Mombasa Bird Walk

A walk to the wetland, this time on the outside of the fence of Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary, to catch the last of the water which is drying up fast. Weaver activity in the surrounding area seemed manic, mostly Golden Palm and Village, nearly all carrying nesting material. A group of Crested Francolins in the grassland, Carmine Bee-eaters on the wires. Wetland fairly active but no sign of Pelicans, seen last time. One African Spoonbill still around and a big group of Yellow Billed Storks. About 6 Fulvous Ducks, not so common in this area, Little Grebes in the water. Am told they are the most sensitive to pollution so good to know the water is not polluted, 'yet' anyway! Not many migrants, a few Barn Swallows dipping and diving, a couple of Wood Sandpipers, 2 or 3 Spotted Flycatchers in the acacias but a very large and varied group of Yellow Wagtails round the edge of the lake and in the trees, looking as though they are congregating ready to leave. A beautiful Goliath Heron, one Intermediate Egret and lots of Red Billed Queleas coming to roost in the reed beds as we left. 36 species in all. Last job was checking on the Verreaux Eagle Owl, in the cage at the gate to see how well he is growing. He cooed gently at us and blinked his pink eyelids. Birding is very good just now, lots of Eurasian Golden Orioles still around Tudor Creek, a real joy! Join us if you are in Mombasa. (Marlene Reid - Mombasa)