Kenya safaris ranges from the
world’s biggest bird, the Ostrich, to spectacular flamingos that congregate in
their millions at the various Lakes of the Great Rift Valley and camouflage
them in pink, Kenya holds some remarkable birding sights that you have to explore
in the wild.
Kenya’s
birding safaris is one of the best attraction in Kenya and in the world as
this have makes Kenya destination to be on a competitive edge.
The various varieties of birds in
Kenya are made possible by the favorable climate, diverse habitats and
geographical features that make it a suitable migratory route for birds.
Even without venturing outside Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, more than 600 resident and migratory bird species are found more than in any other capital city, and more than in most countries.
In Nairobi you are guaranteed to find birds everywhere you travel. A stroll in hotel gardens, a trip to the Nairobi National Park or the grounds of the National Museum is likely to turn up bright black and yellow weavers, tiny iridescent sunbirds resembling flying jewels, Secretary Bird, Bustards and Mouse birds with long tails, which are unique to Africa.
The giant Marabou Storks, a frequent visitor to the city, now nests on the acacia trees along the streets which makes your safari realistic and memorable. Bird watching is good all year round in Kenya safaris tours.
Even without venturing outside Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, more than 600 resident and migratory bird species are found more than in any other capital city, and more than in most countries.
In Nairobi you are guaranteed to find birds everywhere you travel. A stroll in hotel gardens, a trip to the Nairobi National Park or the grounds of the National Museum is likely to turn up bright black and yellow weavers, tiny iridescent sunbirds resembling flying jewels, Secretary Bird, Bustards and Mouse birds with long tails, which are unique to Africa.
The giant Marabou Storks, a frequent visitor to the city, now nests on the acacia trees along the streets which makes your safari realistic and memorable. Bird watching is good all year round in Kenya safaris tours.
The rainy seasons of April and
November coincide with migration of birds from and to Europe and Asia, and some
of the top day’s totals have been recorded at that time.
Migrants make up only about ten percent of Kenya’s birdlife, however, and the spectacular birds of the bush –guinea fowl, go-away birds, rollers and barbets, to mention but a few – are active all year round.
Migrants make up only about ten percent of Kenya’s birdlife, however, and the spectacular birds of the bush –guinea fowl, go-away birds, rollers and barbets, to mention but a few – are active all year round.
Visits to a variety of habitats,
such as the dry-country parks of Tsavo or Samburu, the western grasslands of
the Maasai Mara, one of the Rift Valley lakes or one of the highland forests,
will produce a long and varied bird list.
A surprisingly wide range of habitats can be visited on day trips from Nairobi. These include Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, the dry bush around the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site, and the Escarpment Forests in the foothills of the Aberdare mountain range.
To see Kenya’s rarest, indigenous and unfortunately endangered birds, the bird enthusiast needs to seek out forests or highland grasslands tucked away amongst various farmlands. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest near Malindi, tops the list, with the six threatened bird species of the Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Spotted Ground Thrush, East Coast Akalat, Amani Sunbird and Clarke’s Weaver.
A surprisingly wide range of habitats can be visited on day trips from Nairobi. These include Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, the dry bush around the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site, and the Escarpment Forests in the foothills of the Aberdare mountain range.
To see Kenya’s rarest, indigenous and unfortunately endangered birds, the bird enthusiast needs to seek out forests or highland grasslands tucked away amongst various farmlands. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest near Malindi, tops the list, with the six threatened bird species of the Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Spotted Ground Thrush, East Coast Akalat, Amani Sunbird and Clarke’s Weaver.
Some other areas including the
forest “islands” at the top of the Taita Hills, near Voi, is home to the
beautiful but critically endangered Taita Thrush and Taita Apalis, as well as the
endangered Taita White-eye. Sharpe’s Long claw and Aberdare Cisticola, native
and endangered, live in the highland grasslands near the Aberdare mountain
range.
In western Kenya, Kakamega Forest is
a little patch of Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Kenya. Among the many
rainforest species found are spectacular Turacos and Hornbills, and the tiny,
endangered Turner’s Eremomela.
The scarce and threatened Papyrus Yellow Warbler is found in papyrus swamps on the shores of Lake Victoria, alongside the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and Papyrus Canary, all papyrus endemics. Local bird guides are available at numerous of sites and are your best aid for locating and identifying the many species. They live at or near these sites and their birding interest is nurtured by that association with visiting scientists, birders and added to by some formal training.
The scarce and threatened Papyrus Yellow Warbler is found in papyrus swamps on the shores of Lake Victoria, alongside the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and Papyrus Canary, all papyrus endemics. Local bird guides are available at numerous of sites and are your best aid for locating and identifying the many species. They live at or near these sites and their birding interest is nurtured by that association with visiting scientists, birders and added to by some formal training.
It is advisable to contact the local
guides association if you will be spending time at a specific site. By using
local guides, you increase your bird citing success. More importantly, you will
be supporting the conservation of that site by the involvement of the local
community in sustaining the areas ornithology. Professional bird guides and
Tour Operators who can accompany you on safari also provide additional guiding
services that will broaden your birding experience in the wild.
Sharon C
No comments:
Post a Comment