Mombasa Bird Walk

Lots of heronsand egrets, but the most impressive were the Diomorphic both white and dark grey phase and seemingly not very tolerant of each other. White phase constantly trying to chase the grey phase away although both tolerant of other herons and egrets. Great numbers of Greenshank and Long Tailed Cormorants, a couple of Common Moorhens but amazing Purple Swamphens, easily seen as they foraged in the reeds. These birds are such a vibrant colour and especially in the late afternoon sun. Bur by far away the best sighting of the day were the two pairs of African Darter both with nests, one nest having a juvenile bird, showing itself, standing upright on the edge of the nest and the other nest having a brownish baby poking its head out of the nest for feeding by a parent bird. The nests were in the middle of all the Cormorants but easily visible from the opposite side of the lake where we were standing. This was such a treat! We could hardly drag ourselves away. Am hoping to get some pictures. Other birds of note, a lone Common Squacco Heron, Mosque Swallows flying over and lots of Yellow Wagtails on the playing fields. Barn Swallows seem to have left.

One interesting thing re: Indian House Crows - over Xmas I saw an IHC with lots of white on it up at Kikambala, white wings and chest and very pale head. Two days ago I saw an IHC fly past my verandah with white wings. Albino or a strange disease (hopefully restricted to crows and lethal) Anybody else seen any? The white is really brilliant white.