The participants [all from the UK] were all members of the dba although not all were disabled. Those participating were Bo & Maggie Crombet-Beolens, [Bo has some mobility problems caused by arthritis], Brian and Joanna Anderson [Brian must always use a wheelchair as a result of childhood polio and Joanna has to wear a leg calliper from the same cause] and Lawrence and Anne Robinson [Lawrence’s mobility has been severely restricted by a stroke and he has to use a wheelchair most of the time]. The tour was led by another dba member – (the late) John McAllister from South Africa – whilst John is a professional guide and does not consider himself disabled he has had a number of medical problems over the years that give him considerable sensitivity to the needs of those whose physical abilities are at times restricted.
The tour was organised at cost by Nigel Moorehouse – also an able-bodied dba member – in his guise as owner operator of SARUS Bird Tours. Nigel approached Bo some time ago offering to organise a trip and they cooked up the Kenya venture between them.
Background
The Birds
A full list of birds seen appears at the end of the report. For those who have not been to East Africa it should be said that several species are impossible to avoid and are guaranteed at almost every site – such as Superb Starling, Speckled Mousebird, Common Bulbul, African Pied Wagtail, etc. The grassland also guarantees others such as Rattling Cisticola [I found out that this rhymes not with Coca Cola but with testicular!] and Rufous-naped Lark.
For someone who has never been out of the UK the vast majority of the birds seen at this time of year will be lifers – the exceptions being a few waders and other ubiquitous species such as Kestrel etc. and some left over migrants reluctant to chance the climate of the UK!
The number of species seen – 310 – in two weeks compares well with most able-bodied trips. This is, in part, because many sites are National Parks and have large and dangerous animals, so visitors must stay within vehicles. Hotel gardens etc. could be observed by the participants almost as well as fully able observers.
Even those who have travelled to West Africa will find that about two thirds of the species seen will be new to them. South Africans (John attests) share about half the species on offer but many are of different races and so appear different to observers.
Flights and Airports
Outward bound from Gatwick spoils one for any other airports – facilities are good, there are accessible toilets and it is easy to get help on and off of the aircraft (having said that an early morning arrival often means few or no staff to give assistance and much delay waiting for help). Nairobi is not so fortunate but arrival can be assisted with porters pushing wheelchairs etc.
Outward bound is a different story – there are no toilets in the departure lounge and the ones nearby are up narrow steps. There is a useable toilet but it is not easy to find. For those with money left over at the end of the tour bare in mind that Duty Free is not particularly cheap and there is not a comprehensive range of goods.
Ground Transport
To give everyone space [and extra storage for wheelchairs] two vehicles were used with local drivers (two guys used by SARUS before who are knowledgeable about the birds and other fauna). The vehicles were mini buses of Japanese manufacture – this latter is mentioned only because viewing was not always optimal as the windows are quite low down. Visibility would probably be better from, for example, a Volkswagon minibus. Each had had a seat removed so that a wheelchair and user could be lifted into the vehicle and manoeuvre themselves into a normal seat.
Whilst a ramp had been made locally to assist with this process it proved too steep and too flimsy and Brian was lifted in by the guide and two drivers [our thanks to them] without too much difficulty.
In general – in all aspects of the trip – participants were prepared to put up with a measure of discomfort rather than miss out on the birds; this attitude helped make the trip the success it was.
The norm for able-bodied groups would be for stops to see particular birds at known locations, often involving a short walk. This also allows the drivers [who work a very long day] to take breaks. However, this is not often appropriate for disabled groups unable to traverse rocky ground or forest tracks strewn with roots. Future trips need to alert drivers in advance and build some sensitivity to their needs. It is better to have one long break over lunch in a bird-filled hotel garden than lots of little breaks where the dba members can’t get to the birds and the drivers wander off for a smoke.
Brian Anderson writes: The slope of the ramp created locally for getting a wheelchair and occupant into the vehicle used was very badly designed and could have been dangerous but for the fact that I ensured that there were enough people helping me when I gave it a trial. As anticipated the wheels slipped of the ramp, but the numbers of people around ensured that I did not meet with disaster. My vision of sitting in my wheelchair, in the empty space provided proved to be unworkable because of four factors.
Firstly, it would have blocked access and egress to the vehicle for the other passengers.
Secondly, bird watching would have been very difficult as the wheelchair seating was so much higher the normal seating.
Thirdly, the wheelchair passenger would block some of the view of other passengers.
Fourthly, as no adequate anchorage for wheelchairs was built into the supplied vehicle, it would have been positively dangerous to be a wheelchair passenger.
Because of these factors, and because of the basic assumption that adapted minibuses would very rarely be available, at least in third world destinations, the disabled birder must be prepared to be put into a passenger seat or wriggle himself into one.
This means that some wheelchair disabled – like myself – will lose the comfort and support that the wheelchair gives. As my experience grew I was able to adapt to improve my comfort levels. At the beginning I became quite uncomfortable and sore, and thereby more tired, until, by using my wheelchair cushion and strapping my folded wheelchair next to me as an armrest support I was able to get some relief from overall discomfort.
Disabled birders contemplating these trips will have to take this very important factor into account. You are many hours in the supplied vehicle, driving over some very bumpy roads, with, as in my case no way to relieve the discomfort because it is difficult to stand briefly or otherwise relieve pressure as able-bodied birders can.
he loading of disabled into vehicles will have to be based on each individual’s needs but the design of suitable ramping will help in solving some of the problem. As I said earlier the ramp supplied was of no value as the maker had no experience with wheelchairs. To obviate this happening again persons involved in the provision of a ramp should consult a disabled person or disabled organisation, or obtain a wheelchair, sit in it, and try the produced ramp themselves.
