8/7/94 - 24/7/94 Kenya

KENYA     8/7/94 - 24/7/94

 

Ostrich - Struthio camelus massaicus C

Recorded on nine dates being seen in Nairobi NP (where S. c. molybdophanes (the most distinct form - ‘Somali Ostrich’) was introduced in the early 1970s and has bred with wild S. c. massaicus producing fertile hybrids (although this appears to be doubted by Zimmerman et al. (1996), who state that in the absence of records it is not known if the resulting offspring were fertile) and thus rendering specific rank for any form therefore doubtful (Brown et al. (1982)).), Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara with a daily maximum of 20 recorded at Nairobi NP on the 9^th. Unfortunately we failed to see ‘Somali’ Ostrich S. (c.) molybdophanes at Samburu, which Zimmerman et al. (1996) draw attention to work (Freitag and Robinson (1993)) ‘that investigations show that considerable mitochondrial DNA divergence between it and other forms, which in combination with morphological and ecological differences and reported interbreeding difficulties, suggests that separate species status is probably warranted’. In del Hoyo et al. (1992) they do not accord separate species status but do note that ‘race molybdophanes might be a separate species’. However Clements (2000) treats all forms as races of a single species.

 

Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis capensis C

Pairs were encountered on small lakes at the Nairobi NP and the Windsor Golf and Country Club, and a raft of c.60 birds were seen on both dates spent at Lake Naivasha.

 

Great White Pelican - Pelecanus onocrotalus C

Only small numbers seen with 4 on the ‘Flamingo Lake’ at Amboseli on the 12^th and 6 on the island visible from the jetty and approached closely by boat at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Pink-backed Pelican - Pelecanus rufescens C

Seen in small numbers with a single individual being seen on Lake Baringo on the 17^th and up to 30 were present on the island visible from the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the two dates spent there.

 

Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus C

Around 8 were seen on both our visits to the Windsor Golf and Country Club and several large flocks totalling around 100 birds were seen at Lake Naivasha on both days spent there.

 

Long-tailed Cormorant - Phalacrocorax africanus africanus C

A single individual was seen roosting in a dead tree in the middle of the lake at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on both our visits there and a pair were present around the jetty at Lake Naivasha on both days spent there.

 

 Darter - Anhinga melanogaster rufa C

Quite unexpectedly 2 were seen at the Mzima Springs at Tsavo West on the 10^th.

 

 

 

Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea cinerea C

Singles seen on five dates at Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Treetops and Lake Naivasha.

 

Black-headed Heron - Ardea melanocephala C

Seen in small numbers at Amboseli, Treetops, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara on a total of seven dates. Seemingly less dependant on water than the other Herons often being seen hunting in fields and other dry areas. A daily maximum of 4 were seen at Amboseli on the 12^th.

 

Goliath Heron - Ardea goliath C

A pair were seen at the Amboseli Marsh on the 12^th and a single individual was seen near the jetty at Lake Naivasha on both days spent there where it could be watched at dusk fishing at close range.

 

Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea purpurea C

Only seen in flight over the surrounding reedbeds from the jetty at Lake Baringo with 1 seen on the 17^th and 2 the following day.

 

Great Egret - Ardea alba melanorhyncha C

Only up to 2 ever seen on a day being noted on a total on six dates at Amboseli, Lake Baringo and Lake Naivasha.

 

Intermediate Egret - Egretta intermedia brachyrhyncha C

Groups of 4 were seen at Amboseli on the 12^th and at Lake Baringo on the 17^th.

 

Little Egret - Egretta garzetta garzetta C

Around 10 were seen on roadsise flooded rice paddies near Lake Naivasha on the 19^th and c.4 were seen at Lake Naivasha on both the 19^th and 20^th.

 

Squacco Heron - Ardeola ralloides C

A single immature in Nairobi NP on the 9^th, 5 at Amboseli on the 12^th, up to 8 seen on two dates at Lake Baringo and 2 seen at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th. Apart from the single immature all were adults in breeding plumage.

 

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis ibis C

Seen in good numbers in many areas although strangely absent from both Samburu and the Masai Mara. A daily maximum of 100 were seen on the 19^th.

 

Dwarf Bittern - Ixobrychus sturmii C

A pair were flushed from a small lake (caused by heavier than normal rains in the area) at the base of the Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th. The resident birder told us they were the first occurrence in this area since 1977 and were thought to possibly be breeding nearby. Having been flushed they sunned themselves in full view in a dead tree seemingly unconcerned by our presence until we left the area.

 

Hamerkop - Scopus umbretta umbretta C

Seen on eight dates in widespread locations including Nairobi, Lake Baringo and the Masai Mara. They were seen nest-building at Lake Baringo near the cliffs. A daily maximum of 5 were seen in the Nairobi area on the 9^th.

 

Yellow-billed Stork - Mycteria ibis C

Seen on six dates in small numbers often along the road in flooded areas but also at Nairobi NP, Treetops, the Rift Valley Lakes and 2 were seen in flight over the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd. A daily maximum of 4 were seen in Nairobi NP on the 9^th.

 

Woolly-necked Stork - Ciconia episcopus microscelis C

A single individual was seen around 100m from a dead Wildebeast at the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Saddle-billed Stork - Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis C

A pair were seen in flight from the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the 19^th and a pair were seen atop of some large trees which were fenced-in not far from the entrance to the Keekerok Lodge in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Marabou Stork - Leptoptilos crumeniferus C

Numerous and widespread being seen every day but that spent at thw Windsor Golf & Country Club with a daily maximum of 50 being seen in the Nairobi NP on the 9^th.

 

Sacred Ibis - Threskiornis aethiopicus aethiopicus C

Seen on seven dates in fair numbers with the largest concentrations being up to 10 daily at Amboseli and 20 daily at Lake Naivasha where they would happily feed on the lawns of the Lodge.

 

Hadada Ibis - Bostrychia hagedash brevirostris C

Numerous and widespread being seen on nine dates and heard on others. The only site we didn’t note it was Amboseli but we may well have overlooked it there. A daily maximum of 25 were seen at Nairobi NP on the 9^th.

 

Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus C

Only seen on two dates with 4 seen at Amboseli on the 12^th and 4 seen at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

African Spoonbill - Platalea alba C

Only seen on four dates with 2 seen roadside on the 11^th, 4 at Amboseli on the 12^th, 2 at Lake Baringo on the 17^th and 6 on the island visible from the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Lesser Flamingo - Phoenicopterus minor C

Impressive concentrations of this fine species were recorded on the soda lake at Amboseli with an estimated 10,000 being seen there on the 12^th and at Lake Nakuru where we estimated 100,000 on the 19^th.

 

Fulvous Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna bicolor C

Only seen from the jetty at Lake Baringo where up to 6 were seen on three dates.

 

White-faced Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna viduata C

Only seen from the jetty at Lake Baringo where up to 8 were seen on three dates often accompanying the previous species and proving quite approachable.

 

Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus C

Numerous and widespread being seen on twelve dates and seemingly present at any area of water being seen at all sites visited. A daily maximum of 20 was noted at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Comb Duck - Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos C

A superb male was present on the island visible from the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th which we approached closely in a small boat.

 

Yellow-billed Duck - Anas undulata C

Seen on four dates with 2 seen at Treetops on the 16^th, up to 6 seen daily at Lake Naivasha and 3 seen on the lakes at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Red-billed Duck - Anas erythrorhyncha C

Only seen at Lake Naivasha in the vicinity of the island visible from the jetty where a single individual was seen on the 19^th and 6 the following day.

 

Hottentot Teal - Anas hottentota C

A single individual which spent most of its time asleep on the island visible from the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th was almost certainly this species.

