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 (Lake Nakuru)
and camouflage them in pink, Kenya
safaris holds some remarkable birding sights that you have to witness by
your own since Kenya’s birding is one of
the best in the world.
It
is not unusual for birding trips to record 300-600 different varieties on a
short trip or to record more than 120 at a particular site on a single
day! The variety of birds in Kenya is made possible by the favorable
climate, diverse habitats and geographical features that make it a suitable
migratory route for birds. Some of these birds are migratory while others are
residents.
Even without venturing outside
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, more than 600 resident and migratory bird species are
found.
Other destination in Kenya where you can spot these great birds is 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.
Other destination in Kenya where you can spot these great birds is 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.
With
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.
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.
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 that makes
your safari fabulous.
With other destination having unique birds
and Kenya’s rarest bird, indigenous and unfortunately endangered birds, the
bird enthusiast needs to seek out forests or highland grasslands tucked away
amongst various farmlands in place like 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.
This raises alarm on the Kenya government to protect these important bird
species.
Traveling 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 can be
easily spotted with other bird species in your guide’s safaris.
Sharon C
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