Kenya Birding Issue 7 by Nature Kenya Publications

Mapping Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birds Your help needed in bringing about a new online bird atlas for Kenya

Clarkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weaver Mystery Unraveled

Abundant flocks of waterbirds at Bunyala Rice Irrigation Scheme

Photo by Delphine-Marie Paquet

From the Editor >

Kenya Birding is free to members of Nature Kenya (printing is made possible by advertising and projects) © Nature Kenya August 2013 Issue 7 Front Cover: Spotted Eagle Owl by Shiv Kapila, http://shivkapila.com Special mention: Bird photographer Peter Usher Editor & Creative Design: Catherine G. Ngarachu Assisting Editor: Darcy Ogada Advertising coordinators: Rodah Owako, Paul Oima Layout: Daco Creative Printed Offset Litho by Colourprint Ltd. NATURE KENYA CONTACTS For enquiries, contributions and advertising write to: Nature Kenya, the East Africa Natural History Society National Museums, Museum Hill P.O. Box 44486, GPO, 00100 Nairobi Kenya Tel: (+254) (0) 20 3537568 or (0)771 343138 office@naturekenya.org www.naturekenya.org

NATURE KENYA ECO-RESOURCE CENTRES -

Mount Kenya, next to Bantu Lodge Kinangop Reserve, North Kinangop North Coast, Gede office South Nandi Kobujoi Eco-resource Centre KENVO resource centre in Lari

Thank you to all the photographers who very kindly shared and gave permission to use their images for publication. We are also very grateful to the authors and other contributors for their invaluable support. All copyright for material appearing in this publication belongs to Nature Kenya and/ or the photographer/ author. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher – Nature Kenya.

ABOUT NATURE KENYA

Nature Kenya (the East Africa Natural History Society) is a non-profit conservation organization. Established in 1909 it works to promote the understanding and conservation of nature.

The East Africa Natural History Society

Making good on the brilliant birding in Kenya

here are few places in the world where birding opportunities are as abundant and accessible. Where birds can be enjoyed concurrently with the experience of different habitats and remarkable sights. Are you making good on this? This issue will prove to be an insight into the scope of birding that is possible in Kenya. Even if you are caught up in the hustle and daunting traffic of the capital city Nairobi, you may catch your breath at urban sites like the Arboretum located off State House Road. The Arboretum affords a unique introduction to common highland birds. It is also where the uncommon Purple-crested Turaco has recently become a regular sighting (pg. 16). If however, you have a day, you may choose to visit Gatamaiyu Forest, which is about 50 km north of Nairobi on the lower slopes of the Aberdares. Don’t be surprised if, like Peter Usher, you also find a number of lifers (pg.22) at this forest. That’s all well and good, you say, but you would much rather some sea and sand at the coast? Then you may visit the north coast, Dakatcha to be precise, where the newly found nesting location of Clarke’s Weaver (pg.18) is still being celebrated. North of the Dakatcha Woodlands is the Tana River Delta, and while it takes much more effort to get there, it is one of the most magnificent estuarine and deltaic ecosystems in the world (pg.12).

This country is not short on great birding sites. Go west for phenomenal numbers of waterfowl at Bunyala’s Irrigation Scheme (pg.28), east for raptors at Meru National Park (pg.20), stop in the central farmland of Nyandarua (pg.34) or venture off the beaten track and go north for birding in the Karissia hills, east of Maralal town (pg.32). There is never a dull birding moment, but plenty of reasons why you need to make good on brilliant Kenya birding.

Catherine Ngarachu, @cngarachu

Editor

1 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Contents 3.

From the Exectutive Director >

• 2,500 Roseate Terns nest at Kisite Island

• Is it a Black-Headed Plover or a Crowned Plover?

Mail drop >

Site news >

• Some good news on the Tana Delta

• Collecting valid and accessible information on species & sites

• David Charo Ngala awarded the Disney Wildlife Conservation Hero Award

• How ants, and insects that mimic ants, stay safe from birds

10.

• Use of Rocket jikos helping to save forests in western Kenya

12.

• Seeds of Hope in the Tana Delta

14.

• Mapping Kenya’s birds

15.

• 50 years old Lesser Flamingo found

16.

• Purple-crested Turaco and other birds of the Nairobi Arboretum

In focus >

Conservation action > Mangrove planting at Mida Creek by Arafa Salim (front centre) and other community members. We congratulate Arafa for the Head of State Commendation she was awarded in 2010, for her work in environment and sustainable tourism at Mida Creek. Photo by Francis Kagema

Urban birding >

Quest > 18.

• Clarke’s Weaver Mystery Unraveled Species >

20.

• On the road with raptors in Meru National Park and the big surprise from Imenti forest

22.

In pursuit of a Bar-tailed Trogon photo at Gatamaiyu Forest

25.

Planting Your Garden For Birds

28.

• Abundant flocks of waterbirds at Bunyala Rice Irrigation Scheme

32.

• Discover amazing forest birding in the north

Where to watch birds >

Case for conservation > 34.

• Evaluating the abundance and benefits of farmland birds

36.

Membership>

At Nature Kenya we strive to build a strong constituency for conservation. We advocate policies favourable to biodiversity conservation, promote conservation of key species, sites, and habitats, and encourage community participation through the promotion of sustainable benefits. We work at 19 sites across the country, and at most of these sites, local communities are engaged in activities that link biodiversity and livelihoods. These include bee-keeping, butterfly farming, wool-spinning, growing of tree seedlings, eco-tourism, fish farming, and micro-credit schemes. The results of research, monitoring and other actions are documented, and environmental education is carried out through specialized training, capacity building, members’ activities, and established education centres. Membership to Nature Kenya is open to all.

2 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Heuglin’s Courser. Photo by Peter Usher

From the Executive Director > Paul Matiku on the environmental challenges facing the country’s new national and county leadership and some of the implications for nature and people

Rallying national and county leadership for sustainable living

espite the work done by Nature Kenya and other conservation organisations, Kenya’s biodiversity is faced with overwhelming challenges. These include a lack of resources at local and national level, lack of thoughtful leadership and governance for nature, poor enforcement of existing legislation and regulations, and lack of a long-term vision that links conservation with development. Kenya has recently embarked on a devolved government system under a new constitution, but there are few signs that we will be able to deal with the challenges above, or with the more overarching global issues of climate change, food and energy insecurity, and burgeoning population growth. Let us take one example, that of using land to grow so called “energy crops” to create bio-fuels. Key questions arise: •

Will food be grown for fuel when poor rural communities are dying of hunger?

•

If current lands cannot produce enough food for people in Africa, where will the extra land to grow bio-fuels come from?

•

What space do wildlife and natural habitats have if land is cleared to grow bio-fuels?

•

What comes first, the policy, legislation and regulations on bio-fuels or the bio-fuel itself?

•

Which alternative technology options are best for Kenya?

As the new county governments take charge the greatest fear is that there is going to be massive conversion of natural capital into economic capital. The need to be seen as ‘developing’ is expected to exacerbate conservation challenges where the problems are already beyond imagination in some counties. The end result will most likely be characterized by hunger because soils will be degraded, floods because forests are cleared for timber and settlement, power outages during dry seasons because “Sustainable living is only the flow would not exist in achieved by ensuring rivers supplying that natural resources hydro-power, unpredictable are utilized today in rains because of ways that allow future climate change generations to access the and lack of raw materials to run same resources in the industry. All same proportions.” these will affect the counties economically and make it impossible for the national government to guarantee sustainable living. Your support and that of all Kenyans is critical; let us hold the national and county leadership to account for the future we want.

