KENYA – Samburu : Searching for a Somali
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Mar 6, 2009 | by Adrian Binns
We began this afternoon with a Thrush-Nightingale and Bare-eyed Thrush in the gardens, and just beyond the gate a d’Arnaud’s Barbet (top), upset at an unidentified snake that we just caught sight of slithering into a bush.
We made an effort to look for the uncommon Somali Bee-eater this afternoon. This is another species that is found here at its southern end of its range. Along the way we came across Yellow-spotted Petronias, Chestnut and Parrot-billed Sparrows, Black-cheeked Waxbills, Ashy Cisticola and a beautiful Isabelline Shrike (above left).
While watching Red-billed Hornbills forage alongside Dwarf Mongoose a pair of Lilac-breasted Rollers where taking advantage of any insects that had tried to stay well clear of the first two species. A party of Green Wood-Hoopoes inspected and entered a small hole in a tree trunk and then noisily moved on. A little further on giraffes were browsing and a single Magpie Starling was at the top of a tree. As we moved around the bend in the track a Verreaux’s Eagle Owl (right) was visible roosting in the broad canopy of a Flat-top Acacia. 
As the sun was about to set behind the Koitogorr Hills a Golden-breasted Starling flew besides the van and landed on the track well in front of us. We came to a halt to view it when a second and third joined the first. They are amongst the prettiest of birds with their iridescent plumage shining in the light, but unfortunately each time they stopped it happened to be in the shade. Our attention was suddenly diverted toward low flying bee-eaters. Finally, no less than 3 Somali Bee-eaters (right), which we were thrilled to find.all photos © adrian binns