 

Southern Pochard - Netta erythrophthalma brunnea C

A single female was present at the island visible from the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

African Cuckoo-Hawk - Aviceda cuculoides verreauxii C

An impressive immature was seen and photographed whilst perched in forest at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Black-shouldered Kite - Elanus caeruleus caeruleus C

Only seen on five dates and only in small numbers in the Rift Valley and the Masai Mara with a daily maximum of just 3 seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Black Kite - Milvus migrans parasitus C

Only seen around Nairobi but on all six dates in that area proving plentiful with a daily maximum of 20 recorded on two dates.

 

African Fish-Eagle - Haliaeetus vocifer C

Widespread in small numbers being seen on seven dates. Seen at all the Rift Valley lakes and most other suitable locations and even 1 at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd. A daily maximum of 4 were seen on three dates with the highest density suspected at Lake Naivasha where close approach was possible by making use of a small boat.

 

Palm-nut Vulture - Gypohierax angolensis C

Only seen at the lodge at Samburu where up to 3 were being attracted to bait laid out for Leopards on both our days spent there.

 

Hooded Vulture - Necrosyrtes monachus C

We saw 3 around the lodge at Samburu on the 15^th and 20 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus percnopterus C

A superb adult was seen at the water-hole at the Kilaguni Lodge at Tsavo West on the 10^th and a party of 3 were seen in flight along the road between the Masai Mara and Nairobi on the 22^nd.

 

White-backed Vulture - Gyps africanus C

Good numbers of Vultures were seen in many areas especially the Game Parks but were not always specifically identified. It was however identified on six dates at Nairobi NP, Tsavo West, Amboseli, Samburu and the Masai Mara with a huge concentration attending the Wildebeast migration seen in the Masai Mara with an estimated 500 seen on the 21^st.

 

Ruppell’s Griffon - Gyps rueppellii rueppellii C

Only positively identified in the Nairobi NP, Amboseli, Samburu and the Masai Mara with an impressive estimated 500 being seen at the Masai Mara attending the Wildebeast migration on the 21^st.

 

Lappet-faced Vulture - Torgos tracheliotus tracheliotus C

We saw singles at Nairobi NP on the 9^th and at Amboseli on the 12^th and then 30 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st following the Wildebeast migration and seen at close range squabbling with other Vultures at several carcasses. Several parties of 5 or 6 were seen together on the 21^st.

 

White-headed Vulture - Trigonoceps occipitalis C

Only seen in flight with 1 seen at Samburu on the 14^th and 4 seen over the Mara River in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Black-breasted Snake-Eagle - Circaetus pectoralis C

Singles were seen in flight at Samburu on the 15^th, 1 on the 19^th and 1 near Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Bateleur - Terathopius ecaudatus C

We saw 6 at Tsavo West on the 10^th and 1 there the following day and 2 at the Masai Mara on the 20^th and an impressive 20 there on the 21^st.

 

African Marsh Harrier - Circus ranivorus C

Two pairs were seen hunting over the reedbeds from the jetty at Lake Baringo on the 18^th with reasonable views obtained.

 

African Harrier-Hawk - Polyboroides typus typus C

A single adult was watched hunting and causing havoc amongst the Monkeys at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Dark Chanting-Goshawk - Melierax metabates metabates C

Singles were seen in the Lake Baringo area on both the 17^th and 18^th.

 

Eastern (Pale) Chanting-Goshawk - Melierax poliopterus C

Seen on five dates at Tsavo West, Amboseli, Samburu and the Masai Mara but only in small numbers with either only singles or pairs being seen. The individual in the Masai shared its tree with a Bateleur and a Tawny Eagle.

 

Gabar Goshawk - Micronisus gabar aequatorius C

A superb striking melanistic morph individual was seen just south of Lake Baringo on the 19^th.

 

African Goshawk - Accipiter tachiro sparsimfasciatus C

A pair were seen in the large trees in the grounds near the entrance of Outspan on the 17^th.

 

Shikra - Accipiter badius sphenurus C

Singles were recorded on three dates at Mzima Springs at Tsavo West on the 10^th, Samburu on the 14^th and a fine individual below the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

Little Sparrowhawk - Accipiter minullus C

A single adult being chased by a Shikra was seen briefly at the Mzima Springs at Tsavo West on the 10^th. The white rump is a useful characteristic of this species.

 

Augur Buzzard - Buteo augur C

Widespread being seen in small numbers on eight dates but not seen at Samburu. A daily maximum of 4 were seen whilst driving between Amboseli and Outspan on the 13^th.

 

Tawny Eagle - Aquila rapax rapax C

Widespread in small numbers being seen on eight dates and only absent in the Lake Baringo area. A daily maximum of 5 were seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Wahlberg’s Eagle - Aquila wahlbergi C

Only identified on three dates with 2 seen at Samburu on the 15^th and 1 there the next day and 1 seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Verreaux’s Eagle - Aquila verreauxii C

The pair resident at the Lake Baringo Cliffs were seen at close range on the 18^th with the adults seen adding nesting-material to both of their nests as well as regularly patrolling along the cliffs. Superb.

 

Martial Eagle - Polemaetus bellicosus C

Only seen at Samburu where an impressive immature allowed close approach perched in a patch of riverine forest and a pair of adults were seen flying in front of a cliff face in the early evening of the 15^th. Superb.

Long-crested Eagle - Lophaetus occipitalis C

A superb pair were seen perched close to the road at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th and another was seen on the drive between the Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara and Nairobi on the 22^nd.

 

Secretary-bird - Sagittarius serpentarius C

Seen on four dates with a single individual seen at Tsavo West on the 10^th, 4 at Samburu on the 14^th and 1 there the following day and 1 near Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Pygmy Falcon - Polihierax semitorquatus C

We saw 4 at Amboseli on the 12^th including 2 hunting the perimeter of the Lodge which were again seen the following day, 2 at Samburu on the 15^th and 1 perched on wires near the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th. Superb.

 

Eurasian Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus rufescens C

A pair were seen at the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

Grey Kestrel - Falco ardosiaceus C

A single individual was seen perched atop an Acacia next to the road in the Masai Mara during the early evening of the 20^th.

 

Lanner Falcon - Falco biarmicus biarmicus C

A single individual was seen both perched and hunting at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus minor C

A single individual was watched circling whilst being mobbed by Pied Crows just outside Nairobi Airport on our arrival on the 9^th.

 

Coqui Francolin - Francolinus coqui C

A party of 6 were seen on the track in front of our vehicle in the Masai Mara on the 21^st with their reddish wing-patch being clearly seen when they were flushed.

 

Crested Francolin - Francolinus sephaena C

Only seen at Tsavo West and at Samburu but on both dares at each site with a daily maximum of 10 seen at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Hildebrandt’s Francolin - Francolinus hildebrandti C

A pair were seen crossing the road in front of us and then freezing in the roadside vegetation in the acacia forest at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th.

 

Yellow-necked Francolin - Francolinus leucoscepus C

Seen on all of our first eight dates but then not again until our last. Good numbers seen with a daily maximum of 20 seen at Samburu on the 14^th.

Harlequin Quail - Coturnix delegorguei delegorguei C

Seen on two dates in the Masai Mara with 1 seen on the 20^th and an impressive 20 the following day. Views were obtained of birds both in flight and also running along tracks in front of the vehicle and included some fine males.

 

Helmeted Guineafowl - Numida meleagris reichenowi C

Seen at Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara on a total of six dates with a daily maximum of 500 seen on the drive between Amboseli and Nairobi on the 13^th.

 

Vulturine Guineafowl - Acryllium vulturinum C

Up to 50 were seen daily at Samburu including a large flock nervously feeding and then drinking near the lodge. An unforgettable species.

