TR_Kenya_May2008

Kenya
Africa in a Nutshell
10-31 May, 2008

Guide: Benji Schwartz
Participants: Frank and Toni Wong

All photos taken on this tour

Introduction:
With world-class accommodation, spectacular scenery, and an amazing array of bird and mammal species, Kenya is the ideal destination for both birders and non-birders alike. It also makes an excellent introduction to Africa with habitat ranging from montane forest to open savannah and lowland rainforest with tremendous opportunities to truly study and get to grips with some of Africa’s most iconic species. Run as a custom tour, we were able to completely adjust the intensity of our birding to match our other interests. With a large focus on photography and mammal viewing, as well as a chance to experience some of Kenya’s outstanding culture, we were able to have an enjoyable and relaxed experience while still seeing a large number of fantastic birds.

Day 1: Lake Magadi
Birding in a new place is always a thrill, but when that place is on a different continent, and in an amazing country like Kenya, the excitement is almost unbearable. After having picked up species such as Superb Starling and Marabou Stork on the brief drive to our hotel the previous evening, our first new bird on our first full day was the gorgeous Bronze Sunbird. This unexpected find perched nicely for us on a telephone wire just on the outskirts of Nairobi. Having gotten off to a great start, we continued on our way to Lake Magadi. Brief roadside stops introduced us to some of the more common species such as White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Streaky Seedeater, and Kenya Rufous Sparrow that we would become very familiar with during our trip. A longer stop in Olepolos was our first true introduction to how amazing birding in Kenya can be. The birds just kept on appearing; from the giant White-bellied Go-away-bird to tiny Yellow-bellied Eremomela and species such as Red-and-yellow Barbet, Blue-headed Cordon-bleu, Banded Parisoma, and White-bellied Canary mixed in-between. The real highlight however was the majestic Kori Bustard that seemed not to notice us there and with stately grace walked by within fifteen meters of us!
Continuing on our way we made one final stop as a flock of about 10 Beautiful Sunbird fed on flowers along the roadside just before Lake Magadi. As we arrived, the thrill of hundreds of Flamingoes, both Greater and Lesser, was almost too much to take, but we soon started spotting other shorebirds as the flamingoes melted into the background. Lake Magadi was chock-a-block full of the normally difficult to find Chestnut-banded Plover. Every time our bins were raised, another plover seemed to appear. Combine this with Curlew Sandpiper, slews of Pied Avocet, African Spoonbill, and Yellow-billed Stork, and Lake Magadi was definitely in good form. A final stop at a small water drip turned up African classics such as Namaqua Dove, Cut-throat Finch, Chestnut Sparrow, African Silverbill, and Chestnut Weaver. While it didn’t feel that the excitement of our first day could be matched, we knew there was still a lot more to come!

Day 2: Nairobi NP
Located within the city limits of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi NP is home to over 600 species: the highest species count of any capital city in the world! The almost mind-numbing number of birds seen in our one day here kept us constantly on our toes. The morning started out with fields full of Red-collared and White-winged Widowbirds dashing about all around us. We were also surprised and thrilled to find that the fields were full of Cardinal Quelea; a species that is only seasonally common in Kenya and often difficult to find. Driving through the park, birds weren’t the only things on our minds as we soon began to encounter some of the mammals that Africa is famous for. Giraffes became a common background to our birding, but the true mammalian thriller was a gorgeous black rhino seen feeding on the plains. However, in a day of over 100 bird, and 7 mammal species, the highlight was still to come. As we were making our way back towards the exit gate, a strange sight drew all our attention. Out in the field an odd shape could be seen bouncing up and down. As soon as this stopped, the same could be seen in another part of the field, and then another and another. At least six Jackson’s Widowbird, an East African endemic, could be seen displaying all around us! Being able to sit and watch such a rare and amazing feat was definitely the highlight of a day full of amazing experiences!


Red-and-yellow Barbet were quite common in suitable habitat throughout the tour	Malachite Kingfisher is always a highlight for kingfisher enthusiasts

Day 3: Mt. Kenya – Castle Lodge
Leaving Nairobi, our excitement levels were high as we would now be spending an extended period of time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The day began around the small town of Thika where we managed to pick up our first waterfowl of the trip with species including Red-billed, White-faced Whistling-, and Yellow-billed Ducks. Further stops along the way produced Black-backed Puffback, African Jacana, and amazing numbers of Intermediate Egret. Feeling ready for lunch, we made our way to Castle Lodge. Located on Mt. Kenya, Kenya’s highest mountain, we were set for a fabulous time. As hungry as we had all been, our food was unfortunately left to get cold due to the amazing number of sunbirds flitting past our table. The highlight of them all was the absolutely spectacular Tacazze Sunbird. The beautiful sunny day only went to make the iridescent gold and purple on this amazing species even brighter. An afternoon walk through the forest brought us species such as African Crowned-Eagle, Hunter’s Cisticola, African Hill Babbler, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. However, the absolute highlight of the day came as we were on our way to dinner. Sitting at the top of a bare tree was a singing Abbott’s Starling! This East African endemic is confined to the highland slopes of Mt. Kenya and Northern Tanzania. While often extremely difficult to track down, this cooperative bird sat in perfect view for over an hour.

Day 4: Mt. Kenya – Mountain Lodge
While the heat from the fireplace may have kept some of us snug in bed, a persistent Montane Nightjar seemed to have plans of its own for our morning. Once rousted, the nightjar proceeded to sit in the open, providing excellent spotlight looks at our first nocturnal bird of the trip. As the sun rose, other birds began to make themselves known as well. Best of all, our Abbott’s Starling was back and had brought six of his friends. We now had a great chance to study both the males and the females. While difficult to tear ourselves away from this great bird, we knew there were still plenty of species for us to pick up. We quickly encountered, amongst others, Montane Oriole, Black-throated Apalis, and Kandt’s Waxbill. Having already had a fulfilling morning, we decided it was past time for some coffee and a great breakfast before heading on our way.
En-route to Mountain Lodge, a brief stop was all that was needed to find a lovely pair of roosting African Wood Owl. Accidentally flushing this bird was an overall bonus as it perched quite close and was immediately mobbed by a massive flurry of birds including Grey-capped Warbler, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, and Yellow-whiskered Greenbul. After taking in all the excitement of this mobbing action, we decided to leave the owl in peace and continue on our way to Mountain Lodge. While the bird activity here was rather slow, it did provide some excellent photographic opportunities and along with excellent views of the fantastic Golden-winged Sunbird and massive numbers of Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon. The mammal viewing also went a long way to make up for the slow birding. African buffalo, defassa waterbuck, and bushbuck surrounded the waterhole in the afternoon, while darkness brought spotted hyena, greater-spotted genet, and white-tailed mongoose.

Day 5: Naru Moru
Feeling bad for their previous day’s inactivity, the birds this morning definitely seemed to feel they had some catching up to do. As soon as the sun hit the trees the birds started hopping around in earnest. We quickly picked up many of the specialties including Grey and Chestnut-throated Apalis, Slender-billed Greenbul, and fantastic views of Hartlaub’s Turaco. After a fantastic session of binocular aerobics, we sat down to a great breakfast before beginning our journey to Naru Moru. Passing through the Solio Plains, we quickly began accumulating even more species. The most fantastic of all though were the magnificent Long-tailed Widowbird in amazing breeding plumage. With foot-and-a-half long tails, watching these birds flit through the grasslands was an awe-inspiring sight! Other highlights here included African Silverbill, Northern Anteater-Chat, and massive flocks of the worlds most numerous land passerine: the Red-billed Quelea. Arriving at Naru Moru after a hectic morning of birding, we decided to relax a bit and watch as the splendid Tacazze, Bronze, and Golden-winged Sunbirds all vied for position at the flowering Jacarandas. Even in our relaxed mood, we couldn’t help but pick up species such as Rufous Chatterer, Black Cuckoo-Shrike, and African Hawk-Eagle.

