Mombnasa Birdwalk

Walk on Sat 15th August took us to Huseini Car Track in Nguu Tatu. We have not been to this area for some time as it was fenced off but there is now a gap in the fence as cars are using it again and I have a written permission from the owner to birdwatch there. The first bird we saw on arrival was a magnificent Black Chested Snake Eagle. He flew over slowly for some time, riding the air currents so we all got a good view of him (or her). This is a favourite area for this bird. The area is amazingly dry considering we have had lots of intermittent heavy showers. We went straight to the pond which is now devoid of children bathing thank goodness. Birds of note: 2 Juvenile Allen's Gallinules leapt up out of the reeds, fast disapearing not to be seen again. Juveniles we have not seen here, adults we have seen so can one presume they are breeding at this pond? It was actually the first time I had ever seen juveniles and I was not so smart at recognising them immediately as they are so different from the adult. Zimmerman has the best illus. and once I checked there was no doubt. Fortunately we had a very good close-up view of them. Other birds of note Madagascar Squacco Heron perched in a tree but obliging us by flying round a couple of times, Slender Tailed Nightjar flushed from under our feet, many Grosbeak and Golden Palm Weavers and Zanzibar Red Bishops nesting in the reeds with one or two Fan Tailed Widow birds seen briefly. A Knob Billed Duck flew over (rare for here) Pink Backed Pelicans flying over, A Yellow Bill in the tree together with a male Black Headed Batis, a Purple Heron flying by, African Black Crake and a Common Moorhen in the reeds, a flock of Namaqua Doves passing by obviously off to roost at sunset. No migrants yet, not even a Barn Swallow. There were also large flocks of Red Billed Quelea feeding on the dried grass and in the trees. 30 species in total, not bad for a couple of hours and all around one small half-dried-up pond! Birds can always surprise us. Feel welcome to join us any 3rd Sat. in the month if you are in Mombasa. (Marlene Reid)