 

Grey Crowned-Crane - Balearica regulorum gibbericeps C

Widespread and fairly numerous being recorded on ten dates at all locations with a daily maximum of 20 seen at a sewage farm at Isiolo on the 16^th.

 

Black Crake - Amaurornis flavirostris C

We saw 2 at a small pool in the Nairobi NP on our first afternoon on the 9^th.

 

Purple Swamphen - Porphyrio porphyrio madagascariensis C

We saw a single adult around a pool before disappearing into a small reedbed in the Nairobi NP on our first afternoon.

 

Allen’s Gallinule - Porphyrio alleni C

We were delighted to see 2 adults from the jetty at Lake Baringo on both the 17^th and 18^th. They would readily fly above the reedbed perching high in the reeds allowing good views to be obtained.

 

Red-knobbed Coot - Fulica cristata C

We saw 200 on three days at Lake Naivasha.

 

Kori Bustard - Ardeotis kori struthiunculus C

Seen on six dates with a total of 11 seen. Encountered at Nairobi NP, Amboseli, Samburu and the Masai Mara with a daily maximum of 4 seen on the drive between Amboseli and Nairobi on the 13^th.

 

White-bellied Bustard - Eupodotis senegalensis C

We saw 2 at Samburu on the 15^th and 6 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Buff-crested Bustard - Eupodotis gindiana C

A single individual was seen on the morning game drive at Tsavo West on the 11^th and 2 were seen on the drive to Amboseli on the 13^th.

 

Hartlaub’s Bustard - Lissotis hartlaubii C

A superb male was an early highlight of the trip being seen on an early morning game drive in Tsavo West on the 11^th.

 

African Jacana - Actophilornis africanus C

An estimated 10 were seen at the Amboseli Marsh on the 12^th, 2 were seen from the jetty at Lake Baringo on the 17^th and 1 there the following day.

 

Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus C

Only seen on three dates with 8 seen at the Soda Lake at Amboseli on the 12^th, 4 at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th and 2 at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Pied Avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta C

We saw 20 at the Soda Lake at Amboseli on the 12^th and 2 at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th.

 

Double-banded Courser - Smutsornis africanus gracilis C

We enjoyed excellent views of 10 of these superb birds at Amboseli on the 12^th and also saw 2 on the drive into the Masai Mara on the 20^th.

 

Collared Pratincole - Glareola pratincola fuelleborni C

Around 4 were seen hawking over the marsh at Amboseli on the 12^th recalling 1 seen in the UK at Titchwell, Norfolk a week earlier.

 

Long-toed Lapwing - Vanellus crassirostris C

Only seen at Amboseli where an impressive 20 were seen on the 12^th and 4 the following day.

 

Blacksmith Plover - Vanellus armatus C

Seen on just six dates being seen in Nairobi NP, at Amboseli and at Lake Naivasha with a daily maximum of 20 seen at Amboseli on the 12^th.

 

Spur-winged Plover - Vanellus spinosus C

Seen on six dates with localities being Amboseli, the Rift Valley Lakes and some approachable birds on the lawns at Lake Naivasha with a daily maximum of 10 seen at Amboseli on the 12^th.

 

Black-headed Lapwing - Vanellus tectus tectus C

Only seen at Lake Baringo where we counted 11 on the football pitch adjacent to the Lake Baringo Club on the 18^th.

 

Crowned Lapwing - Vanellus coronatus coronatus C

Seen on thirteen dates at all the main areas visited with a daily maximum of 30 seen at Amboseli on the 12^th.

 

Wattled Lapwing - Vanellus senegallus C

We saw 8 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Kittlitz’s Plover - Charadrius pecuarius C

We saw 30 at Amboseli on the 11^th and 100 there the next day, 8 at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th and 3 at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Three-banded Plover - Charadrius tricollaris tricollaris C

We saw up to 6 at the water-hole in front of Kilaguni Lodge in Tsavo West on two dates and singles on the drive from Amboseli to Nairobi on the 13^th and at Treetops on the 16^th.

 

Chestnut-banded Sandplover - Charadrius pallidus venustus C

A highlight of the trip was locating a party of 5 at the Soda Lake at Amboseli alongside 100 Kittlitz’s Plovers. Superb.

 

Mongolian (Lesser) Sandplover - Charadrius mongolus pamirensis C

Singles in non-breeding plumage were seen at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha on the 19^th.

 

Marsh Sandpiper - Tringa stagnatilis C

A single individual was seen at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th and a group of 8 were seen feeding on the island visible from the jetty at Lake Naivasha the next day.

 

Greenshank - Tringa nebularia nebularia C

We saw 10 presumably over-summering individuals at Lake Nakuru on the 19th and 2 at Lake Naivasha the next day.

 

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos C

We saw 1 at Samburu on the 15^th, 1 at Lake Baringo on the 17^th and 2 along the shores of Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Curlew Sandpiper - Calidris ferruginea C

At least 20 were seen at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th with many distant Waders at this site probably also relating to this species.

 

Grey-headed Gull - Larus cirrocephalus poiocephalus C

A flock of 12 were seen flying south over Lake Baringo on the 18^th and around 6 were seen from the jetty at Lake Naivasha on two dates there.

 

Black-headed Gull - Larus ridibundus C

A single immature was seen from the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the 19^th.

 

Gull-billed Tern - Sterna nilotica nilotica C

A single individual was seen at the Soda Lake at Amboseli on the 12^th.

 

Whiskered Tern - Chlidonias hybridus sclateri C

Both summer and winter-plumaged birds were seen with those in summer-plumage presumably sclateri. Seen at both Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha with totals of 6 seen on the 19^th and 2 the following day.

 

White-winged Tern - Chlidonias leucopterus C

Around 80 were seen at both the soda lake at Amboseli on the 12^th and at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th.

 

African Skimmer - Rynchops flavirostris C

A highlight of the trip was watching a single individual skimming back and forth off the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the 19^th.

 

Yellow-throated Sandgrouse - Pterocles gutturalis saturatior C

This superb species was only seen on two dates and on all occasions at small waterholes. We saw at least 100 on the drive between Amboseli and Nairobi on the 13^th and a party of 6 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Black-faced Sandgrouse - Pterocles decoratus C

This species proved confiding with a pair seen at Tsavo West on the 10^th and a single male there the following day, 40 seen arriving to drink along the river at Samburu on the 15^th and 20 there the following day.

 

Speckled Pigeon - Columba guinea guinea C

Fair numbers were seen at scattered locations on seven dates with a daily maximum of 20 being seen in the Naivasha area on the 20^th.

 

Rameron Pigeon - Columba arquatrix C

Quite unexpectedly a party of 6 were seen feeding in the canopy of a large tree in the grounds of the Outspan Hotel on the 17^th.

 

Dusky Turtle Dove - Streptopelia lugens C

An unexpected single individual was watched drinking from a pool at Treetops on the 16^th.

 

African Mourning Dove - Streptopelia deciphens C

This species was seen in fair numbers daily from the 12^th to the 19^th with a daily maximum of 12 being seen in the Lake Baringo area on the 18^th.

 

Red-eyed Dove - Streptopelia semitorquata C

More apparent in wooded areas at higher elevations than the other Streptopelia species being seen in small numbers on a total of six dates with a daily maximum of 10 seen around Outspan on the 13^th.

 

Ring-necked Dove - Streptopelia capicola C

We identified 10 at Tsavo West on the 11^th, 1 at Samburu on the 14^th and 4 there on the 16^th. Probably widely overlooked elsewhere.

 

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis senegalensis C

This distinctive species was seen on ten dates from scattered locations with a daily maximum of 6 being seen on four dates.

