From: "Bishop, Richard (ILRI)" <R.BISHOP@CGIAR.ORG>
Date: 2009-11-29 21:38
Subject: Lambwe Valley August 2nd-6th 2009
Hello
Kenyan Birders
Herewith a
retrospective account of a few birds recorded during a visit to the
area adjacent to Ruma National Park during August 2009. This was
essentially a work trip as part of a research project on
surveillance of African swine fever in domestic pigs the
surrounding area. The reports relate to birds seen around the guest
house above the National park. The guest house is situated in
exotic plantations (mainly conifers).
the most interesting
records were:
Ayre's hawk eagle -1
adult seen perched and in flight opposite the guest
house-3/8/2009
Osprey-1 perched in
exotic conifers opposite the guesthouse. 3/8/2009. Presumably
an over summering bird.
African black swift-
Several thousand flew past the guest house on the evening of 5/8/2009 (heading
inland away from lake Victoria)
Trilling
Cisticola- Two seen. Quite common by voice in bushes in the
general area near the guest house
African Golden
Oriole-one pair opposite the guest
house-3-5/8/2009
Yellow bellied
waxbill- 2 seen (Perhaps surprising at this altitude. I tend to think of
it as a Highland species)
We only spent one
afternoon in the park itself. The highlight was a group of seven Roan
Antelope near the far side of the park away from the Main gate.
Apparently there may be as few as 30 remaining.
The guest house is
very pleasantly furnished and has a great view over the park. They charge Ksh
5,000/night for residents to rent the whole unit on a self catering
basis (this included a cook). There are three bedrooms, so the economics are
reasonable if you have a group of five or six people.
Good Birding to
all
Richard and Anne
Bishop
Dr Richard Bishop
Senior Molecular Biologist
International Livestock Research
Institute (ILRI)
PO Box 30709
Nairobi
00100
Telephone: 254 20 422 3000 (switchboard)
254 20 422 3359 (direct
extension)
mobile: 0710 831 851