Hi all,
I thought I'd report on some interesting sightings and non-sightings in Thika of late.
Yesterday, this Levaillant's Cuckoo was one of my first visitors. I am struggling to recall the last time I saw one in Thika. I believe I have, but not anytime recently.
An interesting photo, was this of a Spur-winged Goose that clearly shows its spurs in flight. I have never been close enough, or at the correct angle to notice them before.
A week ago I had this visitor, and I think I am correct in saying it is a Nightingale and not it's near twin. But please correct me if I am wrong.
Red-faced Cisticolas have been very vocal.
There was a Eurasian Scops Owl on 9 Nov, also in Thika, but not at my house. It was dragged into a house by a cat, and very unfortunately it only survived for about 48 hrs.
Also, Pygmy Kingfishers are around. Last year about this time, Don Turner kindly set me straight on this species when I found a dead juvenile. He explained is was the northern nominate form which does come south from the Northern Tropics at this time of the year. I hadn't realized they were migratory. Fascinating little birds!
In terms of non-sightings, I have not seen or heard a Trumpeter Hornbill in well over one year. Please let me know if others in Thika are still seeing this bird. I still occasionally see Silvery-cheekeds, but even these are much rarer.
Cheers, Darcy
Darcy Ogada
Assistant Director of Africa Programs
+254-722-339366
P.O. Box 1629-00606
+254-722-339366
P.O. Box 1629-00606
•
Nairobi •
Kenya