Paul Matiku Executive Director, Nature Kenya 3 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

2,500 Roseate Terns nest at Kisite Island

Observed SeptemberOctober 2012 Martin Mwema

ocated about 8 km offshore, near Kenya’s border with Tanzania, is the small island of Kisite. It is well known for its snorkelling sites and receives large numbers of visitors who are drawn to the incredible coral gardens. Clownfish, butterflyfish and angelfish are among the 250 fish species that swim and feed in these gardens. Bottle-nosed dolphins are routinely in the area whilst Humpback whales may be sighted in September as they journey from the Southern Hemisphere to escape winter. It is less well known that Kisite Island is a major seabird breeding site. From June to September, seabirds, predominantly Roseate Terns, descend on the island to lay eggs and raise their chicks. But how many birds breed on the island and how many of the chicks that hatch are successfully raised until they are able to fly? It was with these questions in mind that I headed to Kisite last year to monitor breeding seabirds as part of a collaborative initiative between A Rocha Kenya, Global Vision International and the Kenya Wildlife Service. The results were encouraging. In early September, I estimated 2,500 Roseate Tern nests. As both tern parents care for the young – we can infer that at least 5,000 breeding adults were present on the Island. By October, most of the chicks had fledged and a total of 1,600 fledglings were counted. This meant that 63% of the breeding pairs successfully raised one chick. Amongst them, one Sooty Tern fledgling was seen that also hatched on the Island. Even as the question of who owns Kisite Island is making the news, these results affirm the importance of the island for the conservation of seabirds. 4 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Is it a Black-Headed Plover or a Crowned Plover? A hybrid bird recorded near Satao Camp, Tsavo East National Park Brian W. Finch

eferring to the online database of all proven avian hybridisation, I found that there has only ever been one recorded instance of interspecific hybridization in the African Vanellus. This is a bit surprising considering the species’ live in close proximity. The recorded crossing is between Hybrid plover. Photo by Brian Finch Blacksmith Plover and Spurwinged Plover and indeed, belly as in Crowned. Overall the bias some years ago I found a “Spursmith” was to Crowned, but the head was mix at Lake Nakuru National Park. It more of a mixture. would have been beautiful if it were a “real” species! Whilst watching it a small flock of On 29 March I was in Tsavo East National Park with Mike Davidson and Fleur Ng’weno. We were just driving past a rain-fed pool when I noticed a bird feeding in some of the nearby vegetation that was immediately recognisable as a Black-headed/ Crowned Plover hybrid. Mike and I took some video and a few images. The lower part of the bird looks like a Crowned Plover, lacking the stripe from the central throat to the breast and the black neck patch of the Blackheaded. The head however shows the pattern of Black-headed with a large white forehead, striped face pattern, and a short peaked crest. It had both the white nuchal patch and a white line under the black top to the crown. Also, whilst lacking the high black collar of Black-headed it did have the black line down the back of the neck, which is brown in Crowned. It lacked the red bare loral skin of Black-headed and had a black bar across the base of the bill like Crowned, but above this was the extensive white forehead of Black-headed. The underparts were brownish above the chest, neatly contrasting against the white lower

Crowned Plovers noisily took flight and flew towards this bird, which immediately rose to join them. Although the hybrid bird was calling, its call was completely lost in the cacophony of the plovers, leading us to assume it sounded like a Crowned. The call of Black-headed is so very different. Most striking to me about both this and the “Spursmith” hybrid at Lake Nakuru – is that both have neat plumage, not the untidy mess that would have been imagined in birds with complex patterns. Both plovers were common in the area, with probably slightly more Crowned than Black-headed.

Illustration of Crowned Plover from Birds of Kenya & Northern Tanzania by Zimmerman, Turner and Pearson.

Black-headed Plover. Photo by Peter Usher

Photo by Martin Mwema

Mail drop >

5 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Site news > Collecting valid and accessible information on species & sites Report from Fred Barasa

Some good news on the Tana Delta Report from Serah Munguti Advocacy Manager, Nature Kenya

Site Support Groups (SSGs) are independent groups of community volunteers who are providing an effective and practical means of protecting the most threatened biodiversity sites in Africa. Using birds to stimulate environmental concern, they generate useful linkages with the local administration, national government agencies, and amongst themselves.

Tana River Delta now a Ramsar site In October 2012, Tana River Delta was declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. In a statement from the Ramsar Secretariat, the Assistant Advisor for Africa, Ms. Ako Charlotte Eyong described the delta as the second most important estuarine and deltaic ecosystem in Eastern Africa, permitting diverse hydrological functions and a rich biodiversity.

As bastions of conservation within the country, building the capacity of SSGs to carry out monitoring is essential. Managers and policy makers need the information they collect to be correct, valid and available for analysis. Nature Kenya is broadening the scope and work of SSGs to undertake frequent and regular bird and habitat monitoring. This enables groups to participate in national efforts like the waterfowl counts organised by the National Museums or to collect data on permanent plots, as in the Taita Hills. This also ensures that for a growing number of sites we are tracking environmental pressures and threats, and evaluating the gains from any conservation actions.

The Ramsar Convention on wetlands, adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitment of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their wetlands.

Recent training of SSGs includes that for the Lake Naivasha Conservation Group and Taita Hills Biodiversity Conservation Group. Forty-one members of these groups were taught methods of collecting information on the abundance and distribution of key bird species, and how to fill out a basic monitoring form.

Communities to participate in development The people of Tana River Delta were awarded a historic win in a High Court case in Nairobi, affirming that communities need to be involved in development plans. In February 2013, High Court Judge, Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi ruled that land use development plans for the Tana River Delta would have to be worked out with full participation of the communities, government agencies and other stakeholders. Judge Ngugi also noted that there was a need to have one agency to oversee the development of the Tana River Delta. The preparation of a land use plan is still in progress and it is hoped that it will resolve conflicts in the delta and promote truly sustainable development (also see Seeds of Hope by Fleur Ng’weno and Serah Munguti pg. 12).

6 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Training on Common Bird Monitoring in Naivasha. Photo by Timothy Mwinami

Bell-shaped fruit from Hyphaene coriacea palmKipini, Tana Delta. Photo by Peter Usher

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n December 2012, David Ngala was awarded the Disney Wildlife Conservation Hero Award for his conservation work to save Kenya’s Arabuko-Sokoke forest.

David was born in 1952 in the village of Rare along the western edge of the Arabuko-Sokoke forest in Kilifi district. ArabukoSokoke is globally recognized as the second most important forest in mainland Africa for bird conservation and is home to many endemic species of plants and animals. Having lived in and around its boundary, and driven by a lively natural curiosity, David developed a deep personal interest in the forest. In 1979, David was employed as a casual worker at Jilore forest station and put in charge of the tree nursery. Personally recommended by the Kilifi District Forest Officer for maintaining the best forest tree nursery, David also helped plant thousands of seedlings in the northern forest area.

Photo by Munir Virani

In 1983, David was invited to join a University of East AngliaArabuko-Sokoke expedition to record and survey endemic birds. Soon fascinated by the birds, he developed a particular interest in owls. In the following years, he nurtured his interest, and soon began taking visitors to find the Sokoke Scops Owl. By the early 1990s, David had begun to master his bird identification skills, and was much sought after by visiting birders. David’s talents also began to get wider recognition, with articles in prestigious newspapers like the UK’s Sunday Times, raising both his profile and that of the forest. During birding forays, it became evident to David that a lot of destructive activity was taking place – from illegal tree felling to animal poaching. Concerned for the forest’s future, both because of its rare wildlife, and its importance to the adjacent forest community, he made it his life’s mission to protect this unique place. In the early days, David got into a lot of trouble for reporting illegal activities to the authorities, but was steadfast in his determination, and has never wavered from his commitment to protect Arabuko-Sokoke. It was this level of determination and commitment to the conservation of Arabuko-Sokoke forest that recently saw David in audience with the Director of Kenya Forest Service who bestowed his award. Congratulations David! David was nominated by The Peregrine Fund (a US-based NGO specializing in raptor research)

8 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

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How ants, and insects that mimic ants,

In focus>

stay safe from birds Mike Plagens

its young, thereby reducing its reproductive fitness, or the number of young it is able to produce during its lifetime. Hundreds of insects and spiders have come to resemble ants, a survival strategy known as Batesian Mimicry. One example is a Katydid, from the family Tettigoniidae, shown here. Katydids are related to grasshoppers and crickets and are largely herbivorous, feeding on leaves, on which they are sure to be seen by a bird hunting during the day. Most katydids solve this by camouflage and are thus overlooked because they resemble leaves or twigs. But the Katydid shown here mimics an ant. It has a band of green on the abdomen that matches the leaf making it appear “thread-wasted” like a genuine ant. Katydids can jump with big, powerful hind legs – which could be a visual signal to a hunting bird – but the legs have another patch of green to disrupt the leg outline that mimics ants.

A katydid, family Tettigoniidae, observed in a garden near Eldoret, Kenya. December 2012. Length is about 7mm or the size of a typical carpenter ant. Photo by Michael J. Plagens.

