Re: [KENYABIRDSNET] Hinde's Babblers at University of Nairobi Kabete campus [1 Attachment]

Hi Simon,

This is a super observation. It's a first record for Nairobi as far as I know and long overdue. They've been present within 2-3kms of the northern and eastern city limits for decades, including observations from Ruiru and Kiambu in the last 12-15 months. There are also records to the south of Nairobi, from Athi River and Machakos southeast to Kitui, but Loresho would be the westernmost record to date.

Thanks for sharing,

James

On 2 March 2017 at 18:12, simonchiz@gmail.com [kenyabirdsnet] <kenyabirdsnet-noreply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hello,

On Feb 25th, David Guarnieri and I heard Babbler-like calls above the dam at the eastern end of the University farm, Kabete campus, at around 7.30am. We found two Hinde's Pied-Babblers in bushy habitat; a photograph of one is attached, and more photos are posted on our list for the site (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S34806280). A third bird appeared to be deeper within the scrub, but we were unable to confirm by sight. This record appears to be at the extreme southern end of this species' range, and I would be interested to hear others' thoughts on this.

Also of note, both Montane and Abyssinian/White-bellied White-eyes were seen in an area of replanted indigenous trees at the western end of the dam (photos also on the eBird list).

Regards,

Simon Carter

James Bradley
Sidney, BC