14th February 2007  Mountain Lodge to Naro Moru River Lodge

Everyone was up early this morning to catch the sunrise over Mount Kenya, and before heading off from Mountain Lodge we caught up with Yellow-fronted Canary, African Hill Babbler, Mountain Greenbul, Rüppell's Robin Chat and for some of us a glimpse of White-starred Robin. The rest of the morning was spent slowly driving back down through the forest towards the plains stopping whenever we came across a feeding group of birds. This proved to be a worthwhile tactic and we had good views of Grey Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Purple-throated Cuckoo Shrike, Moustached Green Tinkerbird, Dark-capped Warbler, Fine-barred Woodpecker, Golden-winged Sunbird and Long-crested and African Crowned Eagles.

Out on the plains, there were plenty of Long-tailed Widowbirds lining the roadside fences and upon reaching Naro Moru River Lodge we took time out for a mid afternoon buffet lunch. Late afternoon/early evening was spent working the river and fields near the lodge. It took some effort to finally get good views of Yellow-whiskered Bulbul but Tacazze Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird, Violet-backed Sunbird and Mountain Wagtail proved slightly easier. Final bird of the day was a calling Red-chested Cuckoo.

Thanks to David Agassiz and Ray Barnett for identifying the hawkmoth.

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