It reminds us of the effects of constant predatory pressure on insects struggling to survive and reproduce. The effects are, of course, a marvel of evolutionary history, a pitting of predator against prey that has played out for millions of years before we ever noticed.

nyone venturing into the field almost anywhere in the world will surely notice that ants seem to be moving over every surface: on the ground, up and down tree trunks, on foliage and often into our dwellings. Observers of birds also know that many kinds of birds specialize in gleaning insects from foliage or catching them off the soil. So how is it that ants seem oblivious to sharp-eyed, predatory birds? Soysambu Conservancy, Lake Elmenteita

Despite their small size ants are very well defended. Ants’ defenses are of three main types depending on the species. Many ants possess a powerful sting akin to those of bees and wasps (ants are actually classified together with bees and wasps as hymenoptera). There is another large group of ant species capable of spraying strong formic acid from their abdomens when attacked. Finally, there is also a group of ants that can launch an attack of volatile, noxious gasses. The unpleasant experience of attempting to prey on ants, results in most birds quickly learning never to touch them. And so it is that ants can forage for food in the open with impunity and are rarely disturbed by birds. Ornithologists are keenly aware that birds’ eyesight is very sharp. We frequently see them sally out after something we cannot see at all even with high-powered binoculars. But we also know that things are not always as they seem and this extends to the world of nature where errors can be the difference between life and death. If for a split second a bird mistakes a perfectly edible bug for an ant that could well be just enough time for the potential meal to jump away. The bird that is less adept at distinguishing ants from bugs that sort of look like ants, will eat less and have less to feed

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Site action

Village near Kingwal Swamp. Photo by Catherine Ngarachu

Use of Rocket jikos helping to save forests in western Kenya Mshenga Mwacharo and Washington Ayiemba

orcas Gigoni is busy preparing supper in her small kitchen. The absence of the traditional three-stone ‘jiko’ is quite peculiar. Neither is there the smoke or soot commonly witnessed in traditional kitchens. This Cheptol village resident is one happy wife and mother. Gone are the days when she was forced to cook in a smokefilled kitchen. Equally gone are the days when she used to make daily afternoon trips to the nearby forest in search of firewood. Dorcas owes her happiness to the ‘rocket jiko’ installed in her kitchen. “I am happy with the stove. I no longer have to go to the forest

10 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

in search of firewood everyday,” she says as she adds a handful of rice into a pot of boiling water. Dorcas is among the women in Koitabut, South Nandi, who have switched from the traditional three-stone stove to the ‘rocket jiko’ – an energy saving device. Lenah Muge, a member of Murembe Women’s Group is another proud recipient of the energy saving ‘jikos’. “I used to go out to the forest that is about two kilometres away in search of firewood every day,” says Lenah.

Conservation action > She told us of regularly carrying firewood loads of between 40-50 kilograms on her head.

in the area engaged in income generating activities that support conservation.

“The traditional three-stone ‘jiko’ would consume one load of firewood in a day since it requires a lot of wood,” she adds.

“Rocket jikos can save up to 60% on firewood consumption compared to the traditional three-stone stoves”, adds Vincent. “This means there is less firewood needed for cooking thereby easing the pressure on the surrounding forests. This significantly contributes to the conservation of our forests, particularly the Nandi forests.”

The alternative would be to buy a trailer load of firewood at Ksh 3,500/-. “This trailer load would last for a few days with the traditional ‘jiko’. Nowadays it lasts for more than a month when I use the ‘rocket’ stove. Two dry pieces of firewood can cook a day’s meal,” notes Lenah. Lenah and Dorcas are among beneficiaries of an ongoing campaign to encourage adoption of energy-saving devices in the area. The campaign is ongoing in the Afromontane protected areas of western Kenya, which include North and South Nandi forests. The aim is to conserve these biodiversity hotspots to sustain the environmental services and benefits derived from them. The Jipange Youth Group is the local champion of this campaign. To date, the group has installed over 2,000 such devices in homesteads across Nandi South.

Vincent adds, “The good thing about these stoves is that they employ certain features to ensure there is a constant supply of oxygen, which translates to complete combustion – thereby eliminating smoke.” The ‘rocket jikos’ cost five hundred shillings, which includes installation. They can be made out of a mixture of clay and cement, or only out of clay. The group also trains users on how to clean and maintain the stoves and holds demonstrations on how to use them.

“Since 2008 we have constructed over 2,000 ‘rocket jikos’ here in Nandi South,” says Vincent Evayo, a member of the youth group. The group is among 80 community-based organizations

Use of Rocket Jiko. Photo by John Mwacharo

North and South Nandi forests are Important Bird Areas. At the Kobujoi forest station in South Nandi forest there is a resource centre and camping area. Local guides at South Nandi are Shadrack Chirchir (mobile +254 (0)723 138 025) and Samson Kimutai (mobile +254 (0)712 152 703). To go birding or take a walk in the forest at North Nandi contact Marcella on mobile +254 (0)715 436 278 Nature Kenya with funding support from Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been supporting the forestadjacent communities in the adoption of these energy-saving technologies.

Glory lily. Photo by Pete Steward 11 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Community action Seeds of Hope in the Tana Delta For the people of Tana River Delta the past year has been one of calamity and hardship. Communal clashes – between Pokomo farmers and Orma pastoralists – left nearly 200 people dead. Thousands were displaced and lost all their possessions. Then just as some of the displaced were returning to their homes, the Tana River, swollen with highland rains, burst its banks and flooded farmland and homes. Despite this devastated landscape seeds of hope are offered. Below, Fleur Ng’weno recounts a boat trip she took illustrating the eco-tourism potential of the Delta, and Serah Munguti explains how landuse planning might avert or reduce disasters in the future.

Fleur Ng’weno

e arrive at the river mouth, Kipini, at 7 am, the sun is climbing in the east, turning the river silver, and the trees are golden against a solid wall of dark clouds in the west. Our little boat heads upriver. African Fish Eagles materialize among tall mangrove trees. Gradually mangroves give way to riverine forests. The white puffs of Barringtonia flowers fall from the trees, sailing down the river like offerings. The river meanders. Homesteads are tucked beyond the trees. Further upstream, magnificent groves of Borassus palms rise tall and straight, with crowns of fan-like leaves. Throughout our journey the clouds are spectacles in the sky: white clouds massed on grey clouds, towering into the sky, or wispy clouds high above. At one point we hear thunder from a vast thundercloud, but it does not reach us.

When we reach the vast grasslands, green or grey crocodiles are lying on the banks. Excited at first, we give up counting after a while. Vast herds of cattle feed in the grasslands. Where the grasslands are flooded, they are filled with birds – storks, herons, ibises, plovers and jacanas. Northern Carmine Beeeaters, hot pink and turquoise in colour skim and soar over the grasslands. Sunny Yellow Wagtails feast at the water’s edge before their long journey to northern lands. A wide place on the river called Lake Mbililo is famous for its massed hippos, but we try to avoid them as we eagerly search the banks for special birds. There they are! Pacific Golden Plovers, long-distance migrants, turning into spring plumage; and African Skimmers with long red beaks that slice through the water. It was a journey like no other.

12 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Northern Carmine Bee-eater

Photos by Peter Usher Eco System Alliance

Chalaluma Village

, Tana Delta

Serah Munguti

he Tana River Delta has been marked for development – with floodplain areas designated as “unused” and adjacent terraces as “empty dry lands” with irrigation potential. Yet this region has long been home to small peasant farmers, fishers and pastoralists from different ethnic groups, whose cooperative sharing of fragile land and water resources over the years is based on delicately balanced customary use agreements amongst themselves. Evidence suggests that past decisions on land use have been made without reference to local community land entitlement, livelihood requirements or environmental sustainability. Conflicts are likely to increase as demands on River Tana for power generation, irrigation farming, water for domestic and industrial use in Nairobi, the new Lamu Port, and settlements along the river increase. To chart the way forward, an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee was established in 2011 to coordinate the sustainable management of deltas in Kenya and the Government started preparing a Land Use Plan for the Tana River Delta.

The Land Use Plan is hinged on the Constitution of Kenya adopted in 2010 and on international best practices. It will facilitate consistent and consultative decision making on future development of the Delta, designate areas where development will not be permitted, and contain regulations to facilitate resource management. The Delta’s environmental, economic and social conditions depend upon a delicate balance between natural forces and human activity. As such, the Delta needs to be treated as a special area for planning purposes, with particular attention being given to the needs of its local communities who live in challenging conditions. This is one of the most important requirements for securing long-term peace and security, not just in the Delta but in the surrounding region.

Sandbar at Kipini, Tana Delta

13 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Volunteer action Mapping Kenya’s birds Your help needed in bringing about a new online bird atlas for Kenya Colin Jackson

etween 1980 and 1984 a small army of people armed with binoculars, notebooks, and in those days the one bird field guide available—Birds of East Africa by J.G. Williams—headed out into the far-flung corners of Kenya. Their mission: to record as many birds as possible, so as to map their distribution. It was a hugely ambitious task but one that ended in the publication of “A Bird Atlas of Kenya” by Adrian Lewis and Derek Pomeroy (1989). It is this bird atlas that has been the source of the distribution maps in the excellent run of field guides we’ve had since then. It is also a key reference for bird conservation, providing the basic information for decisions on where action is critical. So what is a bird ‘atlas’ exactly? Basically it is a map of the areas where a bird species is found. To create the atlas, a grid of numbered squares is overlaid on the map of Kenya, observers visit all the squares and search for as many species as possible in each square and list them. Thereafter when the lists are compiled, it is possible to take any species and mark all the squares where it was found. The example above shows the distribution of Mouse-coloured Sunbird – clearly a distinct coastal species. It has been almost 30 years since the publication of the atlas and a lot has happened to bird habitats in Kenya in the intervening years. For a number of bird species their populations have increased and spread (e.g. House Sparrow and House Crow), or their populations have reduced and contracted in range (e.g. Denham’s Bustard and Egyptian Vulture). There are also many subtler and less obvious changes in bird distribution that general birding will not pick up.

