Visit to Kenya 18th December 2008 to 6th January 2009, reported by Peter Lack, Diane Ridgley, Alexander Lack.
457 species recorded
Tour led by Chege wa Kariuki
Day 0 18 Dec Landed in Nairobi 2130, took ages through Customs etc, partly due to needing visas which you have to pay for in US$ cash ($50 each) although if we had known we could have got them in advance. Overnight Nairobi
Day 1 19 Dec Nairobi - Amboseli National Park via Namanga arriving lunchtime. Afternoon Game Drive. Overnight Amboseli Serena
Woke up to Black Kite, Hadada Ibis, Pied Crow over Nairobi. Drive through outskirts of Nairobi. Nairobi now extends more or less to Athi River and the road to the turnoff to Namanga is dreadful. There are however colonies of Sacred Ibis and Marabou along the road to the airport. After turn off road not so bad to Namanga. Once clear of Nairobi started seeing a few things although mammals almost non-existent until turned left at Namanga.
After that dirt in to Amboseli where it had been raining up until about a month previously so still had green tint. Also mammals had started to return. Slow drive in passing swamps and a few short stops partly as first sight of everything. Giraffe, the odd Zebra etc until Reserve when gazelles and Wildebeeste appeared. A few birds including Rufous-crowned Roller, near the main gate was a
single Northern Crombec on route, and a Kori Bustard. Lodge excellent with Beautiful and Scarlet-chested Sunbirds and several others.
Evening game drive around swamps and patches of woodland. Several elephants in and around swamps along with many and various waterbirds. 1 adult plus 30 juvenile Greater Flamingoes and migrants included 3 Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Pallid Harrier, Common Kestrel, Barn Swallow, Red-tailed Shrike, Northern and Isabelline Wheatears. |
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Day 2 20 Dec Amboseli National Park Game Drives morning and evening, overnight Amboseli Serena
Morning game drive to a different area of swamps than last evening. Again a wide variety of waterbirds including a single Chestnut-banded Plover; a single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over a Observation Hill lookout site.
Evening game drive to yet another part. 4 Lion (in 2 lots of 2) were highlight. House Sparrow in lodge grounds along with a variety of others.
Day 3 21 Dec Amboseli National Park- Tsavo West National Park arriving lunchtime. Afternoon Game Drive. Overnight Ngulia Safari Lodge
Drive Amboseli to Tsavo West along road to south of Chyulus. Splendid views of Mt Kilimanjaro most of the way. Between the parks we had a ranger with us even though there has not been any trouble for some years it is still essential to do this. Road in parts had some of the worst corrugations encountered all trip. Stopped briefly in a river course where there was Tree Pipit, Ashy Flycatcher, Black-throated Wattle-eye (rather out of range) and Lesser Honeyguide; nearby Black Cuckoo and Great Spotted Cuckoo. Went past Shaitani Lava Flow. Late lunch at Ngulia following a stop at Mtito Andei (necessary as Chyulu Gate cannot let you in formally).
Evening game drive following around base of Ngulia mountain past the bandas. Several birds and mammals and we ended at a splendid small watercourse containing Painted Snipe, Water Thickknee, nest of Grosbeak Weaver and several other things. On return to lodge as it got dark a Spotted Eagle Owl, several Nightjars (including Donaldson Smith's) and across the valley from the lodge a Leopard crossed the road in front of us and then sat and watched us from the side in the spotlight. Later from Lodge itself a Leopard (different one) came up to the bait and fed for 20 minutes; also 2 Bushbaby and Dusky Nightjar in the dining room of the Lodge in evening and 2-3 White-tailed Mongoose outside.
Day 4 22 Dec Morning to Mzima Springs. Afternoon Rhino Sanctuary. Overnight Ngulia Safari Lodge
Morning game drive out towards last night's watercourse and then on towards Mzima Springs. As before several mammals especially good numbers of elephants (and this applied to most other places as well which was very heartening especially as there were many very young ones too). 2-3 House Martins over one grassy patch along with several other swallow and swift species. Here and subsequently several African Paradise Flycatchers, the majority being the white form rather than rufous one. Both today and next morning there were quite a lot of migrant warblers in bushes around the lodge. A walk at Mzima Springs did not produce a lot as it was midday but Hippos, fish from the underwater hide, excellent view of African Darter, Sykes's Monkey.
Afternoon went down the escarpment and game drive in and around the Rhino Sanctuary. No sign of Rhinos though! Verreaux's Eagle along the escarpment.
Day 5 23 Dec Tsavo West National Park- Tsavo East National Park for lunch. Evening Game Drive Voi River Circuit. Overnight Voi Safari Lodge
Morning slow drive through Tsavo West around north and east sides of Rhino Sanctuary to end at Tsavo Gate. Drove down main road to Voi -- saw several mammals beside the road. Also Booted Eagle near Voi itself. Voi has become quite a large town with 2-3 banks, quite a lot of shops etc etc -- compared to what I knew 35 years earlier it is a metropolis. Voi Safari Lodge much as I remembered though apart from the fence around it (like the majority of other lodges now). A Shikra in front of the lodge at lunchtime.
Afternoon game drive along Voi River Circuit. A Spotted Redshank on pool by pipeline near lodge.
The most impressive was a very large number of Red-billed Quelea apparently mostly headed for a roost somewhere along the river. Last flock we saw was the biggest and in all a guess suggests quarter to half a million birds must be around. 'Attended' by a variety of predators including Tawny Eagles, African Hawk Eagles and several harriers (Montagu's and Pallid) and Lanner. An extra were 3 Cheetah along Voi-Aruba Road which played very hard to get to start with and we only saw thanks to Alexander spotting a part of the tail moving and then waiting 10-15 minutes. |
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Day 6 24 Dec Tsavo East National Park- Coast (Watamu). Lunch on route. Overnight Turtle Bay
Drive through Tsavo East via Aruba to Sala Gate. Most noticeable thing about Tsavo was the increase in Acacia trees and bushes whereas there were almost none 30-35 years ago. Could not get to Aruba Dam itself although a waterhole just beyond was full of birds. Both Chestnut-headed and Chestnut-backed Sparrow Larks and Caspian Plover seen there. Near Sala Gate were 2 Ground Hornbill. Nearer coast in the edge of the forest were several Carmine Bee Eaters.
