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1 May 2010
Plain-backed Pipit calling (repeated "whee-trrr" with pauses of c2 seconds) from small bare isolated tree in rice stubble at Tendaba 'Airport.' Black Wood Hoopoe in mixed feeding party in adjacent savannah woodland. Common Tern in breeding plumage perching on posts in front of 'VIP' rooms at camp. (KR)

30 April 2010
A Cinnamon-breasted Bunting was seen inside Tendaba Camp feeding along the edge of the river at high-water. An African Clawless Otter was watched through binoculars <200m W of the Camp at dusk, exploring mangrove roots as they were exposed by the receding tide. The otter was larger and heavier than a large domestic cat. (The following morning a latrine was found a few metres from the river at this spot. The spraints consisted almost entirely of crushed crab shells.) (KR)

24 April 2010
Olivaceous Warbler still vocal in neem trees around compound in Sabi, URR. This species has been ever-present in dry-season here for several years. Also Melodious Warbler in vegetable gardens alongside local watercourse. (This individual was initially thought to be an Icterine Warbler due to a striking pale panel along edge of folded wing, and also dark grey legs. The primary projection was noted to be only a third of the tertial length and the legs were dark brownish-grey rather than bluish lead grey.) An adult and an immature Beaudouin's Eagle were hunting over fallow fields. (KR)

22 April 2010
Passage Sand Martins very much in evidence on the trip from Banjul to Basse via the North Bank road, including in mid-river opposite Banjul. A dark phase Booted Eagle was seen soaring over Georgetown. (KR)

19 April 2010
Brufut Woods: Notable records this morning included Klaas's Cuckoo calling, Chattering Yellowbill seen in the open at the edge of a densely-leaved tree, Melodious Warbler, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, vocal Palm-nut Vulture. Later at the Hibiscus Hotel: Grey-headed Bush Shrike (scarce here at the coast) and Western Violet-backed Sunbird (scarce throughout Gambia). (CRB & KR)

10 April 2010
Fajara-Kotu marshes, 7:30-8a.m.: Sightings included 14 Sacred Ibis; 4 Yellow-billed Stork, including two immatures; 7 African Spoonbill; 3 Black Egret, picking round the feet of the storks; male Painted Snipe; Great White, Intermediate, Little, Western Reef and Cattle Egrets; Grey and Squacco Herons; Malachite Kingfisher; 3 Double-spurred Francolin, atop a termite mound. (KR) 2 Curlew Sandpipers in transitional plumage were seen on the Madiana watercourse and 3 White-faced Owls at the well-known roost in Brufut Woods. Also at Brufut, a female Swallow-tailed Bee-eater was observed remaining perched on the same branch for >15mins, during which a male brought numerous bees to her - carefully destinging them first. (CRB & KR)

7 April 2010
Winds now in West (onshore). A moribund 1CY Gannet recovered from the sea at Tanji Bird Reserve. (CRB) Scores of passing Black Terns seen pausing to feed around the fish-landing site around Bakau pier. (NB The pier is now badly corroded and dangerous!) (KR)

3 April 2010
First returning Amethyst Starlings both seen and heard. Easter frequently sees the first annual records of this species.

28 March 2010
Group of seven Senegal Wood Hoopoe systematically dismantling a House Sparrow nest under the eaves of an apartment in Fajara, occasionally extracting clumps of feathers and other materials. They were accompanied all the while by a loudly-protesting male sparrow. After 5 mins the troupe abruptly flew off away from the observer, presumably with a prey item, though this could not be confirmed. (KR)

24 March 2010
Very 'harmattan-y' at the moment, with winds in the NE and dull, dust-laden skies. Western Olivaceous Warbler, Green-headed Sunbird and Red-breasted Paradise Flycatcher all seen in hotel garden in Brufut. (CRB & KR)

23 March 2010
Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs currently being seen every day in both Brusubi and Fajara. (CRB & KR)

20 March 2010
Dead Green Turtle washed up on Brufut beach. A large specimen, with a carapace 90cm in length and a beak to rear limb length of 130cm. Black-headed Gull in full-breeding plumage in gull/tern roost at Tanji Bird Reserve. (CRB & KR)

17 March 2010
Leucistic Senegal Parrot seen flying with normal partner at Fajara. Also 3 Willow Warblers, including one 1CY bird, in one flowering tree. (KR)

16 March 2010
Banjul-Barra ferry: small numbers of both Arctic and Pomarine Skuas visible near Banjul fish-landing site. Three Greater Flamingos on mudflats about 1.5km E of Barra ferry terminal. Even at this distance the 'tripod' stance distinctive. Barn Swallow and Yellow Wagtail also around Barra terminal. (KR)

