kenyalist

Species list

List of species seen

Ostrich	I had seen captive Ostriches on farms previously, but this didn’t detract from the size of the bird when seen in the backdrop of the African plains. They are quite simply huge and imposing. The first 3 seen were together at Samburu on our arrival game drive, and were apparently of the Somalian race. While they seemed to have light coloured irises, all 3 were juvenile, so were presumed of this type by geography. Further adult birds of the nominate race were seen on the Masai Mara, with 3 separate males on one days game drive, and a pair seen one exit from the reserve travelling to Nairobi
Great White Pelican	These were only seen on Lake Naivasha (present both days), and were the most common of the 2 pelican species seen. Flying birds were quite easy to identify by primary feather tones, and numbers on the lake shore seemed to be from 12 on the first day to 30+ on the second
Pink-backed Pelican	First birds seen were 3 flying over Samburu Lodge, perhaps following the line of the river. About 7 were then seen on Lake Naivasha on the morning visit to the lake shore
Great Cormorant	Only seen on Lake Naivasha, and the birds in this region are the rather smart “White-breasted Cormorant” form. They were in good numbers, with at least 100 present, most being perched along the banks of one of the offshore islands
Long-tailed Cormorant	2 birds were amongst the much more numerous Great Cormorants at Lake Naivasha, with one being perched quite close to the jetty
Grey Heron	Single birds were seen quite regularly in many areas: Nairobi to Samburu (2); Samburu (1); Treetops (1); Lake Naivasha (2); Keekorok Lodge (1); Masai Mara (1); Mombassa Beach (1)
Black-headed Heron	Less commonly seen than Grey Heron, and they tended to be very easily put to flight. 1 was seen from the minibus on the journey from Samburu to Treetops, 2 on the journey from Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara, and 1 on the scrub behind the beach at Mombassa
Goliath Heron	The only bird was seen was on the shores of Lake Naivasha
Great Egret	As with Goliath Heron, only one seen during the trip, on the shores of Lake Naivasha on the final morning
Little Egret	2 birds, which may have been the same on individual on subsequent days, were seen on the shore of Lake Naivasha, quite near to the jetty. The birds(s) were checked for light morph of the Dimorphic Egret subspecies, but this was ruled out. Another bird was seen on the journey from the Masai Mara to Nairobi
Cattle Egret	Despite being seen in small flocks, the numbers and frequency were much less than I had expected: Nairobi to Samburu (flock of ~30); Samburu (6); Nakuru to Naivasha (10); Naivasha to Masai Mara (10)
Striated Heron	2 separate birds were on the river bank opposite the Samburu Lodge
Hammerkop	One seen at the River Talek crossing on the border of the Masai Mara reserve
Yellow-billed Stork	Small numbers were seen occasionally during the first 4 days of the safari: Samburu (1 on arrival, 4 on game drives); 3 over the Outspan Hotel; Lake Naivasha (2)
Woolly-necked Stork	A group of 3 were together on the hippo pool at Keekorok Lodge
Marabou Stork	Small numbers were seen infrequently: probably the same bird was at the rubbish tip next to the checkpoint on both journeys to and from Samburu; 2 were at Lake Naivasha; 1 was seen on one of the game drives within the Masai Mara, with ~10 perched together on the return just outside Keekorok Lodge; 1 was on the journey from the Masai Mara to Nairobi
Sacred Ibis	Only seen at Lake Naivasha, where there were 6 on the afternoon, and 10 on the following morning
Hadada Ibis	More often seen than heard, but numbers spotted were nevertheless reasonable for this common bird of the region: ~25 on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu; Samburu (1); 1 on the journey from Samburu to Treetops; Lake Naivasha (10;5); Keekorok Lodge (2); and 7 in and around the grounds of the Holiday Inn, Nairobi
Lesser Flamingo	Predictably huge numbers along the shores of Lake Nakuru. They were checked for the presence of Greater Flamingo, but all seemed to be of the former species
Egyptian Goose	A pair on the river bank at Samburu and 2 pairs at Treetops all had a collection of juvenile birds with them. 4 further birds were at Lake Naivasha
Yellow-billed Duck	Treetops (4); Lake Naivasha (4,2)
Red-billed Duck	Treetops (2)
Hottentot Teal	Lake Naivasha (a group of 4 seen next to the jetty on both the afternoon and the following morning)
Southern Pochard	Lake Naivasha (1)
Osprey	1 over Lake Naivasha
Black-shouldered Kite	All 3 birds seen were from the minibus, with 1 from Lake Naivasha to the Masai Mara, and 2 on the return from the Masai Mara to Nairobi
Black Kite	Apart from 2 seen in the Lake Naivasha area, the only place these were seen was around Nairobi, where they were one of the most common species encountered
African Fish-Eagle	A pair of birds obligingly perched for some time on the top of a bare tree next to the jetty at Lake Naivasha on the morning visit, with a third flying over the lake. While walking on the grazing area adjacent to the hotel grounds, a juvenile bird flew into a perched on a nearby tree
White-backed Vulture	Regular vultures at Samburu, most of which were at the Samburu Lodge area, seemed to be of this species, based on the odd adult amongst the more numerous juveniles which could be identified positively. All other birds were in the Masai Mara, usually associating with Rüppell’s Griffon Vultures. On the first day’s game drive, up to 10 were seen. On the second day and during the full day game drive, ~50 were seen, with small groups collecting at carcasses throughout the park