Day 7 25 Dec Watamu. Overnight Turtle Bay
Lazy day at Turtle Bay although a walk along the beach in morning produced a couple of Ospreys, a Dimorphic Egret, Whimbrel and a few other waders.
Day 8 26 Dec Morning Sokoke Forest. Evening ditto. Overnight Turtle Bay
An early morning visit to Sokoke Forest guided by David Ngala was excellent. By the end of the morning we had seen most of the specialities. African Goshawk, Narina Trogon, flock of 25 White-throated Bee-eater, Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew, Fischer's and Tiny Greenbul, East Coast Akalat, Red-tailed Ant Thrush, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Amani Sunbird to name some. Fischer's Turaco heard too.
Back to a different part (back along road to Tsavo) in the evening again with David Ngala and this time had Sokoke Scops Owl (a pair roosting which were one grey and one rufous morph), African Barred Owlet was called up.
Day 9 27 Dec Coral Gardens. Overnight Turtle Bay
A lazy day with a morning (low tide) boat trip out to the Coral Gardens -- not a very impressive coral reef compared to what Peter has seen previously elsewhere but if all the tourists go to this leaving the other parts untouched that is fine.
Day 10 28 Dec Early afternoon flight to Nairobi. Overnight Nairobi.
A lazy morning at Turtle Bay although Diane saw 2 Frigatebirds drift slowly north, presumably Greater. Flight Malindi to Nairobi at lunchtime. Alexander and Peter went to National Museum in afternoon and saw the Human Origin exhibition and some birds and mammals.
Day 11 29 Dec Nairobi - Samburu National Reserve for lunch (late). Evening Game Drive. Overnight Samburu Serena
Long drive to Samburu through the Highlands. Interesting change from tea/coffee plantations to ranches to wheat fields before descending to Isiolo and Samburu. Various widowbirds etc along the roadside and near Timau Junction were several 100 White Storks in wheat fields. Lodge excellent as usual.
Evening game drive along the river found several elephants including a very small one and a Verreaux's Eagle Owl in a tree. Later just away from the river were Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse and Magpie Starling among others.
Day 12 30 Dec Samburu/Bufallo Springs National Reserve Morning and afternoon game drives Overnight Samburu Serena
Game drives morning and evening to different parts although mainly along the river. Elephants in the river, a poor view of Cheetah (ignored as lots of other cars around), Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy's Zebra. In evening a female Greater Kudu and in one place a string of birds including several migrants (nice male Irania, Sprosser, Olive Tree Warbler and Barred Warbler). Many areas dominated by African Mourning Doves.
Day 13 31 Dec Samburu National Reserve- Mt Kenya National Park. Evening walk in forest. Overnight Mountain Lodge
Slow drive out of Samburu produced, among others, a male Somali Ostrich as well as more Grevy's Zebra and Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk on their hind legs. Up to Mountain Lodge for lunch. An evening walk and short drive produced quite a few forest birds of note, including Scarce Swift, Sharpe's and Waller's Starling, Cape and Ruppell's Robin Chats, a few warblers including several Blackcaps. In evening there were 20 or so Green Sandpipers roosting on waterhole.
Day 14 1 Jan Mt Kenya National Park- Lake Baringo Conservationa Area. Arrive very late lunch. Evening walk. Overnight Lake Baringo Club
Slow drive out through forest produced Black-and-White Colobus, Hartlaub's Turaco and some sunbirds and barbets.
A long drive to Lake Baringo arriving for a very late lunch. Evening walk found some of the more northern dry country birds including Brown Babbler, Icterine Warbler and Northern Masked and Jackson's Golden-backed Weavers, these latter coming to food at the Lake Baringo Club’s feeding table.
Day 15 2 Jan Morning walk by cliffs. Afternoon in scrub for owls. Overnight Lake Baringo Club
Morning walk by the cliffs a couple of miles away from the lake produced more dry country birds. Specialities included Hemprich's and Jackson's Hornbills, Bristle-crowned Starling and Brown-tailed Rock Chat. In the Club grounds were some waterbirds including our first Fish Eagle and a couple of Monitor Lizards.
An evening walk led by Francis showed us Heuglin's Courser, a Greyish Eagle Owl on its nest, an African Scops Owl and Slender tailed Nightjar all of which had been previously found by Francis earlier in the day, as well as some other waterbirds including a Black Heron.
Day 16 3 Jan Lake Baringo - Lake Nakuru National Park. Evening Game Drive. Overnight Lake Nakuru Lodge
Early drive out of Baringo produced little until we got to Lake Nakuru. Where are all the Flamingos -- there were hardly any? Many Pelicans though not to mention several hundred Little Grebes, a couple of Black Storks, and several waders and terns (including summer plumage White-winged). Going in and an evening drive found both a few White and 1 Black Rhino (both introduced) and Rothschild's Giraffe (ditto).
Day 17 4 Jan Lake Nakuru National Reserve- Masai Mara Nationa Reserve. Lunch at Sarova on way. Overnight Mara Serena
On way out of Nakuru stopped at the sewage ponds which was the only place we saw several ducks on the whole trip; and also a few waders.
A long drive to the Mara seeing relatively little aside from the few Wildebeeste which had not migrated south. Lunched at Sarova Lodge just inside Mara and then drove slowly to Serena seeing various bustards and other grassland species on the way.
Day 18 5 Jan
Morning and Evening Game Drives Mara. Overnight Mara Serena
Morning game drive along river found a lot of Black-bellied Bustards, various warblers and larks and culminated in 2 Black-backed Cisticolas which may well be the first certain record for Kenya for several decades.
Evening drive on the other side of the Lodge found us finally catching up with Serval Cat, Bat-eared Fox and a very dark grey Jackal which probably was a Silver-backed but which we first thought could have been Side-striped, as well as a few hundred White Storks roosting. |
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Day 19 6 Jan Masai Mara National Reserve- Nairobi. Airport for 8pm for 2300 flight to London
A bridge near Keekorok had Angola Swallow nesting under it and then a Lion kill of a giraffe which had occurred shortly after we passed 2 days ago. 4 (but we saw only 3) Lions and Hooded Vultures not to mention Hyenas and Jackals on the prowl. A bit further on another Serval and a pair of Ground Hornbill.
