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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Final part of Gambia trip report (1 Viewer)

Adare

Active member
Wednesday 13th November Senegambia Hotel

We had a day off on the 13th and stooged about relaxing, swimming in the sea and eating. As a result the only new bird was a Grey-headed gull. However the Senegambia Hotel provided good views of by now familiar birds.

Thursday 14th November Tujering with Ebrima Korita

I had engaged Ebrima Korita to take us to Tujering – a curious area of deserted farmland which had run wild. It was an excellent place for passerines, Brubru, Senegal Batis, Lavender Waxbill and Cardinal Woodpecker were highlights as well as Lanner and Red-necked Falcon.

On the way back from Tujering we stopped at the local Ethnographic museum in Tanji, which I can recommend if you want more insight into traditional Gambian life. We also stopped in Tanji village and had crippling views of Caspian terns and Osprey fishing.

Friday 15th November Kartong wetland and Journey from Senegambia hotel.
Guide Ida Colley.

We decided to give Ida Colley, a female birdguide, a chance to show what she could do. She was a pleasant and lively companion. Apart from seeing a Black Crake (Only a glimpse earlier) the real highlight were two African Pygmy Goose. Given the large numbers of Wetlands we had viewed it was a tribute to Ida that she found me these birds. African Jacanas and Malachite Kingfishers were everywhere in this very attractive community wetland.

Sunday 17th November Bonto Forest with Ebrima Sidibeh

We had a day off on the Saturday, idling around the hotel, but had saved the best for last, a visit to Bonto community woodland with Ebrima Sidibeh again. I had considered going to Abuko, but didn't relish the animal enclosures or the fact that this area was heavily frequented by tourist groups. Ebrima had spontaneously suggested this woodland as a good place to go – we weren't disappointed.

It was astonishing to see Ebrima and the local warden whistling in a Spotted Flufftail to us, which we saw very clearly although it wasn't clickable. We saw a number of specialist forest species here like Yellow Apalis and Green Hylia. In addition we had views of Brown-necked Parrot, Little Greenbul, Leaflove and Common Wattle-eye. Best of all though, was a decent view through the leaves of this dark, primeval forest, of a Western Bluebill, crowned by a wonderful view of an African Wood Owl. It was truly a fantastic end to a great day and an excellent birding holiday.

In all I saw 262 species of bird, including 152 life ticks. I did not see a Guinea Turaco, but I would swap that for a Spotted Flufftail any day.

Recommended birdguides - Ebriam Korita at [email protected] and Ebrima Sidibeh at [email protected]
Mustafa at Bijilo forest park is also worth a few hundred Dalasi if you go there.
 
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