There are good ramps on the UK market that can fold down for easy stowing. Perhaps the DBA can be a forum for deciding on suitable ramping for vehicles we use the in future.
Hazards
All overseas travellers to third world countries would do well to remember to buy bottled water for drinking and washing your teeth – the worst tummy bugs come from drinking water that is not pure. We had a few (blessedly few) “Imodium moments” as this rule was followed. I avoid salads (washed in tap water) but others did not and got away with it. Food was well cooked but, after the driver had a bad experience with cold chicken, we tended to ask for vegetarian packed lunches as these are not refrigerated for hours in the sun.
We saw no snakes or spiders and the large insects left us alone or were part of the fascination of the place. There were a few biting flies and mosquitoes but we mostly avoided these – everyone was taking some form of Malaria protection and we all sprayed with DEET based insect repellent to minimise risks.
Whenever we stopped in towns or near people we were soon being offered all sorts of bargains. Almost all were good natured, polite and friendly and able to accept rejection stoically. It was certainly not as bad as I have experienced in West Africa and many people were as interested in swapping their souvenirs for pens of English coins as in selling them. As an aside I wished I had taken a few boxes of pens and sweets for the kids – they were not troublesome and very polite, I wish I could have helped more.
Access
Brian Anderson writes: In my view any disabled birder going on birding holidays to any other country should be prepared to be very flexible with the real situation on arrival at foreign hotels and the mode of transport. For a totally wheelchair-bound person it is also necessary, in my opinion, to have a companion with you, because some of the room facilities were not accessible to the “wheelchair” person e.g. wardrobes and curtains, etc. This is especially so with visits to developing nations. Because I am totally wheelchair-bound I decided that four basic conditions had to be met. These were:
straightforward access to the toilet
straightforward access to the sink
straightforward access to the bed
some means of getting in and out of a vehicle, either by ramping or manual lifting.
These conditions were met on the Kenya trip, but sometimes only just. Now that the first DBA trip has been experienced we have a springboard to campaign for better facilities in the hotels we stayed at. Most of the Kenyan staff were very helpful and it seemed that they would be susceptible to suggestions on improving facilities for the future.
The Hotels
Rift Valley Lodge
The text below looks at hotels in terms of access, general standard and birding opportunities. In all but one hotel the staffing was very efficient, helpful, polite and even charming or entertaining. Whatever was asked for arrived and all the services (such as laundry) was fast and effective. The standard of food was high and no one went hungry or found nothing to their taste. As a veggie I always found something to my taste (usually vegetable curries) and Maggie (with a sweet tooth) often found a good selection of desserts. The only exception to these remarks was Naro Moru River Lodge that, we now understand, is in the midst of refurbishment. Their assistant manager seemed keen to include some better access design for disabled customers and we will be writing to him with suggestions (as we will to all the hotels).
Hotel Boulevard
We stayed at Hotel Boulevard for our first two nights and returned for one night before departure.
The Grounds Whilst not extensive and in central Nairobi (very near the University) the birding was good and fun both as an introduction and for winding down. The grounds are divided from the grounds of the Museum by a small but fast flowing river home to mountain wagtails and more. From the lawns it was possible to see birds on both sides of the river. There is a very nice rear garden but it is awkwardly sloped for wheelchair pushing. The grounds are mostly flat and even and accessible. Public areas are either ramped or were ramped for us. It wasn’t easy to get from a room to the lawn direct in a wheelchair as there are several steps and this could easily be remedied (although the room layout doesn’t help).
There is a very large occupied Hammerkop nest in a eucalypt by the river and this was regularly raided by Yellow-billed Kites for nesting material. Each night about two dozen each of Hadada and Sacred Ibis roosted in the same trees. Speckled Mousebirds were mating and nesting and the skies were often filled with kettles of Kites, ariel plankton eating Little Swifts and Marabou coming and going. The supporting cast were Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters and (many fewer) little bee-eaters, bronze manikins, variable Sunbirds, Streaky Seed-eaters, Olive Thrush, Common Bulbul, African Citril, Canaries and Weavers (mostly Reichenow’s), African Firefinch, Amethyst Sunbirds, Lesser-striped Swallows etc. A Sparrowhawk regularly visited but we were never quick enough to positively ID it.
The Rooms & Facilities Rooms were basic but clean and of an acceptable standard. The bathrooms were large enough to get a wheelchair into and turn it within and the WC’s and sinks were accessible being at the right height. There were baths with shower attachments that were not a lot of use to wheelchair users or those unable to climb into a bath. The addition of a simple bath seat would have helped. The bedrooms had a table and chair as well as twin beds and wardrobe, but one would be unable to get a wheelchair near wardrobes. However, not enough space exists between the bottom of the beds and the table to allow a wheelchair through. This could be overcome by better design or arrangement of furniture.
The dining room has a sunken level with sets of steps making it completely inaccessible to disabled users. Luckily there is a strip around the outside of the sunken area with tables at which we could all sit. There are no lips or sills into this area and so it was accessible as was the bar. The slope from the car park to the dining area had a loose slippery mat which was a hazard. The above comments are based on the size of Brian’s wheelchair being smaller than the average.
Rift Valley Lodge – Naivasha
We stayed at the Rift Valley Lodge for two nights – having taken the slow drive through the rift valley from Nairobi.
The Grounds The Rift Valley Lodge sits overlooking the Great Rift Valley and has some stupendous views. It is a long way from the metalled road (a slow drive of up to an hour) and is isolated. It is surrounded by a golf course where one can take guided bird walks or ramble for oneself. The accommodation and facilities are surrounded by enclosed gardens mostly using native shrubs and flowers but with some introductions – there is, blessedly, no attempt to eliminate the natural vegetation. Subsequently the grounds are excellent for birds with a list of nearly 100 birds for the golf course etc.