Had to wait for 3 hours in Narok to get the water pump on the car fixed which rather knocked everything else out so it was in the end a slightly rushed drive to Nairobi airport although a Kori Bustard on the plain below Longonot eased the pain a bit!
Bird List
Please note that these are unchecked records. Some of them will be passed to the East Africa Rarities Committee for consideration before they can be confirmed.
Ostrich Struthio camelus: Masai race seen Amboseli, Tsavo West, Baringo (by road), Nakuru, Mara;
1 Somali race in Samburu.
Little Grebe Tachybaptes ruficollis: several hundred in rafts on Lake Nakuru.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: a few on Lake Nakuru but most were on Sewage Ponds at northern edge.
Long-tailed Cormorant P. africanus: 1 at Mzima Springs.
African Darter Anhinga rufa: 1 at Mzima Springs, 1 Lake Baringo.
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus: a few in Amboseli, many at Lake Nakuru.
Pink-backed Pelican P. rufescens: a few at Nakuru.
Frigatebird sp presumed Greater Fregata (probably minor): 2 drifted north over Watamu.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: several in Amboseli, 1 Lake Baringo.
Common Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides: common at Amboseli, 1 at Baringo.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: common everywhere.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus: 1 at Mzima Springs.
Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca: 1 on tree Baringo.
Dimorphic Egret E. dimorpha: 1 seen on beach at Watamu twice.
Little Egret E. garzetta: a few at both Baringo and Nakuru.
Yellow-billed Egret E. intermedia: several at Amboseli.
Great Egret E. alba: several seen Amboseli and Nakuru, also 1 Samburu.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: commonly seen Amboseli, Tsavo West, coast, Samburu, Nakuru, Mara.
Purple Heron A. purpurea: 1 at Amboseli.
Goliath Heron A. goliath: several in Amboseli.
Black-headed Heron A. melanocephala: seen on dry land in several places.
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta: seen in several places.
White Stork Ciconia ciconia: flock of several hundred over a few fields between Mt Kenya and Isiolo; a few Nakuru; a roosting flock Mara.
Black Stork C. nigra: 2 separate ones Nakuru.
Woolly-necked Stork C. episcopus: only seen on waterhole in front of Voi Safari Lodge.
Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus: seen everywhere but not in large numbers.
Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis: 1 in Nakuru.
Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis: Samburu, Nakuru, Mara.
Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus: everywhere including Nairobi.
Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash: seen (and heard) in most places though not Tsavo.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: several in Amboseli, a few Nakuru.
African Spoonbill Platalea alba: common in Amboseli and Nakuru.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber: a few Amboseli and Nakuru,.
Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor: a few Nakuru.
White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor: small group Baringo; ditto Mara.
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis: 1 Amboseli; 1 Mara.
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca: very common everywhere.
Cape Teal Anas capensis: 2 Nakuru.
Northern Pintail A. acuta: small group on sewage ponds, Nakuru.
Red-billed Teal A. erythrorhynchus: small groups Amboseli, near Aruba in Tsavo East.
Hottentot Teal A. hottentota: few Nakuru.
Northern Shoveler A. clypeata: few on sewage ponds, Nakuru.
Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma: few on sewage ponds, Nakuru.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus: 3-4 seen at coast.
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus: 1 in Amboseli, 1 in Samburu.
Black Kite Milvus migrans: common in all towns and wherever there were people, none away from these.
African Fish Eagle Haliaaetus vociferus: few seen at Lake Baringo, Nakuru, Mara.
Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis: 1 along Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu.
Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus: 5 around lion kill in Mara.
White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus: common in all parks and reserves.
Ruppell's Griffon G. rueppellii: 1 with White-backed in Samburu.
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus: 1 in Samburu, 1 in Nakuru.
Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis: pair at Ngulia.
Brown Snake Eagle C. cinereus: several Tsavo West and East.
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus: common Tsavo, Samburu, Mara.
African Harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus: 1 along road north of Thika.
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus: common in open parks and reserves.
Montagu's Harrier C. pygargus: common in open parks and reserves.
African Marsh Harrier C. ranivorus: 1 on shore of Lake Nakuru.
Eurasian Marsh Harrier C. aeruginosus: seen in Amboseli, Tsavo East, Nakuru.
Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar: seen in Tsavo, Sokoke, Samburu including a black one in last.
Eastern Chanting Goshawk Melierax poliopterus: common Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro: 1 in Sokoke.
Shikra A. badius: 1 Voi Safari Lodge, 1 Mara Serena Lodge.
Great Sparrowhawk A. melanoleucus: 1 along road north of Thika.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo: regularly seen Tsavo, also Samburu, Nakuru.
Augur Buzzard B. augur: common Amboseli, Tsavo, Nakuru, Mara.
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax: common everywhere although not seen at Baringo.
Steppe Eagle A. nipalensis: definites in Tsavo East, Samburu, Nakuru; some others could have been this.
Wahlberg's Eagle A. wahlbergi: common Tsavo, coast, Samburu; commonest large eagle in these places.
Verreauxs' Eagle A. verreauxii: seen twice along Ngulia escarpment.
African Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster: several Tsavo West and East, 1 in Samburu.
Booted Eagle H. pennatus: 1 near Voi along main road.
Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis: 1 Tsavo East, 1 Mountain Lodge, few Nakuru, 1 Baringo.
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus: several seen Tsavo, coast, Samburu, Mara.
Secretary Bird Sagittarius serpentarius: seen singly in most places.
Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus: singles Amboseli, Tsavo East, Samburu.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus: singles Tsavo East (twice), Baringo.
Peregrine Flacon F. peregrinus: 2 singles Amboseli.
Grey Kestrel F. ardosiacus: 2 singles in Mara.
Lesser Kestrel F. naumanni: a pair in Mara.
Common Kestrel F. tinnunculus: common Amboseli, Tsavo, highland farming area, Mara.
Vulturine Guineafowl Acryllium vulturinum: flocks seen in Tsavo and Samburu.
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris: common everywhere although not at Baringo.
Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei: 1 in Tsavo West; 1 in Mara.
Coqui Francolin Francolinus coqui: few in Nakuru and Mara.
Crested Francolin F. sephaena: few seen and often heard Tsavo, coast, Samburu, Baringo.
Scaly Francolin F. squamatus: 2 by gate to Mountain Lodge.
Yellow-necked Spurfowl F. leucoscepus: common Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
Red-necked Spurfowl F. afer: 2 singles in Mara.
Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra: Amboseli, Tsavo West and 1 at Baringo.
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata: a few in Amboseli and rather more Lake Nakuru.
Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum: several seen in most places although not the coast.
Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori: 1 on road into Amboseli; 1 in Samburu; 1 between Narok and Longonot.
Buff-crested Bustard Lophotis gindiana: seen or heard in Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis: 2 near Sala Gate, Tsavo East.
Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster: 2 in Nakuru, common in Mara.
Hartlaub's Bustard L. hartlaubii: 1 in Mara.
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus: common in Amboseli, 1 on road in farming highlands, 1 in Mara.
Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis: 1 Tsavo West.
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta: many in Lake Nakuru.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus: seen in Amboseli, Tsavo East and Nakuru.
Water Thickknee Burhinus vermiculatus: pair Tsavo West, another in river Samburu.
Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii: 3 in Mara.
Two-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus: several seen Amboseli.
Heuglin's Courser R. cinctus: pair near Lake Baringo.
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola: 2-3 flocks (100-200 each) Amboseli.
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula: seen Amboseli, Nakuru.
Kittlitz's Plover C. pecuarius: common in Amboseli.
Three-banded Plover C. tricollaris: seen regularly Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Nakuru.
Chestnut-banded Plover C. pallidus: 1 in Amboseli.
Caspian Plover C. asiaticus: 2 in Tsavo East near Aruba.
Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris: several in Amboseli.
Blacksmith Lapwing V. armatus: Amboseli, Tsavo and Nakuru.
Spur-winged Lapwing V. spinosus: commonly seen in small numbers all through.
Black-headed Lapwing V. tectus: several seen in Tsavo.
Crowned Lapwing V. coronatus: common Amboseli, Nakuru, Mara.
African Wattled Lapwing V. senegallus: several seen in Mara.
Little Stint Calidris minuta: seen Amboseli, Tsavo East and Nakuru.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax: seen Amboseli, Tsavo East, Nakuru.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus: 3-4 at coast.
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus: 1 in pool by pipeline near Voi Safari Lodge.
Marsh Sandpiper T. stagnatilis: a few seen Nakuru.
Greenshank T. nebularia: several Amboseli, Nakuru.
Green Sandpiper T. ochropus: several seen on waterholes and rivers Tsavo, Samburu, Nakuru, Mara; also 20 roosting on waterhole in front of Mountain Lodge.
Wood Sandpiper T. glareola: a few seen Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Nakuru, Mara.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: seen at Ngulia and several from coast, Samburu, mountains, Baringo, Nakuru, Mara.
Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii: several at coast.
Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fuscus: 1 flying over Amboseli.
Grey -headed Gull L. cirrocephalus: several Lake Nakuru.
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica: a few Lake Nakuru.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus: few Baringo, several Nakuru.
White-winged tern C. leucopterus: a few coming into summer plumage Nakuru.
Black-faced Sandgrouse Pterocles decoratus: seen in Tsavo and Samburu.
Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse P. lichtensteinii: 2 seen Samburu.
African Green Pigeon Treron calvus: 1 in Tsavo West on escarpment, 1 in mountains.
Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria: 1 on track near Mountain Lodge.
Emerald-spotted Wood Dove T. chalcospilos: commonly seen (heard) everywhere from Tsavo onwards.
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis: common in drier areas, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba delegorguei: common in mountain forest.
Speckled Pigeon C. guinea: 1 seen Amboseli, several Baringo, Nakuru, Mara.
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata: regularly seen Tsavo, coast, Samburu, Nakuru, Mara.
African Mourning Dove S. decipiens: common Amboseli, Samburu (especially), Baringo, Nakuru.
Ring-necked Dove S. capicola: common almost everywhere.
Laughing Dove S. senegalensis: common everywhere.
Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi: several flocks seen in mountains.
Red-bellied Parrot P. rufiventris: several seen Tsavo and Samburu.
Schalow's Turaco Tauraco schalowi: heard in Mara River forest.
Fischer's Turaco T. fischeri: seen in Sokoke Forest.
Hartlaub's Turaco T. hartlaubii: seen well in mountain forest.
Bare-faced Go-Away Bird Corythaixoides personata: 2-3 seen in Mara.
White-bellied Go-Away Bird C. leucogaster: commonly seen Amboseli, Tsavo, coast, Samburu, Nakuru.
Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus: several all through Tsavo.
Great Spotted Cuckoo C. glandarius: 1 seen Tsavo West.
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus: 1 seen just outside Amboseli towards Tsavo.
Red-chested Cuckoo C. solitarius: heard a few times in Mara.
Eurasian Cuckoo C. canorus: seen in both Tsavo West and East.
African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus: 3-4 heard mountain forest.
Klaas's Cuckoo C. klaas: heard Amboseli, Baringo, Mara
Diederik Cuckoo C. caprius: seen in Tsavo East, heard Baringo, Nakuru.
White-browed Coucal Centropus senegalensis: seen Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Samburu, Baringo, Mara.
Blue-headed Coucal C. monachus: 1 seen in mountain forest.
Sokoke Scops Owl Otus ireneae: 2 seen together (one rufous, one grey morph) and a few more heard Sokoke Forest.
African Scops Owl O. senegalensis: 1 seen Lake Baringo.
Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo africanus: 1 seen at night Tsavo West near Ngulia.
Greyish Eagle Owl B. cinerascens: 1 seen on nest in cleft on cliff Baringo.
Verreaux's Eagle Owl B. lacteus: 1 seen in tree Samburu.
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum: heard in Samburu, heard and seen Baringo.
African Barred Owlet G. capense: 1 seen, another heard Sokoke Forest.
Donaldson Smith's Nightjar Caprimulgus donaldsoni: seen on road at night Tsavo West.