 

Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove - Turtur chalcospilos C

Seen in small numbers on six dates at scattered locations with a daily maximum of 8 seen at Kilaguni Lodge, Tsavo West on the 11^th.

 

Namaqua Dove - Oena capensis capensis C

Seen on seven dates in small numbers with a daily maximum of 6 being seen at Samburu on the 14^th.

 

African Gree-Pigeon - Treron calva C

A party of 6 of these fine birds were seen in a fruiting tree at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Red-fronted Parrot - Poicephalus gulielmi massaicus C

Being unexpected we were pleased to watch a party of 4 in the grounds of the Outspan Hotel on the 17^th.

 

Meyer’s (Brown) Parrot - Poicephalus meyeri saturatus C

A single individual livened up breakfast at the Keekorok Lodge on the 21st by landing on top of a large tree just outside the dining area and allowed good views to be obtained before departing over our heads.

 

Red-bellied Parrot - Poicephalus rufiventris rufiventris C

This superb species was always encountered in pairs with 4 seen at Samburu on the 14^th and 6 there the following day.

 

Hartlaub’s Turaco - Tauraco hartlaubi C

We saw 1 along the road near Outspan on the 14^th, a party of 6 were seen in a fruiting tree at Thomson’s Falls on the 17^th, 1 was seen at a roadside stop viewing the Rift Valley between the Masai Mara and Nairobi on the 22^nd and a pair were seen at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd. Superb.

 

Bare-faced Go-away-bird - Corythaixoides personatus leopoldi C

Only seen in the Masai Mara with it being seen in the grounds of the Keekorok Lodge grounds on both days with 4 being seen on the 21^st and 1 the following day.

 

White-bellied Go-away-bird - Corythaixoides leucogaster C

We saw this species in fair numbers daily from the 10^th to the 19^th with daily maximums of 8 seen on two dates at Tsavo West and Lake Baringo.

 

Jacobin (Pied) Cuckoo - Clamator jacobinus pica C

A superb individual was seen in the Lake Baringo Club grounds and 2 were seen there the following day.

 

Great Spotted Cuckoo - Clamator glandarius C

Superb adults were seen at the small airfield at Lake Baringo on the 17^th and under the Baringo Cliffs the following day.

 

Red-chested Cuckoo - Cuculus solitarius C

Only seen in the forest at the Windsor Golf and Country Club where 2 were seen on the 23^rd.

 

African Cuckoo - Cuculus gularis C

We saw and heard 2 at Lake Baringo on the 18^th and 1 the following day.

 

Klaas’ Cuckoo - Chrysococcyx klaas C

We obtained good views of 4 in the forest at the Windsor Golf and Country Club.

 

Dideric Cuckoo - Chrysococcyx caprius C

We saw a single individual in the Nairobi NP on our first afternoon, up to 6 daily on three dates around the lodge at Lake Baringo and a single individual in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

White-browed Coucal - Centropus superciliosus superciliosus C

Seen at Tsavo West, Amboseli and Samburu in small numbers on four dates with a daily maximum of 4 seen on the 11^th.

 

African Scops-Owl - Otus senegalensis C

A superb individual was watched at its daytime roost at Samburu on the 15^th proving to be one of the highlights of the trip.

 

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl - Bubo lacteus C

We saw 2 at Samburu including 1 sat over the Crocodile Pit after our evening meal on the 15^th and singles seen on two dates in the grounds of the lodge at Lake Naivasha.

 

Pearl-spotted Owlet - Glaucidium perlatum licua C

A superb individual was seen being mobbed whilst perched in a large acacia just outside the perimeter of the lodge at Amboseli on the 12^th.

 

Scarce Swift - Schoutedenapus myoptilus myoptilus C

A solitary individual was watched feeding low over forest at the Windsor Gold and Country Club on the 23^rd appearing ashy-grey in colouration with sharper features than most species of Swift. This is apparently the only all-dark Swift occurring at this site in July.

 

African Palm-Swift - Cypsiurus parvus C

Seen on five dates and always near Palms including 6 seen at the Mayfair Court Hotel in Nairobi and a colony of 20 seen on the 14^th.

 

Mottled Swift - Tachymarptis aequatorialis aequatorialis C

This large Swift didn’t appear quite as distinctive as we were expecting only being positively identified on three dates with 10 being seen at Samburu on the 15^th, 2 seen from the Baboon Rocks near Lake Nakuru on the 19^th and 2 over Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Nyanza Swift - Apus niansae niansae C

All-brown Swifts with large white throats and some showing white foreheads were tentatively identified as this species with 10 seen from the Baboon Rocks at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th, 20 at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th and a few around Keekorok Lodge on our full day in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Little Swift - Apus affinis C

This species was numerous and widespread being seen on ten dates in good numbers with a daily maximum of 40 seen around Treetops on the 16^th.

 

Horus Swift - Apus horus horus C

We tentatively identified 2 at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

White-rumped Swift - Apus caffer C

Only positively identified on three dates but most probably overlooked with 4 seen at Treetops on the 16^th, 1 at Lake Baringo on the 18^th and 2 on the 19^th.

 

Speckled Mousebird - Colius striatus C

A common and widespread species being seen in good numbers of eight dates and seen at most localities visited.

 

White-headed Mousebird - Colius leucocephalus turneri C

We saw 2 in the lodge grounds at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Blue-naped Mousebird - Urocolius macrourus C

We saw 4 in the lodge grounds at Samburu on the 15^th and 1 near Lake Baringo on the 18^th.

 

Malachite Kingfisher - Alcedo cristata cristata C

Singles were seen at Lake Baringo on the 17^th and 18^th, at Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara on the 21^st and in the Nairobi National Park on the 24^th.

 

African Pygmy-Kingfisher - Ispidina picta C

We obtained a very brief view of 1 along the boardwalk at Keekorok Lodge on the 21^st and prolonged views of a superb individual at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Grey-headed Kingfisher - Halcyon leucocephala pallidiventris C

We saw 2 at Amboseli on the 1^st, up to 4 daily on three dates at Samburu and 2 at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Striped Kingfisher - Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti C

Singles were seen just south of Isiolo on the 16^th and in the Masai Mara on both the 21^st and 22^nd.

 

Giant Kingfisher - Megaceryle maxima C

We obtained brief views of 1 sat on telegraph wires overlooking a roadside pool near Thomson’s Falls on the 17^th and good views of a pair seen from a small boat on Lake Naivasha on the 20^th. Superb.

 

Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis rudis C

Seen on eight dates in widespread locations with a daily maximum of 4 seen at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

White-fronted Bee-eater - Merops bullockoides C

An obliging party of 8 were found near the entrance to the grounds at the Lake Naivasha lodge on the 20^th. Superb.

 

Little Bee-eater - Merops pusillus C

Seen on seven dates at Amboseli, Samburu, Masai Mara and the Nairobi NP with a daily maximum of 8 seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater - Merops oreobates C

We saw 2 at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 13^th and around 10 on our return visit there on the 23^rd.

 

White-throated Bee-eater - Merops albicollis C

Only seen around Lake Baringo though it was present in good numbers with up to 20 seen daily on three dates there. Superb.

 

Madagascar Bee-eater - Merops superciliosus superciliosus C

A single individual was seen perched on telegraph wires near the Lake Baringo Club on the 18^th. Superb.

 

Lilac-breasted Roller - Coracias caudata C

Seen on eleven dates at all locations with a daily maximum of 18 seen on the 11^th.

 

Rufous-crowned Roller - Coracias naevia naevia C

A single individual was seen at the Lake Baringo cliffs on the 18^th.

 

Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops C

Seen on six dates in very small numbers at scattered locations with a daily maximum of 2 seen at Amboseli on the 12^th.

