Leaving Kakamega behind us we travelled towards Busia. The weather was atrocious as we drove on leaving little chance to try for species along the way.
When we got to Muminosa there was a break in the rain, but the water level needed to be low enough not to push the Rock Pratincoles off. We weren't hopeful, seeing the churning, rushing waters.
Amazingly, by going up some steps at the sugar cane factory, water pumping building, we managed to see a single bird, hunkering down on one of the large flat rocks in the centre of the river.
The next day at Kisumu was much brighter and dry.
Brimstone Canary
Senegal Coucal
Bar-breasted Firefinches
Kisumu was on the itinerary for species found in and around papyrus. Papyrus Gonalek proved very difficult and was not seen until a boat trip out on Lake Victoria.
Tourist boats at Hippo Point
Water Thick-knee
Swamp Flycatcher
Pin-tailed Whydah
Pied Kingfisher
The fishery pens provide a roost for several species of terns, including
Gull-billed, Whiskered and White-winged Black Terns.While out of the lake two wagtails flew out and hitched a ride for a fair distance before returning to another point on the shore. Amazingly, they found us on the way back and made a return journey to where they had started from.
African Pied Wagtail
Hammerkop
Leaving Lake Victoria, there were some species en route to Maasai Mara.
Black and white casqued Hornbill
Maribou Stork
As we approached Mara, it was clear that there were several fenced, private reserves and in what remained livestock and wild grazers were sharing the area. All wild animals outside of the park are fair game in terms of hunting.