A list of birds breeding at Little Governors’ Camp,
Masai Mara NR.
Little Governors’ Camp is situated along a lagoon.
During most of 2011 the lagoon was dry but after heavy rains during October it
very quickly filled up and overflowed. In early November the first birds noted on
the lagoon was a group of 4 Little Grebe, a species I had never recorded before
in the Mara. Within days I noticed both Green-backed and Rufous-bellied Herons
turning into their breeding colours and, very soon,
several of both species were seen carrying sticks into thick vegetation
on a small island in the south-west corner of the lagoon. Unfortunately, I didn’t
get back to Little Governors’ Camp until June this year and was amazed to
see that the island was now a busy heronry. Talking to the staff it appears
that the heronry has been active since I left in November 2011. The island is
quite small, approx 6m across and about 1 ½ m above the water level.
Unfortunately, it is only possible to view the heronry from one position, so it
is impossible to count how many birds are actually breeding on the island. To
complicate matters, the island is used as a roost each evening, mainly by Cattle
Egrets.
Follows is a list of birds I observed on 23rd
June 2012.
Black-crowned Night Heron. Many immatures and juveniles
on the island and several birds sitting on nests.
Cattle Egret. Many nests with juveniles of all ages and
some birds sitting on nests. Many more came to the island to roost.
Rufous-bellied Heron. Several in breeding colour (red
legs and reddish bills – both normally yellow) seen flying into the back
of the island.
Great Egret. At least one pair on the island and in
breeding colour (black bills – normally yellow). More came in at dusk to
roost.
Yellow-billed Egret. At least one pair on the island in
breeding colour (lores green – normally yellow).
Grey Heron. Pair nest building.
Black-headed Heron. The most numerous birds on the
island. Many pairs on the island. Juveniles of various ages being fed by adults
and some sitting on nest.
Sacred Ibis. Many nests with juveniles of various ages.
Long-tailed Cormorant. Pair nest building.
*Note* During October Green-backed Herons and
Rufous-bellied Herons were breeding on the island. Making it at least 10
species breeding on the island.
Other birds seen on or very near the island.
Madagascar Squacco Heron 1 seen.
Common Squacco Heron 1 seen.
African Crake 1 seen.
Black Crakes.
Common Moorhens.
African Jacanas.
Dave Richards