Whilst a few of the paths are a bit steeper than one would want they are even and well surfaced and manoeuvrable in a wheelchair although some will need a push up the slopes. Views from the rooms are good and relaxed birding from the balconies was possible for all. Highlights included Pin-tailed Whydah, Yellow Bishop, Black-lored Babbler, Common Button-quail, Purple Grenadier, etc. Mammals wandered by such as Scrub Hares and Dik Dik. The commonest resident birds seemed to be Rattling Cisticola, Superb & Red-winged Starlings, Crown Plovers, Abyssinian Wheatear, and the nesting Rock Martin’s and Red-rumped Swallows.
The Rooms & Facilities The Rift Valley Lodge rooms were probably the largest and most well appointed on our itinerary. There are very large bedrooms with a sitting room element and a wide balcony. The rooms are in blocks of four with two up and two down which fitted our group well. Between booking in and going to lunch the staff had built a wooden ramp for the downstairs rooms – enabling ease of access by wheelchair. Unfortunately the most suitable block (others had split level rooms) was the furthest from the dining room and bar. Nevertheless, staff were quick to come and help push chairs up hill whenever asked or arranged. Room service is not yet possible only because there are no telephones in the room – an easy modification that would have made life easier when needing assistance. A bridge from the path to the Lodges upper deck would have been possible and that way wheelchair users could get the terrific views from the second floor balconies.
Huge beds had four-posts and a surround mosquito net – but it did not go right down the back behind the headboard – spoiling the ship for a happ’eth of tar!
However, the showers and toilets were tiny and the former impossible for half of our group; the access to the toilet was straight on but only just wide enough for even a narrow wheelchair. The showers were tiled with the same tiles as used on the shower walls and were very slippery when wet. The sink was too high for a wheelchair user and additionally had a partially tiled frontage which prevented one from getting one’s knees under to get nearer the bowl. Thus it is not possible to wash hair, and wet shaving could not be done either. This was a great shame as there was plenty of space which could easily have been better utilised; the balcony access was good, and, overall it was a lovely room by normal standards . The toilets in the main areas were more accessible. The wardrobe was not accessible to a wheelchair user.
Whilst the main facilities had ramps they could have been lethal! They are made from polished wood and only helpers in thick rubber soles were safe from sliding down pulled by wheelchairs unable to brake. The simple addition of rubber mats stuck down to the wood would resolve this. The paths around the Lodge and golf course are cinder and need levelling in all cases – nevertheless, the Lodge is new and there was a very good staff team who were amenable to suggestion. I think the Lodge will improve with experience. Little could be done to improve attitude, staffing levels, quality of food etc. – all were first class. The staff were very good but some wheelchair awareness training would help. If someone could simply get into a wheelchair and be pushed around then the problems would be better appreciated. Some steps could simply be concreted over or re-sloped.
Lake Nakuru Lodge – Nakuru
We stayed at Lake Nakuru Lodge here for several nights.
The Grounds Being in the midst of a National Park which is blessed with lion, Rhino, Buffalo etc. the Lodge is surrounded by an electric fence and compound – this means that the gardens are small but, also being a copse and having water and a bird table the grounds do attract birds. Highlights include Chin-spot Batis, Diederik Cuckoo, African Penduline Tit, Grey-backed Camaroptera, etc. along with the usual cast of common birds. Baboons do have the courage to take the shocks from the fence and will enter the dining area etc. Rock Hyrax enjoy the roofs and can be heard scurrying around at night.
Access is better than most places with reasonably flat paths and few steps. There are steps up to the dining area but a large wooden ramp, that had obviously been used before, appeared shortly after our arrival. There are sills into some rooms but others have flat access.
The Rooms & Facilities Rooms were a reasonable size and had some circulation space, as did the large bathrooms with good access to the toilets and sinks (although these were a little high). [Large bathroom with a small step in which nearly caught out Brian.] The showers were not usable by some of our group but the sink access was straight on and right height as was the toilet. The shower was totally inaccessible as the entrance was too narrow, although a sill did not surround them the step down was a little deep and the actual shower area was far too small. Once again this could easily be avoided by a sloping floor to a drain rather than a step down and a shower rail set further out. The wardrobe was o.k. but why was it in the bathroom?
The soap dish was lethal too being metal and sharp edged – as with all showers a movable shower head (of the type that can be lifted down and used as a spray) would have suited some of us much better. Like any such facilities, adaptations making them suitable for a range of disable people would not make them any less usable by the able-bodied.
Whilst there was a ramp to the dining room it was flat and well laid out inside and presented no problems – it was possible for those having to use wheelchairs who could wheel themselves around to serve themselves. It would have been better if the wildlife viewing terrace in front of the dining room was fully accessible too. The staff were once again very helpful and friendly. Access to the the viewing platform was down a few steps and Brian had to be carted up and down these. But, in his words this was “a minor problem to such a lovely place and setting”.
Lake Baringo Club
We did not stay at the Lake Baringo Club but did bird the grounds.
The Grounds This was just a stop for lunch after a long hot drive – but worthy of mention for both its birds and accessibility. We took the opportunity to check out a room that had been provided with a ramp but the bathroom was not accessible although the toilet probably was – we made a few notes to pass on to Block Hotels. From the bar we watched Golden-backed weavers and beautiful sunbirds and tried to find a calling red-chested cuckoo. After a cool drink we took a turn around the gardens (mostly flat and accessible) and were lucky to come across a number of excellent birds including a Spotted Morning Thrush, a roosting Vereaux’s Eagle Owl, some babblers, shrikes and rollers etc. On leaving a Woodland Kingfisher and very beautiful fully white phase Paradise Flycatcher added to the list.