6 March 2010
Brufut Woods: Spindasis butterfly species seen and photographed. S. mozambica has been recorded in Gambia on a handful of occasions. Some features on this individual look more like S. avrico, which would be a first record for Gambia. Also, Western Bonelli's Warbler. (CRB & KR)

7 January 2010
Unusual sighting of Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher hawking for insects between isolated moringa tree and washing line in back yard in Fajara! (KR)

5 January 2010
Ayres's Hawk Eagle at Tanku Bolong, BaoBolon Wetland Reserve (opposite Tendaba). There are an increasing number of reports of this species, formerly considered rare, from a variety of wooded habitats in Gambia. (Wande, Tendaba)

3-4 January 2010
Large movement North of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters observed at Kartong. (JH) Groups of 50-100 observed over Cape Point Marshes and Fajara on similar dates. (KR)





21 December 2009
Party of Senegal Eremomelas seen feeding fledgling at Farasuto, demonstrating co-operative breeding. (CRB)

7 December 2009
Little Button-quail at Farasuto. This is a secretive and rarely seen species. (CRB)

3 December 2009
Yellowbill now a daily event at Brufut. Also at Brufut, Ahanta Francolin, Pied-winged Swallow, Grey-headed Kingfisher and, in song, Melodious Warblers. A great diversity of butterflies at present. (CRB)

29 November 2009
Several Shining Blue Kingfishers reported from Chimpanzee rehab camp. (CRD per MS) Several Melodious Warblers singing in Brusubi. Peak butterfly numbers. Adult Little Grebe back at Sheraton Hotel. All juveniles now gone. (CRB)

25 November 2009
Brusubi today: two fully fledged Long-tailed Glossy Starlings with full tails, being fed by four adults. This reinforces the cooperative breeding in this species. (CRB)

23 November 2009
Artificial habitat in our garden in Brufut is now attracting Olivaceous Warbler in the bougainvillea. Also attracted are, Pied Flycatcher, Melodious Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Woodchat Shrike and Northern Wheatear. (CRB)

November 2009
Two possible HARTLAUB'S DUCKS on the river near forest on Gambia River National Park 6th Nov (CRB and Bangor University). Thirty adult Rüppell's Griffon Vultures bathing near N'jau is an especially large end of rains number (CRB) 6th Nov. Four White-backed Night Herons in nest at Bao Bolon 4th, Bathawk at Lamin Kotu 5th, Red-necked Nightjar roadkill at Wassu 5th, Lesser Black-backed Gull at Tanji Bird Reserve with ring numbers E100 and EEon 3rd and Only 2 Egyptian Plovers seen in the whole Central River Division on the 7th. (CRB)

21 October 2009
Four well grown Little Grebe young with no adults on Sheraton Hotel pond. Wryneck and Garden Warbler trapped at Kartong. (CRB)

20 October 2009
Yellow Wagtail seen today. (CRB)

19 October 2009
Plenty of Ospreys have returned. (CRB)

15 October 2009
A European Reed Warbler ringed in Kent (UK) was controlled in Kartong in March this year and then re-trapped back in Kent (UK) in June this year. (John High) Also today, the first White Wagtail back, at Brusubi (CRB)

15 August 2009
Little Grebe at the Sheraton Hotel now has eggs, The adults have been sound recorded first time for West Africa (CRB)

8 August 2009
Tanji bird reserve today, more Sanderling and Sandwich Terns. Lesser Black-backed Gull V121 photographed at Tanji on 22/03/09 was back again today. Blue ring with white letters, in same place possibly not moved. Raining heavily (CRB)

7 August 2009
Reliable reports of a MONK SEAL off Tujering in early June. A Little Grebe nest-building today on Sheraton Hotel pond. 1st plumage Shrika and just fledged Red-chested Swallows at Brusubi. (CRB)

5 August 2009
At Tanji today, usual African seabirds including a 1st year Kelp Gull. A few Sandwich Terns, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and numerous Sanderling. Four species of Roller (CRB)

29 July 2009
At Tanji today several Kelp Gull plumages digiscoped. Many white-headed Royal Terns with juveniles. Slender-billed and Grey-headed Gulls present, adults and juveniles. 500+ Great White Pelicans on Bijol Islands. (CRB)

27 July 2009
Major rainfall for the last few days, Giant Pouched Rat, White-toothed Shrew specimens and more interesting fungi. Bijol Islands: on 24th, John High noted paired dark- and white-morph Western Reef Herons producing white juvenile. John Baker reports butterfly species new to Gambia from Georgetown CRD (CRB)

25 July 2009
A pair of Yellowbill seen well in Brufut today, several vocal birds. A Red-chested Cuckoo singing. Various Charaxes butterflies, some interesting fungi showing. Northern Red Bishop in near full breeding plumage and a Lanner Falcon hunting from house roof in Brusubi, mobbed by Red-chested Swallows. (CRB)

