2020 Waterfowl Census at Crater Lake, Naivasha

It’s day who-knows-what of self isolation since Kenya announced its first case of COVID-19 and I really miss being outdoors. The fact that no one knows how long this will last is what’s taking its toll more than anything. That and being holed up in the house with family all day, every day. Introverts will tell you they need breathing space from others every so often. On this last day of April, I’m thinking about the shortest bird census I’ve done so far.

Out Here, in The Wild (Magadi Edition)

Magadi is one of my favourite places to visit in this country. It fascinates me because of  how wild it is. Looking at the harsh environment, you wonder how people and animals survive here- and yet somehow, they do. That’s why I always go to Magadi during Waterfowl census, and skip other locations if I don’t feel like going. The 2019 February census was an interesting experience.

2020 Nakuru Waterfowl Census (Wild Chase Edition)

January almost ended without a post! I’ve challenged myself to do at least one post every month, and for the past almost 4 years, I’ve managed. The year started well and then things started going  sideways. The waterfowl census was postponed by 2 weeks, then I missed one of the trips due to organizational challenges, work was crazy and I was drowning in responsibilities…By the time last weekend was rolling around I was in dire need of a mental break.

It’s My Birthday! + Highlights 2019

Yep! I’m turning a year older today. 2019 has been quite the interesting year but not as tough as 2018 (I think). Here are some of my experiences from the last year of the decade.

Some Cool Nature Facts You Might Not Know (or maybe not)

For the past 2 months I have been trying to go on a short trip with my family to no avail. It’s been a mix of the weather not cooperating (continuous rain) and people being busy. I also haven’t gone birding in a month due to a project I’m working on for my business, launching tomorrow. In the absence of trips, I’ll let you in on what I’ve observed on previous travels.

The Role of Citizen Science in Environmental Conservation

For a long time, environmental conservation has been viewed as the work of activists, professionals and institutions in the conservation field only. The rest of us just observe from the outside. However, in recent years there’s been a shift towards citizen science. It’s catching on slowly but with impressive results.

Epic Return to Maasai Mara

I had really been looking to go on a trip to refresh the mind after the accident in June. Unfortunately the one I found was postponed. There was no word on the July Waterfowl Census so I thought it had been cancelled. The earliest trip happened to be a whole month later (20- 22 July). I was invited by a friend to join his friends in going to Maasai Mara.

A Waterfall Dries Up!

Climate change and global warming for the most part sound like abstract concepts. The U.S. President even denies that they are real! But if you really pay attention you’ll realize that these are serious problems. For me one of the most shocking signs was the drying up of the waterfall at Paradise Lost, Nairobi.

Solo Trip To A Cemetery

Have you ever travelled out of boredom? That was me on the last Saturday of March. I didn’t want to stay at home yet the friends I was trying to meet kept blue ticking me. And that is how I found myself visiting the Nairobi War Cemetery to pass the time.

Happy World Wetlands Day 2019!

World Wetlands Day is marked on Feb 2nd every year to highlight the importance of wetlands. They provide habitats & nesting grounds for birds and other wildlife, are a natural waste purifier and affect rainfall patterns. This year I’m recounting my January 2019 Waterfowl Census experience.