Dusky Nightjar C. fraenatus: seen Tsavo West, Samburu.
Slender-tailed Nightjar C. clarus: seen Amboseli, 1 during day Baringo.
Scarce Swift Schoutedenapus myoptilus: small flock over mountain forest.
African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus: seen wherever there were palms, Amboseli, Tsavo, coast, Samburu.
Eurasian Swift Apus apus: several seen Tsavo West, near Samburu, Nakuru, Mara.
Nyanza Swift A. niansae: several near cliffs Nakuru.
White-rumped Swift A. caffer: several Tsavo, Nakuru, Mara.
Horus Swift A. horus: seen Tsavo West, Mara.
Little Swift A. affinis: common almost everywhere.
Mottled Swift Tachymarptis aequatorialis: few Tsavo West along escarpment, Samburu.
Alpine Swift T. melba: seen Ngulia escarpment, and in mountains.
Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus: common Amboseli, Samburu, mountains, Baringo, Nakuru, Mara, seen in Tsavo West.
White-headed Mousebird C. leucocephalus: 1 seen Samburu.
Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus: common Tsavo, Samburu, Baringo.
Narina's Trogon Apaloderma narina: 1 seen in Sokoke Forest.
Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala: commonly seen everywhere except Nakuru.
Brown-hooded Kingfisher H. albiventris: 1 seen Amboseli, another Tsavo West.
Woodland Kingfisher H. senegalensis: 1 in grounds of Lake Baringo Club, another in Mara.
Striped Kingfisher H. chelcuti: 1 in Nakuru, several in Mara.
Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata: several Amboseli, Baringo, Nakuru.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis: seen Amboseli, Tsavo West, Baringo, Nakuru.
Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster: a flock Tsavo West along escarpment, single Mara.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater M. persicus: 1 Amboseli.
Madagascar Bee-eater M. superciliosus: several in Tsavo West.
Northern Carmine Bee-eater M. nubicus: several near coast.
White-throated Bee-eater M. albicollis: a few Tsavo East, several including flock of 25-30 Sokoke, also Samburu.
Little Bee-eater M. pusillus: common Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, 1 Mara.
Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater M. oreobates: few in and near mountain forest.
Somali Bee-eater M. revoilii: 1 Samburu.
Eurasian Roller Coracias garrulus: common in Tsavo West and East (noticeably absent elsewhere)
Lilac-breasted Roller C. caudatus: common almost everywhere.
Rufous-crowned Roller C. naevius: 2 seen between Nairobi and Namanga.
Green Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus: seen Tsavo West, at coast, Nakuru.
Violet Wood-hoopoe P. granti: 2-3 seen Samburu.
Abyssinian Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus minor: several seen in Tsavo and Samburu.
African Hoopoe Upupa epops: seen commonly Amboseli, Tsavo East, Baringo; European race seen in Samburu and Nakuru.
Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri: 2 in Tsavo East near Aruba, 2 in Mara.
Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus: common in Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Baringo.
Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill T. flavirostris: seen twice in Samburu.
Von der Decken's Hornbill T. deckeni: common Tsavo, Samburu.
Jackson's Hornbill T. jacksoni: 2 seen Baringo.
Hemprich's Hornbill T. hemprichii: 2 seen Baringo.
Crowned Hornbill T. alboterminatus: 1 seen Mt Kenya forest.
African Grey Hornbill T. nasutus: common in Tsavo and seen in Baringo and Mara.
Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator: few in Sokoke Forest.
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill B. brevis: seen in Mt Kenya forest.
Green Barbet Stactolaema olivacea: few seen Sokoke Forest.
Moustached Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus leucomystax: 1 seen Mt Kenya forest.
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird P. bilineatus: 1 heard Samburu.
Red-fronted Tinkerbird P. pusillus: several heard Samburu, 1 at Baringo.
Red-fronted Barbet Tricholaema diadematus: 2 seen Lake Baringo Club grounds.
Spot-flanked Barbet T. lacrymosa: 1 seen Mara.
Black-throated Barbet T. melanocephalus: seen and heard Tsavo East and Samburu.
Red-and-yellow Barbet Trachyphonus erythrocephalus: seen Samburu, Baringo.
d'Arnaud's Barbet T. darnaudii: common Amboseli, Samburu, Baringo.
Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus: 1 seen Sokoke Forest.
Greater Honeyguide I. indicator: heard Samburu, Mara.
Lesser Honeyguide I. minor: seen near Amboseli, Tsavo West and Samburu.
Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica: common almost everywhere.
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens: singles seen Amboseli, Tsavo West, Baringo.
Bearded Woodpecker D. namaquus: pair seen Samburu.
Grey Woodpecker D. goertae: 1 seen Amboseli.
White-tailed Lark Mirafra albicauda: 1 seen Mara.
Rufous-naped Lark M. africana: common in Mara.
Red-winged Lark M. hypermetra: seen regularly Tsavo East, Samburu.
Flappet Lark M. rufocinnamomea: few in Mara.
Fawn-coloured Lark M. africanoides: 1 seen Samburu.
Pink-breasted Lark M. poecilosterna: common Tsavo, Samburu, Baringo.
Red-capped lark Calandrella cinerea: common Amboseli, Mara.
Fischer's Sparrowlark Eremopterix leucopareia: common Amboseli, Mara.
Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark E. leucotis: small flock near Aruba, Tsavo East.
Chestnut-headed Sparrowlark E. signatus: 2 with Chestnut-backed near Aruba, Tsavo East.
Banded Martin Riparia cincta: 1 seen Mara.
Plain Martin R. paludicola: few near Mara River.
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii: common Amboseli, also seen Baringo, Mara.
Barn Swallow H. rustica: common everywhere -- almost only bird seen every day.
Angola Swallow H. angolensis: pair nesting under bridge near Keekorok, Mara.
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica: seen Amboseli, Tsavo West and Nakuru.
Mosque Swallow C. senegalensis: seen along road over highlands, Nakuru, Mara.
Lesser Striped Swallow C. abyssinica: common near nesting sites Amboseli, Tsavo, coast, Mara.
Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula: nesting Voi Safari Lodge, Mountain Lodge, Nakuru, Mara Serena Lodge.