The Rooms & Facilities We took the opportunity to check out a room that had been provided with a ramp but the bathroom was not accessible although the toilet probably was – we made a few notes to pass on to Block Hotels.
Naro Moru River Lodge
We stayed at the Naro Moru River Lodge for several days.
The Grounds It is ironic that the most attractive grounds of any hotel were the least accessible – nevertheless we did see some excellent birds – highlights included Giant Kingfisher, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Little Rock-thrush, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Little Sparrowhawk as well as resident African Black Duck and nesting African Firefinch etc.
The Naro Moru river (barely more than a fast flowing stream) runs through the grounds where one can sit with a ‘Tusker’ beer in one’s hand and listen to the bird song and watch Black & White Colobus high in the trees. The garden is laced with footpaths. From our point of view these were not as good as they could have been – uneven crazy paving and steep slopes and, at some points impassable high narrow steps. Just a little effort would have made the paths usable by all (i.e. shallower gradients and ramps not steps). The long slope to the temporary dining area was a pain, but hopefully this will not be a problem when the main dining area has been refurbished.
At night we were treated to eerie sounds of Tree Hyrax snoring, belching and calling through the night.
The Rooms & Facilities We assume that we were unlucky at Naro Moru because the rooms which we had were the most accessible but not yet refurbished – they were dirty and very run down with half the bathroom floor tiles in pieces, no sink plugs, very old fashioned décor and rather musty smelling etc. The water treatment system was putting out very discoloured water too. The wooden slope into the room (especially constructed for our visit) could have been longer as it was not possible for a wheelchair user to climb it unaided.
The dining room was being done up too so we had a temporary kitchen and dining room and the food was OK but nowhere near as nice as in all other hotels. On out first visit the staff were rather sullen and not desperately helpful (although those helping push wheelchairs etc. were very nice). When we went back after Samburu things were better in terms of more and more interested staff, better food etc. maybe the drivers had passed on our comments!
Bathrooms were large enough for wheelchairs but neither showers nor baths were accessible and some sinks were blocked in making them hard to use from a chair – mirrors were too high and so on. The sink was almost at forehead height for a wheelchair user, so no hair washing and more difficulties shaving; the mirror was way to high and thus unusable. The shower area was very large in one of the rooms used by a wheelchair user, which meant that it was only possible to approach the toilet at the side. It would have been possible for to use the shower – if a chair could have been used – but the general state of the shower and the dirty water dissuaded one from making the effort. Access to wardrobe/storage area was not possible for a wheelchair, yet part of the room where a wardrobe could be built was readily accessible.
We had, on our return, a long chat with the assistant manager who seemed keen to improve things. We have addresses etc. and WILL be sending suggestions for better design during the renovations.
Samburu Serena Safari Lodge
The Grounds The grounds of the Samburu Serena were very lush lying close to the wide river – at the water’s edge crocodiles are fed and there is a small area of beach good for storks, vultures, water thick-knee etc. Across the river is a feeding station (rather like some rugby posts) for leopards – we saw leopards both nights (in one case a pair) and and Hyena.
Unfortunately the grounds are in a series of terraces with walls and steps. With effort we could manoeuvre chairs to the levels for observing the crocs etc. but it would not have been possible for any one having to use a wheelchair to manage for themselves – once more ramping could have replaced steps with ease. From the rooms to the main buildings and car parks etc. is flat and even and could be (and indeed was) birded in the mornings from a wheelchair.
It is very hot and humid at Samburu and the grounds seemed to attract few but interesting birds – Von Der Decken and Red-billed Hornbills abounded as did starlings and a short early morning session added, among others, greater Honeyguide, our only Egyptian vulture and green-backed herons, and several kingfisher species.
The Rooms & Facilities The Samburu Serena is very well appointed and this is reflected in the charges. The food was excellent and the service, cleanliness, helpfulness etc. was exemplary. However, there was a sizeable step to the main reception area and a slope should have been installed here to allow for a wheelchair user to get into reception unaided.
The rooms were probably the best and, much to the relief of two of our company, the showers were accessible [Shower accessible with only a two inch drop; it was possible to transfer form the wheelchair to a seat provided and back again] for everyone, as were the toilets. The rooms were large enough and had circulation space and no difficult sills etc. A very nice bedroom and bathroom but really too small for a wheelchair – the wardrobe area was not reachable in a wheelchair. Once again sideways on to the toilet. Additionally sideways on to the sink also, but right height for sink and mirror. Entry to the room was via a steep step and it was also not possible to install a ramp as it would have blocked off the veranda area.
I found them very hot and even with the fan on full blast all night gave no relief – I would have preferred air conditioning even if it is not very eco-friendly! The lighting was very subdued too and I would have liked it to be as bright in the room as it was in the bathrooms. The mosquito netting did not close properly and as a result one of our number was dive-bombed throughout one night by a mossie.
In short the Serena is as luxurious as its website leads you to believe which is not true of them all.
Day by Day
The Limited Mobility Birding Trip to Kenya ran from 13th to 28th May 2001 and was organised on behalf of the dba by SARUS Bird Tours. The object was to offer a trip for those who have difficulty getting around (& their able-bodied partners/friends) at an affordable price where comfort was combined with the maximum opportunity to see birds. This first trip had 6 participants with a guide and two drivers for the two vehicles used.
13th May BA flight – Departed London Gatwick on overnight direct Flight to Nairobi.
