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.
The beauty of volunteering with A Rocha Kenya (ARK) is that it is a win-win situation. We get to receive different people, at different stages and ages, from different locations all over the world, different walks of life, all willing to do different things. Volunteers do more than just help push our conservation work forward, they bring variety to the team and beautiful stories from different corners of the globe.
In return, they get to be involved in new things, gain experience in different fields, make new friends, bask in the warm beaches and rich heritages as they meet and learn from new people. Katie Henderson is one of our volunteers in 2023, and she was kind enough to put this short story together about volunteers’ experiences at the Center.
From the left: Katie, Nigel and Faith
Katie Henderson
My name is Katie and I am from Colorado, United States of America. I joined ARK on 1st of February, 2023. I serve as a general volunteer and as a result get many opportunities to help in different departments.
Some of the key focuses that I have been helping with include communications, research, writing articles and designing(posters & pamphlets). I enjoy being able to participate in the projects here. Projects such as trail and beach clean ups, fence building, and tree planting. I particularly liked taking part in the tree potting at Kuvuka tree nursery and getting to learn new skills. Also I have liked exploring around the local community and going into town with other volunteers and staff. I still remember how wonderful it was when some volunteers and I joined our visitors on a boat tour in the ocean where we saw lots of dolphins. We also managed to snorkel, and I gotta say, it was an amazing experience.
Way to go Katie
Franciska Sprong
Franciska first joined A Rocha Kenya back in 2021 where she served as the only volunteer for 10 weeks. Being a period when the world was just coming from Covid-19, Franciska ended up serving in all departments at A Rocha. She came back to ARK on February 23rd, 2023.
Franciska is from the Netherlands and is currently volunteering in the sciences and art departments. She has been assisting with bird data, marine research and has been painting murals around the property. It has been a wonderful reunion for her and she has really enjoyed being able to reconnect with staff from her previous stay. Her favorite volunteer activity is participating in the bird counts at Sabaki estuary. Using her own words, “I really love meal times and the dishes served at Mwamba. As well as the conversations I have with guests and staff.”
Franciska busy with her designing, the smile says it all.
Faith Aboki
Faith, or as we love to call her Fay, joined ARK as a volunteer at the beginning of February. She is originally from Eldoret(one of the towns in Kenya) and has enjoyed volunteering in the communications department and getting to assist in other departments. Faith helps with preparing social media posts, taking photos and working on the new website. She has enjoyed taking part in the tree potting and seed planting at Kuvuka tree nursery. She has also liked being a part of the fencing project that was done at the bottom of our property.
According to her, it is just amazing how Mwamba is such a welcoming and hospitable community with lots of opportunities to learn. “I liked being able to join the science team at Mida-Creek for the water bird counts and even being asked to scribe. Now when I get down to prepare a post, at least am doing that with first hand information”. Faith also enjoys exploring Watamu, a bit of reading and relaxing.
Katie(left) and Faith(right)
Jonas Flohr
Jonas has been volunteering with the Science and Maintenance departments for almost 2 months now. To him learning about birds through the bird surveys and bird ringing, and getting involved in the Shark survey have been some of his major highlights.
He feels that the projects he is involved in are a great way to help with conservation and help contribute to the local environment. “The tasks that we do are very fulfilling to me because I can actually see that the work we are doing is helpful and important. When am working on watering the young trees around the property, I get to see first hand the contribution that is making to the environment. Seeing them grow and remain healthy makes those trips I make all the more worthy it. In addition, the balance between maintenance and science has always given me a variety of activities that makes me look forward to every day.”
He enjoys how Mwamba has such a community atmosphere and so many different guests that he can talk to. Jonas enjoys exploring the local area and taking beach walks to Watamu, snorkeling and taking some downtime on the nature trail. Food variety, learning Swahili and visiting the local market with other volunteers is just adds to the list of the many things that Jonas loves about being at A Rocha. How I wish you could see the excitement in his eyes! Oh, Jonas is from the United Kingdom.
Jonas in action
Miyo Yasuda
All the way from Japan, Miyo is currently the newest member of the team, having joined us just a few days ago. She loves being able to help out wherever is needed and enjoys helping with arts and hospitality. Maybe it is a bit early to say, but Miyo already loves the atmosphere of Mwamba and the connections she has made. She also loves learning about new customs and cultures.
Miyo has enjoyed the encouragement and support that she has been offered here and how she is able to learn new skills and more about conservation. One of Miyo’s highlights has been the fellowship and services that we have on Sundays. She has loved being able to have the opportunity to help with the bible study for kids in the community. Miyoalso loves being around other Christians and the values that A Rocha has, “I really enjoy how we pray before every meal, and get to share the meals together as a community”. She loves going on swims in the afternoons before dinner with other volunteers.
Miyo helping with the ringing nets
Dr. Nigel Mathews
The only volunteer with three nationalities, Kenyan, British and Canadian. Nigel has been helping in the Science and Hospitality departments for just under a month now. He has enjoyed taking part in the monitoring of waders on the coral headland at the entrance to the Mida-Creek. He is also looking forward to taking part in the Wader count at Mida-Creek and monitoring the Sakoke Scops owls & the Clarke’s weaver.
Nigel loves the fresh fruits, such as pineapple, bananas, and papaya that Watamu has to offer.
For Mwamba, Nigel loves swimming in the sea. “It is my ultimate joy!”. He also likes helping out in the hospitality department and preparing the dining room before meals. One look at the dinner table arrangements he makes and you will agree that he is more than just a beautiful mind.
Dr. Nigel proving you can still work and pose for a picture