Grey-headed Negrofinch was quite common in the montane forests of Mt. Kenya

Endemic to East Africa and often quite difficult to find, 8 Abbott's Starling were seen around Castle Forest Lodge, Mt. Kenya

Day 6: Lake Naivasha
After some pre-breakfast birding, we were set to descend into the warmer climes of the Great Rift Valley. Our first stop on the way to Lake Naivasha was at the famous Mackinder’s Eagle-Owl site where we were able to get some excellent photos of our second day-roosting owl of the trip. We then made our way to Thompson Falls. This stunning waterfall is surrounded by picturesque gardens filled with birds. While marveling at a gorgeous Amethyst Sunbird overhead, our attention was quickly diverted as a pair of Sharpe’s Starling flew into a bare tree. These striking, though not easily found, starlings hung about for quite a while as they popped in and out of what turned out to be a large cavity nest. While we could have sat watching and photographing these stunners for ages, hunger pangs began to set in and we decided to continue on our way.
After gorging ourselves on a terrific lunch at Lake Naivasha, we loaded up into a canoe to let the food settle. Normally designed as a chance to see hippo, of which we saw two very large pods, the bird viewing was astounding as well. While watching a surprisingly friendly Giant Kingfisher, we quickly began ticking off cuckoos as Klaas’s, Dideric, African, and Red-chested Cuckoos all flew into a group of lakeside acacias. Other sightings from the canoe included Red-headed and Grosbeak Weavers, Grey-crowned Crane, Purple Gallinule, and hundreds of breeding plumage Whiskered Tern. Well pleased with our relaxing afternoon effort, but still wanting more, we explored the grounds of the Lake Naivasha Country Club. Just as the light was fading we managed to track down a singing Black Cuckoo, of the less widespread gabonensis subspecies, that seemed to be arriving a bit late for the earlier cuckoo party.

Day 7: Hell’s Gate and Lake Nakuru
An old volcanic crater, Hell’s Gate NP provides stunning scenery as the massive cliff faces rise out of the open plains. Our birding here began with a bang as Schalow’s Wheatear, one of the local specialties, was found hopping in a garden right at the entrance gate. Although not everyone was impressed with the beauty of this species, it is quite striking for a wheatear. Entering the park, our first stop was at a giant outcrop known as Witch’s Tit. While usually fairly active with passerines, a soaring pair of Lanner Falcon seemed to be keeping the birds hidden. We continued on through the massive herds of zebra and had excellent views of nearly 75 perched and soaring Rueppell’s Griffon. While swift numbers were low, we did manage to separate the Nyanza from the more common African Black Swifts. A final stop at the Witch’s Tit found the falcons perched and a very responsive Mocking Cliff-Chat before we left to begin the drive to Lake Nakuru.
Lake Nakuru is always an amazing experience and this afternoon was no exception. An attempt to drive straight from the entrance gate all the way to the lodge without stopping turned out to be futile as within minutes of entering the park two large francolins ran across the road. While worried we might miss out on lunch, we couldn’t stop ourselves from reaching for bins. It was definitely a good thing we did as the birds turned out to be two Hildebrandt’s Francolin frantically chasing each other on the road. While locally common, this species is often very difficult to pick up and always a good find. Just making it to the lodge in time for lunch, we spent some time relaxing before heading back out to see what other birds the park had in store. We weren’t disappointed as we quickly found Green Woodhoopoe, Blue-naped Mousebird, and Lilac-breasted Roller. The birding continued to be fantastic with hundreds of Great White Pelican and both Lesser and Greater Flamingoes, but the real highlight came just as we were about to start our return journey to the lodge. Having stopped to watch a Red-capped Lark, our attention was immediately drawn away by a black-backed jackal being chased by, and then chasing, a Grant’s gazelle. As if this wasn’t enough of a show, a spotted hyena came to join in the fun. While all the animals ended up going their separate ways, seeing this natural interplay is truly one of the most quintessential of African experiences.

Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Lake Baringo
Stepping out of our cabins as the sun was rising we were immediately greeted by the sight of thousands of White Pelican covering the surface of Lake Nakuru. While flamingo numbers weren’t as high, this was soon forgotten as we began ticking off species on our way to breakfast. White-browed Robin-Chat, Northern Black-Flycatcher, African Thrush, and Grey-headed Woodpecker were all seen within minutes of opening our doors and breakfast itself was interrupted by a stunning male Mocking Cliff-Chat hopping under our table. As we began our drive, the morning’s frenzy continued with amazing sightings including Common Scimitar-bill, Buff-bellied Warbler, Black-crowned Tchagra, Northern Crombec, and a stately Secretarybird. With final views of more Hildebrandt’s Francolin, we decided to depart Nakuru as the morning activity died down.
With Baringo being a center for the troubles of a few months past, it was wonderful to be greeted so enthusiastically by residents happy to see a return to normality. While some of the lodges in the area hadn’t reopened, the birds took no notice and were as prolific as ever. Though ventures further afield were planned for the afternoon, the massive number of birds in the lakeshore gardens ended up keeping us completely occupied. A virtual feast of fallen seeds was well underway when we arrived and some of the bird highlights included Jackson’s Hornbill – a specialty of the area, Rueppell’s Long-tailed Glossy-Starling, Brown Babbler, White-billed Buffalo-Weaver, and Spotted Palm-Thrush. As rain and strong winds began to pick up, a beautiful double rainbow was our last sight before turning in for the night.


Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater were quite common through out the tour, but not quite as photogenic as this one	Red-chested Cuckoo was just one of the 5 cuckoo species seen at Lake Naivasha

Day 9: Lake Baringo to Kakamega Forest
While the number of nocturnal birds that can usually be found at Baringo was low, the famous Baringo Cliffs more than made up for their absence. Starting off the morning with terrific sightings of a pair of roosting Grayish Eagle-Owl, we soon became swamped with birds including Pygmy Batis, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, and Bristle-crowned Starling. Heading to the cliffs, we soon picked out Mouse-colored Penduline-Tit, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Red-fronted Warbler, and Green-winged Pytilia. After picking up a slew of new birds, we departed from Baringo excited to reach our next destination. Kakamega forest stands alone in Kenya as a last patch of Congolese Rainforest. As such, there are many species here that can’t be found anywhere else in Kenya. We were all extremely excited to reach this unique destination and our optimism for its possibilities was quickly justified. Before even having a chance to check into Rondo Retreat, a pair of the comical and cartoonish Great Blue Turaco were spotted in a tree directly outside our cabin. Perched out in the open, these birds allowed excellent views (and photos) before they began running through the trees like giant, crested squirrels. While on-and-off-again downpours made the last hour of birding before sunset difficult, it didn’t stop us picking up a couple more goodies in the form of Grey-winged Robin-Chat and Brown-chested Alethe. With two full days of birding Kakamega ahead of us, it was a thrill to have picked up two quite difficult birds within our first hour!

Day 10: Kakamega Forest
With heavy rain continuing throughout the night, we were quite relieved when it finally let up as the sun rose. And no sooner had the rain stopped than the birds came out in force! Before even reaching the dining room we had seen Slender-billed Greenbul, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, White-headed Saw-wing, and, best of all, the globally threatened and extremely range restricted Turner’s Eremomela. With such a great start to the day, we didn’t think things could possibly improve; little did we know what was in store! Birding around the grounds of Rondo Retreat turned out to be extremely productive. Flowering trees brought in swarms of Green-headed, Green-throated, Bronze, Scarlet-chested, and Northern Double-collared Sunbirds while Grey-winged and Snowy-crowned Robin-Chats hopped on the ground nearby. Making our way out to the road we quickly picked up goodies such as White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Chubb’s Cisticola, African Blue-Flycatcher, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, and Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill. Feeling quite happy with our morning effort, we jokingly commented that it was a shame we hadn’t seen more barbets about. Well, they must have heard us and been offended because they showed up in force once we arrived back at our cabin. Grey-throated, Double-toothed, Hairy-breasted, and Yellow-spotted Barbets were all seen feeding on a bush just behind the main office! Watching their feeding frenzy soon made us realize we were due for one of our own before beginning our afternoon jaunt.
Unfortunately the rains once again began just as we were about to head further afield into the forest. We started on our way regardless of the weather, but the deluge soon had us questioning our sanity. Just as we were about to give up and head back, a Black-faced Rufous Warbler was heard and we decided to brave the rain and exit the van to track it down. As soon as we stepped out of the vehicle the rain suddenly stopped and not only did we see the warbler, but a very obliging Leudher’s Bush-shrike flew within meters of us for excellent looks (though we were all kicking ourselves for not having cameras with us due to the rain). With the rain stopped, we continued our walk with highlights including Olive-green Camaroptera, Banded Prinia, Kakamega Greenbul, and Dusky Tit. As a grand finale to a terrific day, two notorious skulkers, Equatorial Akalat and Brown-chested Alethe, came out into the open on the side of the road!