Nairobi National Park
Day 1 – 14th May: We transferred (spotting Marabou stork on the tree lined streets of Nairobi) to our hotel in Nairobi – the Hotel Boulevard where we also stayed on our return to Nairobi – an afternoon of R&R; birding in the gardens of the hotel. This was a necessary rest after a nearly 9-hour overnight flight as well as being a good gentle introduction to the local birds. Hammerkop nesting in a eucalyptus tree, Black Kites swooping down into the grounds, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters catching butterflies and Variable Sunbird visiting the flowers a few feet from your face – too close to focus the binoculars down on!
Day 2 – 15th May: What had been intended to be a morning visit to Nairobi National Park, returning to hotel for lunch turned into an all day visit with lunch taken at a high point in the shade of a thatched area with nesting Rock Martin swooping past our ears.
This is an excellent park for birds within a short distance of the city. It also has a wide selection of mammals, including Lions which we were lucky to see spread-eagled across tree branches. The supporting cast of Giraffe, Gazelles, Baboons, Warthogs etc. made it feel we were on safari within site of the city. Birds included Masai (common) Ostrich, Black-bellied Bustards, White-backed Vulture, Little and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Red-shouldered Widowbirds, Bronze Sunbird, Rattling Cisticolas, Crowned Cranes, Pangani Longclaw, the inevitable superb starlings and hundreds of Rufous-naped Larks. More than 70 of species were seen on this our first full day. The ‘Fat Birder’ also saw his first Stout Cisticola!
Naivasha & Hell’s Gate
Day 3 – 16th May: After breakfast, we set off for the Rift Valley. On the way, we stopped at Limuru Pond, which had White-backed and Maccoa Ducks, African Jacana, African Spoonbill, White & Pink-backed Pelicans, terns, ibis, storks and a variety of other waterfowl, all visible from the van with a scope. We then drove along the main road, with its spectacular vistas of the Rift Valley opening up before us, before descending to Naivasha and then up the un-metalled road to the Rift Valley Lodge for lunch. After lunch, we had a chance to explore the hotel gardens and golf course.
We stayed at the Rift Valley Lodge. This Lodge and golf course was good for birds, and it is not unknown to see well over 70 species of bird within the hotel grounds, or around the golf course. The group took up the opportunity to be shown around by a local ornithologist who is working on conservation projects locally as well as teaching youngsters. Species seen included African Pipit, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Black-lored Babbler, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, canaries, seedeaters, bishops and Pin-tailed Whydah and Purple Grenadier to name but a few. Hirundines were numerous, and included Rock Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Wire-tailed Swallow, Plain Martin, Little Swift etc.
Day 4 – 17th May: The day was spent on an excursion to Hell’s Gate National Park, where the cliffs have nesting Ruppell’s Griffin Vultures and a Lammergeyer re-introduction scheme, and there were hordes of Mottled and Nyanza Swifts nesting. At the entrance were close up White-fronted Bee-eaters and nesting weavers. Around the park we saw Verreaux’s Eagle, White-necked Raven, Red-winged Starlings and there were Schalow’s Wheatear everywhere, as well as numerous larks, pipits and Cisticolas. Mammals included many giraffe and zebra, rock hyrax sharing our lunch and many impala, gazelles etc.
Nakuru & Baringo
Day 5 – 18th May: After breakfast, we drove the short distance to Lake Nakuru. This park is famous for its flocks of Lesser Flamingos, and a diverse selection of birdlife – the flamingos did not disappoint – it is hard not to be moved by the site of over a million Lesser Flamingos interspersed with greater flamingos, pelicans and terns. We will drove through the park to the lodge for lunch and then after lunch we sat around at the lodge until 4 p.m. when John (our driver) picked us up and we went down to the lakeshore.
This park is world-famous as the ‘Ornithologist’s Paradise’, and is justly so. However, it is also one of the best localities for mammals and we were lucky to see many White Rhinos, Lions, buffalo, and a wide variety of smaller game in this fully-fenced National Park. On the shoreline, the only wader was Kittlitz’s Plover but we were lucky enough to see two Marabou be divested of the carcass of a flamingo by a tawny eagle. Near the lodge is a small stream full of croaking frogs and graced by other water birds including Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed Teal, Hottentot Teal and other waterfowl and some familiar waders such as greenshank and ruff. The acacia woodland had several good species, including Arrow-marked Babbler, Bearded Woodpecker, etc.
Day 6 – 19th May: We spent the entire day around Nakuru enjoying the big game and many birds – Jackson’s Widowbirds, African Fish Eagle, et al and the inevitable Northern Anteating Chats that take advantage of any outcrop or post to proclaim their territories. In the late afternoon we took another turn around the lake seeing the many White-winged Black Tern filtering the mosquitoes from the air above the marsh. The day was completed by finding two roosting Vereaux’s Eagle Owls sitting above a Hamerkop nest.
Day 7 – 20th May: We took an early morning excursion to Lake Baringo, over 2 hours north, where the birds are quite different. Special birds in the Lake baringo Club grounds included Jackson’s Golden-backed Weavers, White-billed Buffalo-Weavers, Brown Babblers, Spotted Morning Thrush and African Mourning Dove. The idea was to return at about midday as the temperature rose, but it all took longer than anticipated. We arrived at the Lake and had a cold drink as sussed out the grounds of the club. This was pretty productive and we met up with “Cliff William” who offered to take us to see some of the special birds of the area. Unfortunately we were not able to get to a lot of the terrain he is used to taking groups and he took us to eat our lunch in a less than savoury cafe overlooking the lake where we had distant views of hippo as well as a variety of waterside birds. Then, after lunch, we headed back to the nearest town on a slow drive with Cliff William pointing out some of the speciality birds of the area including Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Red-fronted Warbler, blue-naped mousebird, Jackson’s Hornbill etc. This was a very hot time of day and the only time that the party wilted under the pressure. The long drive back to Nakuru at least afforded a breeze in the vehicle.