Rüppell's Griffon	None were seen at Samburu along with the White-backed Vultures, but they were equally as frequent in the Masai Mara, with perhaps more birds being seen than the latter species. Most were seen in groups, either at carcasses, or in the odd “vulture tree” containing both species
Lappet-faced Vulture	This was the least common of the 3 vultures seen in the Masai Mara. They were usually in singles or in pairs, with the most being 3 on the periphery of a hippo carcass just over the River Talek crossing. In total, probably just less than 10 were seen during the game drives in the Masia Mara
Bateleur	Strangely, only one was seen, overflying Keekorok Lodge
Pallid Harrier	After 2 brief views of what were likely to have been a couple of harriers earlier in the week, a superb and ghostly male Pallid Harrier was passed within metres early on during the full days game drive at the Masai Mara. A subsequent male was seen within spitting distance of the Masai Mara during the journey from Masai Mara to Nairobi
Eastern Chanting-Goshawk	A pair of birds were very close to the safari bus in an acacia bus in Samburu Reserve
Augur Buzzard	A single adult was seen from the bus during the journey from the Masai Mara to Nairobi
Tawny Eagle	Apart from the vultures, this was probably the most commonly seen raptor. Choice sighting was a young bird trying to tackle a fairly large Monitor Lizard on the ground in Samburu. It tried to sneak and pinch its tail before gaining sense and giving up the folly of a hunt. In addition, another bird was seen at Samburu, with subsequent sightings at Lake Nakuru (2 pairs), Lake Naivasha (1), and the Masai Mara (2)
Martial Eagle	This huge eagle is extremely impressive, both when seen perched, and also in the air overhead. Only one was seen in the latter pose, circling over the reception area of Samburu Lodge. 3 birds were seen perched at close quarters, with 2 separate birds on Samburu, and a single bird in the Masai Mara
Long-crested Eagle	The 2 birds seen were only brief sightings. The first was from the bus just outside Nairobi, on the initial part of the journey to Samburu. The second bird was passed briefly in the grounds of Lake Naivasha Country Club
Secretary-bird	This was a long awaited bird, and seen a few times on safari, slowly striding through the bush patiently searching for reptilian prey. One of the birds seen even tried its stamping action on the ground, but didn’t appear to catch a longed for meal. The first bird was not too far from us in Samburu. We had to wait until the long and bumpy drive from Lake Naivasha to the Masai Mara for the second and third birds, seen from the speeding safari bus. The fourth and last passed over the bush track behind us on the full days game drive in the Masai Mara
Pygmy Falcon	3 birds were seen at Samburu, with 2 of the trio being on the first drive through the reserve on the afternoon when we arrived. The third was on the morning game drive the morning after, and was the best of the tree, mainly because it was perched in a tree directly over us
Peregrine Falcon	A single bird was trying its luck with the Little Swifts around the entrance to Samburu
Crested Francolin	While watching our first pair of Lions at Samburu on the arrival game drive, 2 birds tried to sneak past behind them without success
Scaly Francolin	5 birds were passed on the tracks of the Masai Mara, 2 on the first day, and 3 on the second
Yellow-necked Spurfowl	This species was very common around Samburu, and was quite often seen next to the tracks and so in close proximity to the safari bus. ~20 birds were seen on the first 2 days, and another 2 as we left Samburu on the last morning
Harlequin Quail	A single bird was flushed from the track as we passed in the minibus on return from one of the evening game drives at the Masai Mara
Helmeted Guineafowl	This species was regularly encountered in the Samburu and Masai Mara reserves in small numbers. It was seen on all 3 days at Samburu, with 2 on the initial arrival game drive, 4 on the full day at the reserve, and 2 on the exit from the reserve on the last morning. 10 were seen on the initial entry game drive to the Masai Mara, with 4 on the full days game drive, and 8 as we left the reserve for Nairobi
Vulturine Guineafowl	This species has a much more northerly distribution than Helmeted Guineafowl, hence it was only seen at Samburu. However, it was far more common here than Helmeted, with ~50 seen on the evening game drive on entry to the reserve, with only 4 seen the following day
Grey Crowned-Crane	A group of 3 birds appeared through the night at Treetops, and were picked up in the rain the following morning, feeding on the island in the saline water hole
Black Crake	Only seen at Treetops, where they put in quite regular appearance, usually emerging from the reed beds on the saline water hole. There were possibly 2 adults, and a juvenile seen accompanying one of them on one occasion
Red-knobbed Coot	2 were on the freshwater water hole at Treetops
Kori Bustard	4 separate hugely impressive individuals were seen during the safari. The first was seen on the first day at Samburu, during the initial entry game drive. A second was seen on the evening drive through the Buffalo Springs reserve, on the South side of the river from Samburu. The third and fourth birds were both seen when journeying, the former from Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara, and the latter from Masai Mara to Nairobi
White-bellied Bustard	A pair were seen briefly on the evening game drive on the first full day at the Masai Mara
Buff-crested Bustard	A single female was seen briefly on the morning game drive at Samburu