Common House Martin Delichon urbicum: 2-3 seen Tsavo West, 1 near Nanyuki in highlands.
White-headed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne albiceps: several in Mara River.
Black Saw-wing P. pristoptera: few Mt Kenya, Nakuru, Mara.
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp: common near almost all habitations.
Mountain Wagtail M. clara: 1 seen in stream on way down from Mountain Lodge.
Cape Wagtail M. capensis: 1 seen from Mountain Lodge.
Yellow Wagtail M. flava: seen commonly on all short grass areas.
Golden Pipit Tmetothylacus tenellus: few seen Tsavo, Samburu.
Grassland Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus: 1 seen near Sala Gate, Tsavo East.
Plain-backed Pipit A. leucophrys: several seen Nakuru, Mara.
Tree Pipit A. trivialis: 1 seen in riverbed Amboseli to Tsavo West.
Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus: few seen Nakuru, Mara.
Pangani Longclaw M. aurantiigula: 1 seen Amboseli.
Rosy-breasted Longclaw M. ameliae: 2 separate ones Mara.
Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Andropadus latirostris: 1 in Mt Kenya forest.
Eastern Mountain Greenbul A. nigriceps: 1 in Mt Kenya forest.
Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris: few seen Sokoke Forest.
Grey-olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus cerviniventris: small group Mzima Spring, Tsavo West.
Fischer's Greenbul P. fischeri: 2-3 Sokoke Forest.
Northern Brownbul P. strepitans: few Sokoke Forest, Samburu, Baringo.
Tiny Greenbul P. debilis: 1 seen Sokoke Forest.
Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus: common everywhere.
East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi: 1 seen Sokoke Forest.
Cape Robin-chat Cossypha caffra: 2 seen Mountain Lodge.
Ruppell's Robin-chat C. semirufa: seen twice Mountain Lodge.
White-browed Robin-chat C. heuglini: seen Baringo, Nakuru and Mara.
Red-tailed Ant-thrush Neocossyphus rufus: 1 seen Sokoke Forest.
Spotted Palm Thrush Cichladusa guttata: seen in Amboseli, Tsavo West, Samburu and very common at Baringo (all through grounds of Club where singing hard).
Sprosser Luscinia luscinia: 1 seen in thicket Samburu, probables elsewhere.
White-browed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys: seen or heard Amboseli, Tsavo East, Samburu, Baringo.
Bearded Scrub-Robin C. quadrivirgata: 1 seen Sokoke Forest.
White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis: 1 male in Samburu.
Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus: several in farmland through highlands (mostly on fence posts).
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe: commonly seen in all open ground.
Pied Wheatear O. pleschanka: singles Tsavo West, Tsavo East and Samburu.
Isabelline Wheatear O. isabellina: few seen Amboseli, Tsavo East.
Brown-tailed Rock Chat Cercomela scotocerca: 1 by rocks near Baringo.
Northern Anteater Chat Myrmecocichla aethiops: few seen across farmland west of Mt Kenya, Baringo, Nakuru, Mara.
Sooty Chat M. nigra: common in Mara.
Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris: seen on rocks near Baringo and Nakuru.
Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis: several seen Tsavo West and East.
Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus: 1 Mountain Lodge.
Bare-eyed Thrush T. tephronotus: 1 seen Tsavo West.
Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala: 1 in front of Mountain Lodge.
Cinnamon Bracken Warbler B. cinnamomeus: 1 in front of Mountain Lodge.
Fan-tailed Grassbird Schoenicola brevirostris: 1 seen Mara.
Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris: 1 seen near Ngulia.
Mountain Yellow Warbler Chloropeta similis: 1 in montane forest.
Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida: few seen Tsavo West.
Upcher's Warbler H. languida: 2 seen Tsavo West.
Olive-tree Warbler H. olivetorum: 1 seen Samburu.
Icterine Warbler H. icterina: 1 seen Lake Baringo Club.
Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis: 2 seen together Samburu (by gate).
Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura: several seen Amboseli and Tsavo.
Red-faced Crombec S. whytii: 1 seen Baringo.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus: singles Amboseli, Tsavo West, Baringo.
Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria: 2 singles Tsavo East, Samburu.
Common Whitethroat S. communis: few seen Tsavo.
Garden Warbler S. borin: 1 seen Mara River forest.
Blackcap S. atricapilla: several (mostly females) seen mountain forest.
Hunter's Cisticola Cisticola hunteri: few seen at and near Mountain Lodge.
Tiny Cisticola C. nanus: 1 seen Tsavo East.
Winding Cisticola C. galactotes: several seen Amboseli, 1 in Mara.
Stout Cisticola C. robustus: several in Mara.
Rattling Cisticola C. chiniana: common Amboseli, Tsavo West, 1 Nakuru.
Ashy Cisticola C. cinerea: 1 seen Tsavo East.
Black-backed Cisticola C. eximius: 2 seen Mara.
Pectoral-patch Cisticola C. brunnescens: common Amboseli, several Nakuru, Mara.
Pale Prinia Prinia somalica: few Samburu.
Grey Wren Warbler Calamonastes simplex: heard regularly Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura: seen Amboseli, Samburu, Baringo, Mara.
Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida: 1 seen Tsavo West.
Grey Apalis A. cinerea: few in mountain forest.
Chestnut-throated Apalis A. porphyreolaema: 1 seen (few more heard) mountain forest.
Red-fronted Warbler Urorhipis rufifrons: 1 seen Samburu.
Grey-capped Warbler Eminia lepida: 1 seen Mountain Lodge.
Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella: 1 seen Baringo.
White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher Melaenornis fischeri: common in mountain forest.
Southern Black Flycatcher M. pammelaina: 1 Samburu.
African Grey Flycatcher Bradornis microrhynchus: 1 Samburu.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata: very common Amboseli, Tsavo, coast, Samburu, Baringo; apparently absent elsewhere.
Dusky Flycatcher M. adusta: 1 seen Mt Kenya forest.
Ashy Flycatcher M. caerulescens: 1 in riverbed Amboseli - Tsavo; 1 coast.
Little Yellow Flycatcher Erythrocercus holochlorus: 1 seen Sokoke Forest.
Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas: several in Sokoke Forest.
African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis: several Tsavo, Samburu, Mt Kenya, Baringo; most were white form.
Forest Batis Batis mixta: few Sokoke Forest.
Chin-spot Batis B. molitor: several mountain forest.
Pale Batis B. soror: seen at coast and Samburu.
Pygmy Batis B. perkeo: 1 Tsavo West.
Black-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira peltata: 1 in riverbed Amboseli-Tsavo.
Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus: few Lake Baringo Club grounds.
Rufous Chatterer T. rubiginosa: seen Ngulia, Tsavo West, Samburu, Baringo.
Northern Grey Tit Parus thruppi: seen Tsavo West, Samburu, Baringo.
White-bellied Tit P. albiventris: 1 Nakuru.
Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit Anthoscopus musculus: 1 seen Amboseli Serena Lodge.
Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes orientalis: seen regularly Tsavo East, Samburu, Baringo.
Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina: 1 seen Tsavo West.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird C. senegalensis: several seen Amboseli.
Hunter's Sunbird C. hunteri: common in Tsavo.
Bronzy Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis: 1 in mountain forest.
Amani Sunbird Hedydipna pallidigaster: 2 seen Sokoke Forest.
Northern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris reichenowi: 1 in mountain forest.
Beautiful Sunbird C. pulchellus: common Amboseli, also Samburu, Baringo.
Mariqua Sunbird C. mariquensis: 1 seen Samburu.
Black-bellied Sunbird C. nectarinioides: 1 seen Tsavo West, few Samburu.
Variable Sunbird C. venustus: 1 Tsavo West; 1 Samburu.
Abyssinian White-eye Zosterops abyssinicus: 1 seen Tsavo West.
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio: few seen Tsavo West and East.
Red-tailed Shrike L. isabellinus: common Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
Grey-backed Fiscal L. excubitorius: common Nakuru, Mara.
Long-tailed Fiscal L. cabanisi: common Amboseli, Tsavo West; also seen Tsavo East, Samburu and in farmed highlands.
Taita Fiscal L. dorsalis: commonly seen Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
Common Fiscal L. collaris: farmed highlands, Baringo, Mara.
Northern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens: common almost everywhere.
Brubru Nilaus afer: Amboseli, Tsavo East, Samburu, Baringo.
Three-streaked Tchagra Tchagra jamesi: 1 seen in Tsavo East, another Samburu.
Orange-breasted Bush-shrike Telophorus sulfureopectus: 1 seen Baringo.
Grey-headed Bush-shrike Malaconotus blanchoti: 1 Tsavo West.
Rosy-patched Shrike Rhodophoneus cruentus: seen Tsavo East, common in Samburu.
Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus: only seen Mara; heard commonly coast, Samburu, Baringo, Nakuru, Mara.
Slate-coloured Boubou L. funebris: seen rarely, commonly heard most places.
Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis: few Baringo, Nakuru.
Pringle's Puffback D. pringlii: 2 seen Tsavo West.
White Helmet-shrike Prionops plumatus: groups seen Samburu, Baringo.
Retz's Helmet-shrike P. retzii: group seen Sokoke Forest.
Chestnut-fronted Helmet-shrike P. scopifrons: several groups in Sokoke Forest.
Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus: female Amboseli, male and female Tsavo West.
Black-headed Oriole O. larvatus: seen (more often heard) Tsavo, coast, Baringo, Mara.
Montane Oriole O. percivali: heard in mountain forest.
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis: common everywhere.
Pied Crow Corvus albus: seen everywhere near human habitations but not in parks.
White-naped Raven C. albicollis: 1 seen Voi Safari Lodge.
Fan-tailed Raven C. rhipidurus: seen on cliffs near Baringo.
Cape Rook C. capensis: seen in farmed highlands.
Waller's Starling Onychognathus walleri: several near Mountain Lodge.
Red-winged Starling O. morio: at lodges in Tsavo and Baringo.
Bristle-crowned Starling O. salvadorii: several in and around Lake Baringo Club and cliffs.
Black-bellied Starling Lamprotornis corruscus: 1 seen Sokoke Forest.
Greater Blue-eared Starling L. chalybaeus: seen regularly Tsavo West, Samburu, Nakuru, Mara.
Ruppell's Long-tailed Starling L. purpuropterus: Tsavo West, Baringo, Nakuru, Mara.
Hildebrandt's Starling L. hildebrandti: several Tsavo West.
Superb Starling L. superbus: common everywhere.
Golden-breasted Starling L. regius: seen regularly Tsavo, Samburu.
Fischer's Starling Spreo fischeri: regularly seen Amboseli and Tsavo.
Sharpe's Starling Pholia sharpii: several seen near Mountain Lodge.
Magpie Starling Speculipastor bicolor: few small groups Samburu.
Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea: flocks seen Amboseli, Samburu.
Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus: common everywhere.
Yellow-billed Oxpecker B. africanus: few in Mara.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus: seen Amboseli Serena Lodge, and near Nairobi.
Kenya Rufous Sparrow P. rufocinctus: seen at Baringo.
Northern Grey-headed Sparrow P. griseus: Nairobi, Mara.
Parrot-billed Sparrow P. gongonensis: common Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
Chestnut Sparrow P. eminibey: several seen Samburu.
Yellow-spotted Petronia Petronia pyrgita: 1 Tsavo West.
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger: common Tsavo, Mara.
White-billed Buffalo Weaver B. albirostris: several seen Baringo.
White-headed Buffalo Weaver Dinemellia dinemelli: common Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu.
Donaldson Smith's Sparrow Weaver Plocepasser donaldsoni: few Samburu.
White-browed Sparrow Weaver P. mahali: common everywhere except Mara.
Grey-capped Social Weaver Pseudonigrita arnaudi: seen Amboseli, Mara.
Black-capped Social Weaver P. cabanisi: common Tsavo West, Samburu.
Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons: 1 seen, another nest Tsavo West.
Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht: seen in farmed highlands, Mara.
African Golden Weaver P. subaureus: colony at Turtle Bay.
Holub's Golden Weaver P. xanthops: colony at Mara Serena Lodge.