Naro Moru River Lodge & Mount Kenya
Day 8 – 21st May: We left Nakuru after breakfast for the journey to Naro Moru, climbing out of the Rift Valley to Thomson’s Falls. We stopped here for a cold drink and to take photos but there were few birds about accessible to the group. We had planned to overlook a small marsh a few hundred yards from the road which is good for African Snipe, Tinkling Cisticola, African Marsh Harrier etc. but the path could not be negotiated by wheelchairs so we drove on across the Solio Plains to Naro Moru River Lodge just in time for lunch. After lunch, we explored the gardens, which have a good selection of sunbird species, as well as many other birds including nesting Grey-backed Cameroptera, African Firefinch, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul etc.
The lodge on the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya is stunning for its location and birdlife. The night was brought alive with the strange cries of the Tree Hyrax, and an early morning walk turned up Black-and-White Colobus as well as a number of species of Sunbird, including Bronze, Tacazze, Eastern Double-collared, Scarlet-chested, Amethyst, Variable & Collared.
Day 9 – 22nd May: The morning was spent slowly drive up the slopes of Mt Kenya. There are several roadside patches of forest, [the ‘forest’ was actually very degraded with lots of eucalypts and many clearings for agriculture] which can be explored by the able-bodied but we had to content ourselves with what could be seen from the vehicle or roadside. Nevertheless, we did manage some mountain specialities, including Montane Oriole, Grey Apalis, Mountain Wagtail, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Grey-capped Warbler, Hunter’s Cisticolas. and the stunning Golden-winged Sunbird. In the afternoon we returned to the Lodge and relaxed in the grounds accompanied by Hartlaub’s Turaco, Green Wood Hoopoe, and White-headed Wood-hoopoe.
Serina Hotel – Samburu & Buffalo Springs Reserve
Day 10 – 23rd May: After breakfast, we set off for Samburu; the journey took about three hours, and we stopped for a roadside speciality of the area, Little Rock-thrush en route, but dipped out. When we reached the Isiolo we left tarmac onto the gravel road to Samburu. Once in the reserve, birds and mammals were numerous, and we slowly drove to our lodge, reaching it in time for lunch. After lunch we rested, then, as the afternoon cooled, we explored the reserve for the many unusual species present. Our first Sandgrouse were a real bonus as were many other birds more active after the worst of the days heat. In the evening we fed crocs at the Lodge then, over dinner, watched the bait, which is put on the opposite bank of the river for Leopard. We were lucky to see a leopard turn up followed by a brave hyena who tried to muscle in before being chased off. Samburu Serena Safari Lodge; is, as they say of themselves; “situated on the fertile banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, in the centre of the Samburu Game Reserve in Kenya’s rugged, semi-arid Northern Province, Samburu Serena Safari Lodge echoes the robust rhythms of riverfront life. This bucolic and serene lodge was inspired by the architecture of the indigenous Samburu tribe and blends into the verdant environment by making full use of native materials. Thatched cabins built using exotic African woods create an escapist atmosphere.”
What more can one say? The Samburu Game Reserve abuts Buffalo Springs Reserve and are virtually identical.
Day 11 – 24th May: Before breakfast, exploring the grounds, turned up several kingfishers, and a Great Honeyguide to name but a few. We spent all the rest of day exploring the reserve, taking a packed lunch, which we ate by a water tank watched by mongooses and in sight of a Goliath Heron. Most stunning were the mammals, large Elephant groups, a solitary Cheetah, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe and Beisa Oryx all being very special. Having one of the vehicles charged by a bull Elephant was also pretty exciting – discretion being the better part of valour we gracefully withdrew. Our major dip here was Somali Ostrich but the many other birds more than compensated. Great views were had of Orange-bellied Parrot, Somali Bee-eater, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Vulturine Guineafowl, Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow Weaver, Black-capped Social Weaver and my personal favourite, Rose-patched Bush-shrike.
Homeward Bound
Day 12 – 25th May: Pre-breakfast birding in the grounds added Egyptian Vulture and Green-backed Heron to the list. After breakfast, we began heading back to Naro Moru spending the entire morning slowly driving out of Samburu or more properly Buffalo Springs reserve. We added many new species, and then drove on to Naro Moru, arriving back at Naro Moru for a late lunch, and then spending the afternoon with further exploration of the grounds where we saw Little Sparrowhawk and Giant Kingfisher almost within reach! Highlights in Buffalo Springs included three species of Sandgrouse and two bustards, Eastern Pale Chanting-goshawk, Scarce Swift, and a variety of Sparrow-larks and weavers.
Day 13 – 26th May: Pre-breakfast birding added Little Rock-thrush sitting on a handrail right outside the rooms – compensating us for dipping out where it should have been among the roadside rocks! Our last full day was fairly leisurely, with the drive back to Nairobi being about three and a half hours direct. On our way we stopped at some paddy fields by the roadside, which were excellent for water birds, and we saw many White-winged Widowbirds and the bumble-bee like Yellow-crowned Bishop as well as terns, herons, storks and cormorants etc. a-plenty. We also stopped at Thika for lunch, where viewed the waterfalls in the lodge grounds – unluckily the grounds were devoid of birds.
Day 14 – 27th May: The last day was designed for R&R; to re-cover for the long overnight flight home. Nevertheless, we still had the energy for a short excursion to Nairobi National Park – where we birded the ‘Safari Walk’ adding no less than five birds to the trip list including Black-backed Puffback and Abyssinian White-eye. Our Hotel rooms were kept available up until 7.00pm, and we had our “last supper” at the hotel before leaving for the airport and our overnight flight home. We arrived back at Gatwick on the morning of Monday 28th May 2001. The only disappointment of the last day was not seeing a superb starling – which would have meant it had been seen on every day of our trip; as had been Speckled Mousebird, Common Bulbul and Little Swift.
