Introduction

The 2023 annual Tana bird count happened from 9th-12th of February. Tides above 3.2 meters are favorable for the bird counting. This is why it is usually done on the first week of February.
Having started in 2006, the Tana River bird count is one of A Rocha Kenya’s long term projects. It is part of an International water bird census that is done to document the status of the species that use water areas. Since it is done annually and on the same river channel and distance, this count helps in establishing the trend on the number of species, diversity and population of the birds found here over the years. In reality, the count is supposed to be done twice a year, at the beginning and in the middle of the year. However, lack of enough funding has limited the it to once a year.

The banks of Tana River, this why the count is done while inside the boat

About the count

For a better part, the count went on as planned and everything went well. The team managed to see a few interesting species including Blacksmith Lapwing. It had not been recorded in the previous years and it was quite interesting to find them in a flock of other lapwings. The other species that was eye-catching was the African skimmer.

Black smith Lapwing (black chest), Spur-winged Lapwing (Middle) and Long-toed Lapwing (red beak and feet)

Few problems along the way

However, this years’ count came with a few challenges. The water level was so low that the team had to cut their journey by a whole 5Kms as it was difficult for the boat to move. This could explain why they counted fewer birds as compared to the previous years. But with the tide level that low, it is quite possible that the numbers could still have been lower even if they had managed to go all the way. In addition to that, the 5Kms gap made it difficult to establish a conclusive comparison with the previous years.

Fleur (first in the picture), Albert (middle) and Colin (far-end). Three of the five who went for the ringing

We appreciate the effort

We appreciate the group of 5 led by Colin and Kirao who participated in the count this year. The Tana delta dune lodge were legends as they provided free accommodation to the team. Our appreciations goes to everyone who made this count possible. We acknowledge the outstanding efforts of people like Florian (manager Ocean sports), Eden Forestation Project and Lower Tana Conservation Group. It is with help from people like you that we get to stand.