Black-bellied Bustard	This was the most common bustard seen, all sightings being in the Masai Mara. Most were seen on the first full day in the reserve, with 2 on the morning game drive, and 6 on the evening drive. A final pair were passed alongside the road on the exit journey from the reserve
Crab Plover	A long awaited species, having been missed when there was potential for sightings on previous trips to both Africa and Asia. A pair of what appeared to be juvenile birds were found amongst the tidal rocks on the beach at Mombassa. They were amongst the most confiding of the waders present, and eventually were very approachable. They didn’t seem to be present the following morning
Black-winged Stilt	2 on the shoreline of Lake Naivasha
Avocet	5-6 present on the shoreline of Lake Naivasha
Water Thick-knee	A pair were found with Egyptian Geese on the banks of the river at Samburu while watching a pair of amorous Lions
Blacksmith Plover	Treetops (2); Lake Naivasha (~30 on the grazing land with other lapwings)
Spur-winged Plover	~15 on the grazing land at Lake Naivasha with other lapwings
Crowned Lapwing	An initial pair of birds were on the grazing land at Lake Naivasha, with many more being seen in the Masai Mara, with a peak of ~14 on any one day. All birds were usually seen as pairs
Pacific Golden-Plover	Mombassa beach (~30)
Grey Plover	Mombassa beach (2)
Common Ringed Plover	Lake Naivasha (2); Mombassa beach (~20)
Three-banded Plover	Lake Naivasha (2); Hippo pool at Keekorok Lodge (5)
Whimbrel	2 on the beach at Mombassa
Eurasian Curlew	1 on the beach at Mombassa
Marsh Sandpiper	2 on the shoreline at Lake Naivasha
Common Greenshank	1 on the beach at Mombassa
Green Sandpiper	Hippo pool at Keekorok Lodge (2)
Wood Sandpiper	Lake Naivasha (2); Hippo pool at Keekorok Lodge (3)
Common Sandpiper	Samburu (1); Treetops (1); Mobassa (~10 on the beach, 1 within the grounds of the Mombassa Beach Hotel)
Ruddy Turnstone	Mobassa beach (~40)
Sanderling	Mombassa beach (~15)
Little Stint	4 on the shoreline of Lake Naivasha
Ruff	1 on the shoreline of Lake Naivasha
Sooty Gull	This was the only gull seen on the coast, and was common on Mombassa beach, with ~40 being seen each day
Grey-headed Gull	This was the only gull seen inland, with 4 on Lake Naivasha
Gull-billed Tern	~20 were in the company of the Sooty Gulls on the beach at Mombassa
Great Crested Tern	2 with the Sooty Gulls and Gull-billed Terns on the beach at Mombassa on 2 subsequent days
Whiskered Tern	Lake Naivasha (3)
Speckled Pigeon	After a initial single bird on the exit game drive from Samburu, the best location for this species was at Treetops, where at least 6 were regular visitors to the balcony of the hotel. A further 2 were seen on the journey from the Masai Mara to Nairobi
African Mourning Dove	1 definitely identified at Samburu Lodge
Red-eyed Dove	2 definitely identified at Treetops, with 6 in the Holiday Inn grounds at Nairobi, and then small numbers at Mombassa beach, where they seemed to be the only Streptoplia dove present
Ring-necked Dove	Not all doves were identified specifically, but it was obvious that this species was easily the most commonly seen and heard, with its call quite a characteristic sound of the African bush. It was quite common throughout Samburu, with ~6 being seen at Keekorok Lodge
Laughing Dove	Samburu (3); Lake Naivasha (4)
Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove	4 were seen during the first morning walk along the beach at Mombassa, with 2 very much closer birds on the walk the following morning
Tambourine Dove	A single male was picked out of the bushes surrounding the lawns at the Outspan Hotel before leaving for Treetops
African Green-Pigeon	A lone individual landed on the salt lick beside the water hole at Treetops
Fischer's Lovebird	The first and quite surprising find was a roosting colony in the fronds of two palm trees directly over our room at the Lake Naivasha Country Club. The only other birds seen were on the scrub area behind the beach at Mombassa, with 1 on the first morning and 2 on the second
Bare-faced Go-away-bird	Up to 4 birds were seen in the uppermost branches of lone trees of Keekorok Lodge
White-bellied Go-away-bird	6 birds were in the grounds of Samburu Lodge on the full day there, and a further bird was seen while leaving the reserve the following day
White-browed Coucal	The constant calling of these birds was a characteristic sound of the area. They were more often heard than seen, but singles were at Samburu and the Masai Mara, with 2 on the first morning walk along the beach at Mombassa, the first perched in the open for a short time, and the second briefly diving for cover into a bush
African Palm-Swift	These were very common over Samburu, and also amongst other swift species at the Mombassa Beach Hotel, where they seemed to be roosting in palm trees behind our room
Little Swift	Many birds seemed to be nesting in the roof spaces of the entrance gate at Samburu; a colony was nesting around Treetops; 4 were on the journey from Masai Mara to Nairobi; 2 were overhead on the walk along the beach at Mombassa
White-rumped Swift	~50 birds were buzzing around a small pride of lions snacking over a kill next to a stream on the first morning game drive at the Masai Mara
Speckled Mousebird	These were regularly seen and in good numbers, always active when seen. Samburu (~40); Treetops (~8); Keekorok Lodge (~25); Masai Mara (~10); journey from Masai Mara to Nairobi (6); Holiday Inn, Nairobi (8); Mombassa Beach Hotel (up to around 25 in any one day)
White-headed Mousebird	~15 were busily feeding around the spot where a pair of Lions had made camp during the first morning game drive at Samburu