 

Green Woodhoopoe - Phoeniculus purpureus C

A single individual was seen at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Violet Woodhoopoe - Phoeniculus damarensis granti C

Around 12 were seen on two dates around the lodge at Samburu.

 

Common Scimitar-bill - Rhinopomastus cyanomelas schalowi C

We saw 3 which gave prolonged views in the forest at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Red-billed Hornbill - Tockus erythrorhynchus erythrorhynchus C

Good numbers were seen daily at Tsavo West and at Samburu but surprisingly absent from other locations. A daily maximum of 15 were seen at Tsavo West on the 10^th with the species proving tame around the lodge at meal times.

 

Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill - Tockus flavirostris C

Only seen at Samburu with 1 seen on the 14^th and 3 on the 15^th.

 

Jackson’s Hornbill - Tockus jacksoni C

Only seen around Lake Baringo where 1 was seen on the 17^th and 8 the following day.

 

Von der Decken’s Hornbill - Tockus deckeni C

Seen during the Game Drives at Tsavo West where 2 were seen on the 10^th and 4 on the 11^th and around 6 were seen at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Hemprich’s Hornbill - Tockus hemprichii C

A single individual was seen flying to and from the Lake Baringo cliffs on several occasions during the morning of the 18^th.

 

African Grey Hornbill - Tockus nasutus C

Seen on four dates with 1 seen in the Nairobi NP, 2 at Tsavo West and 2 at Lake Naivasha.

 

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill - Ceratogymna brevis C

This impressive species was first seen at Treetops where 8 gathered on dead snags in the late afternoon of the 16^th and where 5 were seen in flight the following morning. A single individual was seen at Thomson’s Falls feeding in a fruiting tree alongside the Hartlaub’s Turacos.

 

Southern Ground-Hornbill - Bucorvus leadbeateri C

A confiding party of 4 were seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st. Superb.

 

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird - Pogoniulus bilineatus jacksoni C

Only seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club where 1 was seen on the 13^th and 4 were seen on our return visit on the 23^rd including fine views of a single individual excavating a hole in a tree.

 

Red-fronted Barbet - Tricholaema diademata C

Singles were seen in the grounds of the Lake Baringo Club on both the 17^th and 18^th.

 

Spot-flanked Barbet - Tricholaema lachrymosa C

Only seen in the grounds of the Kilaguni Lodge where 1 was seen on the 10^th and 2 the following day.

 

Black-throated Barbet - Tricholaema melanocephala stigmatothorax C

A single individual was watched pursuing a Lesser Honeyguide at the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

White-headed Barbet - Lybius leucocephalus C

A pair of a white-tailed form were seen at their nest-hole in the forest at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

D’Arnaud’s Barbet - Trachyphonus darnaudii darnaudii / usambiro C

We saw darnaudii at Tsavo West where 3 were seen on the 10^th and 1 on the 11^th and at Lake Baringo where 1 was seen on the 18^th. We saw usambiro in the vicinity of the curio shop around half-way between Naivasha and Keekorok where 6 were seen on the 20^th and 2 on the return journey on the 22^nd. Superb.

 

Greater (Black-throated) Honeyguide - Indicator indicator C

A single individual was seen in the grounds of the lodge at Samburu on the 14^th.

 

Lesser Honeyguide - Indicator minor teitensis C

Singles were seen at the Lake Baringo Cliffs being pursued by a Black-throated Barbet on the 18^th and in the forest at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Nubian Woodpecker - Campethera nubica nubica C

We saw 2 at Samburu on the 15^th, 1 at Lake Baringo on the 18^th and 1 feeding on the ground at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Cardinal Woodpecker - Dendropicos fuscescens hemprichii C

Singles were seen in the Nairobi NP on the 9^th, at Samburu on the 14^th, and 2 were seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Bearded Woodpecker - Dendropicos namaquus C

A single individual was seen on a tree next to the river at Samburu during the afternoon game drive on the 15^th.

 

Grey Woodpecker - Dendropicos goertae goertae C

A single individual was seen in flight at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Grey-headed Woodpecker - Dendropicos spodocephalus rhodeogaster C

A pair were watched feeding together on the lawns at Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Rufous-naped Lark - Mirafra africana athi C

We saw up to 10 on both visits to Nairobi NP, 2 on the playing field just outside the lodge at Lake Naivasha on the 19^th and c.50 seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Fawn-coloured Lark - Mirafra africanoides intercedens C

Only seen at Samburu where 2 were seen on the 15^th and 1 the following day. It was seen to sing whilst perched on top of bushes.

 

Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark - Eremopterix leucopareia C

Always seen in parties with 40 seen at Amboseli on the 11^th and 10 there the following day and 6 seen at Samburu on the 14^th.

 

Plain Martin - Riparia paludicola ducis C

We saw up to 20 on both visits to the windsor Golf and Country Club, up to 100 over Lake Naivasha on both dates and 20 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Banded Sand Martin - Riparia cincta suahelica C

We saw 1 in the Nairobi NP on the 9^th, 6 at the road junction stop between Amboseli and Nairobi on the 13^th, 1 on the 16^th and 4 in the Masia Mara on the 21^st.

 

Grey-rumped Swallow - Hirundo griseopyga C

We watched 4 skimming the water from a boat on Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Rock Martin - Hirundo fuligula fusciventris C

Seen on six dates with a daily maximum of 6 seen at the Baboon Rocks at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th.

 

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica C

A party of 4 were seen feeding over the reedbeds at Lake Baringo on the 18^th.

 

Ethiopian Swallow - Hirundo aethiopica C

A pair of Swallows seen near the entrance gate to Samburu on the 14^th were tentatively identified as this species.

 

Wire-tailed Swallow - Hirundo smithii smithii C

Identified on five dates with 8 seen daily whilst at Tsavo West, 1 on the 19^th and up to 10 seen on two dates in the Masai Mara. Probably overlooked elsewhere.

 

Lesser Striped Swallow - Hirundo abyssinica unitatis C

Seen at scattered locations in fair numbers on eight dates with a daily maximum of 6 seen on the 13^th. Probably overlooked.

 

Mosque Swallow - Hirundo senegalensis C

A pair of large Swallows seen flying around a mosque in Isiolo on the 16^th were almost certainly this species.

 

Red-rumped Swallow - Hirundo daurica emini C

Seen on four dates at scattered locations.

 

Black Sawwing - Psalidoprocne holomelas C

Seen on five dates at scattered locations with a daily maximum of 4 seen at Amboseli on the 12^th.

 

African Pied Wagtail - Motacilla aguimp vidua C

Very common and widespread being seen on twelve dates with a daily maximum of 12 seen on the 17^th.

 

Cape Wagtail - Motacilla capensis wellsi C

A single individual was seen in the Aberdares on the 16^th.

 

Yellow-throated Longclaw - Macronyx croceus C

Seen on five dates in scattered locations with a daily maximum of 20 seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Plain-backed Pipit - Anthus leucophrys goodsoni C

Only seen in the Masai Mara where we saw 2 on the 20^th and 20 on the 21^st.

 

African Grassland (Richard’s) Pipit - Anthus cinamomeus lacuum C

Seen on five dates between the 9^th and 18^th with a daily maximum of 4 seen on both days at Amboseli.

 

Black Cuckoo-shrike - Campephaga flava C

We saw c.3 in the grounds of the Lake Naivasha lodge including a male on the 20^th and a single female was seen at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Common Bulbul - Pycnonotus barbatus C

Seen in good numbers on fourteen dates at all locations with a daily maximum of 60 seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Northern Brownbul - Phyllastrephus strepitans C

A pair were seen at Samburu on the 14^th.