SO HOW DO WE ENSURE THE BIRD MAPS REFLECT THESE CHANGES? The best way is to replicate the previous process and produce a new bird atlas. We can then compare what has happened to bird distributions since the first atlas was produced. Enter the KenyaBirdMAP project! This is yet again an ambitious project that will rely on another army of people, armed with binoculars and notebooks, getting out to watch birds and reporting what they see. Could you be one of our ‘citizen scientists’? The project needs keen birders who are concerned about Kenya’s birds.

Map of Mouse-coloured Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii Reproduced from A Bird Atlas of Kenya by Lewis & D. Pomeroy (1989)

KenyaBirdMAP combines birding, technology and science. It is borrowing its format from the South African Bird Atlas Project 2 (SABAP2), which has been running since 2007. KenyaBirdMAP will use the same Internet-based system to show in real time distribution records as they are submitted. This is a far cry from the ‘80s, when the first atlassers had to wait until 1989 to see the results of their hard work! With KenyaBirdMAP you will see: your records immediately added to the distribution of a species, what species occur where, and the species list for each

For the atlas project KenyaBirdMAP to really work it will need as many birders as possible to join in and contribute, that is – it needs you! It is an exciting and stimulating project that combines a lot of excellent birding, exploring new and fascinating parts of the country, modern technology and communication and serious science to produce results that can be used to take real action for conservation. Join us!

The KenyaBirdMAP project is being launched by the Bird Committee of the East Africa Natural History Society, Nature Kenya and supported by the National Museums of Kenya, A Rocha Kenya and the Tropical Biology Association. The Animal Demography Unit of the University of Cape Town facilitating the project. 14 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST is BIRDING

region of the country. You will also be able to retrieve your annual bird list. Finally, it will be possible to get an immediate comparison to the distribution shown in the first bird atlas, providing an extremely powerful and useful tool to aid decision-making in conservation.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The SABAP2 system uses Google Maps satellite imagery and overlays the grid of atlas squares on the country. This makes it much easier to see the boundaries of the square you are surveying. The squares are called ‘pentads’ as they are five minutes of latitude by five minutes of longitude in size (approximately 9 x 9 km). The protocol is simple – do a minimum of two hours of focussed birding, recording each species in the order seen, followed by adding any further species recorded within five days. By noting the birds in the order you encounter them, you produce an index of abundance by which scientists can tell if a species is increasing or decreasing. As migrant species records are being submitted almost in real time, you will ‘see’ when migrants arrive and depart from the country by the number of reports for each species. For the project launch and website address go to naturekenya.org and arocha.org/ke-en

T 50 years old Lesser Flamingo found Colin Jackson

he Ringing Scheme of East Africa has just received news of a Lesser Flamingo that was found freshly dead at Lake Bogoria in central Kenya on 13th February this year with a ring. The incredible thing about it is – the ring was one of those used on a batch of several thousand Lesser Flamingo chicks that bred at Lake Magadi in 1962! This bird was from the ringing by Leslie Brown and the East Africa Natural History Society (Nature Kenya) done 50 years, 3 months and 25 days previously to the date recovered. It must surely be the oldest recorded Lesser Flamingo and quite stunning that it lived for so long. The person who found this flamingo is Nick Armour of Swavesey, England, to whom

we are indebted for reporting the ring. The distance from the ringing site to recovery site is 242 km. The late Brooks Childress wrote a thrilling account “Unraveling Lesser Flamingo Mysteries” in Kenya Birds Vol.11: 1, Nov. 2004. http:// bit.ly/14unG07 Leslie Brown wrote the story in Mystery of the Flamingos, published by East African Publishing House in 1973 (pages 95-97). The flamingo-nesting event on Lake Magadi was filmed by Alan Root who also took part in the ringing. They ringed 8,000 Lesser Flamingos. And now we know that some of them lived to be 50 years old!

Flamingos nested on Lake Magadi in 1962. The holes in the photo above are ‘footprints’ made by the chicks walking in 3” of water and breaking through the very thin surface crust of soda, which then collected around their legs and built up into the apple-sized shackles (see insert photo). Eight thousand chicks were then ringed. Photos by Alan Root

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Urban birding >

Purple-crested Turaco

and other birds of the Nairobi Arboretum Joshua Wambugu Photos by Peter Usher

here are many excellent sites in and around Nairobi for bird watching and amongst them is the Nairobi Arboretum. It is a 30 ha wooded oasis established originally in 1907 as a trial plot for fast growing exotic tree species from around the world. These were needed to meet the high demand for fuel wood for the then newly constructed Kenya-Uganda railway line. Today the arboretum has over 350 indigenous and exotic trees, shrubs and grasses. Here you’ll also find over 100 species of resident and transient forest birds providing an exceptional and easily accessible birding site in the heart of Nairobi. On any given day you will find common birds like Bronze, Collared and Variable Sunbirds, Hadada Ibis, Hamerkop, Ruppell’s Robin Chat, Black-backed Puffback, African Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird and Grey-backed Camaroptera. Also look out for Cinnamonchested Bee-eaters making their swift arcing flight to catch bees, and Augur Buzzards that skim the ground looking for root rats.

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finch

d Fire Red-bille

Variable Sunb ird White-headed Barbet

For the more experienced birders the Arboretum offers a generous number of specialties. These include African Black Duck on the Kirichwa Kubwa River that runs along the north-east boundary, and more recently – the rare Purple-crested Turaco has become a regular sighting in the canopy of trees. You are also likely to find Little Sparrowhawk, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Lemon Dove, Narina Trogon, White-headed Barbet, Cabanis’s and Greyolive Greenbul, Lesser Honeyguide, and Hartlaub’s Turaco. This great bird diversity in the city has made the Arboretum a favoured birding site that attracts local and visiting birders. In November 2012 the Arboretum was visited by David Lindo, an author, bird enthusiast and BBC personality known as the Urban birder. He visited the Arboretum in company of Fleur Ng’weno, who often brings the Nature Kenya Wednesday morning bird walks to the Arboretum. For details on joining the bird walks visit naturekenya.org

OTHER WILDLIFE: Vervet and Sykes’s monkeys, Four-toed hedgehog, Three-horned Jackson’s chameleon, many butterflies and other insects.

VISITOR DETAILS: The arboretum is located off

State House Road and is open from 6.00 a.m.-6.30 p.m. daily. There is no entry fee charged but ample and safe parking is available at KES 50. Pay the uniformed Kenya Forest Service ranger on standby at the parking lot next to the main entrance. For more information you are welcome to visit the Friends of Nairobi Arboretum at the Tree House visitor centre (at the Nairobi Arboretum) or email fona@naturekenya.org

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QUEST >

Clarke’s Weaver Mystery Unraveled Fleur Ng’weno

ne century ago, in 1913, a species of weaver collected at the Kenya Coast was named after Brigadier-General Goland Vanholt Clarke. Since then, Clarke’s Weavers Ploceus golandi have been regularly seen in the famed ArabukoSokoke Forest near Malindi. More recently, Clarke’s Weavers were recorded in Dakatcha Woodlands some 40 km to the north, across the Galana-Sabaki River. But where did Clarke’s Weavers nest? This remained a mystery for one hundred years.

Male and fem al

e Clarke’s Wea ver. Photo by

Colin Jackso n

and in the process, search for the breeding site of the weavers.

“What methods will you use?” I was asked. My reply was to mimic a Bogi Benda cartoon about filing: “The Biblical one – Seek and ye shall find!”

A first clue came in July 1994 when David Ngala and Don Turner saw adult Clarke’s Weavers feeding flying young near Marafa in Dakatcha Woodland. Clarke’s Weavers were thus presumed to nest in Dakatcha Woodland. But where, exactly?

Where and what were we looking for? We did not know whether Clarke’s Weavers nested in colonies or as pairs, in forests or other habitats, or during what time of the year. The only thing we were fairly sure of was that the nest would be woven.

Clarke’s Weavers were almost always seen in forests of Brachystegia spiciformis as small flocks moving rapidly through the trees, feeding on insects and fruits. Because of their low numbers – estimated at 2000 to 4000 birds in the 1980s – and restricted range – they are known only from Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Dakatcha Woodland – Clarke’s Weavers were listed as globally endangered.