Blue-naped Mousebird	Samburu (~25); Keekorok Lodge (1)
African Pygmy-Kingfisher	After watching a Grey-headed Kingfisher for some time during a walk around Samburu Lodge, one of these buzzed in behind the peripheral hotel block and landed on some bare branches for a short time. A second bird was seen for some time perched over an almost dry stream just outside of Keekorok Lodge while watching a mongoose
Grey-headed Kingfisher	The first bird seen was a flypast – over the river at Samburu while watching a pair of Lions. The second was much more obliging, being found perched above me in the grounds of Samburu Lodge, and subsequently coming down much closer to the ground. A third was also in the grounds later in the day. The fourth and last was seen during the all day game drive in the Masai Mara
Pied Kingfisher	~6 birds were perched and hovering around the jetty at Lake Naivasha, some allowing very close approach. A pair of birds were in the same place on the rocky beach at Mombassa on both morning walks
White-fronted Bee-eater	A pair of birds were feeding next to a suckling Rothschild’s Giraffe at Lake Nakuru; ~12 were constantly flying around, feeding and perching over the grazing area next to Lake Naivasha Country Club
Little Bee-eater	Only odd birds seen sporadically: Samburu, just outside of the gates of Samburu Lodge (1); Masai Mara (1); Keekorok Lodge (1,3)
White-throated Bee-eater	A group of 3 passed through Keekorok Lodge, landing briefly before moving on
European Bee-eater	~4 flying around the river in Samburu while watching a pair of Lions
Lilac-breasted Roller	Small numbers seen regularly: Journey from Nairobi to Samburu (1); Samburu (1); Lake Nakuru Lodge (1); Masai Mara (1,1,4); Mombassa beach (single bird seen at the same place perched in the scrub area on both morning walks
Rufous-crowned Roller	Single bird seen in Samburu on game drive during the full day there
Eurasian Hoopoe	A bird seen on the morning game drive at Samburu seemed to be of the European migratory race. The second bird seen feeding on the lawns of Keekorok Lodge was of the African race, showing blacked primary wing pattern clearly
Red-billed Hornbill	These were only seen at Samburu, where they were very common, with up to ~30 birds seen on the full day there. Very approachable birds were even in the grounds of Samburu Lodge, and these included a male feeding a female entombed in a nesting chamber in a tree
Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill	A single bird was on one of the game drives within Samburu
Von der Decken's Hornbill	Despite being seemingly similar to Red-billed Hornbill, the blackened wings of this species render them instantly recognisable. A male was on the afternoon game drive in Samburu, and a female was seen on exit from the reserve on the following day
African Grey Hornbill	4 were seen from the bus on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu on the first day, and 2 were in a tree next to the toilet block of the gate to Lake Nakuru
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill	A single bird was in the distance at Treetops, landing for a short time at the top of a bare tree
Southern Ground-Hornbill	2 birds were slowly prospecting for food next to the track at the Masai Mara on the morning of the full day game drive, not too far from the reserve entrance
D'Arnaud's Barbet	Following brief views of a bird as we quickly passed its perch in a bush at Samburu, another was much more obliging at a curio shop rest stop on the journey from Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara. It was grubbing around amongst the numerous rats on the ground in exactly the same place on the return journey
Nubian Woodpecker	There were 2 sightings of females within the grounds of Samburu Lodge
Cardinal Woodpecker	2 birds were in the grounds of Keekorok Lodge, with a single bird on the following day
Fischer's Sparrow-Lark	This species is a ground hugger, quietly feeding amongst the low vegetation and hence being very difficult to pick up. I was lucky to find a group of 2 males and 2 females when the convoy stopped for a view (on foot) of the Buffalo Springs reserve, and I followed up some calling birds in the scrub away from the throng
Plain Martin	Good numbers flying around the jetty at Lake Naivasha, with some landing for short periods on the rope barrier
Banded Martin	A single bird passed through with Barn Swallows at the picnic spot in the Masai Mara, within view of the Serengeti of Tanzania
Rock Martin	3 were picked out encircling Treetops
Barn Swallow	Quite good numbers seen on most days throughout the trip
Wire-tailed Swallow	~10 at Keekorok Lodge
Lesser Striped-Swallow	4 were flying just behind the beach at Mombassa
Mosque Swallow	A pair of these characteristically large hirundines were perched on wires on the morning of the full days game drive at Masai Mara. 2 separate birds were seen overhead during one of the morning walks along Mombassa beach
White-headed Sawwing	~4 birds were flying to and fro with the more numerous Black Sawwings at Keekorok Lodge
Black Sawwing	~20 birds were flying around Keekorok Lodge, most being in the vicinity of the Hippo pool. 4 were over Mombassa beach
African Pied Wagtail	Regularly seen throughout: journey from Nairobi to Samburu (2); Treetops (2); Lake Nakuru (1); Lake Naivasha (1); Keekorok Lodge (1); Masai Mara (2); Mombassa beach (usually 1-2, but a flock of ~15 flew out to one of the boats from the beach on one occasion
Cape Wagtail	1 at Treetops
Yellow Wagtail	6 at Lake Naivasha on the grazing area
Yellow-throated Longclaw	Quite often heard singing from prominent perches before they were seen, 3 separate birds were seen in the Masai Mara on the first full day
