Birdwatchers in Kenya joined the rest of the world in participating in eBird’s October Big Day on October 14. On this day, birders around the world go out to enjoy birds and submit their observations through the eBird mobile app. The day is also celebrated as the World Migratory Bird Day.
Nine Site Support Groups (SSGs) affiliated to Nature Kenya took part in the event in Lake Elmenteita, Ruma NP, Dakatcha Woodland, Tana River Delta, Sabaki Estuary, Lake Bogoria, Mumoni Hill, Lake Ol’Bolossat, Mount Kenya and Yala Swamp Key Biodiversity Areas.
Kenya was ranked 9th in the world with 706 species and 227 checklists completed. Top Kenyan eBirders were Bruce Hillier and Bertina K, with 169 species in Nairobi National Park. The country’s top hotspot was Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with 201 species.