District, Kenya? For more information, please, do contact me directly at: malka-mari@fronttrailsafaris.net

With those few observations and remarks - enjoy your 2009 birding spree(s)!

Regards,

James Kuria Ndung’u