Mombasa Bird Walk

It is very exciting to see bird species taking up residence on this fairly new small wetland. The pond on the way is pretty overgrown but a small group of African Golden Weavers were nesting. We have seen the odd one here before but this time there were several, males and females with males nest building. Hopefully the beginning of a permanent breeding group! They share the habitat with Golden Palm, Grosbeak and Village Weavers. At the wetland interesting birds seen - Spur Winged Plovers, Madagascar Squacco, Purple Heron, Common Moorhen, one adult and one juvenile so obviously breeding, Common Sandpiper (may have been 1 or 2 as we may have been seeing one bird twice). Don't think this is an early arrival as we nearly always see a Common Sandpiper no matter what the season. Non-breeding birds which over-winter maybe? Lots of Water Dikkops, White Faced Whistling Ducks and African Jacanas. Spoonbills (which apparently rose to number 10) and Pelicans sadly departed. The most exciting bird of the day was a Glossy Ibis flying in and landing among the Sacred Ibis. I have never seen a Glossy in this area and note that Ryall in his article on Afrotropical species does not list it as present at Nguuni (Scopus Vol. 15 No. 1 Aug. 1991). Must submit this to bird committee. Always something exciting and unexpected in the birding world. Welcome to Mombasa Bird Walk (every 3rd Sat in the month) when you are next in Mombasa. If your visit does not fit in with a walk I will be happy to put you in contact with our excellent group of bird guides or recommend places to go. My number is 0720 949195 or 2491648. (Marlene Reid-Mombasa)