What’s your favourite fowl species?
It is a beautiful query and one which I’ve been requested many occasions earlier than by company on tour. “I like all of the birds of the world”; is at all times my first reply to this query. Nevertheless, I observe up with a proof as to what could also be thought-about my favorites. For a begin, many individuals have identified me for my love for Cisticolas, a bunch of fairly cryptic birds which are usually fairly difficult to determine. I like these birds very a lot, and I keep in mind rising up within the Central Kenya Highlands, I’d at all times hear the songs of Hunter’s Cisticolas on our farm. I’ve additionally spent a few years finding out birds of prey, and particularly the African Topped Eagle; which is one other species I actually like.
White-tailed Cisticola
What’s your title, and the place do you reside?
My title is Washington Wachira. I stay in Nairobi, Kenya.
What are the primary areas or places you cowl as a fowl information?
My fundamental birding places are Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. I get pleasure from guiding company throughout these nations and the Indian Ocean Coast; alongside East Africa.
Rwenzori Batis
How lengthy have you ever been a fowl information?
I took my first safari in 2007, with a small group of schoolmates. Within the 12 months 2010, I used to be chosen as a trainee information on an overland safari throughout Kenya; and my profession kicked off. I’ve been guiding ever since.
How did you get into fowl guiding?
I bought the chance to participate in a safari, within the 12 months 2009, the place I had received a wildlife competitors amongst Kenyan college students. On the safari, I met a really passionate information known as John Maniafu; who confirmed me my first Blacksmith Plover (now known as Blacksmith Lapwing). This was my first fowl to call in English. I realized rather a lot on that safari, and this triggered my ardour to turn into a fowl information. On that safari, I felt that I actually needed to point out folks birds, identical to John, and educate company in regards to the completely different species. I later attended many programs and coaching applications to enhance my expertise, and as we speak I’m very glad to be a fowl information.
Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler
What are the points of being a fowl information that you just like greatest? Which points do you dislike most?
I like assembly new folks and being out in nature. That is what I like most about birding excursions. They provide me an opportunity to satisfy new folks from all the world over. Birding excursions are additionally an ideal option to get pleasure from nature since you study to be observant and affected person. Via this talent, you get essentially the most out of a tour and also you get to attach extra with the setting. It’s powerful to consider one thing I don’t like about my profession as a fowl information. I’d in all probability say that I don’t prefer to say goodbye to my company who by the tip of the tour are often nice buddies. This leaves a niche within the coronary heart, however we at all times stay buddies and share rather a lot by means of social media or emails.
Secretarybird
What are the highest 5-10 birds in your area that you just suppose are essentially the most fascinating for visiting birders?
My journeys are primarily round East Africa. This area has many good birds – over 1,400 species. Favorites could also be depending on the customer, relying on whether or not they need a colourful fowl to {photograph} or whether or not they need to see uncommon and endemic species. Some thrilling species which are sort-after in our area embrace Sokoke Pipit, Clarke’s Weaver (Kilifi Weaver), Secretarybird (though widespread, it’s nonetheless very particular), Inexperienced-breasted Pitta, Grauer’s Broadbill (African Inexperienced Broadbill), Shoebill, Uluguru Bush-Shrike, Usambara Hyliota, Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler and Udzungwa Forest-Partridge.
Shoebill
Are you able to define at the least one typical birdwatching journey in your space? Please briefly describe the places, the important thing birds, and the approximate length of such a visit.
For an extended East African Birding Tour; you’ll be able to allocate 4 weeks. Right here you’ll be able to land in Kigali, Rwanda, and benefit from the Nyungwe Forest for Albertine Rift endemic species reminiscent of Purple-collared Mountain-Babbler and Rwenzori Turaco.
You possibly can then transfer into Uganda and revel in Mountain Gorillas and Grauer’s Broadbills (African Inexperienced Broadbills) at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
You possibly can then get pleasure from some savannah habitat in Queen Elizabeth Nationwide Park; as you add birds such because the African Skimmer and Papyrus Gonolek. Kibale Forest could be added to seek for Inexperienced-breasted Pitta and Frequent Chimpanzees.
Papyrus Gonolek
African Skimmer
You possibly can then head to Entebbe for the Shoebill – a species that’s fairly simple to search out alongside the shores of Lake Victoria. From right here, fly to the Kenyan Coast the place you get pleasure from Coastal Forests and wetlands. Hold an eye fixed out for Sokoke Pipit and Clarke’s Weaver (Kilifi Weaver), with a bonus of the Sokoke Scops-Owl.
Sokoke Scops-Owl
You possibly can then go to the Usambara Mountains (a part of the very particular Japanese Arc Mountains habitat and biome) for Usambara Hyliota and Usambara Thrush, amongst different species. Get pleasure from some dry nation birding on the way in which to Arusha, after which head to Tarangire Nationwide Park for Ashy Starling and Yellow-collared Lovebirds.
You possibly can then finish your tour by visiting Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Nationwide Park. Right here you’ll add endemics such because the Tanzanian Purple-billed Hornbill, Fischer’s Lovebird, and Gray-breasted Spurfowl.
Gray-breasted Spurfowl
Serengeti can be a mammal paradise and you’ll benefit from the particular huge recreation species of Africa. This tour could be diversified in some ways, to cut back the size or so as to add new websites. However nevertheless you do it; a visit to East Africa will certainly make each birder glad. I can not wait to welcome you all right here.
What different options are you able to give to birders fascinated with your space?
Kenya and Northern Tanzania are greatest throughout and after the rains as a result of most of our native birds breed throughout that point. Rains right here usually observe two seasons i.e. March to Might and October to December. Because of this birds are simpler to see of their breeding colours and likewise some males sing throughout this breeding season, as they defend territories, to allow them to be discovered simply. Some species like Whydahs and Widowbirds show within the open for his or her females to identify them, and this makes it simpler to get pleasure from watching them. Southern Tanzania is greatest carried out earlier than the rains, so between June and October usually works greatest. The roads right here could be very difficult throughout the rainfall season. Uganda is usually greatest round June to September, which is usually the perfect time to see a few of the uncommon species within the nation; both close to nests or displaying round their breeding territories. Rwanda is fairly simple to fowl all by means of the 12 months however anticipate extra rain right here throughout a lot of the 12 months as nicely. By way of what to convey; I’d suggest flat strolling footwear (waterproof footwear if attainable or an additional pair of small waterproof boots), a hat for the sturdy sunshine, solar cream, insect repellent, a heat fleece or jacket for the colder mountains, a rain cowl for the digital camera, additional digital camera batteries, and a “glad smile”.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is fascinated with birding with you, how can they greatest contact you?
Birders and all nature lovers can contact me by electronic mail at washingtonwachira@gmail.com or by means of our birding web site www.cisticolatours.com the place we run our excursions below the corporate title Cisticola Excursions LTD.