By Aloise Garvey
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp launched an exciting new bird ringing project in December 2024, marking a significant step in sustainable tourism and avian conservation in Kenya’s Rift Valley. The three-week pilot programme, conducted with Kenya Wildlife Service, National Museums of Kenya and Nature Kenya, successfully ringed 129 birds despite challenging conditions.
Lake Elmenteita lies along a critical flyway for migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa. The camp has committed to annual ringing sessions to track these remarkable journeys and contribute valuable data to international conservation efforts.
This inaugural season presented unique challenges as the lake reached its highest water levels in years, rendering much of the shoreline inaccessible. Nevertheless, the team captured an impressive diversity of species, with Marsh Sandpipers and Ruffs dominating the catches.
Among the highlights were several notable birds: the elusive Greater Painted Snipe, a rare Corn Crake, a Lesser Flamingo, Donaldson-Smith’s Nightjar, River Warbler and Common Nightingale. The nets also captured Kittlitz’s Plovers, various sandpiper species, Willow Warblers, Barn Swallows, Spotted Thick-knees and Isabelline Wheatears, testament to the lake’s rich bird diversity. All birds were released safely after measuring and ringing.
Building on this successful pilot, the project will run annually each November for two weeks. Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp invites bird ringers and enthusiasts to join future sessions.
For more information or to participate, contact Aloise Garvey at aloisegarvey@gmail.com, Naturalist at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp.