Birds of the Rift Valley

by Elijah Tanui
Kenya is a country blessed with a diversity of birdlife some of which are unique to its tropical climate. In this issue of eCentury we will highlight on birdlife species in the Rift Valley. The region has the highest number of bird species in the whole world which has attracted the biggest number of bird watchers. This region also serves as the best spot for migrant birds that come to Africa due to harsh winters especially from the months of November to March.

Lake Nakuru with its large number of flamingoes and other water birds, which sometimes goes up to three million, is one of the most ideal havens for bird watchers. Lake Baringo is another tourist attraction because of its high bird species population-more than 500, some of which are exclusive to the region. During winter in the temperate regions some birds migrate and find a home in this area, to Bogoria and the wider Kerio Valley. Examples of birds which migrate during this season include steppe Eagle, white stork, black stork, martins, swallows and swifts.

Rift valley also offers the best spot for researchers in birdlife who come mostly from Europe. Ringing is done on the birds so as to monitor their movement from Africa to Europe. The ringing is connected to satellites which relay information on how the birds travel, and thus can be monitored.

Traditionally, some birds are considered bad omen by some communities. A deeper understanding of this connotation has to do with conservation. Our great grandparents were conservation-oriented; most of the birds which were classified under this category were threatened ones because of their small numbers, and their chances of survival were minimal.
Birds were also useful in predicting seasons; our forefathers used to observe bird behavior which used tell true facts about the seasons. Famers would know when to prepare their land, when to plant and how the seasons would go. Today, this is no more. The only viable option is meteorological data, which has in most instances proved quite unreliable.

There are many other places which has rare birds but many people are not keen to realize and appreciate the importance and the value which these birds can bring to them. Some of the areas considered as important bird areas (IBA) in the Rift Valley are: Kerio Valley, Cherang'any Hills, Mount Elgon, Tugen Hills, and many other places that have not been identified.

Communities living in or around any wetlands and forests should be vigilant and take responsibility putting in mind the benefits of conserving birdlife, and consider the future generations. People living in such regions should be conservation-oriented because any destruction to the ecosystem destroys our heritage. When we begin to realize our role in taking responsibility, then we can be assured of a better future.