Hi all,
I
was rather hoping to join Fleur and other birders on Sunday for the
potluck as they were in my larger neighbourhood. However, my son vetoed
that plan so I decided to bird around my compound where I live in
Thika.
At the end of the morning I had recorded
approximately 50 species. I'm closing in on recording 100 species
within the compound.
Although I didn't record anywhere
near a daily high number of species, some were Thika specialties (at
least they are easiest to see in Thika if you live around Nairobi) and a
couple were particular highlights.
The usual Thika group included African golden weaver and Hinde's babblers.
The
first species of note was Red and Yellow Barbet. I have seen a pair
around this compound about 4 years ago, but its not a species I see with
any regularity.
I then mucked through a wetland only to
find some pools of small fish. The biggest being at most 10 cm. I've
attached a photo if anyone know which species they may be.
Then
two great sparrowhawks, one of which was a juvenile, were calling
loudly from a very small remnant forest patch. I tried tracking them
down for a photo, but in vain.
At least they lead me in
the direction of the find of the day, which caught my attention as it
was calling, but it was certainly a call I didn't not recognise. It was
a male Narina Trogon and it made my day! I'm wondering if any have
been recorded recently in and around Thika?
While walking
back to my house, thirsty but elated, a large shadow appeared on the
ground in front of me. Suspecting it to be a crow, I was happily
surprised to see it was a Lanner falcon.
I can't imagine there's too many pentads that have both R&Y barbets and Narina Trogons.