For some further information and pictures on Kenya and the places we saw, click on some of the following websites:
2001 Kenya – Birds Seen
001 Common Ostrich Struthio camelus massaicus
002 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
003 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis capensis
004 Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
005 Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
006 Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus (n)
007 White-necked Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus
008 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea (n)
009 Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
010 Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
011 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (n)
012 Green-backed Heron Butorides striatus atricapillus
013 Great White Egret Casmerodius albus melanorhynchos
014 Little Egret Egretta garzetta (n)
015 Yellow-billed Egret Mesophoyx intermedia branchyrhyncha
016 Hamerkop Scopus umbretta (n)
017 Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus
018 Yellow-billed stork Mycteria ibis
019 Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash brevirostris
020 African Spoonbill Platalea alba
021 Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus (n)
022 Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor
023 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus (ruber) roseus
024 Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
025 Red-billed Duck Anas erythrorhyncha
026 Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota
027 African Black Duck Anas sparsa leucostigma
028 Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata (n)
029 Fulvous Tree Duck Dendrocygna bicolor
030 White-faced Tree Duck Dendrocygna viduata
031 African Pochard Netta erythrophthalma brunnea
032 Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa
033 Spurwing Goose Plectropterus gambensis (n)
034 Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos (n)
035 White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus (n)
036 Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius
037 Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus (n)
038 Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax rapax
039 Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii
040 Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi
041 Augur Buzzard Buteo augur (n)
042 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus (n)
043 Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus
044 Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus (n)
045 Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis
046 African White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus
047 Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture Gyps ruppellii (n)
048 African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
049 African Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster
050 Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis
051 Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax poliopterus
052 Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar aequatorius
053 Black Kite Milvus migrans parasitus
054 Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus pileatus
055 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus (n)
056 Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus
057 African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus (n)
058 African Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus
059 Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
060 Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus (n)
061 White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis
062 Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus biarmicus
063 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (n)
H Common quail Coturnix coturnix erlangeri
064 Harlequin quail Coturnix delegorguei (n)
065 Coqui Francolin Francolinus coqui
066 Yellow-necked Spurfowl Francolinus leucoscepus
067 Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena
068 Shelley’s Francolin Francolinus shelleyi uluensis
069 Vulturine Guineafowl Acryllium vulturinum
070 Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
071 Common Button-quail Turnix sylvatica lepurana
072 Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra
073 Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
074 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus meridionalis
075 Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum gibbericeps
076 Black-bellied Bustard Eupodotis melanogaster (n)
077 Crested Bustard Eupodotis ruficrista gindiana
078 African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
079 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (n)
080 Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus (n)
081 Somali Courser Cursorius somalensis littoralis
082 Heuglin’s Courser Rhinoptilus cinctus
083 Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius
084 Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris (n)
085 Blacksmith Plover Vanellus armatus
086 Crowned Plover Vanellus coronatus (n)
087 Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus
088 Ruff Philomachus pugnax
089 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
090 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus delalandii
091 White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
092 Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus poiocephalus
093 Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica (n)
094 Black-faced Sandgrouse Pterocles decoratus
095 Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus olivascens
096 Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii sukensis
097 Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus
098 Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea (n)
099 Feral Pigeon Columba livia
100 Namaqua Dove Oena capensis (n)
101 Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola somalica
102 African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens
103 Dusky Turtle-Dove Streptopelia lugens (n)
104 Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
105 Laughing Dove Streptopelia streptopelia senegalensis
106 Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos
107 Fischer’s Lovebird Agapornis fischeri
108 African Orange-bellied Parrot Poicephalus rufiventris (n)
109 White-bellied Go-away-bird Criniferoides leucogaster
110 Hartlaub’s Turaco Tauraco hartlaubi
111 White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus (n)
112 Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
H Klaas’ Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
H Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius (n)
113 Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus
114 African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii nigricantior
115 Mottled Swift Apus aequatorialis (n)
116 Little Swift Apus affinis (n)
117 African Black Swift Apus barbatus roehli
118 White-rumped Swift Apus caffer
119 Nyanza Swift Apus niansae
120 African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus laemostigma
121 Scarce Swift Schoutedenapus myoptilus (n)
122 White-headed Mousebird Colius leucocephalus turneri
123 Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus kikuyuensis
124 Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus pulcher
125 Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata galerita
126 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis (n)
127 Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris orienralis
128 Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti (n)
129 Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala (n)
130 Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis (n)
131 African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta (n)
132 Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima (n)
133 White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis
134 White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides (n)
135 Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates
136 Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus cyanostictus
137 Somali Bee-eater Merops revoilii
138 Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata
139 Rufous-crowned Roller Coracias naevia (n)
140 African Hoopoe Upupa epops africana
141 White-headed Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus bollei jacksoni
142 Green Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus
143 Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus geloensis
144 Von der Decken’s Hornbill Tockus deckeni
145 Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus (n)
146 Jackson’s Hornbill Tockus jacksoni
147 African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus
148 Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus
149 Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus affinis
150 D’Arnaud’s Barbet Trachyphonus darnaudii
151 Greater Honeyguide Campethera nubica