14 July 2009
Four species of cuckoo singing at Brufut, Levaillant's, Diederik, Klaas's and African. African Thrush female with two well-grown chicks in the nest. Aba the ranger reliably reports 1 BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN last Sunday (12th) morning. (CRB)

4 July 2009
Pair of Levaillant's Cuckoo at Brusbi Cliffs and Rufous Cisticola both vocal. Anax dragonflies and plenty of butterflies around. (CRB)

13 May 2009
Scops Owl skeleton made from Kartong. Full wing saved. Tiny ovary. Stomach empty but body not emaciated. Wing chord 153 mm, length 203mm, tail 64mm, bill 19mm, tarsus 30mm. Believed to be EUROPEAN SCOPS OWL, a rare record, several pictures taken. (CRB)

29 April 2009
Three Great Reed Warblers trapped in Kartong in last four days. Full colour male Pied Flycatcher in Brufut on 26/04 is first full colour for me in spring ever. (CRB)

12 April 2009
Clive currently working on analysis of Barn, White-faced and Greyish Eagle Owl pellets found from around the country.

28 March 2009
At Brufut today, Woodland Kingfisher is usual March record. Yellowbill, Green Crombec and Grey-headed Bristlebill all vocal. Also male Klaas's Cuckoo. (CRB)

19 March 2009
Last week up to 3 BLACK STORKS at Baboon Island (CRB)

14 March 2009
Whistling Cisticola in full song in Brufut. (CRB)

6 March 2009
Lesser Whitethroat trapped, Purple Gallinule adult and juvenile in Kartong last seven days. Purple Glossy Starling ringed in Brufut Sept 05 worked out by digipix in Brusubi on Wednesday. Immaculate male Yellow Wagtails in Brusubi. (CRB)

4 March 2009
Pair of Pel's Fishing Owls at Bao-Bolon. Flock of Mosque Swallows still around. 9jy Osprey from last December was ringed as a nestling at Potsdam-Mittelmark, Brandenberg, Germany on 09/07/2007. (CRB)

20 February 2009
At Kuloro today, Leaflove and Buff-spotted Woodpecker. (Andy Warren)

18 February 2009
A pair of Peregrine Falcons over Brusubi today. 2 together is a rare sighting. (CRB)

14 February 2009
Brusubi: female Northern Wheatear moving through. (CRB)

9 February 2009
BAILLON'S CRAKE reported breeding in Central River Division - adult with chicks. Also breeding near Senegal. (Lamin Sanyang)

25 January 2009
Osprey rung 9JY comes from Germany. At coastal sites today several Pied-winged Swallows. (CRB)

24 January 2009
Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrike at Brufut, plus 1st African Hawk Eagle. At Tanji Bird Reserve, both olive- and grey-legged adult Kelp Gulls. (CRB)

22 January 2009
Kartong: 100 Quailfinch, Painted Snipe, Red-throated Pipit and the first Grasshopper Buzzard all seen today. (CRB)

20 January 2009
On our rooftop today, first Northern Wheatear. (CRB)

18 January 2009
Tanji Bird Reserve: Green Turaco, Northern Gannet, a 'small' Yellow-legged Gull, photo's taken. Breeding Senegal Parrot, Black Wood Hoopoe. (CRB)

17 January 2009
Brufut today: Western Bonelli's Warbler, Violet-backed Sunbird, pair of Yellowbill, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Honeyguide and an immature Lanner Falcon. (CRB)





20 December 2008
Brufut today: Lesser Honeyguide, Grey-headed Bristlebill singing, pair of Black Wood Hoopoe with juvenile, Pied-winged Swallow and Prinia feeding at nest. (CRB)

19 December 2008
An Osprey at Tanji Bird Reserve today had a white ring with black lettering reading 9JY. Also today Subalpine, Melodious and Olivaceous Warblers, plus Nightingale all in song, plus first records of SIBERIAN CURLEW. (CRB)

7 December 2008
Tanji Bird Reserve: Kelp Gull bearing black davric ring with white lettering, 5DU 0SP. Also today Grey-headed Bristlebill singing. (CRB)

4 December 2008
A Yellowbill vocal at dusk in Brufut. (CRB)

3 December 2008
A first winter RING-BILLED GULL was at Tanji Bird Reserve - article to follow. Also a MEW GULL present is first since 1994, photos taken. Sandwich Tern bearing yellow davric ring. (CRB)

2 December 2008
1500 Black-tailed Godwits in Niumi around Jinack Kajata, NBD. (Lamin Sanyang) First Nightingale tape-recorded in Tanji, male British Yellow Wagtail, 1 European Turtle Dove plus 38 species of butterfly at Tanji. (CRB & Dave Penny)