Day 11: Kakamega
Still on a bird-high from the previous days bonanza, we spent the day searching the forest interior for some of Kakamegas more difficult species. While the quantity was no match for the day before, the quality was definitely up there. Within minutes of starting we had picked up Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Uganda Wood-Warbler, Brown-eared Woodpecker, and Olive-green Camaroptera. Continuing deeper into this lush forest the birding got more difficult, but the benefits seemed greater. The piercing call of Scaly-breasted Illadopsis could be heard all around us while Red-tailed Bristlebill and Cabanis’s Greenbul hopped through the undergrowth. We were soon lucky enough to hit a large flock where we picked out species such as Pink-footed Puffback, African Shrike-Flycatcher, Red-headed Malimbe, Dusky Crested-Flycatcher, Yellowbill, and both Chestnut and Yellow-breasted Wattle-eyes. One of the highlights though was spotting what on first sight appeared to be a Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher; an extremely rare bird in the region. On closer inspection, the bird in question turned out to be a partial hybrid with African Paradise-Flycatcher (a much more common bird in the region). While having a red belly and lacking the white in the wings, the gray-blue of the head came down to merge slightly with the red. Definitely a gorgeous bird and all the more exciting for the controversy it raised over countability! Though bird activity slowed down in the afternoon, stunning Red-headed Bluebill and Blue-headed Bee-eater made the extra effort well worthwhile!


Running through the trees like a giant squirrel, the comical Great Blue Turaco is always one of the highlights of Kakamega Forest	Hairy-breasted Barbet displayed very nicely on the grounds of Rondo Retreat, Kakamega Forest

Day 12: Masai Mara
Though mostly a driving day, Kenya is the sort of place where it’s near impossible not to see new birds. Leaving Kakamega before the birds were active, we arrived at Kisumu quite early and decided to take advantage of the situation by having a peak at one of Africa’s largest lakes: Lake Victoria. Massive numbers of Hammerkop surrounded us as we watched Fan-tailed Widowbird and the absolutely stunning Red-chested Sunbird flit through the reeds. With our photographic thirst quenched we left Lake Victoria only to come to a screeching halt on the outskirts of Kisumu as a horde of African Openbill landed in the roadside rice paddies!
After a long drive, we arrived in the Mara with a bit of light remaining and birded our way to the lodge. While Water Thick-knee, Black Coucal, and Yellow-throated Longclaw were all impressive, the true draw of the Masai Mara is in the assortment and pure number of mammals. Huge herds (properly referred to as “dazzles”) of zebra could be seen frolicking on the open plains with Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle, impala, topi, wildebeest, and hartebeest while stately giraffe fed in the distance. An obliging family of elephant passed extremely close while a hyena with numerous cubs wrestled and yelped right next to the van (one of the cubs actually started trying to eat the vans radio antenna before we decided it was time to go!) With a late afternoon thunder storm rolling in, we arrived at the lodge full of anticipation for what the next couple days would bring!

Day 13: Masai Mara
The Masai Mara definitely did not disappoint us today. Starting off the morning we quickly picked up Rosy-throated Longclaw, Parasitic Weaver, and displaying Flappet Lark. Our mind soon turned from birds though as we caught sight of a cheetah with two cubs perched atop a termite mound. These stunning animals were very cooperative and provided excellent photo opportunities. By the time other vehicles arrived to check out our sighting, they seemed rather confused as we were all facing away from the cheetah to get photos of a lovely displaying Sooty Chat and a covey of Harlequin Quail. Continuing on, we soon encountered our second large cat species for the morning: a male and female lion. Not at all wary of our presence, the true king of the African savannah got up to stretch and show off within mere meters of the vehicle! With our excitement levels high we drove off in search of more amazing experiences.
The afternoon found us in the midst of hundreds of zebra. The sea of black-and-white stripes was almost mind boggling and it was easy to see how their hides provide a great strategy for confusing potential predators. As we continued driving we noticed a distinct lack of ungulates and soon spotted the cause: a lone cheetah on the prowl and looking quite hungry! Even while surrounded by such amazing mammals, birds were not neglected. African Wattled Lapwing sat preening on the shore of the Mara River surrounded by hippos and crocodiles while Singing Bushlark flitted between hooves. Stopped to view a stunning Lappet-faced Vulture, we were commenting on the seeming lack of large ground dwelling birds when a White-bellied Bustard flew from the tall grasses. Not 100 meters later a pair of Black-bellied Bustard dust bathing in the middle of the road provided an excellent close to the day.

With a displaying Sooty Chat on one side and a cheetah family on the other, it was hard to know exactly where to point the camera

Day 14: Masai Mara
Deviating slightly from birding, today was spent experiencing the local Masai culture. Visiting a small village, we were allowed to see the traditional lifestyle led by this ancient tribal group. Primarily shepherds leading a semi-nomadic existence, the villages lack electricity, running water, and many of the other modern amenities that are often considered so essential to our survival. Greeted by a traditional dance of welcome, the chief was kind enough to give us a tour through the small village and through his small shelter. While we were all fascinated by the Masai way of life, they seemed equally enthralled with our birding gear and looking through the spotting scope was definitely a highlight for them.
Though our day was rather relaxing and not a lot of time was spent searching for birds, we still managed some extraordinary species. Walking around the grounds of one of the lodges we were stopped in our tracks as Ross’s Turaco began calling nearby. Tracking the bird down, we were able to get spectacular looks of this stunning purple, yellow, and red bird. While watching these, we were flabbergasted as two Schalow’s Turaco flew into the same tree. While this is your more run-of-the-mill green turaco, its extremely long crest makes it quite distinctive and its limited range in East Africa makes it all that much more exciting. Seeing both of these spectacular turacos in one tree surely makes up for the lack of time spent birding during the rest of the day! Still, we did manage quite a few other species including Gray Kestrel, Capped Wheatear, Slate-colored Boubou, Long-billed Pipit, and the range restricted Usambiro Barbet. Add to this over 20 species of mammal, including great views of both cheetah and lion, and the combination of culture, birding, photography, and mammal viewing was definitely a success!

Day 15: Masai Mara to Nairobi
Primarily a travel day, our morning began with a final drive through the vast open plains of the Mara. With mammals and birds at every turn, it’s always difficult to say good-bye to this fantastic region. With final views of elephant, giraffe, zebra, and many others, we left the park to start our journey back to Nairobi. The drive brought us through more amazing scenery and, once up the escarpment, superb views over the Great Rift Valley. Before arriving in Nairobi, a stop at the Limuru ponds rounded off our waterfowl list with species such as Maccoa, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, and the often difficult to find White-backed Duck. Though this was the end of the standard two-week tour, we had all luckily signed up for the eastern extension and were thrilled to know that there was still so much more to see and explore.

Day 16: Nairobi to Tsavo West
Leaving the city once again, we were all quite excited to see what our first new bird in the east would be. We definitely weren’t disappointed! A short stop at Hobcraft Ranch on our way to Tsavo proved to be extremely beneficial. While the bird numbers here weren’t extremely high, the quality was tremendous and we quickly picked up our number one target species: Red-throated Tit. This endemic of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania is often quite difficult to find and we were absolutely flabbergasted at the ease with which we saw this species and how cooperative it was in giving us great views! Our day definitely would have been well spent if that was the only species we saw but, Kenya being Kenya, there’s always more to come. Arriving in Tsavo we briefly birded the area around the gate where we picked up Hunter’s Sunbird, the dodsoni subspecies of Common Bulbul, and the fantastically tiny Pygmy Falcon. Other highlights of our afternoon drive and time spent photographing birds around the lodge include African Bare-eyed Thrush, Spot-flanked Barbet, Spotted Mourning-Thrush, and Abyssinian Scimitar-bill.


The only thing better than seeing a stunning Golden-breasted Starling is seeing a tree full of them!	Endemic to Eastern Africa, Fischer's Starling is quite easy to spot in Tsavos acacia woodland

Day 17: Tsavo West
Eating breakfast before first light, we were stationed and ready as the first birds came in to a wonderful fruiting fig tree on the lodge grounds. African Green Pigeon, Grey-headed Bush-shrike, and Black-throated Barbet could all be seen partaking in their early morning feast before we hit the roads to see what else Tsavo had to offer. After the vast open plains of the Masai Mara, birding in Tsavo was quite a shock to the system. Rather than open savannah with sparse acacias, Tsavo is acacia woodland and seemed extraordinarily dense after our time in the Mara. As we got used to our new surroundings, we quickly realized that though the mammals are quite similar, the birds are very different. We soon began racking up new species including Pink-breasted Lark, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Pangani Longclaw, and Black-capped Social-Weaver. As the day began to heat up and bird activity diminished we decided to explore the natural beauty around us. With the snow-covered summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background we drove through the stunning valleys that make up this section of Tsavo. Giraffe, elephant, and lesser kudu could all be seen making their way through this truly remote wilderness.
Early afternoon found us at Sagala Lodge. Taking advantage of being able to leave the van behind and explore on foot, we once again began to quickly find some astounding birds. Fischer’s Starling were quite common along with African Black-headed Oriole and Tsavo Purple-banded Sunbird. Large amounts of chattering overhead soon brought our walk to a halt as we found a tree filled with species including White-crested Helmetshrike, Slate-colored Boubou, Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird, and Yellow-spotted Petronia. Searching for what had caused all the raucous, we soon discovered two well camouflaged Pearl-spotted Owlet perched in the center of the tree. Seeing this mobbing behavior was truly spectacular, but the real highlight was still to come. Making our way back to the lodge we came across one of the most stunning sights any of us had seen: a tree full of Golden-breasted Starling. With its iridescent blue-purple back and long tail, this bird is nice enough from behind, but with the first hint of its bright golden-yellow belly, the heart truly starts racing. The Golden-breasted Starling was immediately elevated to favorite bird of the trip!