154 Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens
155 Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae rhodeogaster
156 Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus schoensis
157 Somali Short-toed Lark Calandrella somalica
158 Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucopareia
159 Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis madaraszi
160 Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix signata
161 Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana
162 Pink-breasted Lark Mirafra poecilosterna
163 Grassland Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus lacuum
164 Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys
165 Pangani Longclaw Macronyx aurantiigula
166 African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp vidua
167 Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara torrentium
168 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
169 Lesser Striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica unitatis
170 Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica
171 Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica emini
172 Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula fusciventris
173 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (n)
174 Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis saturatior
175 Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii (n)
176 Black Roughwing Psalidoprocne holomelas massaicus
177 Plain Martin Riparia paludicola ducis
178 Slender-billed Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris
179 Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Andropadus latirostris (n)
180 Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus
181 Northern Pied Babbler Turdoides hypoleucus (n)
182 Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii emini
183 Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus cinereus
184 Rufous Chatterer Turdoides rubiginosus (n)
185 Black-lored Babbler Turdoides sharpei
186 White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys
187 Spotted Morning Thrush Cichladusa guttata
188 Cape Robin Chat Cossypha caffra iolaema
189 White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini (n)
190 Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis
191 Little Rock Thrush Monticola rufocinereus (n)
192 Northern Anteater Chat Myrmecocichla aethiops cryptoleuca
193 Schalow’s Wheatear Oenanthe lugubris schalowi
194 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata axillaris
195 Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus abyssinicus
196 African Grey Flycatcher Bradornis microrhynchus
197 Pale Flycatcher Bradornis pallidus
198 White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis fischeri
199 Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina
200 African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta interposita
201 Grey Apalis Apalis cinerea (n)
202 Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida
203 Chestnut-throated Apalis Apalis porphyrolaema (n)
204 Grey Wren Warbler Calamonastes simplex
205 Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura
206 Pectoral-patch Cisticola Cisticola brunnescens
207 Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans
208 Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana
209 Ashy Cisticola Cisticola cinereolus
210 Winding Cisticola Cisticola galactotes
211 Stout Cisticola Cisticola robustus
212 Hunter’s Cisticola Cisticola hunteri
213 Grey-capped Warbler Eminia lepida
214 Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella
215 Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava melanorhyncha
216 Red-fronted Warbler Spiloptila rufifrons
217 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
218 Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii
219 Abyssinian White-eye Zosterops abyssinicus flavilateralis
220 Montane White-eye Zosterops poliogaster
221 White-bellied Tit Parus albiventris
222 Red-throated Tit Parus fringillinus
223 African Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli
224 Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer emini
225 African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis
226 Chin-spot Batis Batis molitor
227 Northern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus ruppelli
228 Long-tailed Fiscal Lanius cabanisi
229 Common Fiscal Lanius collaris humeralis
230 Taita Fiscal Lanius dorsalis
231 Grey-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides
232 Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla
233 Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis
234 Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus
235 Slate-coloured Boubou Laniarius funebris
236 Brubru Nilaus afer
237 Rosy-patched Bush-shrike Rhodophoneus cruentus
H Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis emini
238 Three-streaked Tchagra Tchagra jamesi (n)
239 Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala (n)
240 White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike Coracina pectoralis
241 Common Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
242 Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus rolleti
243 Montane Oriole Oriolus percivali
244 White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis
245 Pied Crow Corvus albus
246 Cape Rook Corvus capensis
247 Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus
248 Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus (n)
249 Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus
250 Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
251 Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus
252 Hildebrandt’s Starling Lamprotornis hildebrandti
253 Ruppell’s Long-tailed Starling Lamprotornis purpuropterus
254 Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus
255 Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio
256 Collared Sunbird Anthreptes collaris garguensis
257 Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes orientalis
258 Amethyst Sunbird Nectarinia amethystina
259 Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis (n)
260 Eastern Double-collared Sunbird Nectarinia mediocris
261 Olive Sunbird Nectarinia olivacea
262 Northern Double-collared Sunbird Nectarinia preussi kikuyuensis
263 Beautiful Sunbird Nectarinia pulchella
264 Golden-winged Sunbird Nectarinia reichenowi
265 Scarlet-chested Sunbird Nectarinia senegalensis
266 Tacazze Sunbird Nectarinia tacazze jacksoni
267 Variable Sunbird Nectarinia venusta
268 House Sparrow Passer domesticus indicus
269 Chestnut Sparrow Passer eminibey
270 Parrot-billed Sparrow Passer griseus gongonensis
271 Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus ugandae
272 Rufous Sparrow Passer rufocinctus
273 Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps
274 White-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis albirostris
275 White-headed Buffalo-Weaver Dinemellia dinemelli
276 Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer ladoensis
277 White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus eques
278 Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens
279 Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris
280 Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis crassirostris
281 Jackson’s Widowbird Euplectes jacksoni
282 Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macrourus
283 Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne delameri
284 Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser donaldsoni
285 White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali melanorhynchus
286 Reichenow’s Weaver Ploceus baglafecht
287 Black-Headed Weaver Ploceus cucullatus
288 Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius
289 Jackson’s Golden-backed Weaver Ploceus jacksoni
290 Speke’s Weaver Ploceus spekei
291 Northern Masked Weaver Ploceus taeniopterus (n)
292 Vitelline Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus uluensis
293 Holub’s Golden-Weaver Ploceus xanthops
294 Black-capped Social-Weaver Pseudonigrita cabanisi
295 Cardinal quelea quelea cardinalis
296 Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis emini
297 Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
298 Jameson’s Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia
299 African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata hildebrandti
300 Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala ruberrima
301 Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata
302 Red-cheeked Cordonbleu Uraeginthus bengalus
303 Blue-capped Cordonbleu Uraeginthus cyanocephalus
304 Purple Grenadier Uraeginthus ianthinogaster
305 Straw-tailed Whydah Vidua fischeri
306 Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
307 Yellow-crowned Canary Serinus canicollis flavivertex
308 African Citril Serinus citrinelloides
309 White-bellied Canary Serinus dorsostriatus
310 Yellow-rumped Seedeater Serinus reichenowi
311 Streaky Seedeater Serinus striolatus (n)
312 Brimstone Canary Serinus sulphuratus sharpii
313 Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi (n)