28 November 2008
The Little Grebes at Kartong have hatched a second brood. There were 40 species of butterfly in Brufut Woods between *.00am and 12.30pm. Many singing Melodious Warblers and Lesser Honeyguide calling. (CRB, Dave Penny & Madi Aba)

27 November 2008
Spotted Honeyguide daily in Marakissa River Camp plus a pair of Abyssinian Ground Hornbills in fields between the camp and Darsilami. (Pete Solly, UK)

23 November 2008
A fall of Palearctic warblers at Tanji Bird Reserve this morning included Melodious, Olivaceous and Subalpine Warbler, all of which were in song. Also a flock of 60 African Green Pigeon. (CRB)

22 November 2008
Brufut woods today: vocal Ahanta Francolin and Rufous Cisticola, Blackcap Babblers nest building and a Red-footed Squirrel (a rare sighting). (CRB)

21 November 2008
White Wagtail sound-recorded in full song at Brusubi. (CRB)

10 November 2008
Banjul: Possible STILT SANDPIPER awaiting photo comfirmation. (CRB)

4 November 2008
Full adult Audouin's Gull and juvenile-plumaged Shikra, Splendid Sunbird chicks in nest and a pale phase Black Kite. (CRB)

31 October 2008
Kartong: Common Moorhen with six tiny chicks is a first breeding record. (John High)

30 October 2008
In Kartong today a Little Grebe with tiny pulli. (John High)

15 October 2008
Banjul: Heavy overnight storm, big arrival of waders. Golden-tailed Woodpecker, European Reed Warblers and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. Fewer Subalpine Warblers today. (CRB)

13 October 2008
Three Fanti Saw-wings over Banjul is a rare record. Also 17 Yellow-billed Storks, plus White Wagtail and many Common Swifts. No rain for seven days. (CRB)

12-13 October 2008
A fall of Subalpine Warblers of all ages. (CRB)

11 October 2008
Up to 400 Pied Crows on Banjul Beach. (CRB)

10 October 2008
Ospreys arriving. (CRB)

30 September 2008
Adult Jacobin Cuckoo is the first for me in 4 years, a Pied Flycatcher and 100s of 1st year Sanderlings. (CRB)

27 September 2008
Sound-recording of Willow Warbler songs. Also first-winter Subalpine Warbler and a Barn Swallow seen. (CRB)

23 September 2008
Garden Warbler in Banjul. (CRB)

22 September 2008
First Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff arrivals on Banjul today, plus an adult non-breeding male Whinchat, the first in four years. Also on Banjul today were Yellow Wagtail, Namaqua Dove, Striated Heron with young, Quailfinch and vocal Sandwich Terns. (CRB)

17 September 2008
Passage of Black Terns and Sandwich Terns during the rains today. (CRB)

16 September 2008
The adult Kelp Gull bearing ring 5DL died in captivity, skeleton preparation in hand. (CRB)

3 September 2008
Banjul waterbird count today, with 72 spp counted. Highlights include 213 Whimbrel, 1600 Royal Terns, 7 Avocet and a Subalpine Warbler. (CRB, Lamin Sanyang & Dave Penney)

30 August 2008
Three adult Piapiacs attending four juveniles, feeding on an influx of toadlets. (CRB)

29 August 2008
Kelp Gulls have returned to Banjul - adults and a first year. An adult Palm-nut Vulture passing high overhead spooked 100s of Grey-headed Gulls and Pied Crows. (CRB)

28 August 2008
All regular palearctic waders around on North & South banks. Also Little and Black Terns. A White-faced Whistling Duck nest with 11 stained eggs at Mile 2, Banjul. Adult feigned injury and wing-clapped. (CRB)

23 August 2008
A nest of fully-winged Zitting Cisticolas being fed by adults today on Banjul. Shikra feathers collected. Rains keep falling. (CRB)

13 August 2008
An immature Lanner Falcon hunting Pied Crow over Banjul beach. Redshank & Whimbrel are flying and calling high up. A Zitting Cisticola with 3 eggs on the 10th is an early record probably due to the heavy rains. (CRB)

24 July 2008
An adult female Woodchat Shrike at Wadner Beach, Banjul today is an odd date record. (CRB)

15 July 2008
There were big storms in yesterday afternoon in Banjul, while today an adult male RED-FOOTED FALCON flew along the beach and north across the river. A very rare record–and in the rains! (CRB)

12 July 2008
A pair of Four-banded Sandgrouse on Banjul today, an unusal record. Weavers nest building, Blue-cheecked Bee-eaters about and Pied Crow fledglings. (CRB)

11 July 2008
After 14 days rain the first Senegal Kingfisher heard at 18.00hrs, (CRB)