Day 18: Taita Hills to Tsavo East
Ascending from the hot and dry woodlands of Tsavo, we found ourselves in the isolated forests of the Taita Hills. Separated from other montane forests, the Taita Hills have evolved three unique subspecies which may well deserve full species status. These were of course the birds we were in hot pursuit of. While the Taita White-eye (a sub-species of Montane White-eye) was, as always, easy to find, the other two proved quite difficult. Hearing the Taita Apalis (a sub-species of Bar-throated Apalis) quite frequently didn’t seem to help in actually setting eyes on them. After an exhaustive search we were near the point of giving up when once again the bird began calling in the canopy up-slope of us. Dashing off into the forest, we were shocked when, rather than the apalis, we quite suddenly came face-to-face with the Taita Thrush (a sub-species of Olive Thrush). Within a few minutes we had nailed the apalis as well. While our fleeting glimpses left us wanting more, we were thrilled that our arduous effort hadn’t been in vain. While these three species were by far the highlight of our morning excursion, other species included Yellow-throated Wood-Warbler, Stripe-cheeked Bulbul, and Cabanis’s Greenbul.
Returning to the lowlands, we made our way to Tsavo East where we once again began picking up open-country species including African Mourning Dove, Gray Wren-Warbler, and Three-streaked Tchagra. The real highlight of the afternoon however was another lion sighting. While these magnificent beasts tend to be fairly lazy and inactive during the day, the late afternoon found one lioness out on the hunt. First spotted trying to stealthily peer over an embankment, the lioness soon turned her attention our way and came strutting down the road right next to our van. Seeing such a powerful creature in action so close was the thrill of a lifetime!

Day 19: Tsavo East to Malindi
Our last morning in what is so often thought of as quintessential Africa was spent searching the acacias for previously missed species. As a last opportunity for Africa’s big game, time was also spent getting final pictures of the elephant, giraffe, zebra, and myriad antelope that we had gotten so used to. With flocks of Red-billed Quelea numbering in the thousands and a varied assortment of sparrow-weavers, sparrow-larks, buffalo-weavers, starlings, and francolins surrounding us, it was a truly phenomenal farewell. The highlight however was a chance encounter with a Golden Pipit. Unlike the majority of pipits – drab, brown-streaked, and often confusing – this species is bright yellow with a small black breast-band and is absolutely stunning. While often quite difficult to find, we were extremely lucky in seeing two perched up in plain view. It was definitely a fantastic ending to our time in Tsavo!
As we made our way to the coast the rain began to fall. With a brief window of clear skies we stopped at Mida Creek. As we made our way out onto the flats, we began picking up a host of shorebirds. However, as we reached the bird hide it immediately began pouring down rain once again. Not deterred, we starting ticking of waders including Lesser Sandplover, Terek Sandpiper, and, our target bird, the odd looking Crab-plover. Having picked up our key species and ready for a hot shower at the beach resort, we made our way back to the van wet but pleased with having gotten the birds we wanted.

Tsavo is one of Kenya's premier mammal watching locations and we were lucky enough to see these spotted hyena and lion within meters of our van

Day 20: Sokoke Forest and Sabaki River
With the heavy rains from the previous evening continuing through breakfast, we decided to brave the elements and see what we could find at the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. This isolated remnant patch of coastal lowland rainforest is home to many endemic and specialty species and we were thrilled when the rain stopped just as we arrived. We soon began picking up birds such as Green Barbet, African Golden Oriole, Pallid Honeyguide, and the stunning red-crested Fischer’s Turaco – all the more exciting as it was one of the specialties we were searching for! Heading into the lush brachystigia forest the birding started out slow but we were soon going at break-neck speed as we ran into a couple feeding flocks. Birds here included Retz’s and Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrikes, brightly colored Narina Trogon, tiny Little Yellow Flycatcher and Pale Batis, Forest Weaver, and amazing views of the endemic Mombasa Woodpecker. Hardly able to keep up with all the activity, we continued on to search for another of Sokokes endemic specialties. Walking along the road, the soft whistle of the Sokoke Pipit was suddenly heard nearby and we quickly dashed off into the forest. Skulking along the forest floor, this species is often quite difficult to find but we were lucky enough to have two sit up perched for us out in the open; one facing towards us and the other away just to be sure that we could have the best views imaginable! Hardly able to tear ourselves away, lunch was beckoning and we reluctantly left this amazing forest.
Wanting a chance at better photographic opportunities, we decided that the afternoon would be spent in the more open habitat of the Sabaki River mouth. While the weather remained in our favor, we never would have guessed what the afternoon had in store for us. Starting out with a beautiful blue sky, the rain again began to fall just as we were arriving at the Sabaki River. Within moments, the van became stuck in the mud. Despite all our best efforts, it seemed we would be there for a while. Quite close to our final destination, we set out birding as the local villagers arrived to replace us in helping our driver out of the muck. Scanning the flats we soon began spotting new birds for the trip including African Skimmer, Greater and Lesser Crested Terns, Eurasian Curlew, and Lesser Black-backed Gull. As the sun began to set, we returned to the van only to find that it had been abandoned. Two local children informed us that the villagers’ efforts had accomplished little more than our own so they had all gone off to find a tractor. Taking advantage of our “extra” birding time, we were lucky enough to see lovely flocks of Madagascar Pratincole coming in to roost. Just as we began to give up hope of our drivers return, the tractor’s bright lights rounded the corner. In holiday mood, the villagers quickly had us out of the mud and on our way. No Kenyan experience is complete without getting stuck in the mud at least once and due to the friendly Kenyan nature, what could have been a very frustrating situation ended up being quite a lark!

Day 21: Lake Jilare and Mida Creek
With the morning once again looking rather rainy, we set out to brave the weather and were once again thrilled when the rain stopped just as we reached our destination. Lake Jilare, located on the far side of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest on the road towards Tsavo’s Sala gate, is a lovely haven for water birds and surrounded by beautiful acacia woodland. With the sun beginning to shine the birds became active and we quickly picked up Jacobin Cuckoo, Mouse-colored sunbird, and Scaly Babbler. Scanning the open water, the absolutely stunning African Pygmy-Goose was quickly spotted and, to everyone’s extreme delight, a Mangrove Kingfisher came to perch quite nearby. Though in the seemingly wrong habitat, this lovely species seemed to feel perfectly at home in the acacia surrounded lake.
With a long journey home the following day, it was decided that the afternoon should be spent enjoying the marvelous Kenyan coast and relaxing on the beach while the weather held out. As the clouds began to close in, we decided that one last foray should be made to Mida Creek to attempt some non-rain-drenched photos of the Crab Plover. Arriving at high tide, all the waders were fabulously close and we were able to get to grips with many of this often confusing group of birds. While photography was our main goal, we couldn’t help but pick up a few new species including Ruddy Turnstone and Woolly-necked Stork.