Rosy-throated Longclaw	1 singing bird seen at Samburu
Plain-backed Pipit	Single bird on the open ground at the picnic site in Masai Mara
African Pipit	2 birds on the open ground at the picnic site in the Masai Mara
Common Bulbul	Seen on almost every day, with better numbers being at Mombassa, where they were both noisy and visible (numbers up to ~40 on any one day here, with up to ~15 on any one day during the safari
Sombre Greenbul	2 singing birds at the scrubby area behind Mombassa beach
Olive Thrush	These were particularly common within the grounds of the Holiday inn at Nairobi (~10). 4 were seen on the first day, during the journey from Nairobi to Samburu, with a single bird in the grounds of the Outspan Hotel
Singing Cisticola	3 birds were seen in amongst a small patch of reeds at our lunch stop on the first day of the trip
Rattling Cisticola	The scrub area behind the beach at Mombassa was a good spot for seeing this species, where they would often climb to the top of grass stems and bushes to scold openly
Winding Cisticola	This was another cisticola which put on a good show, with 3 at Keekorok Lodge. However, unlike the Rattling cousin, it preferred to feed along the ground, usually on the open lawns of the hotel
Green-backed Camaroptera	3 were at the bridge on the way to the picnic site of the Masai Mara
Buff-bellied Warbler	At least 4 of these tiny, nondescript individuals were busily passing through the trees at the front of the Keekorok Lodge reception
Red-faced Crombec	A single bird was seen at the Talek River while approaching for views of the Hippos
Pale Flycatcher	A single bird was in the car park next to reception as we were about to leave Samburu Lodge
African Grey Flycatcher	The 8 or so birds at Keekorok Lodge provided no problems in finding them, since they were often happy to perch and feed at close quarters. The characteristic streaked crown wasn’t always easy to see, but clinched identification when it was present
White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher	5 of these dapper birds were in a loose group at the lunch site on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu on the first day
Southern Black-Flycatcher	Samburu (4); Outspan Hotel (2); Lake Naivasha (2,2); Keekorok Lodge (2); Masai Mara (4); Mombassa Beach Hotel (2)
Spotted Flycatcher	A total of 5 were seen on the morning birding walks at Mombassa beach
African Dusky Flycatcher	1 was on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu at a roadside curio rest stop
White-browed Robin-Chat	A single bird was seen on 2 successive days at Keekorok Lodge. A little time was taken on the first viewing to ensure that the central tail feathers were the correct olive colour for this species
Northern Wheatear	4 females in total: 2 at Lake Nakuru, 1 on the Masai Mara, and 1 on the journey from Masai Mara to Nairobi
Northern Anteater-Chat	These were very common at the southern end of Lake Nakuru, with ~20 being seen between the end of the lake and Lake Nakuru Lodge. 2 were subsequently also seen on the Masai Mara
Sooty Chat	These were quite a regular sighting on the Masai Mara, and were seen in small numbers on all 4 days that we were there, with a peak of 4 birds on the two full days with game drives
Chinspot Batis	Single sightings of males were made on 3 successive days at Keekorok Lodge. All may or may not have been the same bird. A fourth sighting of another male was in the grounds of the Holiday Inn, Nairobi, during the Masai Mara to Mombassa transfer
African Paradise-Flycatcher	4 short tailed birds were seen in the wood near to the jetty at Lake Naivasha, with 1 on the first evening, and 3 the following morning. A full tailed male was in the grounds of Keekorok Lodge
Scarlet-chested Sunbird	All those seen had to be checked to eliminate (or to discover) Hunter’s Sunbird. A single bird was amongst the much more numerous Variable Sunbirds at the Outspan Hotel. Best numbers were ~8 at Keekorok Lodge, with a single bird on one of the morning walks along Mombassa beach
Mariqua Sunbird	Separating this species from Purple-banded Sunbird was initially a nightmare, but the range of the 2, and subsequent difference in sizes helped the state of affairs immensely. 3 were seen at the lunch stop on the way to Samburu on the first day, and were obviously too big for the latter species. ~20 at Keekorok at first presented problems, since they seemed smaller than the 3 earlier birds
Purple-banded Sunbird	After checking the Mariqua Sunbirds for Purple-banded, the latter was finally pinned down during the stay at the Mombassa Beach Hotel. One or two likely birds were seen on the walks along the beach, but good views were had in the hotel grounds
Variable Sunbird	~10 were at the Outspan Hotel, and ~6 at Keekorok Lodge. The problem with the birds in this part of the country is that they are the yellow bellied race, and so look very similar to Collared Sunbird. The throat on and breast on each could be seen well in most instances, ruling out Collared
African Yellow White-eye	~6 were actively feeding around the gardens of the Outspan Hotel
Eurasian Golden Oriole	An elusive juvenile was in the grounds of the Mombassa Beach Hotel
African Black-headed Oriole	A single bird was in the trees near to the jetty at Lake Naivasha Country Club
Red-backed Shrike	1 juvenile seen from the bus on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu
Grey-backed Fiscal	A group of 3 very approachable birds were in trees alongside the grazing area adjacent to Lake Naivasha Country Club, feeding just above a small group of Waterbuck
