From: Don Reid <donreid@africaonline.co.ke>
Date: 2009-01-21 12:27
Subject: Mombasa Bird Walk Dec/Jan 2009
Dear Birders,
 
Happy New Year from a windy Mombasa!  Dec Bird walk was in fact so windy that there were hardly any birds around.  Only one Greenshank and a few Wood Sandpipers to represent the migrants.  Several Yellow Billed Egrets, which seem to have made this their favourite place.  A fairly dismal end to 2008
 
Jan walk round Central Quarry, Bamburi, hoping to see the Purple Swamphen was much more interesting.  Lots of Egrets and Herons in very impressive groups, Little, Great White, Yellow Billed and Cattle Egrets.  Black Headed, Grey and Green Backed Herons and the joy of the afternoon a Black Heron, sitting in a tree and showing off his wonderful yellow feet.  This bird used to be a common sight at this pond but we haven't seen one for several years. Unfortunately we did not get to see his umbrella fishing! Lots of Scared Ibis glowing in the late afternoon sun. A wonderful sight!  Long tailed Cormorants galore, the lake is obviously rich in fish!  All the birds taking to the air in a hurry and although we did not see the Great Sparrow Hawk we heard his call.  White Faced Whistling Ducks and Common Moorhen in their favourite patch of water and two magnificent African Darters   Less Water Dikkops than usual, maybe they changed their stamping ground!  Migrants again hardly any.  A few Barn Swallows flying around but quite a lot of Eurasian Golden Orioles high in the Casuarinas.  A visit to the football field when leaving to see a large flock of Yellow Wagtails.  They seem to make it their habitat for the whole season every year.   We didn't catch up with the Purple Swamphen but I am assured that it is still around.  Maybe next time!  Join us if you are in Mombasa. We may be having to start our bird walks somewhat earlier some months to go further afield.  You can Contact 0720 949195 to check! Wishing you all Happy Birding (Marlene Reid-Mombasa)