This Dimorphic Egret seemed quite keen to steal the African Openbills hard earned food	While the Sokoke Pipit didn't allow any photos, the African Pygmy Kingfisher next to them in Sokoke was much more cooperative

Bird List

1	(Common) Ostrich	Struthio camelus
2	Little Grebe (Dabchick)	Tachybaptus ruficollis
3	Great White Pelican	Pelecanus onocrotalus
4	Pink-backed Pelican	Pelecanus rufescens
5	Great (White-breasted) Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo
6	Long-tailed (Reed) Cormorant	Phalacrocorax africanus
7	Darter	Anhinga melanogaster
8	Gray Heron	Ardea cinerea
9	Black-headed Heron	Ardea melanocephala
10	Goliath Heron	Ardea goliath
11	Purple Heron	Ardea purpurea
12	Great Egret (Egret)	Ardea alba
13	Intermediate Egret	Egretta intermedia
14	Little Egret	Egretta garzetta
15	Dimorphic Egret	Egretta garzetta dimorpha
16	Cattle Egret	Bubulcus ibis
17	Black-crowned Night-Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax
18	Hamerkop	Scopus umbretta
19	Yellow-billed Stork	Mycteria ibis
20	African Openbill	Anastomus lamelligerus
21	Woolly-necked Stork	Ciconia episcopus
22	Marabou Stork	Leptoptilos crumeniferus
23	Sacred Ibis	Threskiornis aethiopicus
24	Hadada Ibis	Bostrychia hagedash
25	Glossy Ibis	Plegadis falcinellus
26	African Spoonbill	Platalea alba
27	Greater Flamingo	Phoenicopterus roseus	Yellow-billed Stork was seen quite regularly throughout the trip
28	Lesser Flamingo	Phoenicopterus minor
29	Fulvous Whistling-Duck	Dendrocygna bicolor
30	White-faced Whistling-Duck	Dendrocygna viduata
31	White-backed Duck	Thalassornis leuconotus
32	Egyptian Goose	Alopochen aegyptiacus
33	Comb (Knob-billed) Duck	Sarkidiornis melanotos
34	African Pygmy-goose	Nettapus auritus
35	Yellow-billed Duck	Anas undulata
36	Red-billed Duck	Anas erythrorhyncha
37	Maccoa Duck	Oxyura maccoa
38	Black-shouldered Kite	Elanus caeruleus
39	Yellow-billed Kite	Milvus migrans aegyptius
40	African Fish-Eagle	Haliaeetus vocifer
41	White-backed Vulture	Gyps africanus
42	Rueppell's Griffon	Gyps rueppellii
43	Lappet-faced Vulture	Torgos tracheliotus
44	White-headed Vulture	Trigonoceps occipitalis
45	Brown Snake-Eagle	Circaetus cinereus
46	Bateleur	Terathopius ecaudatus
47	African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene)	Polyboroides typus
48	Lizard Buzzard	Kaupifalco monogrammicus
49	Eastern Chanting-Goshawk	Melierax poliopterus
50	Gabar Goshawk	Micronisus gabar
51	Black Goshawk	Accipiter melanoleucus
52	Augur Buzzard	Buteo augur
53	Tawny Eagle	Aquila rapax
54	Wahlberg's Eagle	Aquila wahlbergi
55	African Hawk-Eagle	Aquila spilogaster
56	Martial Eagle	Polemaetus bellicosus
57	Long-crested Eagle	Lophaetus occipitalis
58	Crowned Hawk-Eagle	Stephanoaetus coronatus
59	Secretary-bird	Sagittarius serpentarius
60	Pygmy Falcon	Polihierax semitorquatus
61	Gray Kestrel	Falco ardosiaceus
62	Lanner Falcon	Falco biarmicus
63	Crested Francolin	Francolinus sephaena
64	Scaly Francolin	Francolinus squamatus
65	Hildebrandt's Francolin	Francolinus hildebrandti
66	Yellow-necked Francolin (Spurfowl)	Francolinus leucoscepus
67	Red-necked Francolin (Spurfowl)	Francolinus afer
68	Harlequin Quail	Coturnix delegorguei
69	Helmeted Guineafowl	Numida meleagris
70	Gray (Southern) Crowned-Crane	Balearica regulorum
71	Black Crake	Amaurornis flavirostris
72	Purple Swamphen	Porphyrio porphyrio
73	Common Moorhen	Gallinula chloropus
74	Red-knobbed Coot	Fulica cristata
75	Kori Bustard	Ardeotis kori
76	White-bellied Bustard	Eupodotis senegalensis
77	Buff-crested Bustard	Eupodotis gindiana
78	Black-bellied Bustard	Lissotis melanogaster
79	African Jacana	Actophilornis africanus
80	Crab Plover	Dromas ardeola
81	Black-winged Stilt	Himantopus himantopus
82	Pied Avocet	Recurvirostra avosetta
83	Water Thick-knee (Dikkop)	Burhinus vermiculatus
84	Madagascar Pratincole	Glareola ocularis
85	Long-toed Lapwing	Vanellus crassirostris
86	Blacksmith Plover	Vanellus armatus
87	Spur-winged Plover	Vanellus spinosus	One of the most looked for species at Mida Creek, Crab Plover was quite easy to see this year
88	Black-headed Lapwing	Vanellus tectus
89	Black-winged Lapwing	Vanellus melanopterus
90	Crowned Lapwing	Vanellus coronatus
91	Wattled Lapwing	Vanellus senegallus
92	Black-bellied Plover	Pluvialis squatarola
93	Common Ringed Plover	Charadrius hiaticula
94	Kittlitz's Plover	Charadrius pecuarius
95	Three-banded Plover	Charadrius tricollaris
96	Chestnut-banded Plover	Charadrius pallidus
97	Lesser Sandplover	Charadrius mongolus
98	Whimbrel	Numenius phaeopus
99	Eurasian Curlew	Numenius arquata
100	Common Greenshank	Tringa nebularia
101	Wood Sandpiper	Tringa glareola
102	Terek Sandpiper	Xenus cinereus
103	Common Sandpiper	Actitis hypoleucos
104	Ruddy Turnstone	Arenaria interpres
105	Sanderling	Calidris alba
106	Little Stint	Calidris minuta
107	Temminck's Stint	Calidris temminckii
108	Curlew Sandpiper	Calidris ferruginea
109	Ruff	Philomachus pugnax
110	Sooty Gull	Larus hemprichii
111	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Larus fuscus
112	Gray-headed Gull	Larus cirrocephalus
113	Lesser Crested Tern	Sterna bengalensis
114	Great Crested (Swift) Tern	Sterna bergii
115	Whiskered Tern	Chlidonias hybridus
116	African Skimmer	Rynchops flavirostris
117	Black-faced Sandgrouse	Pterocles decoratus
118	Rock (Feral) Pigeon	Columba livia
119	Speckled (Rock) Pigeon	Columba guinea
120	Rameron (Olive) Pigeon	Columba arquatrix
121	Delegorgue's (Eastern Bronze-naped) Pigeon	Columba delegorguei
122	Dusky Turtle-Dove	Streptopelia lugens
123	African Mourning Dove	Streptopelia decipiens
124	Red-eyed Dove	Streptopelia semitorquata
125	Ring-necked (Cape Turtle) Dove	Streptopelia capicola
126	Laughing Dove	Streptopelia senegalensis
127	Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove	Turtur chalcospilos
128	Blue-spotted Wood-Dove	Turtur afer
129	Tambourine Dove	Turtur tympanistria
130	Namaqua Dove	Oena capensis
131	African Green-Pigeon	Treron calva
132	Fischer's Lovebird	Agapornis fischeri
133	Red-fronted Parrot	Poicephalus gulielmi
134	Red-bellied (African Orange-bellied) Parrot	Poicephalus rufiventris
135	Great Blue Turaco	Corythaeola cristata
136	Schalow's Turaco	Tauraco schalowi
137	White-crested Turaco	Tauraco leucolophus
138	Fischer's Turaco	Tauraco fischeri
139	Hartlaub's Turaco	Tauraco hartlaubi
140	Ross's Turaco	Musophaga rossae	Red-fronted Parrot roosted in the tree just outside the dining room at Castle Lodge, Mt. Kenya
141	White-bellied Go-away-bird	Corythaixoides leucogaster
142	Pied (Black-and-white, Jacobin) Cuckoo	Clamator jacobinus
143	Red-chested Cuckoo	Cuculus solitarius
144	Black Cuckoo	Cuculus clamosus
145	African Cuckoo	Cuculus gularis
146	Klaas's Cuckoo	Chrysococcyx klaas
147	African Emerald Cuckoo	Chrysococcyx cupreus
148	Dideric Cuckoo	Chrysococcyx caprius
149	Yellowbill (Green Coucal)	Ceuthmochares aereus
150	Black Coucal	Centropus grillii
151	White-browed Coucal	Centropus superciliosus
152	Cape [Mackinder's] Eagle-Owl	Bubo capensis
153	Spotted Eagle-Owl	Bubo africanus
154	Grayish Eagle-Owl	Bubo cinerascens
155	Verreaux's (Giant) Eagle-Owl	Bubo lacteus
156	African Wood-Owl	Strix woodfordii
157	Pearl-spotted Owlet	Glaucidium perlatum
158	Abyssinian (Montane) Nightjar	Caprimulgus poliocephalus
159	Slender-tailed Nightjar	Caprimulgus clarus
160	Bat-like (Bohm's) Spinetail	Neafrapus boehmi	A likely split from Cape Eagle-Owl, Mackinder's Eagle-Owl is found at much higher elevations
161	African Palm-Swift	Cypsiurus parvus
162	Mottled Swift	Tachymarptis aequatorialis
163	Nyanza Swift	Apus niansae
164	African (Black) Swift	Apus barbatus
165	Little Swift	Apus affinis
166	White-rumped Swift	Apus caffer
167	Speckled Mousebird	Colius striatus
168	White-headed Mousebird	Colius leucocephalus
169	Blue-naped Mousebird	Urocolius macrourus
170	Narina Trogon	Apaloderma narina
171	Bar-tailed Trogon	Apaloderma vittatum
172	Malachite Kingfisher	Alcedo cristata
173	African Pygmy-Kingfisher	Ispidina picta
174	Gray-headed (Gray-hooded) Kingfisher	Halcyon leucocephala
175	Woodland Kingfisher	Halcyon senegalensis
176	Mangrove Kingfisher	Halcyon senegaloides
177	Striped Kingfisher	Halcyon chelicuti
178	Giant Kingfisher	Megaceryle maximus
179	Pied Kingfisher	Ceryle rudis
180	Blue-headed Bee-eater	Merops muelleri
181	White-fronted Bee-eater	Merops bullockoides
182	Little Bee-eater	Merops pusillus
183	Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater	Merops oreobates	Mangrove Kingfisher was a last minute surprise around Lake Jilare
184	White-throated Bee-eater	Merops albicollis
185	Madagascar (Olive) Bee-eater	Merops superciliosus
186	Lilac-breasted Roller	Coracias caudata