Common Fiscal	These were particularly common on journeys, almost lining the verges being mainly perched on wires. The only birds seen away from the bus were a pair at Treetops, one of which eventually perched just outside of the viewing area. 2 birds were also seen on the morning game drive at the Masai Mara
White-rumped Shrike	Also known as White-crowned Shrike, which is a more obvious field marker than the white rump, 5 were seen in the Masai Mara while watching a reclining Lion
Black-backed Puffback	A single bird was in the trees at the Samburu Lodge reception
Tropical Boubou	2 of these very dapper, impressive birds were seen, but both only briefly. The first flew into a bush just outside of our room at the Lake Naivasha Country Club, and was on the outside for a short time before seeking the sanctuary of the inside. At the scrub area of Mombassa beach, an interesting melodic call, with much rustling of branches but only glimpses of the odd feather, eventually proved to be the black-winged coastal subspecies, when it alighted on an open lookout post for seconds
Fork-tailed Drongo	Samburu (6); Mombassa Beach Hotel (1); Mombassa beach (1)
House Crow	These common and noisy imports from Asia were a bit of a nuisance at Mombassa, where they were easily the predominant species
Cape Crow	4 of these narrow-billed crows were seen on journeys, with the first from Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara, and a further 3 on the return journey to Nairobi
Pied Crow	These were very common in patches, quite often from the bus, such as on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu. ~15 were on the journey from Masai Mara to Nairobi, with 5 at Treetops, 6 in the grounds of the Holiday Inn at Nairobi, and a few sightings on the journeys to and from Lake Naivasha
Wattled Starling	All birds seen were in non-breeding plumage, and in the company of Wildebeest, with 3 at Samburu, and ~12 in the Masai Mara
Greater Blue-eared Glossy-Starling	2 on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu; ~10 at Treetops, where they were usually in or around the viewing decks; ~20 on the journey to Lake Naivasha; and 4 on the journey from Masai Mara to Nairobi
Rüppell's Glossy-Starling	This long-tailed Starling was unmistakable when seen well, and was in small numbers. The first was on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu, with all the other birds at Keekorok Lodge, where up to 6 confiding individuals could be seen regularly and close to
Golden-breasted Starling	Only 1 bird was seen, in a bush behind the safari bus at Samburu while watching a Secretary Bird
Superb Starling	This species in very common throughout the interior route that we took on Safari, but wasn’t present at all at Mombassa. It was seen in good and regular numbers both from the safari bus en route, and also at the Lodges. The only day they weren’t seen during the safari was on the full day game drive in the Masai Mara
Hildebrandt's Starling	In many ways similar to Superb Starling, this much less common cousin was easy to identify when seen well with red eyes and lack of white breast band. The first birds seen were a group of 4 at a roadside curio stop on the journey to the Masai Mara. 1-2 were seen on each day at Keekorok Lodge
Violet-backed Starling	A single bird was outside the window of our room at Keekorok Lodge as we were packing to leave!
Red-billed Oxpecker	Perhaps the more common of the 2 species: Samburu (2, ~10) on Gemsbok; Lake Nakuru (~20 on Plains Zebra)
Yellow-billed Oxpecker	Samburu (2); Keekorok Lodge (~8 on a Warthog); Masai Mara (1)
House Sparrow	~10 on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu; small numbers at Mombassa Beach Hotel
Kenya Rufous Sparrow	A single female was on the fence of a roadside curio shop rest stop on the journey from Samburu to Treetops; 2 at Lake Naivasha Country Club collecting nesting material; 3 on the journey from Masai Mara to Nairobi
Grey-headed Sparrow	Samburu (2,1); Lake Naivasha (2)
Parrot-billed Sparrow	Very good views of 3-4 birds were had in the scrub behind Mombassa beach on both morning walks
Swahili Sparrow	The distinctive greyish mantles separating from the very similar Grey-headed Sparrows were seen on 2 birds on the dirt directly in front of our room at Keekorok Lodge, with a third bird at a rest stop between Masai Mara and Nairobi
Chestnut Sparrow	A pair of non-breeding birds were at the rest stop used on the journey to and from the Masai Mara on both visits
Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver	2 were at Samburu
White-headed Buffalo-Weaver	These very smart birds were regularly seen on game drives, with ~20 on the first evening, and ~10 on the full day there
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver	These were very common throughout Samburu, and were even found within the grounds of Samburu Lodge, where they were often almost within stepping distance. At least 100 were seen on any one day
Grey-headed Social-Weaver	Very common around the grounds of Keekorok Lodge, where ~50 were seen on one day there, with ~15 the previous day
Baglafecht Weaver	~10 were at the rest stop on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu; 1 was at the feeding table on Treetops balcony; 4 were in the reeds next to the jetty at Lake Naivasha; 2 in the grounds of the Holiday Inn at Nairobi
Golden Palm Weaver	The Mombassa Beach Hotel was host to a healthy population of this vocal and tame bird, with some venturing into the restaurant to help themselves to left overs. Some birds were found building their intricate nests, often within touching distance of the paths around the hotel
Village Weaver	A colony of this species was on the opposite bank of the river to the Samburu Lodge Hotel
Speke's Weaver	Colonies of weavers passed in villages looked likely to be of this species, based on good views of the odd bird as the safari bus slowed down for speed humps. At Treetops, they formed a small colony within the reeds on one of the water holes, with birds regularly visiting the feeding station within the hotel balcony
Zanzibar Bishop	A female seen on the first walk along Momnassa beach was suspected as a bishop, but it was the appearance of what appeared to be its singing mate the next day that clinched identification
Grosbeak Weaver	What was probably a single bird was seen on consecutive days feeding in the same place on the lawns of Keekorok Lodge
Red-billed Firefinch	6 were drinking at a tap behind the curio rest stop on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu, and 2 were in the grounds of the Holiday Inn Hotel at Nairobi
Red-cheeked Cordonbleu	Initially, a single pair was seen on the lawns of Keekorok Lodge. Many more were in the grounds of the Mombassa Beach Hotel, often feeding in groups of 10+ on the open lawns
Purple Grenadier	~20 birds were regularly seen around the grounds of Keekorok Lodge
Bronze Mannikin	2 on the journey from Nairobi to Samburu; 1 in the grounds of the Holiday Inn Hotel, Nairobi; ~20 along Mombassa beach
Pin-tailed Whydah	A superb breeding plumaged male, with what looked to be one or two females, was perched on a fence wire on the journey from Samburu to Treetops
African Citril	A pair was on wires within the grounds of a curio shop rest stop on the journey from Samburu to Treetops, and another was on the journey from Lake Naivasha to the Masai Mara
White-bellied Canary	These were very common around the grounds of Keekorok Lodge, with singles to small groups often being seen feeding on the lawns. ~20 birds were probably here
Streaky Seedeater	Outspan Hotel grounds (2); Lake Naivasha Country Club (2), Holiday Inn Hotel, Nairobi (6)

Mammals seen

Blue (Sykes) Monkey	A single individual of the darker Kenyan race was picked out in the trees above the entrance gate as we entered the grounds of Treetops
Vervet Monkey	These are a very common monkey across the whole continent of Africa, and it was the only mammal that we saw in Mobassa as well as on safari. Not only are they common, but they are also very confiding, since they have learned that being around humans can have its material gains, such as when they stole food from the restaurant at the Mombassa Beach Hotel. One individual even staked us out as we sat outside of our room at Samburu Lodge, looking for the opportunity to sneak into the room and steal whatever took its fancy. ~50 were seen on any one day at Samburu, with ~20 in the Masai Mara. A small troop of ~10 was seen walking across a bare crop field on the journey from Samburu to Treetops
Baboon	Once the first troop of ~8 was found outside of the Samburu Lodge following the first morning game drive, these became quite a common sight. ~15 were slowly making their way along the opposite bank of the river to Samburu Lodge on the last morning there; ~30 were almost constant at Treetops; ~60 were spread throughout Lake Nakuru, including in front of the Lake Nakuru Lodge as we ate our lunch; ~10 were on the Masai Mara on one of the game drives
Black-backed Jackal	These were only very occasional. A pair was found almost as we started the first morning game drive at the Masai Mara, but we had to wait until almost setting back for Keekorok Lodge again on the last game drive before chancing on a lone individual
Cheetah	Having not seen Cheetah on our only previous safari, this was top of the list of most wanted animals, and they didn’t disappoint. Shortly after watching the Black-backed Jackals on the first game drive, the driver was alerted to a mother with her 5 very young cubs. They were totally unconcerned by the surrounding cavalcade of safari vehicles. On the full day game drive, we chanced upon a mother with her 2 almost fully grown cubs, which we followed for a short while before being entertained by the mother futilely chasing a Thomson’s Gazelle. Back at the Hippo Pool on the same afternoon, a sentinel Cheetah could be discerned on lookout duty on a small hillock in the distance
Lion	These were a common site, particularly in the Masai Mara, and even put on various shows for us. The first seen was a pair found next to the river as we headed towards Samburu Lodge on our first evening. The same pair were a little more active when tracked down to almost the same spot the following morning. The first trio seen in the Masai Mara were again on route to the lodge, this time a male separated from a pair of females. On the first morning game drive, we watched a pride of 7, 3 tucking into a fresh kill, with 2 active youngsters playing behind us on the track. The following day, another pride of 7 this time contained 2 females with reasonably young and playful cubs, before were found a soporific lone male, and a pair of old males as the day drew to a close. Another lone individual was seen playing with a dead Thomson’s Gazelle, which we presumed it had stolen from another predator
Leopard	Only one of these largely nocturnal cats was seen, slopping out along a branch in a tree adjacent to the river on the Buffalo Springs side of the Samburu reserve
Slender Mongoose	This small mongoose was seen crossing the track in front of us, and was subsequently seen in a fairly dry stream bed just below the safari bus
White-tailed Mongoose	One of these distinctive mongooses was picked up plying between the fresh water hole at Treetops and the underneath of the viewing balcony, where we had hoped it would come out of the other side for better views. No such luck!
