Birdnificent©: Nairobi Arboretum

The Nairobi Arboretum is home to over 350 tree species and over 100 resident and migrant birds among other animal species.

Its various walkways and trails  provide great sites for your morning or evening walk. The calmness within the Arboretum  give you that feeling of peace and oneness with nature.

You could also also choose to have a picnic  as you watch the numerous Vervet and Sykes monkeys.

The Arboretum’s impressive assortment of native trees and shrubs means wild fruit is available over much of the year, not only sustaining resident birds but also attracting wandering species such as Lemon Dove, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill and various Starlings.

Resident birds include many of the species typically found in suburban Nairobi’s larger private gardens. In the open parkland of the Arboretum’s upper reaches, expect to see White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Olive Thrush, Common Paradise Flycatcher, Black-headed Oriole, Red-chested Cuckoo, White-bellied Tit, various Sunbirds (Variable, Collared, Scarlet-chested, Amethyst, Bronze) and Mannikins (Bronze, Black-and-White), and – in season – migrants such as Eurasian Bee-eater or Willow Warbler. Raptors on view will include Augur Buzzard and ubiquitous Yellow-billed Kite.

From pathways amid dappled woodland between the upper lawns and the Kirichwa (Kubwa) River, look for Little Sparrowhawk, African Goshawk, Eastern Honeybird, Black-backed Puffback, Tropical Boubou, Rüppell’s Robin-Chat, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Montane White-eye. Greenbuls (Yellow-whiskered, Cabanis’) are conspicuous in the understorey, where the rare Grey-olive Greenbul is occasionally also seen. On the river itself, look for Mountain Wagtail and Malachite Kingfisher – and a resident pair of African Black Duck.

For serious birders, look out for African Goshawk, Black-headed Oriole, Tropical Boubou, Montane White-eye, Grey-olive Greenbul (at times)…