 

Olive Thrush - Turdus olivaceus abyssinicus C

Seen in fair numbers on seven dates with up to 4 seen around the hotel in Nairobi, up to 6 present in the grounds of the Outspan Hotel and around 8 seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club.

 

Singing Cisticola - Cisticola cantans pictipennis C

Only identified around Nairobi where we saw 1 in the National Park on the 9^th and 4 at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Winding Cisticola - Cisticola galactotes C

A single individual was seen from the jetty at Lake Baringo on the 18^th and 4 were seen daily from the jetty at Lake Naivasha.

 

Stout Cisticola - Cisticola robustus nuchalis C

A single individual was seen in the Nairobi National Park on the 9^th.

 

Zitting Cisticola - Cisticola juncidis uropygialis C

We saw and heard 2 in the Nairobi NP on the 9^th and 2 on two days at Lake Baringo.

 

Tawny-flanked Prinia - Prinia subflava melanorhyncha C

We saw a pair near the entrance to the Nairobi NP on the 9^th.

 

Pale Prinia - Prinia somalica erlangeri C

A single individual was seen between Lake Baringo and the cliffs on the 17^th.

 

Yellow-breasted Apalis - Apalis flavida C

We saw 3 near the entrance to the Nairobi NP during our first afternoon and up to 4 on both our days around the lodge at Lake Naivasha.

 

Grey-capped Warbler - Eminia lepida C

We saw 2 sat together sunning themselves at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th, 4 at Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara on the 21^st and a single individual seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd. Superb.

 

Green-backed Camaroptera - Camaroptera brachyura C

This species proved widespread being seen on ten dates with a daily maximum of 6 being seen on the 11^th.

 

Grey Wren-Warbler - Calamonastes simplex C

We saw 1 on the morning game drive at Tsavo West and 1 at the exit of the Park whilst leaving before heading towards Samburu on the 11^th. Superb.

 

African Bush (Sedge) Warbler - Bradypterus baboecala elgonensis C

A single individual was pished into view from the vegetation surrounding the first lake at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd. It had a noticeable white throat and some diffuse barring to the upperside of the tail.

 

Lesser Swamp Warbler - Acrocephalus gracilirostris parvus C

We saw 4 at the end of the jetty at Lake Naivasha  on both days there.

 

African Yellow Warbler - Chloropeta natalensis massaica C

This Flycatcher-like Warbler was only seen in the vegetation surrounding the first lake at the Windsor Golf & Country Club where 2 were pished into view on the 13^th.

 

Yellow-bellied Eremomela - Eremomela icteropygialis abdominalis C

We saw a pair on the early morning Game drive at Tsavo West on the 11^th.

 

Northern Crombec - Sylvietta brachyura leucopsis C

We saw pairs at Tsavo West on both our days there, at Lake Baringo on the 18^th and at Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Pale Flycatcher - Bradornis pallidus C

A single individual was seen at Samburu on the 16^th.

 

African Grey Flycatcher - Bradornis microrhynchus C

We saw a pair near the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher - Melaenornis fischeri fischeri C

Seen in fair numbers on six dates being seen at most sites with a daily maximum of 6 seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Northern Black-Flycatcher - Melaenornis edolioides lugubris C

A single individual was seen at the Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Southern Black-Flycatcher - Melaenornis pammelaina tropicalis C

A single individual was seen at the entrance to Tsavo West on our arrival, 4 were seen at Samburu on the 15^th and 2 were seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

African Dusky Flycatcher - Muscicapa adusta C

We saw pairs at Outspan on the 17^th and in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Cape Robin-Chat - Cossypha caffra iolaema C

We saw up to 3 at the Outspan Hotel grounds on two dates and up to 2 at Lake Naivasha on two dates.

 

Rueppell’s Robin-Chat - Cossypha semirufa intercedens C

A single individual was located by its three note whistle at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd. Supposedly abundant at this site but a great relief when we eventually found one!

 

White-browed Robin-Chat - Cossypha heuglini heuglini C

Seen on five dates at Nairobi NP, Outspan Hotel, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and along the boardwalk at Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara. A daily maximum of 6 were seen on the 19^th. Some of these may have been Rueppell’s Robin-Chats.

 

Spotted Morning-Thrush - Cichladusa guttata guttata C

A single individual was seen at Samburu on the 14^th and up to 4 were seen around the club at Lake Baringo on two dates where they often proved quite confiding.

 

Red-backed Scrub-Robin - Cercotrichas leucophrys leucoptera C

A superb individual was seen between the Lake Baringo Cliffs and the Club on the 17^th.

 

African Stonechat - Saxicola axillaris axillaris C

A pair were seen at Treetops on the 16^th.

 

Capped Wheatear - Oenanthe pileata livingstonii C

We briefly saw a pair on our arrival at the lodge at Amboseli on the 11^th.

 

Brown-tailed Chat - Cercomela scotocerca turkana C

We saw two pairs feeding young at the base of the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

Northern Anteater Chat - Myrmecocichla aethiops cryptoleuca C

Only seen on five dates at Lake Nakuru and between Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara where a daily maximum of 30 were seen on the 20^th.

 

Sooty Chat - Myrmecocichla nigra C

Seen on all three dates in the Masai Mara where a daily maximum of 40 were seen on the 21^st.

 

Mocking Cliff-Chat - Thamnlaea cinnamomeiventris subrufipennis C

We saw 2 at the Baringo Cliffs and an approachable male in song at the Baboon Rocks at Lake Nakuru.

 

Chinspot Batis - Batis molitor puella C

We saw 3 at Outspan on the 13^th, 1 at Treetops on the 16^th and 3 at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd. Superb.

 

African Paradise-Flycatcher - Terpsiphone viridis ferreti C

We saw 2 in the Nairobi National Park on the 9^th and a pair (including a superb white morph individual) at the entrance to the Lake Baringo Club on two dates including being seen feeding 2 juveniles on the 17^th.

 

Rufous Chatterer - Turdoides rubiginosus C

Real characters seeing 3 at Samburu on the 15^th, 3 around Lake Baringo on the 17^th and 9 there on the 18^th.

 

Black-lored Babbler - Turdoides melanops C

A single individual put in an appearance for our final 2 minutes at Lake Naivasha proving to be the only one seen.

 

Northern Pied-Babbler - Turdoides hypoleucus hypoleucus C

A single individual was seen in Nairobi NP on the 9^th and 2 were seen in a cultivated area investigated to the south of Nairobi whilst a punctured tyre was being replaced.

 

Arrow-marked Babbler - Turdoides jardineii kikuyuensis C

A single individual was seen at a roadside stop on the journey from the Masai Mara to Nairobi on the 22^nd.

 

White-bellied Tit - Melaniparus albiventris C

A single individual was seen at Treetops on the 16^th with 1 seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd and 8 there on the 23^rd.

 

Somali Tit - Melaniparus thruppi barakae C

Only seen between the Lake Baringo Club and the cliffs where 1 was seen on the 17^th and 2 the following day.

 

Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird - Anthreptes orientalis C

A pair were seen in the grounds of the Lake Baringo Club on the 18^th.

 

Collared Sunbird - Anthreptes collaris C

We saw 2 at Tsavo West on the 11^th, 1 on the 17^th and 4 at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Green-headed Sunbird - Cyanomitra verticalis viridisplendens C

An unexpected species with singles seen on entering the forest at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on both the 13^th and 23^rd.

 

Amethyst Sunbird - Chalcomitra amethystina kirkii C

Superb males were seen at Outspan on the 13^th and at the Windsor Golf & country club on the 23^rd.

 

Hunter’s Sunbird - Chalcomitra hunteri C

Pairs were recorded on six dates at Tsavo West, Amboseli and around the Rift Valley Lakes.