Spotted Hyaena	4 were menacingly wandering to and fro around Treetops just after dusk, uttering their strange whooping call frequently. A much closer one was in the daylight at the end of the last game drive in the Masai Mara
African Elephant	These seemed to be in equal numbers in Samburu and the Masai Mara, despite the terrain of each being totally different, with perhaps more food in the better vegetated Samburu Reserve. Neither were the numbers anywhere near the herds we had expected, with 23-30 seen on the best days in each reserve. 4 came to drink and collect salt at Treetops as the dark of the night drew in. Perhaps best sighting was a herd in Buffalo Springs Reserve, which also contained a collection of youngsters of various ages, from a very small baby upwards
Burchell's (Plains) Zebra	Very common along the shores of Lake Nakuru, to the plains of the Masai Mara. 100’s were seen on any one day at the Masai Mara, where a group was also feeding on the lawns of Keekorok Lodge in front of the restaurant after dinner one evening
Grévy's Zebra	This is the more northerly, narrow striped species, and as such was the one found at Samburu. Up to ~20 were seen on the full day there
White Rhinoceros	These were only seen at Lake Nakuru, where the closely cropped grass seemed to suit them. A group of 3 quite close complemented the ~8 which were more distantly spotted in the shade of the trees, with another single near to the waters edge
Black Rhinoceros	The first one seen trundled up to the water hole at Treetops, only to be sent packing by one of the aggressive Buffalo which wouldn’t tolerate its presence. The other Black Rhino was in the open of the plains of the Masai Mara, which would not necessarily suit its shrubby diet, and it could actually be seen using its characteristic pointed upper lip to pick of the saplings as it mooched along
Common Warthog	Surprisingly, none were seen at Samburu, with the first being seen at Treetops. They were very common here, with ~50 in total, and were almost constantly present. 4 were on the shores of Lake Nakuru, and ~10 on any one day in the Masai Mara, with many of these being seen in the vicinity of Keekorok Lodge
Common Hippopotamus	4 were in the water at Lake Nakuru, where they could be seen from the jetty. Better numbers were seen in the River Talek, on the full days game drive in the Masai Mara. A group ~8 was seen from the bridge, with another ~10 froma viewpoint a little further along the river
Giraffe	Always impressive, 3 different races were seen throughout the safari. ~20 Reticulated were in Samburu, Rothschild’s was in both Lake Nakuru (3, including one very large youngster suckling) and Lake Naivasha (4), with the most common being Kenyan in the Masai Mara (~20 on any one day)
Impala	Large numbers were at Samburu (~100 on any one day); ~60 at Lake Nakuru; and large numbers (~100’s) were throughout the Masai Mara
Hartebeest	This odd shaped antelope was only seen on one occasion, with ~10 animals wandering with Wildebeest near to the entrance gate to the Masai Mara
Blue Wildebeest	None were at Samburu, leaving the first animals to be seen on the grazing area of Lake Naivasha. The Masai Mara held impressive herds, making this the most common mammal species seen on the trip. Numbers were in the thousands, with some very large collections, including straight lines of wanderers moving from one feeding area to the next
Topi	One of the most handsome and colourful of the antelopes, up to ~50 were seen on any one day on the Masai Mara
Grant's Gazelle	~40 & ~30 were in Samburu on consecutive days. They seemed to be even more common at Lake Naivasha, where they were also more easily seen (~100). Numbers in the Masai Mara were in the 100’s
Thomson's Gazelle	First were at Lake Nakuru, with ~50 amongst the more numerous Grant’s Gazelle. 100’s were seen on all days in the Masai Mara, including one lucky individual that we saw successfully escaping a Cheetah chase
Gerenuk	A very slim and slightly odd looking antelope, which is more an inhabitant of the northern part of Kenya. As such, we only saw them in small numbers (~10) at Samburu
Kirk's Dikdik	At least 15 were in during the game drives, with almost all being seen in pairs. 2 singles were seen on the game drives within the Masai Mara
Cape (African) Buffalo	These were very common throughout the safari, despite only 3 being seen at Samburu during the first few days. ~30 regularly visited the waterhole at Treetops, one even being bold enough to see off a Black Rhino which visited during the darkness. The best sites for Buffalo were undoubtedly Lake Nakuru, where numbers were ~200, and the Masai Mara, where quite sizeable herds could be seen. When I visited the Hippo pool while walking the grounds of Keekorok, a large herd had gathered just outside of the hotel boundary
Common Eland	Small numbers were seen at Treetops (6 arrived at dusk), and the Masai Mara (~4 seen on each day during the game drives)
Bushbuck	The only site that these colourful medium sized antelope were seen was at Treetops, with ~6 animals
Beisa Gemsbok	This is the subspecies of Oryx found to the North of Kenya, and as such were only seen at Samburu. Here they were on good numbers with ~30-50 seen on consecutive days
Waterbuck	~6 were at Samburu, with the closest being ~30 at Lake Naivasha, where were walked alongside small herds on the grazing area next to the hotel. ~20 were on the morning game drive at the Masai Mara
Striped Ground Squirrel	3 animals were seen briefly as we drove past them at Samburu
Scrub Hare	One of these amazingly long eared hares passed by the safari bus at Samburu