During the first two years of searching, there were hardly any Clarke’s Weavers to be seen. However, we found that the trained bird guides knew the names of birds in the Giriama language. We were thus able to produce a Checklist of the Birds of Dakatcha Woodland with English, scientific and Giriama names.

Dakatcha Woodland was designated an Important Bird Area because it held significant numbers of globally threatened species – Clarke’s Weaver and Sokoke Pipit. In 2005 Nature Kenya, with funding from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, began a number of conservation activities in Dakatcha Woodland. These included collecting information on the birds and threats to their conservation, and mobilizing a local conservation group to carry out these activities and raise environmental awareness. Colin Jackson of A Rocha Kenya had already carried out several bird surveys there. In 2007 I began visiting Dakatcha Woodland to compile a bird checklist

Meanwhile, Nature Kenya and other conservation organizations became engaged in a bitter struggle against forest exploitation that could devastate the Brachystegia forests. Commercial charcoal makers were cutting down large swathes of forest and a foreign company proposed to clear 50,000 hectares of Dakatcha Woodland to plant Jatropha curcas, once considered a wonder biofuel. At one point Francis Kagema of Nature Kenya was threatened by people armed with crude weapons. After years of advocacy, education and evidence, Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority rejected the jatropha project.

Below: Clarke’s Weaver nesting site in Dakacha. Photo by Jonathan Mwachongo

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A breakthrough in locating the weavers’ nests came in late 2010, when Martin Odino sent an excited message via the Kenyabirdsnet list-serv about a bird that resembled the Clarke’s Weaver in a swamp in western Kenya. He had good photos; the bird was identified as Weyns’s Weaver, until then only known from Uganda. Callan Cohen replied: “Yes, this is certainly Weyns’s Weaver! It can be quite common but local on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, where it feeds in small flocks in forests and degraded forest edge quite close to the lake, and moves into the extensive swamps to breed (although few breeding records are known).” It was an “Aha!” moment. From then on, we started focusing on wetlands. Dakatcha has many wetlands – oxbow lakes, river banks and seasonal pools – and seasonal wetlands, in particular, are capricious. Kithome Ngutu had told us he had seen Clarke’s Weavers near Galo Galo wetland northwest of Adu. When we reached Galo Galo in November 2010, it was a sea of blue water lilies, hosting ten species of waterbirds. In January 2012, however, we only saw grass and sedge with one stork. It rained heavily in December 2012 and many small wetlands filled with water and water lilies. In January 2013 I joined a monitoring team from Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group – Japhet Garama, Samson Katisho, Julio Mwambire, Kazungu Thuva, Samson Barisa, Maxwel Issa, Jonathan Kalama, Annet Sifa, Albert Baya, Faith Mbago and George Odera.

On 6 January 2013 after a survey in Brachystegia forest, we stopped on the edge of a low area lush with grasses. One part seemed to be deeper, with two kinds of Cyperus sedges growing in water. Albert Baya exclaimed, “Clarke’s Weavers”! Clarke’s Weavers were flying in and out, chattering, perching on sedges and nearby trees and bushes, and then disappearing among the sedges. Small flocks flew out over the trees and others arrived and landed in the seasonal wetland. We estimated more than 100 Clarke’s Weavers, most of them males in adult plumage, also some females. They remained in the seasonal wetland morning and evening for the next two days, but we could not see any nests. In late January, with Gabriel Katana and Nick Gardner of A Rocha Kenya, we found Clarke’s Weavers were still in this wetland. On our return on 22 March there had been some rain showers, and all the Brachystegia trees were vibrant green and in flower. Our team consisted of Jonathan Mwachongo, Patrick Changawa, Julio Mwambire, Japhet Garama, Samuel Kenga, Samson Katisho, Kazungu Thuva, Peter Wario and myself. At the seasonal wetland, however, the sedges had been cut for thatch. A few empty nests on the ground were collected for the National Museums of Kenya.

On 23 March 2013, Julio Mwambire suggested that we look at another seasonal wetland about 7 km away. About the size of a football field, but more narrow, it was an area of grasses and sedges surrounded by trees and bushes. “Clarke’s Weavers!” exclaimed Jonathan Mwachongo. A large flock of Clarke’s Weavers was in the sedges apparently undisturbed by the people collecting water from the far side of the wetland. We observed the weavers from the shade of low trees. There were several hundred males and females actively flying back and forth across the wetland, making their buzzing, sizzling calls. Some males seemed to be displaying, others just perching on the sedges. Several birds flew off to another part of the wetland, and despite their speed, we could see a few males carrying strips of sedge as they returned. Then we saw the brownish rounded shapes of nests. One male was weaving more sedge strips onto a nest! We had discovered the nesting site. In the morning we watched flocks take off from the marsh, presumably to feed in the forest. We estimated some 700 birds. In April a team from Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group, together with Colin Jackson, confirmed that Clarke’s Weavers, males and females, were feeding young in the nests. The breeding of Clarke’s Weavers in Dakatcha Woodland has now been confirmed.

Search team in March 2013. Photo by Jonathan Mwachongo

19 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

SPECIES >

On the road with raptors in Meru National Park and the big surprise from Imenti forest Shiv Kapila

or the past four years a vast chunk of Kenya’s landmass has been surveyed by road to assess changes in raptor densities and diversity. This is done by members of Nature Kenya’s Raptor Working Group with assistance from The Peregrine Fund. Each February, teams journey over northern and southern Kenya, binoculars seemingly glued to faces, and pointed toward the skies. The survey routes had not previously included Meru National Park, but this year was going to be different. Ben Mugambi, Darcy Ogada, Peter Wairasho and myself were hastily dispatched for a whirlwind trip. The first section began at the Isiolo-Meru turn-off and ended at the park gate. It yielded mostly Black Kites, with the odd Harrier Hawk thrown in to keep us reasonably excited. The real work came the next day with spectacular numbers of raptors in the skies above the grass plains, which start soon

African Swallow-tailed Kite

after entry at the main gate. Stopping as we were almost every 50 metres to log another Black-Shouldered Kite, Lesser Kestrel, harrier or Lanner Falcon, it took us over two hours to survey 5 km of tracks. It was heaven for raptors and raptor biologists alike! It was on these plains where we saw the first highlight of the trip – gracefully gliding, hovering and hunting not far from the car was a Swallow-tailed Kite! It’s such a rare bird that it counted as a lifer for two of us, and Darcy, a seasoned campaigner when it comes to raptors, had last seen one 12 years ago. Swallow-tailed Kites are typical of the Sahel, a narrow band of semi-desert bordering the Sahara. Apart from a small breeding population near Suswa, in the Rift Valley, they rarely venture this far south. After crossing the Rojewero river however, the oppressive heat and thick monotonous Acacia-Commiphora scrub meant stopping for entirely different reasons. Breaks to stretch and a wallow in the cool, clear waters of the Rojewero was greatly appreciated, crocodiles or not! The raptors seemed to keep away from the heat and this area of tightly knit thorn scrub. We traversed 218 km and were delighted by the great numbers of kestrels and Black Shouldered Kites, a migrant Peregrine Falcon, and three Booted Eagles. In all, we counted 179 individual raptors of 28 different species. But our most impressive bird of the trip was going to be found not in the park, but on the way back to Nairobi. As we drove through the hills of Imenti forest our eyes were in the trees

20 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Black-shouldered Kite

looking out for a pair of Crowned Eagles that are well known inhabitants of this forest. A sighting of Africa’s strongest and most imposing bird of prey would have been a first record for any of our surveys. I spotted a big brown bird in the canopy of a tall roadside tree and shouted out. The bird was quite large and looked like a juvenile. Its streaked head and chest suggested Steppe Buzzard, but its smallish bill and long tail pointed to Honey Buzzard. Its powerful feet and long talons, when we eventually saw them, screamed Crowned Eagle, and so it was reluctantly identified as such. But we were still not convinced and nagging doubts lingered. A few days after our return, I received an excited call from Darcy. She had sent a selection of photos to Simon Thomsett, our friendly raptor ‘fundi’, the man to go to if you’re really stuck. He was 100% sure we had seen an immature Cassin’s Hawk Eagle! This he based on the bird’s size, laterally compressed bill, length and thickness of tarsi (biologist speak for legs), length of the hallux (again, a scientific term for the inner, backward facing toe) and the ratio of wing length to tail length. After numerous emails bouncing around the globe, heavy-hitting ornithologists such as Bill Clark, Brian Finch and Rob Davies confirmed this verdict.

