This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
African-Eurasian Migration Kicks Off in Kenya ¶
As the winter season approaches in Europe, millions of birds are migrating to Africa, with Kenya being a key stopover. The migration, which started earlier than usual, has brought delight to bird watchers and nature lovers.
According to James Kimaru, the senior warden at Lake Bogoria National Reserve, eight species of migrants have been spotted in the past two weeks during the latest water-bird count. These include the Madagasgar pond-heron, African skimmer, the ruff, common sandpiper, wood sandpiper, and common greenshank.
Kimaru also reported that there were an estimated one million greater flamingos in Lake Bogoria, while lesser flamingos numbered fewer than 2,000. Another group of birds called little grebe were a little over 1,000.
Enthusiasts have taken to an online forum known as Spring Alive, which is a platform that brings together residents of several counties as they track and document the various birds sighted. Spring Alive began as a European project and was extended to Africa in 2010.
On October 12, bird lovers celebrated World Migratory Bird Day, whose theme this year was 'Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution!' The event highlighted the impact of plastic pollution on migratory birds and their habitats.
As the birds make their journey, they face growing environmental pressures arising from deforestation and pollution. However, enthusiasts and experts are expected to pitch camp at the Tugumoi Ridge flyway to watch as raptors and storks glide over the Rift skies to Egypt and other African countries.
