23rd February 2007  Masai Mara

An early morning drive before breakfast just outside the camp gave us Flappet Lark, Ashy Flycatcher, Familiar Chat and Olive Pigeon but no Schalow's or Ross's Turacos. However, whilst packing our bags into the van after breakfast, a Schalow's Turaco began calling nearby and it didn't take too long to obtain some good views.

We spent the morning along the Mara River adding Green-capped Eremomela, Fine-spotted Woodpecker and Golden-tailed Woodpecker. Another Long-toed Plover was nice but star birds were two Ross's Turacos in the garden of Governor's Camp.

During the rest of the day we made our way slowly south east across the Masai Mara towards Siana Springs Tented Camp where we would spend the night. Some birding in acacia scrub near the camp was productive with Temminck's Coursers, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Tabora Cisticola and brief views of Pale Wren Warbler.

After an evening meal which included some traditional Masai dancing we ventured back out for a two-hour night drive. Initially, things started slowly with just Impala and Cape Hare, but it wasn't too long before we had spotlighted Kirk's Dik Dik, Black-backed and Side-striped Jackals, Spring Hare and Spotted Hyena. However, star of the show appeared late on when we spotted a Caracal right by the vehicle. This nocturnal cat is perhaps harder to see than the much-desired Leopard, so a great bit of luck. Oh, and the birds - good views of both Square-tailed and Dusky Nightjars.

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