Cassin’s Hawk Eagle

Photos by Shiv Kapila

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: These surveys are logistically and financially supported by The Peregrine Fund (a US-based NGO specializing in raptor research) and the Raptor Working Group of Nature Kenya.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cassin’s Hawk Eagle is a bird so rarely seen Shiv Kapila has been working on various raptor research projects in Kenya that it hasn’t been included in any in Kenya with support from The Peregrine Fund. He also runs of our field guides. The first record was a specimen collected from Mount Elgon in ornithological photographic safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. 1926 and initially misidentified as a Booted Eagle. There are only two other records: one seen in Kitich (in the Mathew’s range) by Simon Thomsett, and an adult seen TAKE A RAPTOR PHOTOSAFARI WITH in the Imenti forest in 2006 by SHIV KAPILA – TOURS COVER KENYA Brian Finch. AND NORTHERN TANZANIA!

The fact that we spotted a juvenile suggests that there may be a breeding population of Cassin’s Hawk Eagles in the region, not necessarily confined to the Imenti forest, but perhaps in the nearby Nyambene hills, where a few remnant patches of primary forest remain.

VINTAGEORNITHOLOGY@GMAIL.COM! w! WWW.SHIVKAPILA.COM!

The next steps, including the conservation of our steadily dwindling forests in Kenya, will have great implications for this bird, which is, without a shadow of a doubt, Kenya’s rarest raptor. 21 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Left: Crowned Hornbill Above: Black-collared Apalis and Fine-banded Woodpecker Photos by Peter Usher

In pursuit of a Bar-tailed Trogon photo at Gatamaiyu Forest

“

A lifer” in a birder’s lexicon is the term used to signify when a species is first seen. For me, a photographer, a stricter definition is applied. Notwithstanding how often a bird is seen, its image must be recorded, in this digital age, on a memory card before it can be listed. Even then, the quality of the final images will determine if the bird is, or is not, included in my picture portfolio. Of course, like all birders, I have a wish list and for several years, the Narina Trogon perched high on it. When after a frustratingly long search I was finally able to get a sufficiently good enough image of Narina Trogon (full story in Issue 5 of Kenya Birding), my interest turned to another trogon with a far more limited range. The Bar-tailed Trogon is found at higher altitudes mostly above 1600 m. Like the Narina Trogon, it is a shy bird that sits still in the canopy,

22 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Peter Usher almost invisible despite its striking red chest and iridescent green wings and back. It is the underside of tail that is barred. I decided to go looking for the Bar-tailed Trogon at Gatamaiyu forest, which is on the lower slopes of the Aberdare mountain range. It is only 50 km from Nairobi and there, half a century ago, I learned to fly fish and caught my first Rainbow Trout on the Gatamaiyu river on a stretch of water just inside the forest boundary. But, I had not visited Gatamaiyu for decades, so accompanied by a Nature Kenya bird guide I drove the one and a half hour journey to the forest. There were more people and dwellings than I remembered but the forest and river were little changed. What was new was the comfortable camp with toilets and cooking facilities, available at a modest fee. An electric fence serves as a deterrent to the elephants,

Also new for me were the Brown Woodland Warbler and the White-tailed Crested Flycatcher. A flock of the very local and very rare Abbott’s Starling temporarily occupied a tall but distant tree showing their blue-black plumage and creamy yellow eyes. But they just allowed me a quick snap before flying deeper into the forest. The noisiest bird, heard and seen often, was the Hartlaub’s Turaco, a large bird, predominately green and blue when perched but displaying brilliant scarlet underwings in flight. Other large birds included raptors such as the Crowned Eagle and forest hornbills like the Crowned Hornbill, which I was able to photograph for the first time. And when one tired from the overhead birding, a multitude of butterflies are there to delight the eye. But no Trogons! Then came my déjà-vu moment – as I took a breath beside a spectacular Gatamaiyu waterfall, a Bar-tailed swooped and perched close by calling loudly. A second bird, near but not seen till then, answered. They waited while I took several images of them before they then flew away. To visit Gatamaiyu forest contact the Kijabe Environment Volunteers at Phone: (+254) 202 095842 Mobile: (+254) 721 980 908 Email: keenvo@yahoo.com http://www.kenvokenya.com/

Bar-tailed Trogon.

which roam the forest. They are mostly unseen but fresh dung and footprints are reminders of potential danger. In forest, at first, it seems very quiet but one rapidly becomes aware of pockets of birdsong. These can be investigated either by pushing through the tangled bush or by using an elephant trail with its attendant risks. Visibility within the trees is often limited to a few metres and one can be face to trunk with an elephant in a moment. We happily avoided the elephants and found instead many uncommon birds. Fine-banded Woodpeckers burrowed for insects and the Brown-capped Weaver, which I had never seen before moved through the trees in small flocks. The colourful Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike and new to me, the Black-fronted Bushshrike, flashed yellow in the canopy. 23 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

24 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Sue Allan’s garden in Langata, Nairobi.

Planting your garden for birds Sue Allan

M Hunter’s Sunbird on Aloe secundifolia. Photo by Nigel Pavitt

indful gardening can encourage a wide variety of bird species such as seedeaters, insectivores, frugivores, nectivores and omnivores. The easiest way to do this is to create different microhabitats in your garden that provide food, shelter and nesting places for a diversity of birds. Birds occupy different levels of the habitat—from tree canopies, to small trees and shrubs, down to grass. A variety of plants that flower and fruit at different intervals will give birds access to food all-year round. For diversity, include epiphytes and terrestrials, succulents, aquatic plants and larger flowering shrubs and trees. Choose indigenous plants whenever you can rather than brash exotics that do little for birdlife. If you have land to play with, begin with a range of flowering Acacia, Albizia or Erythrina trees suitable to your area. Trees with high canopies provide vantage points for birds of prey, bee-eaters and flycatchers. Larger forked trees provide nest sites for Hamerkops and the owls that often take over their nests. Fruit-eaters such as turacos, barbets and hornbills will enjoy fruit from a mature Ficus or Syzygium. A hollow in an old dead tree could save woodpeckers a great deal of time. Think of nesting materials too – soft seeds such as ol’leleshwa Tarconanthus camphoratus make good nest liners for weavers and sunbirds. Underplanting with flowers attractive to birds and insects will naturally relate to the size of your patch. A deepshaded shrubbery provides food and shelter for robins and greenbuls. A medley of aloes and other succulents in a dry garden gives colour and brings in sunbirds. Sugar water feeders, to tide sunbirds over the non-flowering periods,

should be thoughtfully placed: in a shaded area enabling birds to make a quick escape from predators. Plant some bright sunflowers for a splash of colour, and lovebirds and parrots will thank you. Grasses and millets sown in large swathes add space and bring in mannikins, weavers, finches, indigobirds and whydahs. Buntings and sparrows also relish grass seeds. The yellow-flowered Bauhinia tomentosa provides shade and tender petals for mousebirds. Where you live and how much water you have available will determine your gardening plan and plantings. To attract a greater variety of species, a water feature is probably the most rewarding, be it a birdbath, a small pond, or a larger dam. Remember to have separate areas for birds to drink and to bathe. A stone in the middle of a birdbath for easy perching— above cat level if you have cats—will provide safe, sheltered and easy access for some of the smaller finches, waxbills and weavers.

Sue’s garden in Langata, Nairobi in 1948. Photo by Sue Allan 25 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Even in a relatively dry garden you can plant attractive flowering indigenous shrubs and trees —Leonotis, Ruttya and a variety of aloes—to attract nectar-loving sunbirds. Wild sisal or Sansevieria has wonderful showy flowers that are heavily scented at night to attract larger moths that will, in turn, attract owls and bats, and so begin the food chain. Flowering Lippia kituiensis, Carissa spinarum, Jasminum floribundum, and Grewia similis will delight all your bird and human guests, while providing dense secure nesting sites. Conscious of water, keep drier xerophytes – aloes, Sansevieria and cotyledons – to one area that needs to be watered less frequently. In your ‘wetter areas’ you can plant bromeliads to hold water for the birds and small reptiles. To save watering even further, try hanging/arranging your Tillandsia, ferns and orchids above those plants that need extra moisture, so that when the water drips down, you are in turn feeding your plants below. Don’t over-sweep your lawns! Lawn cuttings provide mulch, good nesting materials, and a habitat for small earthworms that are essential in turning over the soil and attracting insectivores such as thrushes and robins. A heap of red soil or compost will encourage bee-eaters to make nesting burrows and if you have the space, a beehive will bring in honeyguides and bee-eaters.

