Mombasa Bird Walk

Still a lot of rain in Mombasa which is very good for many important reasons but does not enhance our bird walks to areas where there are wetlands and ponds as they are filled to the brim with water and there is no wading or perching space for the water birds. The trees are lush and verdant so difficult to see the arboreal species. Consequently our trip to Nguuni Animal park had to rely mostly on birds feeding on the grass, those flying by and others that ran along the ground. 26 species was the total which is a pretty low number for this area. Bare Eyed Thrushes were plentiful, lots of Golden Palm, Black Headed and Grosbeak Weavers building nests and a small flock of Greater Blue Earred Starlings. Zanzibar Bishops in full and resplendant breeding dress were many. Special and not often seen these days was a Nubian Woodpecker, a single Violet Backed Starling (female) and about 10 Senegal Plovers. On the drive back to the gate Slender Tailed Nightjars were sitting on the road, allowing themselves to be watched before flying off as we passed by. Interesting that although it was totally dark there were Pale Flycatchers and one Flappet Lark still feeding on the road. We really miss the larger water birds due to the fact that all the reeds have been eaten by the numerous Water Buck and now that there are 16 Giraffes there we pray that they will not eat all the Acacia trees. Wishing you all great birding. (Marlene Reid - Mombasa)