Taveta Golden Weaver P. castaneiceps: few seen Amboseli.
Jackson's Golden-backed Weaver P. jacksoni: few seen Lake Baringo Club.
Vitelline Masked Weaver P. vitellinus: seen Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East.
Lesser Masked Weaver P. intermedius: few seen Samburu.
Northern Masked Weaver P. taeniopterus: seen Lake Baringo Club.
Speke's Weaver P. spekei: seen Amboseli, Samburu.
Black-headed Weaver P. cucullatus: common around lodges Amboseli, Tsavo, Baringo, Nakuru, Mara.
Chestnut Weaver P. rubiginosus: few seen Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Samburu.
Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea: huge numbers along Voi River Circuit Tsavo East; others seen Amboseli, Tsavo West, Samburu, Baringo, Mara.
Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis: seen regularly Tsavo West, Baringo, Nakuru, Mara.
Fan-tailed Widowbird E. axillaris: 1 seen Mara.
Yellow-mantled Widowbird E. macroura: 1 seen Mara.
White-winged Widowbird E. albonotatus: several Tsavo West.
Long-tailed Widowbird E. progne: several in farmed highlands.
Jackson's Widowbird E. jacksoni: few in farmed highlands; also Mara.
Grey-headed Negrofinch Nigrita canicapilla: 1 seen mountain forest.
Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba: seen Tsavo West, Sokoke Forest, Mara.
Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala: seen near Nairobi, Baringo.
Jameson's Firefinch L. rhodopareia: several Amboseli.
Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga: flock on shore of Lake Baringo.
Common Waxbill E. astrild: several Mara.
Black-faced Waxbill E. erythronotos: few in Amboseli swamps.
Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus: several all through Tsavo.
Blue-capped Cordon-bleu U. cyanocephalus: 1 Tsavo East, another Baringo.
Purple Grenadier U. ianthinogaster: several Tsavo West, Samburu, Mara.
African Quail-finch Ortygospiza fuscocrissa: 1 in Mara.
Grey-headed Silverbill Lonchura griseicapilla: 2 in Samburu.
Bronze Mannikin L. cucullata: few Nakuru.
Black-and-white Mannikin L. bicolor: 1 edge of Mt Kenya forest.
Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata: seen Amboseli, Tsavo East, Samburu.
Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata: 1 seen near Mara River.
Pin-tailed Whydah V. macroura: several Amboseli, Tsavo, Mara.
Straw-tailed Whydah V. fischeri: several Tsavo West.
Paradise Whydah V. paradisaea: several all through Tsavo.
Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus: seen Amboseli, Mara.
White-bellied Canary S. dorsostriatus: 1 seen Baringo.
Streaky Seedeater S. striolatus: common mountain forest areas.
Thick-billed Seedeater S. burtoni: 1 near Mountain Lodge.
Golden -breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris: 1 Samburu.
MAMMAL LIST
Elephant -- seen most days with plenty of young ones. Seemed commoner (or more easily seen) than on 1991 visit
Rock Hyrax -- in dry country with rocks including at lodges
White Rhino -- few in Nakuru
Black Rhino -- 1 in Nakuru
Common Zebra -- seen commonly in most places
Grevy's Zebra -- a few seen in Samburu
Buffalo -- many seen in most places
Wildebeeste -- common in Amboseli but otherwise only the few resident near Loita Hills (Mara)
Thompson's Gazelle -- Amboseli, Nakuru and Mara
Grant's Gazelle -- seen commonly in most places
Common Waterbuck -- seen everywhere until Nakuru
Defassa Waterbuck -- common Nakuru and Mara
Impala -- seen commonly everywhere
Reedbuck -- 1 seen in Amboseli swamps
Oryx -- Amboseli, Tsavo and a few in Samburu
Lesser Kudu -- several seen Tsavo (East and West) including a herd of 6 in Tsavo West
Greater Kudu -- female in Samburu
Dikdik -- (possibly both species seen) in most places
Bushbuck -- Tsavo West, Samburu and one in front of Lodge in Mara
Gerenuk -- Tsavo East and several (including herd of 6-8) in Samburu
Steinbuck -- 1 in Mara
Topi -- common in Mara
Eland -- a single and a herd of ca 250 Mara
Kongoni -- Amboseli and Mara
Giraffe -- common in Amboseli, Tsavo and Mara; Reticulated in Samburu; and Rothschild's in Nakuru
Wart Hog -- many seen in most places
Hippopotamus -- wherever there were waterbodies in the parks, especially common Amboseli and Mara
Yellow Baboon -- common in Amboseli
Olive Baboon -- common everywhere except Amboseli
Vervet Monkey -- commonly seen especially in and around lodges
Sykes's Monkey -- few seen, Mzima Springs, Sokoke Forest and Samburu
Bushbaby -- seen in dining room of Ngulia Lodge on first night there
Black-and-White Colobus -- small group seen on way out of forest of Mt Kenya
Striped Ground Squirrel
Unstriped Ground Squirrel
Golden-rumped Elephant-shrew -- 3 seen in Sokoke Forest
Yellow-winged Bat -- 2 seen Lake Baringo
Lion -- 4 (separate) in Amboseli; 3 on giraffe kill in Mara
Spotted Hyena -- Amboseli, Tsavo West and Mara
Leopard -- 1 on road at night going in to Ngulia, seen both nights at bait in front of Ngulia Lodge
Cheetah -- 3 seen in Tsavo East and 1 in Samburu
Serval Cat-- 2 separate ones in Mara
Black-backed Jackal -- Tsavo East, Nakuru and Mara including a very grey long-legged one in Mara
Bat-eared Fox -- 4 asleep together in Mara
Pygmy Mongoose -- several groups seen Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu
White-tailed Mongoose -- 3 seen at Ngulia Lodge at night
Banded Mongoose -- several groups seen in Mara
genet species -- seen at table Mountain Lodge
(Main) Reptiles
Nile Crocodile -- Mzima Spring, Samburu and Mara
Monitor Lizard -- 2 separate ones seen in grounds of Lake Baringo Club
Red-headed Rock Agama-- Samburu, Tsavo
Mwanza Flat-headed Rock Agama --in Mara
Tropical House Gecko--in many lodges
