Greetings birders,

Although the name ‘happy valley’ evokes memories of licentiousness in the minds of many, to yours truly, it is a reminder of the serenity experienced whenever I go birding in the valley/wetland within the vicinity of my home.

During the month of September, I had numerous opportunities to walk through the aforementioned valley. During these times, I have photographed birds, flowers, butterflies and even a spider on the hunt. Perhaps my favourite image would be that of the African Pygmy Kingfisher,one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. As it has been said before, in nature photography the image is always given, never taken. Indeed, this little beau is a testament to this fact.

Several white-eyes were also at hand to offer me some good images. It is quite tricky to distinguish between the Abyssinian, Montane and yellow white-eye in the field as was noted in the Annual Kenya Birding Magazine. Nonetheless, equipped with a camera, I find it easier to study the images more closely thereafter to make these distinctions but even so, I often wonder whether I have identified them correctly.

I also caught sight of what I believe to be the lesser swamp warbler, a marsh warbler and a third I couldn't quite place (attached as which bird). However, am not sure whether I have identified them correctly. I welcome more experienced birders to have a look at them.

All in all, it has been a good month of birding and here are some images ‘given’ during this period. October looks to be a better month since I have joined Nature Kenya and if the walk on last Wednesday in the Arboretum was anything to go by it seems I am in for a very good birding treat.

Happy birding everyone

Evans Toroitich