Kenya part 3

23/3
Picked up at the hotel at 0700 for a short drive to Lake Nakuro National Park. Rüppell’s Long-tailed Blue Starling was picked up by the entrance to the park where the local Vervet Monkeys were trying to break into our van. Lake Nakuro National Park consists of a big lake with forest all around and an area with savannah in the southern part. Birds were everywhere and birders could certainly use more than one day here. The amazing numbers of Great White Pelicans and Lesser/Greater Flamingoes makes this national park a must for any birder visiting Kenya. The spectacle is simply amazing. Birding highlights included Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Coqui Francolin, Bateleur, Broad-billed Roller, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Grey-Crested Helmet Shrike, Little Rock Thrush, African Thrush and displaying Wing-snapping Cisticola. Mammals included White Rhino, Lion (one male and three females relaxing in an open part of the forest), Rothschild’s Giraffe and Guereza Colobus. After lunch we headed for Naivasha adding another Secretary Bird on the way. A short stop searching for Schalow’s Wheatear proved fruitless but we did find a Slender Mongoose which was the only mongoose of the trip. To be certain of getting the wheatear one should add a half day in the nearby Hell’s Gate National Park where other high lights could include Verraux’s Eagle. Unfortunately I did not have the time to do this. Stayed at Naivasha Lake Resort and one hour birding the private compound in the evening produced Goliath Heron, Hottentot Teal, Buff-bellied Warbler, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Diederik Cuckoo and Winding Cisticola. Hippos are easily seen from the private shore line and they feed on the grassy area on the shore at night. The hotel has an electrical fence around it to stop Hippoes from entering and smashing the area!

Lake Nakuro, Male Lion relaxing.

Lake Nakuro, White Rhino and Cattle Egret

Lake Nakuro, Coqui Francolin.

Lake Nakuro, Yellow-throated Longclaw a real beauty!

Lake Nakuro. Every birder needs to go there at least once!