187	Rufous-crowned (Purple) Roller	Coracias naevia
188	[African Hoopoe]	[Upupa africana]
189	Green (Red-billed) Woodhoopoe	Phoeniculus purpureus
190	Common (Greater) Scimitar-bill	Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
191	Abyssinian Scimitar-bill	Rhinopomastus minor
192	Red-billed Hornbill	Tockus erythrorhynchus
193	Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill	Tockus flavirostris
194	Jackson's Hornbill	Tockus jacksoni
195	Von der Decken's Hornbill	Tockus deckeni
196	Crowned Hornbill	Tockus alboterminatus
197	Hemprich's Hornbill	Tockus hemprichii
198	African Gray Hornbill	Tockus nasutus
199	Trumpeter Hornbill	Ceratogymna bucinator
200	Silvery-cheeked Hornbill	Ceratogymna brevis
201	Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill	Ceratogymna subcylindricus
202	Southern Ground-Hornbill	Bucorvus leadbeateri
203	Gray-throated Barbet	Gymnobucco bonapartei
204	Green Barbet	Stactolaema olivacea
205	Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird	Pogoniulus bilineatus
206	Red-fronted Tinkerbird	Pogoniulus pusillus
207	Yellow-spotted Barbet	Buccanodon duchaillui
208	Hairy-breasted Barbet	Tricholaema hirsuta
209	Red-fronted Barbet	Tricholaema diademata
210	Spot-flanked Barbet	Tricholaema lachrymosa
211	Black-throated Barbet	Tricholaema melanocephala
212	White-headed Barbet	Lybius leucocephalus
213	Double-toothed Barbet	Lybius bidentatus
214	Yellow-billed Barbet	Trachyphonus purpuratus
215	Red-and-yellow Barbet	Trachyphonus erythrocephalus
216	D'Arnaud's Barbet	Trachyphonus darnaudii
217	Usambiro Barbet	Trachyphonus darnaudii usambiro
218	Scaly-throated Honeyguide	Indicator variegatus
219	Lesser Honeyguide	Indicator minor
220	Least Honeyguide	Indicator exilis
221	Pallid Honeyguide	Indicator meliphilus
222	Nubian Woodpecker	Campethera nubica
223	Mombasa Woodpecker	Campethera mombassica
224	Tullberg's (Fine-banded) Woodpecker	Campethera tullbergi
225	Brown-eared Woodpecker	Campethera caroli	This sub-species of D'Arnaud's Barbet is restricted to the Serengeti system and may be given full species status
226	Cardinal Woodpecker	Dendropicos fuscescens
227	Bearded Woodpecker	Dendropicos namaquus
228	Gray-headed Woodpecker	Dendropicos spodocephalus
229	Singing Bushlark	Mirafra cantillans
230	Red-winged Lark	Mirafra hypermetra
231	Rufous-naped Lark	Mirafra africana
232	Flappet Lark	Mirafra rufocinnamomea
233	Pink-breasted Lark	Calendulauda poecilosterna
234	Foxy (Fawn-colored, Abyssinian) Lark	Calendulauda alopex
235	Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark	Eremopterix signata
236	Fischer's Sparrow-Lark	Eremopterix leucopareia
237	Red-capped Lark	Calandrella cinerea
238	Plain (Brown-throated Sand) Martin	Riparia paludicola
239	Banded Martin	Riparia cincta
240	Rock Martin	Ptyonoprogne fuligula
241	Barn (European) Swallow	Hirundo rustica
242	Angola Swallow	Hirundo angolensis
243	Wire-tailed Swallow	Hirundo smithii
244	Lesser Striped-Swallow	Cecropis abyssinica
245	Rufous-chested (Red-breasted) Swallow	Cecropis semirufa
246	Mosque Swallow	Cecropis senegalensis
247	Red-rumped Swallow	Cecropis daurica
248	White-headed Sawwing	Psalidoprocne albiceps
249	Blue (Black) Sawwing	Psalidoprocne pristoptera
250	African Pied Wagtail	Motacilla aguimp
251	Cape Wagtail	Motacilla capensis
252	Mountain (Long-tailed) Wagtail	Motacilla clara
253	Golden Pipit	Tmetothylacus tenellus
254	Yellow-throated Longclaw	Macronyx croceus
255	Rosy-throated (Rosy-breasted) Longclaw	Macronyx ameliae
256	Pangani Longclaw	Macronyx aurantiigula
257	Plain-backed Pipit	Anthus leucophrys
258	African (Grassveld) Pipit	Anthus cinnamomeus
259	Long-billed Pipit	Anthus similis
260	Sokoke Pipit	Anthus sokokensis
261	Petit's Cuckoo-shrike	Campephaga petiti
262	Black Cuckoo-shrike	Campephaga flava	Yellow-throated Longclaw is quite common in the open savannas of the Masai Mara
263	Common (Black-eyed) Bulbul	Pycnonotus barbatus
264	Dodson's Bulbul	Pycnonotus barbatus dodsoni
265	Shelley's [Kakamega] Greenbul	Andropadus masukuensis
266	(Little) Gray Greenbul	Andropadus gracilis
267	Slender-billed Greenbul	Andropadus gracilirostris
268	(Zanzibar) Sombre Greenbul	Andropadus importunus
269	Yellow-whiskered Bulbul	Andropadus latirostris
270	Eastern Mountain-Greenbul	Andropadus nigriceps
271	Stripe-cheeked Bulbul (Greenbul)	Andropadus milanjensis
272	Honeyguide Greenbul	Baeopogon indicator
273	Yellow-bellied Greenbul	Chlorocichla flaviventris
274	Joyful Greenbul	Chlorocichla laetissima
275	Cabanis's Greenbul	Phyllastrephus cabanisi
276	Toro Olive-Greenbul	Phyllastrephus hypochloris
277	Common (Red-tailed) Bristlebill	Bleda syndactyla
278	Eastern (Yellow-spotted) Nicator	Nicator gularis
279	White-tailed Ant-Thrush	Neocossyphus poensis
280	Olive Thrush	Turdus olivaceus
281	[Taita Thrush]	[Turdus helleri]
282	African Thrush	Turdus pelios
283	African Bare-eyed Thrush	Turdus tephronotus
284	Brown-chested Alethe	Alethe poliocephala
285	Singing Cisticola	Cisticola cantans
286	Chubb's Cisticola	Cisticola chubbi
287	Hunter's Cisticola	Cisticola hunteri
288	Rattling Cisticola	Cisticola chiniana
289	Winding Cisticola	Cisticola galactotes
290	Stout Cisticola	Cisticola robustus
291	Zitting (Fan-tailed) Cisticola	Cisticola juncidis
292	Tawny-flanked Prinia	Prinia subflava	Chubb's Cistocal displayed quite nicely around Kakamega Forest
293	White-chinned Prinia	Prinia leucopogon
294	Banded [Black-faced] Prinia	Prinia bairdii
295	Black-collared Apalis	Apalis pulchra
296	Taita Apalis	Apalis thoracica fuscigularis
297	Black-throated Apalis	Apalis jacksoni
298	Yellow-breasted Apalis	Apalis flavida
299	Chestnut-throated Apalis	Apalis porphyrolaema
300	Black-headed Apalis	Apalis melanocephala
301	Gray Apalis	Apalis cinerea
302	Red-fronted Warbler	Urorhipis rufifrons
303	Gray-capped Warbler	Eminia lepida
304	Green-backed Camaroptera	Camaroptera brachyura
305	[Gray-backed Camaroptera]	[Camaroptera brevicaudata]
306	Olive-green Camaroptera	Camaroptera chloronota
307	Gray Wren-Warbler	Calamonastes simplex
308	Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler	Bradypterus cinnamomeus
309	Black-faced Rufous-Warbler	Bathmocercus rufus
310	(African) Moustached Grass-Warbler	Melocichla mentalis
311	African Reed-Warbler	Acrocephalus baeticatus
312	Mountain Yellow Warbler	Chloropeta similis
313	Buff-bellied Warbler	Phyllolais pulchella
314	Yellow-bellied Eremomela	Eremomela icteropygialis
315	Turner's Eremomela	Eremomela turneri
316	Northern Crombec	Sylvietta brachyura
317	Red-faced Crombec	Sylvietta whytii
318	Yellow-throated Wood-Warbler	Phylloscopus ruficapillus
319	Uganda Wood-Warbler	Phylloscopus budongoensis
320	Greater (Common) Whitethroat	Sylvia communis
321	Banded Warbler (Parisoma)	Parisoma boehmi
322	Silverbird	Empidornis semipartitus
323	Pale Flycatcher	Bradornis pallidus
324	African Gray Flycatcher	Bradornis microrhynchus
325	White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher	Melaenornis fischeri
326	Northern Black-Flycatcher	Melaenornis edolioides
327	Southern Black-Flycatcher	Melaenornis pammelaina
328	African Dusky Flycatcher	Muscicapa adusta
329	Ashy Flycatcher	Muscicapa caerulescens
330	White-starred (Starred) Robin	Pogonocichla stellata
331	Equatorial Akalat	Sheppardia aequatorialis
332	Cape Robin-Chat	Cossypha caffra
333	Gray-winged Robin-Chat	Cossypha polioptera
334	Rueppell's Robin-Chat	Cossypha semirufa
335	White-browed Robin-Chat	Cossypha heuglini
336	Red-capped (Natal) Robin-Chat	Cossypha natalensis
337	Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat	Cossypha niveicapilla
338	Spotted Morning-Thrush (Palm-Thrush)	Cichladusa guttata
339	(Eastern) Bearded Scrub-Robin	Cercotrichas quadrivirgata
340	Brown-backed Scrub-Robin	Cercotrichas hartlaubi
341	Red-backed (White-browed) Scrub-Robin	Cercotrichas leucophrys
342	African Stonechat	Saxicola torquata
343	Mourning (Schalow's) Wheatear	Oenanthe lugens
344	Capped Wheatear	Oenanthe pileata
345	Familiar (Red-tailed) Chat	Cercomela familiaris
346	Brown-tailed (Rock) Chat	Cercomela scotocerca
347	Northern Anteater-Chat	Myrmecocichla aethiops
348	Sooty Chat	Myrmecocichla nigra	This charming Snow-crowned Robin-Chat was very cooperative on the grounds of Rondo Retreat, Kakamega Forest
349	Mocking Cliff-Chat	Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
350	African Shrike-flycatcher	Megabyas flammulatus
351	Brown-throated (Common) Wattle-eye	Platysteira cyanea
352	Chestnut Wattle-eye	Platysteira castanea
353	Jameson's Wattle-eye	Platysteira jamesoni
354	Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye	Platysteira concreta
355	Short-tailed (Forest) Batis	Batis mixta
