Birds!

Two Crowned Hornbills 

Bird surveys represent a major part of GVI’s contribution to the collective database of Shimoni’s biodiversity. Armed with binoculars and the Birds of Eastern Africa guide book, volunteers venture out multiple times a week into a variety of locations in the Shimoni area to conduct bird surveys.  

A pair of Pied Kingfishers 

During each survey volunteers keep a keen eye out for birds and note physical characteristics such as colouration, beak size and shape, and body size to help make a positive species ID.  Some of the most distinctive bird sounds in the area include the high pitched twittering of the little swifts that swarm the jetty, the squeaky-toy-like call emitted by the crowned hornbill, and the echoing scream of the African fish eagle.

Bird surveys can be one of the most fun and relaxing surveys conducted by GVI volunteers. It provides not only a chance to chill out for a while but also an opportunity to spot more bird species in 30 minutes than someone might see in over a week in their hometown. It is always a pleasure to see how the exciting variety of bird species in the area converts previously indifferent individuals into avid birdwatchers.

Volunteers conducting a survey, spot a Black Kite 

Sarah Klein- Conservation Intern 

Birds!