Having secured a wonderful bird sanctuary you will then find yourself in a conundrum knowing perfectly well that the nesting African Harrier Hawk above your pond will no doubt enjoy the weaver chicks below. But birds of prey are useful birds and they help to catch mice and rats too, a natural cycle. Clearing your land of rubbish will reduce the possibility of canny crows that prey on both eggs and chicks. Keep your place clean, but not too clean. A compost pit and occasional logs on the ground, away from your house, will provide damp refuge for insects and encourage termites just after the rains. Their winged reproductive alates provide a great treat for all birds, including ibises, barbets and guineafowls. Insectivores such as storks and many others can be useful pest eradicators, and a blessing if you are a farmer. Creating little pockets of a refuge whether it is on your balcony or on a large farm will collectively go a long way toward preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. Take all this with an ample measure of benign neglect and you too can have your own little microclimate that will be a delight for a variety of bird species.

Bee on Vernonia f lower. Photo by Sue Allan

Putting out fruit and mealworms will attract birds, but beware they may also encourage monkeys. Neither do you want birds or monkeys to depend on these offerings at times when you might be away. Fruit-eaters will find various berries in season; but having said that thrushes, hornbills, robin chats and starlings may appreciate a little pawpaw and mango. Keep your bird dishes and nectar feeders scrupulously clean to avoid cross infection. Consider planting species enjoyed by butterflies. The yellowflowering Ochna is a most attractive bush with bright green or coppery leaves. Vernonia, lavender and thyme are all attractive to butterflies and insects. Plants from the Annonaceae and Rutaceae families provide fodder for caterpillars and will in turn attract swifts and swallows that might like to nest under the eaves of your home. Little white-eyes, robins and greenbuls enjoy the insects and shelter amongst the lower branches and leaves. When you have an infestation of safari ants don’t try to get rid of them. They are only passing through and they will enjoy the slugs in the garden along the way. Spreading ash will protect your house. Most importantly, avoid all chemical pesticides – aim to create an environment healthy for plants and insects. In your vegetable garden, try interplanting with Tagetes minuta (Mexican marigold) and garlic chives to discourage greenfly and other pests. Your aim always should be to create a natural habitat in balance and harmony. I have noticed that shortly after putting in a small dam, the atmosphere around it changed, making it cooler and greener, attracting more birds that brought in seeds for me! Lots of little wildlings appeared, making it fun choosing which ones to keep and which to give to friends. I have planted many indigenous bushes but many lovely specimens have just appeared – gifts from the birds!

26 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

USEFUL READING MATTER Agnew, A.D.Q. 2013. Upland Kenya Wild Flowers and Ferns: A Flora of the Flowers, Ferns, Grasses and Sedges of Highland Kenya, 3rd edition. Nairobi: Nature Kenya - East Africa Natural History Society. Beentje, H.J. 1994. Kenya Trees, Shrubs and Lianas. Nairobi: National Museums of Kenya. Hobson, B. (ed). 1995. Gardening in East Africa. Nairobi: Kenya Horticultural Society. Raymer, D. 1998. Down to Earth, A Practical Guide to Gardening in East Africa. Nairobi: Horizon Books. INDIGENOUS TREE NURSERIES For advice on altitude, and tree and shrub requirements contact: Brian’s Trees - Brian Williams, bvwilliams38@gmail.com, 0733 923 990 Plants Galore - Celia Hardy, celia@rosesgalore.co.ke, 0722 523 023

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Abundant flocks of waterbirds at Bunyala Rice Irrigation Scheme Martin Odino Photos by Martin Odino

unyala Rice Irrigation Scheme is located north of the Yala Swamp on the flood plain of River Nzoia in Busia County, Western Kenya.

Looking out over the 5000+ ha of paddy fields it isn’t obvious that over 200 bird species can be found here. Generally most species are observed during the planting season and in rainy weather (March-May and September-December). The site is also an important migration stopover and wintering site. The central part is a uniform span of wetland with few human settlements and is usually the most fruitful for birds.

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND THE SITE

Arrival by road brings you to the north-eastern end of the rice plantation, which spans west. Take the first turn off to the left when the rice scheme expanse first comes into view (on your left). It is advisable to walk since the tracks within the plantation are narrow. Vehicles can be parked safely in nearby homes with prior arrangement and you may find it useful to have a scout help you steer clear of the worst paths and assist you to locate birds. As you make your way between the surrounding homes into the rice scheme pay attention to the bushes, grasses, trees and hedges. In the bushy vegetation around homesteads you may find the Yellow-throated Leafloves and among the roadside bushes the Arrow-marked and Blacklored Babblers may startle you. As 28 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

you walk on the narrow paths, be on the lookout for Brown Twinspots and Bar-breasted Firefinches foraging on the ground. Widowbirds and bishops are common when the rice field is planted. Fantailed Widowbirds and male Southern Red and Black-winged Red Bishops sing from the top of bushes or shrubs in territorial and courtship displays. The area is almost devoid any trees for birds to perch on, so the few tall trees are often good for raptors. Raptors seem to prefer the tall Eucalyptus trees and you may see up to three different species of snake eagles posting sentry. These may include Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, which is globally Vulnerable and of uncertain status in Kenya, and Western Banded Snake Eagle. If you are lucky you may also find Red-necked Falcon looking for quarry from atop the trees.

Where to watch birds >

A view of the Bunyala Rice Scheme with Wanga Hill in the distance Little Egret and Ruff

29 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird

Golden-backed Weaver

Pied Kingfishers hover and plunge-fish in the irrigation canals that bring water into the rice scheme. Less obvious are Malachite Kingfishers, which hunt from the canal banks. The paddies flooded, in readiness for planting, attract phenomenal numbers of Collared Pratincoles, Little Egrets, White-faced Whistling Ducks, and Fulvous Whistling Ducks. Knob-billed Ducks and Spur-winged Geese also come in sizable flocks, whilst thousand-fold flocks of Afrotropical African Openbilled and Abdim’s Storks are regularly on site.

Redshank and Whimbrel. When the rice crop is harvested hordes of mostly Red-billed Queleas and Village Weavers occur in manners reminiscent of locust plagues. Numerous raptor species relish in this abundance of prey, giving a birder the opportunity to indulge in their variety. Raptors can include Ayres’ Hawk Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Great and Little Sparrowhawks, and Gabar Goshawk.

The most spectacular flocks however can be observed during the Palaearctic migration season (September-April) when several thousands of Whitewinged Black Terns (mixed with Whiskered Terns), Wood Sandpipers, and Ruffs arrive.

Long-crested and Wahlberg’s Eagles wait on the ground for rodents to appear at threshing points. After the harvest when the fields lie fallow, Grey and Lesser Kestrels, in migration, come to hunt insects.

Other migrant wader species that arrive in their hundreds include the Near Threatened Black-tailed Godwit, Common Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper and Black-winged Stilt. Others occurring in smaller but significant numbers are Common Greenshank, Spotted

At the margins are Acacia trees with nesting colonies of Yellowbacked, Golden-backed, and Lesser Masked Weavers. The less common Slender-billed Weaver can also be found nesting amongst the bushes. At night calls of the Slender-tailed Nightjar and Verreaux’s Eagle Owl (found perched on

30 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING 30 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

most big trees especially Ficus sp.) are the most prominent.

African Open-billed Storks over Bunyala Rice Scheme

BIRD POISONING

On a sadder note, the rice scheme has been in the national spotlight for the deliberate poisoning (with pesticides) of birds. The people involved sell the poisoned birds for human consumption. Some relief for the birds has been achieved through a community scouting initiative. The scouts guard against poisoning and collect data on bird species, numbers and distribution. Visiting the site and hiring a scout at a small fee will go a long way towards contributing to this conservation initiative. For more information on this initiative go to http://stopwildlifepoisoning. wildlifedirect.org/

DIRECTIONS: Bunyala is located about 90 km north-

west of Kisumu, which is the largest nearby urban centre. It is strongly recommended that you use a 4WD vehicle as the road can get rough and sticky during rainy weather.

ACCOMMODATION: A variety of affordable hotels,

inns and villas can be found in nearby Siaya town. If, however, you are brave enough to face the whining and biting of mosquitoes, camping can be arranged at a small fee in designated local homes.

PRECAUTION AGAINST MALARIA: Malaria is

highly prevalent in Bunyala. It is strongly advised that you take anti-malaria medication if you are planning to visit the area. Use of insect repellent may also come in handy. For birding, parking, scouts or camping arrangements e-mail the author at martinchael@gmail.com or send a text to +254 (0) 725 349 146

31 | Kenya â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST BIRDING

Donkey safari in Lorogi forest. Photo by Luca Borghesio

Discover amazing forest birding in the north The forests near Maralal are easy to reach and hold many treats for wildlife enthusiasts Luca Borghesio

t is about one hour after dawn. We walk on a small track winding through giant Podo trees, as the morning mist slowly retreats. At the edge of a grassy glade our Samburu guide stops. About a hundred metres from us, five elephants quietly chew through their morning breakfast. They have not heard us, and they can’t smell us either, as the wind blows from their side. As we watch the elephants, the silence is broken by a chuckling call above us – a flock of three to five White-headed Wood-hoopoes. From somewhere nearby is also the repeated musical whistle of an Abyssinian Ground Thrush. This is a typical start-of-day in Lorogi, one of the most fascinating and best-preserved montane forests in Kenya. Most people associate northern Kenya with dry habitats, but this is not completely correct. On the tops of some mountains, rainfall is enough to sustain large wooded areas with tall trees. Due to their isolation, they are among the best examples of montane forests in East Africa.

Satellite view of the Karissia hills showing main roads and places

32 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Lorogi forest is an area of more than 20,000 hectares and extends for about 50 km on the Karissia hills, just east of the small town of Maralal. It is a perfect place for birdwatching trips and trekking. There are many good trails, allowing access to every corner, and changes in elevation, rarely more than 200–400m, are manageable to any person in good health. The maximum elevation, just short of 2,600m, is in the northern section (Sordon), while south of Maralal you are always below 2300m.

At the lowest elevations (1800–2000m) the most characteristic tree is the majestic Croton megalocarpus, while higher up (2000–2500m) Podocarpus falcatus is usually the dominant species. Huge Strangler Figs (Ficus thonningii) are common all over and are often best for observing frugivorous birds such as Hartlaub’s Turaco and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill. The Pencil Cedar (Juniperus procera) can be locally abundant in areas that were burnt in the past, because seeds of this tree germinate profusely after fires. The forest bird fauna includes more than 150 species, of which more than 50 are forest specialists. Highlights include the rare Sharpe’s Starling and Red-fronted Parrot. During the wet months, the unusual ‘tuning fork’ call of the Buff-spotted Flufftail can sometimes be heard. African Black Ducks occur along forest streams. The Black-billed Weaver, which mostly occurs in Western Kenya, is widespread but not easy to see. Glades and canopy gaps are common throughout the forest and are good places to see sunbirds as they forage on the red flowers of Leonotis. Both Eastern and Northern Doublecollared occur here and are common, as are Golden-winged, Amethyst and Bronze sunbirds. Where the forest is dense and the canopy more continuous, you may find ground dwellers such as Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Lemon Dove, and Redcapped Robin Chat. Listen for the Chestnut-throated Apalis, a canopy bird whose call sounds more like that of an insect than that of a bird. A perfect introduction is a drive along the Opiroi road, which heads east from Maralal town. It is a disused road, but not difficult for a 4WD vehicle. A drive of about 15 km will bring you right in the middle of the forest, where you can have a picnic in the large glade known as “Kampi ya Bhola” (01°04’N 36°48’E, elevation 2300m).

Another good place, about 20 km south of Maralal, is small Baawa village, where you can drive right to the forest edge and visit both Croton and Podo forest (01°02’06’’N 36°49’39’’E, 1880m). Baawa is an ideal place to pitch your tent and enjoy a variety of wildlife. Elephants here are a regular encounter. From Baawa campsite, you can follow the stream, which has many small pools, some of which are large enough to swim (if you are not afraid of cold water). A walk of about three hours reaches Peto (01°03’56’’N 36°49’41’’E, 2070m), another good campsite, in the middle of the forest. Three hours walk from Peto and you are at Tilia rocks (01°03’27’’ N 36°51’51’’E, 2170m), an amazing viewpoint at the eastern edge of the forest. Ahead of you is the Mathews range and the Ndoto hills, and 800m below, is the junction of two dry rivers, the place where the British explorer Arthur Neumann, the first European to reach Lorogi, camped in 1894. Fresh meat was never in short supply at Neumann’s camp, which came to be known by local people as “Nyama yangu” (my meat).

DIRECTIONS FOR VISITING

Maralal is about seven hours drive from Nairobi, going through Nyahururu and Rumuruti. The last 120 km of road are unpaved, but easy, except after rains. In Maralal there are several good places to stay, including the comfortable and clean Sunbird Guest House, or the more luxurious Maralal Safari Lodge. If you wish to camp, you must carry all the necessary equipment from Nairobi, but Maralal shops sell a good range of food items. You need a guide and armed escort to walk through the forest. One of the best wildlife guides in Maralal is Robert Lentaaya (mobile +254 (0) 723 514 691) from Baawa Village. Lentaaya can help you organize both day and multi-day trips.

Camping at Peto. Photo by H. Hayashi 33 | Kenya – THE WORLD’S BEST BIRDING

Evaluating the abundance and benefits of farmland birds Nyandarua County farm birds Kariuki Ndang’ang’a

he Aberdare Forests, Kinangop Plateau grasslands, Lake Ol Bolosat and several forest reserves are some of the popular birding sites in the highland county of Nyandarua. In and amongst these sites is farmland that is intensively cultivated, and it is here in May 2010 I started a two-year study to find out which birds are found on farmlands, what vegetation features attract them, and what benefits birds bring to farmers. Here I highlight some of the results.

WHICH BIRDS?

I recorded a total of 195 bird species, including four species listed in the IUCN Red List as globally threatened or near-threatened: Martial Eagle, Grey Crowned Crane, Sharpe’s Longclaw and Jackson’s Widowbird. 45% of all bird species were insect-eating birds. Seed-eaters made up the highest number of individuals (38% of 5501 individuals), of which the most abundant species were Streaky Seedeater, Kenya Rufous Sparrow and Baglafecht Weaver.

WHAT HABITATS FAVOURED OCCURRENCE OF BIRD SPECIES?

Where there was a mix of trees, shrubs and nonwoody vegetation I found Baglafecht Weaver, Brimstone Canary, Cape Robin Chat, Olive Thrush, Speckled Mousebird, Streaky Seedeater and White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher. In areas of cultivation and fallow land, I commonly found seed-eaters like Kenya Rufous Sparrow, Streaky Seedeater and Speke’s Weaver. Pasture and exotic trees did not seem to offer the kind of vegetation that attracts many species, although Black-shouldered Kite and Black-headed Heron seemed to prefer open modified habitats.

Common Stonechat (f) with nesting material. Photo by Peter Usher

34 34 || Kenya Kenya – – THE THE WORLD’S WORLD’S BEST BEST BIRDING BIRDING

Case for conservation > Village Weaver. Photo by Peter Usher

WHAT DID BIRDS DO IN THE FARMLANDS?

Most of the birds (54% of almost 6000 individuals observed) foraged on the ground compared to 24% on crop plants, 17% on weed plants and 4% in the air (sallying or hawking). Specialists like the Grassland Pipit, and other insectivores like Common Fiscal and Common Stonechat favoured grasslands. Shrub and remnant indigenous trees supported good numbers of forest species, including African Green Pigeon, Scaly Francolin, Red-eyed Dove, Dusky Turtle Dove, Red-fronted Parrot, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Grey Cuckooshrike, and Thick-billed Seedeaters. Therein were also sighted cuckoos, tinkerbirds, greenbuls, apalis, wattle-eyes and sunbirds.

43% of the birds observed (most often Streaky Seedeater, Brimstone Canary and Yellow-crowned Canary) were feeding on seeds, fruit or flowers. The rest were divided between those that feed on invertebrates (Common Fiscal, Grassland Pipit, Common Stonechat and Cape Robin Chat), those that ate small mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and nectar feeders (Bronze Sunbird). Food items taken from the ground were comprised largely of weed seeds and invertebrates, whereas most (80%) food items taken from

The amount of crop damage attributed to birds varied. Speckled Mousebird foraged on a wide variety of crops, Speke’s and Baglafecht Weaver mostly foraged on maize, green peas, wheat and oats. Oat and wheat were taken by seedeaters including the few flocks of Redbilled Quelea and Jackson’s and Longtailed Widowbirds that were observed.

COULD THE BIRDS HAVE BEEN PROVIDING SOME SERVICES?

Species observed foraging on the ground and on weed plants could be said to be providing beneficial weed control services. By the same token, it can be said that weeds on farms play a crucial role in supporting birds and other biodiversity in crop fields. Parts of this study have been published in the scientific journals Bird Study (Volume 60, part 2) and Ostrich (Volume 84, issue 1)

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Streaky Seedeater feeding

on weed seeds. Photo by Kar

Bronze Sunbirds, Yellow-crowned Canaries, Speckled Mousebirds and Kenya Rufous Sparrows favoured hedges and tree lines, which were mostly composed of exotics. I most often found Ring-necked Dove where fields were fallow or in tree lines or hedges. Within cultivated fields, the diversity of crops seemed to have an effect on bird species richness and abundance, with these reduced in monocultures of wheat and oats.

iuki Ndang’ang’a

crop and weed plants were seeds, flowers or fruits. High numbers of birds took food items from crop and weed plants during the wet season, but switched to taking seeds from the ground in the dry season.

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Northern White-crowned Shrike. Photo by Peter Usher

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