356	Chinspot Batis	Batis molitor
357	Pale (East Coast) Batis	Batis soror
358	Pygmy Batis	Batis perkeo
359	(Little) Yellow Flycatcher	Erythrocercus holochlorus
360	African Blue-Flycatcher	Elminia longicauda
361	Dusky Crested-Flycatcher	Elminia nigromitrata
362	White-tailed Crested-Flycatcher	Elminia albonotata
363	Black-headed (Red-bellied) Paradise-Flycatcher	Terpsiphone rufiventer
364	African Paradise-Flycatcher	Terpsiphone viridis
365	Scaly-breasted Illadopsis	Illadopsis albipectus
366	African Hill Babbler	Illadopsis abyssinica
367	Scaly Chatterer	Turdoides aylmeri
368	Rufous Chatterer	Turdoides rubiginosus
369	Black-lored (Sharpe's) Babbler	Turdoides sharpei
370	Scaly Babbler	Turdoides squamulatus
371	Northern Pied-Babbler	Turdoides hypoleucus
372	Brown Babbler	Turdoides plebejus
373	Arrow-marked Babbler	Turdoides jardineii
374	White-bellied Tit	Melaniparus albiventris
375	Dusky Tit	Melaniparus funereus
376	Red-throated Tit	Melaniparus fringillinus
377	Mouse-colored Penduline-Tit	Anthoscopus musculus
378	Kenya (Eastern) Violet-backed Sunbird	Anthreptes orientalis
379	Collared Sunbird	Hedydipna collaris
380	Amani Sunbird	Hedydipna pallidigaster
381	Green-headed Sunbird	Cyanomitra verticalis
382	Eastern Olive-Sunbird	Cyanomitra olivacea
383	Mouse-colored (Grey) Sunbird	Cyanomitra veroxii
384	Green-throated Sunbird	Chalcomitra rubescens
385	Amethyst (Black) Sunbird	Chalcomitra amethystina
386	Scarlet-chested Sunbird	Chalcomitra senegalensis
387	Hunter's Sunbird	Chalcomitra hunteri
388	Tacazze Sunbird	Nectarinia tacazze
389	Bronze Sunbird	Nectarinia kilimensis
390	Golden-winged Sunbird	Drepanorhynchus reichenowi
391	Northern Double-collared Sunbird	Cinnyris preussi
392	Eastern Double-collared Sunbird	Cinnyris mediocris
393	Beautiful Sunbird	Cinnyris pulchellus
394	Mariqua (Marico) Sunbird	Cinnyris mariquensis
395	Red-chested Sunbird	Cinnyris erythrocerca
396	Purple-banded Sunbird	Cinnyris bifasciatus
397	Tsavo [Purple-banded] Sunbird	Cinnyris tsavoensis
398	Variable (Yellow-bellied) Sunbird	Cinnyris venustus
399	African Yellow White-eye	Zosterops senegalensis
400	Broad-ringed (Montane) White-eye	Zosterops poliogastrus	The stunning Bronze Sunbird was our very first bird of the trip, right on the outskirts of Nairobi
401	[Taita White-eye]	[Zosterops silvanus]
402	White-breasted (Abyssinian) White-eye	Zosterops abyssinicus
403	African Golden Oriole	Oriolus auratus
404	African Black-headed Oriole	Oriolus larvatus
405	Black-tailed (Montane) Oriole	Oriolus percivali
406	Gray-backed Fiscal	Lanius excubitoroides
407	Long-tailed Fiscal	Lanius cabanisi
408	Taita Fiscal	Lanius dorsalis
409	Mackinnon's Shrike (Fiscal)	Lanius mackinnoni
410	Common Fiscal (Shrike)	Lanius collaris
411	White-rumped (Northern White-crowned) Shrike	Eurocephalus rueppelli
412	Brubru	Nilaus afer
413	Northern Puffback	Dryoscopus gambensis
414	Black-backed Puffback	Dryoscopus cubla
415	Pink-footed Puffback	Dryoscopus angolensis
416	Black-crowned Tchagra	Tchagra senegala
417	Brown-crowned (Three-streaked) Tchagra	Tchagra australis
418	Three-streaked Tchagra	Tchagra jamesi
419	Luehder's Bushshrike	Laniarius luehderi
420	Tropical Boubou	Laniarius aethiopicus
421	Black-headed Gonolek	Laniarius erythrogaster
422	Slate-colored Boubou	Laniarius funebris
423	Rosy-patched Bushshrike	Rhodophoneus cruentus
424	Gray-green (Bocage's) Bushshrike	Telophorus bocagei
425	Gray-headed Bushshrike	Malaconotus blanchoti
426	White (White-crested) Helmetshrike	Prionops plumatus
427	Retz's (Red-billed) Helmetshrike	Prionops retzii	Luehder's Bushshrike showed quite well at Kakamega Forest
428	Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike	Prionops scopifrons
429	Square-tailed Drongo	Dicrurus ludwigii
430	Fork-tailed (Common) Drongo	Dicrurus adsimilis
431	House Crow	Corvus splendens
432	Cape (Black) Crow (Rook)	Corvus capensis
433	Pied Crow	Corvus albus
434	Fan-tailed Raven	Corvus rhipidurus
435	White-necked (White-naped) Raven	Corvus albicollis
436	Wattled Starling	Creatophora cinerea
437	Greater Blue-eared Glossy-Starling	Lamprotornis chalybaeus
438	Rueppell's (Long-tailed) Glossy-Starling	Lamprotornis purpuropterus
439	Golden-breasted Starling	Lamprotornis regius
440	Black-bellied Glossy-Starling	Lamprotornis corruscus
441	Superb Starling	Lamprotornis superbus
442	Hildebrandt's Starling	Lamprotornis hildebrandti
443	Violet-backed (Plum-coloured) Starling	Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
444	Fischer's Starling	Spreo fischeri
445	Red-winged Starling	Onychognathus morio
446	Waller's Starling	Onychognathus walleri
447	Bristle-crowned Starling	Onychognathus salvadorii
448	Stuhlmann's Starling	Poeoptera stuhlmanni
449	Kenrick's Starling	Poeoptera kenricki
450	Sharpe's Starling	Pholia sharpii
451	Abbott's Starling	Pholia femoralis
452	Red-billed Oxpecker	Buphagus erythrorhynchus
453	Yellow-billed Oxpecker	Buphagus africanus
454	White-billed Buffalo-Weaver	Bubalornis albirostris
455	Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver	Bubalornis niger
456	White-headed Buffalo-Weaver	Dinemellia dinemelli
457	Speckle-fronted Weaver	Sporopipes frontalis
458	White-browed Sparrow-Weaver	Plocepasser mahali
459	Gray-headed (Gray-capped) Social-Weaver	Pseudonigrita arnaudi
460	Black-capped Social-Weaver	Pseudonigrita cabanisi	Endemic to Eastern Africa, Sharpe's Starling was found nesting at Thomson Falls
461	Baglafecht Weaver	Ploceus baglafecht
462	Little Weaver	Ploceus luteolus
463	Lesser Masked-Weaver	Ploceus intermedius
464	Spectacled Weaver	Ploceus ocularis
465	Black-necked Weaver	Ploceus nigricollis
466	Black-billed Weaver	Ploceus melanogaster
467	Golden Palm Weaver	Ploceus bojeri
468	Northern Masked-Weaver	Ploceus taeniopterus
469	Vitelline Masked-Weaver	Ploceus vitellinus
470	Village (Black-headed) Weaver	Ploceus cucullatus
471	Speke's Weaver	Ploceus spekei
472	Vieillot's (Black) Weaver	Ploceus nigerrimus
473	Chestnut Weaver	Ploceus rubiginosus
474	Forest (Dark-backed) Weaver	Ploceus bicolor
475	Brown-capped Weaver	Ploceus insignis
476	Red-headed Malimbe	Malimbus rubricollis
477	Red-headed Weaver	Anaplectes rubriceps
478	Cardinal Quelea	Quelea cardinalis
479	Red-billed Quelea	Quelea quelea
480	Yellow-crowned Bishop	Euplectes afer
481	Yellow (Yellow-rumped) Bishop	Euplectes capensis
482	Fan-tailed Widowbird	Euplectes axillaris
483	Yellow-shouldered (Yellow-mantled) Widowbird	Euplectes macrourus
484	White-winged Widowbird	Euplectes albonotatus
485	Red-collared Widowbird	Euplectes ardens
486	Long-tailed Widowbird	Euplectes progne
487	Jackson's Widowbird	Euplectes jacksoni
488	Grosbeak Weaver	Amblyospiza albifrons
489	Gray-headed Negrofinch	Nigrita canicapilla
490	Green-winged Pytilia	Pytilia melba
491	Red-headed Bluebill	Spermophaga ruficapilla
492	Red-billed Firefinch	Lagonosticta senegala
493	Red-cheeked Cordonbleu	Uraeginthus bengalus
494	Blue-capped Cordonbleu	Uraeginthus cyanocephalus
495	Purple Grenadier	Uraeginthus ianthinogaster
496	Yellow-bellied Waxbill	Estrilda quartinia
497	Common Waxbill	Estrilda astrild
498	Black-crowned Waxbill	Estrilda nonnula
499	Kandt's [Black-headed] Waxbill	Estrilda kandti
500	Red-rumped (Black-cheeked) Waxbill	Estrilda charmosyna
501	African Quailfinch	Ortygospiza fuscocrissa
502	African Silverbill	Euodice cantans
503	Gray-headed (Munia) Silverbill	Odontospiza griseicapilla
504	Bronze Mannikin	Spermestes cucullatus
505	Black-and-white (Red-backed) Mannikin	Spermestes bicolor
506	Cut-throat (Finch)	Amadina fasciata
507	Village Indigobird (Widowfinch)	Vidua chalybeata
508	Pin-tailed Whydah	Vidua macroura
509	Eastern Paradise-Whydah	Vidua paradisaea
510	Parasitic Weaver (Cuckoo Finch)	Anomalospiza imberbis
511	Cinnamon-breasted (Rock) Bunting	Emberiza tahapisi
512	Yellow-crowned [Cape] Canary	Serinus flavivertex	Huge numbers of Afircan Quailfinch were found in the Masai Mara this year
513	African Citril	Serinus citrinelloides
514	Southern [Easte African] Citril	Serinus hyposticutus
515	Reichenow's (Yellow-rumped) Seedeater	Serinus reichenowi
516	Yellow-fronted Canary	Serinus mozambicus
517	Southern Grosbeak-Canary	Serinus buchanani
518	White-bellied Canary	Serinus dorsostriatus
519	Brimstone (Bully) Canary	Serinus sulphuratus
520	Streaky Seedeater	Serinus striolatus
521	Thick-billed Seedeater	Serinus burtoni
522	House Sparrow	Passer domesticus
523	Kenya [Rufous] Sparrow	Passer rufocinctus
524	Gray-headed Sparrow	Passer griseus
525	Parrot-billed Sparrow	Passer gongonensis
526	Swaheli Sparrow	Passer suahelicus
527	Chestnut Sparrow	Passer eminibey
528	Yellow-spotted Petronia	Petronia pyrgita