 

Bronze Sunbird - Nectarinia kilimensis kilimensis C

Seen on five dates in small numbers in highland areas with daily maximums of 4 seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on both the 13^th and 23^rd.

 

Golden-winged Sunbird - Nectarinia reichenowi reichenowi C

We saw 3 at the equator stop between the Aberdares and Samburu on the 14^th and 4 at the Thomson’s Falls and singles seen on the 20^th and 22^nd. Stunning.

 

Malachite Sunbird - Nectarinia famosa cupreonitens C

A single individual was seen at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th.

 

Eastern Double-collared Sunbird - Cinnyris mediocris C

We saw 2 at Outspan on the 13^th and 1 there on the 17^th.

 

Beautiful Sunbird - Cinnyris pulchellus melanogastra C

Up to 8 were seen daily at Lake Baringo on three dates.

 

Mariqua Sunbird - Cinnyris mariquensis suahelicus C

Only seen in the grounds of the Keekerok Lodge where 10 were seen on the 21^st and 1 the following day.

 

Black-bellied Sunbird - Cinnyris nectarinioides nectarinioides C

A pair were seen at the Samburu Lodge on the 15^th.

 

Variable Sunbird - Cinnyris venustus C

The most frequently seen Sunbird being seen at widespread locations on six dates including a daily maximum of 4 on the 13^th.

 

Montane White-eye - Zosterops poliogaster kikuyensis C

Seen in the grounds of the Outspan Hotel where we saw 2 on the 13^th and 4 on the 16^th.

 

Abyssinian White-eye - Zosterops abyssinicus flavilateralis C

Up to 10 were watched visiting a fruiting tree in the grounds of Kilaguni Lodge in Tsavo West on the 11^th, 4 were seen at Samburu on the 15^th and 4 were seen at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

African Black-headed Oriole - Oriolus larvatus angolensis C

Seen in small numbers at Tsavo West, Lake Baringo and in the Masai Mara on four dates with a daily maximum of 6 seen at Lake Baringo on the 18^th.

 

Grey-backed Fiscal - Lanius excubitoroides intercedens C

This approachable species was only seen at the Lake Baringo Club where up to 12 were seen on two dates there.

 

Long-tailed Fiscal - Lanius cabanisi C

Only positively identified at Tsavo West and at Amboseli where up to 8 were seen daily.

 

Taita Fiscal - Lanius dorsalis C

We saw up to 8 on two dates at Tsavo West and up to 4 on three dates at Samburu.

 

Common Fiscal - Lanius collaris C

Noted on seven dates although many Shrikes were left unidentified. A daily maximum of 12 were seen in Nairobi NP on the 9^th.

 

White-rumped Shrike - Eurocephalus rueppellii C

This species was seen in small numbers at scattered locations often whilst travelling between sites with a daily maximum of 8 being seen on the 11^th.

 

Brubru - Nilaus afer C

We saw 2 at Tsavo West on the 11^th and 1 at a roadside stop south of Samburu on the 16^th.

 

Black-backed Puffback - Dryoscopus cubla C

A single female was seen in an agricultural area during a puncture stop just south of Nairobi on the 13^th and 4 were seen in the grounds of the windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Three-streaked Tchagra - Tchagra jamesi C

A single individual was seen in Tsavo West on the 11^th.

 

Tropical Boubou - Laniarius aethiopicus C

Pairs were watched dueting in the Nairobi NP on the 9^th and in the Yellow Acacia Forest at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th and 4 were seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Slate-coloured Boubou - Laniarius funebris C

Seen in the grounds of various Lodges often proving easy to pish into view. We saw 2 at Amboseli on the 12^th, 6 at Samburu on the 15^th and 2 at Lake Baringo on the 18^th.

 

Rosy-patched Bushshrike - Rhodophoneus cruentus C

An early highlight of the trip with up to 6 seen daily in Tsavo West and a single individual seen south of Samburu on the 16^th.

 

Grey-headed Bushshrike - Malaconotus blanchoti C

A single individual was seen carrying prey at the entrance to the Lake Baringo Club on the 18^th.

 

Fork-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus adsimilis C

Seen daily in good numbers from the 10^th to the 21^st with a daily maximum of 10 seen on both the 14^th and the 21^st.

 

Cape Rook - Corvus capensis C

Surprisingly scarce with 2 seen in the highlands near Mt. Kenya on the 14^th and 6 seen on both the journeys into and out of the Masai Mara NP.

 

Pied Crow - Corvus albus C

Seen on eleven dates in good numbers with a daily maximum of 30 seen near Nairobi on the 9^th with the majority forming a party mobbing a Peregrine near the airport.

 

Brown-necked Raven - Corvus ruficollis edithae C

A pair of Ravens almost certainly this species were seen at Samburu.

 

Fan-tailed Raven - Corvus rhipidurus C

Up to 15 were seen on three dates around the Lake Baringo Club and possibly a pair at Samburu.

 

Wattled Starling - Creatophora cinerea C

This species was seen in good numbers on six dates between the 12^th and 21^st with a daily maximum of 40 seen on the 17^th. No adults in full plumage were seen.

 

Greater Blue-eared Glossy-Starling - Lamprotornis chalybaeus C

Only seen on four dates with 20 seen at Treetops on the 16^th, up to 20 seen on two dates at Lake Naivasha and 4 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Rueppell’s Glossy-Starling - Lamprotornis purpuropterus purpuropterus C

Fair numbers were seen daily from the 17^th to the 21^st with a daily maximum of 20 seen at Lake Baringo on the 18^th.

 

Superb Starling - Lamprotornis superbus C

Seen on fourteen dates in large numbers being probably the most frequently encountered species with a daily maximum of 80 seen on the 13^th.

 

Hildebrandt’s Starling - Lamprotornis hildebrandti C

Only seen at Amboseli where we saw 3 on the 11^th and 8 the next day.

 

Violet-backed Starling - Cinnyricinclus leucogaster C

Seen on three dates with up to 5 seen at Outspan on both the 13^th and 16^th and 2 at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Fischer’s Starling - Spreo fischeri C

This attractive species was seen on two dates with 4 seen at Tsavo West on the 11^th and 3 seen at Samburu on the 14^th.

 

Red-winged Starling - Onychognathus morio C

Surprisingly only seen on two dates with 2 seen near the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th and 2 seen on the 20^th.

 

Slender-billed Starling - Onychognathus tenuirostris C

Only seen at Outspan in the Aberdares where a party of 20 were seen on the 13^th and 2 were seen on the 17^th.

 

Bristle-crowned Starling - Onychognathus salvadorii C

We saw 10 at the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

Magpie Starling - Speculipastor bicolor C

Being a nomadic wanderer we were pleased to find 1 at Samburu to then see another 2 at the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

Red-billed Oxpecker - Buphagus erythrorhynchus C

Only seen on two dates with 1 seen at Samburu on the 15^th and 2 at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th.

 

Yellow-billed Oxpecker - Buphagus africanus C

Only seen on two dates with 3 seen in the Nairobi NP on the 9^th and 20 seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Rufous Sparrow - Passer motitensis C

Seen on five dates in small numbers at widespread locations with a daily maximum of 6 seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Grey-headed Sparrow - Passer griseus ugandae C

We tentatively identified c.40 at Amboseli on the 12^th and 6 at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th although others were probably overlooked.

 

Parrot-billed Sparrow - Passer gongonensis C

On the assumption that all ‘Grey-headed’ Sparrows seen at Samburu were this species we saw 8 on the 14^th and 20 the following day. We also tentatively identified 2 on the rough ground adjacent to the Lake Baringo Club on the 18^th.

