I spent 5 days over Easter at Kilifi, with some interesting
sightings. On 8th April, there were 500+ Amur Falcons/Lesser Kestrels
with a few Eurasian Hobbies and a couple of Eurasian Rollers on the fringes.
Between 9th and 12th, the plot where I
was staying, which overlooked the sea on the South Side of the creek,
produced 1 Great Reed Warbler, 1 Basra Reed Warbler, 2 Marsh Warblers and 1
Garden Warbler. During that period Eurasian Golden Orioles were widespread
in good numbers. Also seen were Red-backed Shrikes and a couple of Lesser
Grey Shrikes. At 6.15am on 10th April, there was an
African Hobby hunting low over the sea, which then flew over me as I watched
from the cliff top. Later that day there was 1 Rock Thrush observed in
the fields of Kilifi plantations.
I visited Sokoke on the 11th April, which
produced some 10 Lesser Cuckoos (only 1 being hepatic) and some 15 + Eurasian
Cuckoos. Also had a good sighting of a Honey Buzzard. Of the specials,
I Green-backed Twinspot, Sokoke Pipit in aerial display, Red-tailed Ant Thrush,
Amani Sunbird, Plain-backed Sunbird, Pale Batis and a good view of 2
Four-coloured Bush Shrikes. Clarke’s Weaver were feeding alongside
Black-headed Weavers, which I think is unusual.
All in all some very enjoyable birding.
Regards to all
Nigel