Mammal List:

1	Black-and-white (Guereza) Colobus	Colobus guereza
2	Olive Baboon	Papio anubis
3	Yellow Baboon	Papio cynocephalus
4	Vervet Monkey	Cercopithecus pygerythrus
5	Gentle (Blue) Monkey	Cercopithecus mitis
6	Gentle (Sykes) Monkey	Cercopithecus mitis albogularis
7	Red-tailed Monkey	Cercopithecus ascanius
8	Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew	Rhynchocyon chrysopygus
9	Unstriped Ground Squirrel	Xerus rutilis
10	Red-bellied Coast Squirrel	Paraxerus palliatus
11	Red-legged Sun Squirrel	Heliosciurus rufobrachium
12	Giant Forest Squirrel	Protoxerus stangeri
13	Black-backed Jackal	Canis mesomelus
14	Bat-eared Fox	Otocyon megalotis
15	Black-tipped (Slender) Mongoose	Herpestes sanguinea
16	Dwarf Mongoose	Helogale parvula
17	Banded Mongoose	Mungos mungo
18	White-tailed Mongoose	Ichneumia albicauda
19	Spotted Hyaena	Crocuta crocuta
20	Common (Large-spotted) Genet	Genetta geneta
21	Lion	Panthera leo
22	Cheetah	Acinonyx jubatus
23	Black-necked Rock Hyrax	Procavia johnstoni
24	Eastern Tree Hyrax	Dendrohyrax validus
25	African Elephant	Loxodonta africana
26	Common (Grant's) Zebra	Equus quagga boehmi
27	Black Rhinoceros	Diceros bicornis
28	White Rhinoceros	Ceratotherium simum
29	Hippopotamus	Hippopotamus amphibius
30	Common Warthog	Pharcochoerus africanus
31	Masai Giraffe	Giraffa tippelskirchi
32	Rothschild's Giraffe	Giraffa rothschildi
33	African (Cape) Buffalo	Syncerus caffer
34	Bushbuck	Tragelaphus scriptus
35	Lesser Kudu	Tragelaphus imberbis
36	Eland	Taurotragus oryx
37	Blue Duiker	Cephalophus monticola
38	Kirk's Dikdik	Madoqua kirkii
39	Waterbuck	Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa
40	Thomson's (Red-fronted) Gazelle	Gazella rufifrons
41	Grant's Gazelle	Gazella granti
42	Gerenuk	Litocranius walleri
43	Impala	Aepyceros melampus
44	Topi	Damaliscus korrigum
45	Coke's Hartebeest	Alcelaphus buselaphus cokei
46	White-bearded Gnu (Wildebeest)	Connochaetes taurinus albojubatus
47	Beisa Oryx	Oryx beisa