 

Swaheli Sparrow - Passer suahelicus C

On the assumption that all ‘Grey-headed’ Sparrows seen in the Masai Mara were this species we saw 4 on the 21^st and 4 the following day.

 

Chestnut Sparrow – Passer eminibey C

A party of 10 were seen at Amboseli on the 12^th and 6 were seen at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Yellow-spotted Petronia – Petronia pyrgita pyrgita C

We saw 2 below the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

White-billed Buffalo-Weaver – Bubalornis albirostris C

Only seen around the Lake Baringo Club where 6 were seen on the 18^th and 2 the next day.

 

Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver – Bubalornis niger intermedius C

Seen daily from the 10^th to the 15^th in fair numbers but then not again. A daily maximum of 30 were seen on the 11^th.

 

White-headed Buffalo-Weaver – Dinemellia dinemelli C

Seen daily from the 10^th to the 15^th and also on the 18^th. A daily maximum of 20 were seen at Samburu on the 14^th.

 

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver – Plocepasser mahali melanorhynchus C

Seen in good numbers daily from the 10^th to the 18^th with daily maximums of 40 on the 14^th and 15^th.

 

Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver – Plocepasser donaldsoni C

A pair were seen at the entrance gate to Samburu near Isiolo on the 14^th.

 

Grey-headed Social-Weaver – Pseudonigrita arnaudi arnaudi C

We saw 10 around a small café between Tsavo West and Amboseli on the 11^th and 2 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Black-capped Social-Weaver – Pseudonigrita cabanisi C

Around 40 were seen breeding whilst we were on the early morning game drive at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Baglafecht Weaver – Ploceus baglafecht C

A common and widespread species being seen on nine dates with a daily maximum of 20 seen on the 22^nd.

 

Little Weaver – Ploceus luteolus kavirondensis C

A party of 6 were seen at the Lake Baringo Cliffs on the 18^th.

 

Lesser Masked Weaver – Ploceus intermedius intermedius C

Seen in the Masai Mara on three dates with a daily maximum of 10 seen on the 21^st.

 

Spectacled Weaver – Ploceus ocularis C

Seen on five dates in small numbers at widespread localities.

 

Holub’s Golden Weaver – Ploceus xanthops C

This large species was seen in Tsavo West where 8 were seen on a game drive on the 10^th and 1 was seen in the grounds of the Kilaguni Lodge the next day and then 2 were seen at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Taveta Golden Weaver – Ploceus castaneiceps C

Around 10 were seen in the grounds of the Serena Lodge at amboseli on the 12^th.

 

Northern Masked Weaver – Ploceus taeniopterus taeniopterus C

Seen in the Lake Baringo reedbeds where 8 were seen on the 17^th and 12 the following day.

 

African Masked Weaver – Ploceus velatus uluensis C

A breeding colony of 10 were found at the Equator stop between Outspan and Samburu on the 14^th and 6 were seen near Lake Baringo on the 18^th.

 

Village Weaver – Ploceus cucullatus nigriceps C

A breeding colony was located at the edge of the Lake Baringo reedbeds where 10 were seen on both the 17^th and 18^th.

 

Speke’s Weaver – Ploceus spekei C

A breeding colony of 50 were seen on the small island in the lake at Treetops on the 16^th.

 

Golden-backed Weaver – Ploceus jacksoni C

Up to 20 were seen at the edge of the Lake Baringo reedbeds on both the 17^th and 18^th.

 

Chestnut Weaver – Ploceus rubiginosus rubiginosus C

We saw a party of 4 whilst walking from the Lake Baringo Club to the Cliffs on the 17^th.

 

Red-headed Weaver – Anaplectes rubriceps C

A single individual was seen at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Cardinal Quelea – Quelea cardinalis C

We thought we were fortunate to see 2 in the Nairobi NP on the 9^th but this was eclipsed by seeing up to 100 daily at Lake Baringo with probably many more seen flying to roost in the reedbeds there.

 

Red-billed Quelea – Quelea quelea aethiopica C

Seen on four dates in reasonable numbers being seen at Nairobi NP, Tsavo West, Amboseli and Lake Baringo with a daily maximum of 100 seen at the last named site.

 

Yellow-crowned Bishop – Euplectes afer ladoensis C

We saw 4 glowing in the Lake Baringo reedbeds on the 17^th and 6 there the next day.

 

Orange Bishop – Euplectes franciscanus franciscanus C

Only seen at Lake Baringo where males were seen displaying in the reedbeds with 4 seen on the 17^th, 2 on the 18^th and 1 on the 19^th.

 

Yellow-shouldered Widowbird – Euplectes macrourus C

A single male was seen in a flock of 40 females in the grasslands of the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Long-tailed Widowbird – Euplectes progne delamerei C

Males were seen along the highland road in the shadow on Mt. Kenya on both the 14^th and 16^th and 4 were seen at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th.

 

Jackson’s Widowbird – Euplectes jacksoni C

A few were seen along the highland road in the shadow of Mt. Kenya on the 14^th.

 

Grey-headed Negrofinch – Nigrita canicapilla C

A single individual was an unexpected find at Samburu on the 15^th.

 

Red-billed Firefinch – Lagonosticta senegala C

We saw 2 at Lake Nakuru on the 19^th, 2 at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th and 3 at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

African (Blue-billed) Firefinch – Lagonosticta rubricata ugandae C

We saw 2 at Amboseli on the 12^th, 6 at Samburu on the 15^th and 4 at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Red-cheeked Cordonbleu – Uraeginthus bengalus C

We saw 4 during a roadside stop south of Nairobi on the 13^th, 2 at Lake Baringo on the 18^th and 2 at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Purple Grenadier – Uraeginthus ianthinogaster C

We briefly saw 2 from the Kilaguni Lodge on the 11^th and 6 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st.

 

Crimson-rumped Waxbill – Estrilda rhodopyga centralis C

We saw 2 around the lodge at Amboseli on the 12^th and 1 there the following day.

 

Common Waxbill – Estrilda astrild C

We saw 2 at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Bronze Mannikin – Lonchura cucullata C

We saw 4 at Outspan on the 17^th and 20 at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Brown-backed Mannikin – Lonchura nigriceps C

Around 20 were seen at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Cut-throat – Amadina fasciata C

A pair were located feeding on the playing field adjacent to the Lake Baringo Club on the 18^th.

 

Pin-tailed Whydah – Vidua macroura C

We saw 2 confiding males in the Nairobi NP on the 9^th and singles on the 19^th and 20^th.

 

African Citril – Serinus citrinelloides C

This distinctive species was only seen at Lake Naivasha where we saw 6 on the 19^th and 4 there the following day.

 

Black-throated (Yellow-rumped) Canary – Serinus atrogularis reichenowi C

A pair were seen in the Nairobi NP on the 24^th.

 

White-bellied Canary – Serinus dorsostriatus dorsostriatus C

We saw 3 whilst at a small café between Tsavo West and Amboseli on the 11^th.

 

Brimstone Canary – Serinus sulphuratus sharpii C

This large species was seen on three dates with 2 seen in the Masai Mara on the 21^st, 1 seen there the next day and c.10 at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Streaky Seedeater – Serinus striolatus C

Seen in small numbers at scattered locations on five dates with a daily maximum of 20 being seen at Lake Naivasha on the 20^th.

 

Golden-breasted Bunting – Emberiza flaviventris kalaharica C

We saw 2 in the Masai Mara on the 21^st and a single individual that gave good views at the Windsor Golf & Country Club on the 23^rd.

 

Somali Bunting – Emberiza poliopleura C

An unexpected find was a pair next to a road at Tsavo West on the 10^th where good views were obtained of this very washed out counterpart of the previous species.