This was the first time any of us had visited the African continent. We booked a package through Lunn Poly as the cheapest option and stayed in Kololi at the Senegambia, a hotel popular with birders. Our package was half-board but we weren't too keen on the buffet style meals so after the first couple of nights we ate out! Restaurants we can recommend are "A Taste of India", "Ali Baba's" with its open air cabaret and "Tao" which serves delicious Asian cuisine.

For anyone visiting the Gambia it's worth taking more currency than you think you will need. Just take extra sterling traveller's cheques. The travel brochures will tell you that there are a few ATMs. These are totally unreliable. For most of our stay the ATM in Kololi was out of order. Traveller's cheques can be changed in the Senegambia hotel. Oddly enough the hotel gave the best exchange rate.

Before our trip we'd read much about the hassle from street traders and locals. Other than in the evenings we didn't find this a problem as during the day we had a guide.

We hired Sering Bojang through Habitat Africa, a company run by Solomon Jallow, the well known bird guide. This was done by email a few months prior to our visit. Sering was excellent and needless to say our bird list wouldn't have been as good without him. There were other bird guides who charged less and the birders using them didn't seem to be missing out on much, for instance Modu based at the Senegambia. The cost of hiring a guide with transport was between £15 and £25 per person per day. There were also plenty of other would-be 'bird guides' offering their services so it pays to be wary. It's well worth trawling through the various trip reports on the internet before a visit to find out the names of recommended guides and taxi drivers.

We found Rod Ward's "A Birdwatchers' Guide to the Gambia" although published in 1994 still relevant and very helpful. This guide together with a selection of internet trip reports proved invaluable to us in the planning of our trip in terms of sites, species to see etc. The 3 CD set "Bird Song of The Gambia & Senegal" by Clive Barlow, John Hammick and Pat Sellar and the field guide "Birds of The Gambia and Senegal" by Barlow, Wacher and Disley were also essential.

Sering also organised an upcountry trip for us. The trip was for 4 days & 3 nights staying at Tendaba Camp for the first night and Bao-bolong Camp for the other two. Suffice it to say that Tendaba was a much more comfortable camp. The cost of this trip was £150 per person for accommodation, transport and guide but excluding meals. The roads away from the coast are in an appalling state hence the journey took much longer than one would expect.

Most days we birded the morning until 12:30 or 1pm then had a leisurely couple of hours avoiding the heat before resuming birding around 3:30pm.

We had a trip list of 302 species, just over 200 of which were lifers.

For more information email address:- IANBIRDER(at)aol.com

Our itinerary was as follows:-

25 November - arrived at the hotel around 5pm and managed an hour or so birding the hotel grounds until dark.

26 November - Kotu Ponds and Creek until lunchtime then late afternoon at Yundum Woods.

27 November - Abuko, Lamin Lodge for lunch then Abuko again until dusk.

28 November - Tanji Bird Reserve and beach then late pm Brufut Woods.

29 November - Pirang, Faraba Banta bush track and Seleti Waterhole.

30 November - Marakissa, Marakissa bridge and Darisalami.

1 December - Bund Road, Cape Point Road, Camalou Corner then late afternoon hotel grounds.

2 December - The first day of our upcountry trip when we drove to Tendaba Camp birding en route at Bambakuno Forest, Kampant, Kaboko, Brumen Bridge and the Batelling track at Tendaba.

3 December - We had a 3 hour boat trip from Tendaba before heading to Georgetown with stops at Soma, Balanghar Waterhole, Kaur Wetlands and Panchang - arrived at Bao-bolong Camp at 8:20pm!

4 December - Bansang Quarry, Prufut Swamp, lunch at Basse, then retraced our steps, Prufut Swamp and Bansang Quarry.

5 December - The long drive back to the coast with birding at Jahally rice fields, Kudang and Dangoroba.

6 December - Sifoe, Sanyang and late pm at Brufut Woods.

7 December - Abuko, Lamin Lodge & fields then Yundum Woods.

8 December - Brufut Woods & Bund Road

9 December - Bijilo Forest before pm flight home.

Species Lists

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) A dozen or so at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov were the only ones of the trip.

Long-tailed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus) Around 25 at Pirang on 29th Nov, then 6 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, plentiful from the Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, also seen from the Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec and at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) A single flock of 5 seen on the creek crawl from Tendaba on 3rd Dec.

African Darter (Anhinga rufa) 2 in flight over Tanji on 28th Nov, then 6 at Pirang on 29th Nov, one over Marakissa on 30th Nov, seen from the Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, also 2 at Kalagi on 2nd Dec.

Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) Around 50 off Tanji beach on 28th Nov, then 9 over Pirang on 29th Nov, also at Brumen Bridge on 2nd Dec and Tendaba on 3rd Dec.

Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) 2 over Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 2 at Lamin Lodge on 27th Nov, 10 at Pirang on 29th Nov, also on Bund Rd 1st & 8th Dec, various sites upcountry on 2nd, 3rd & 4th Dec.

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) 2 dozen from the Bund Rd on 1st Dec, also seen there on 8th Dec, 3 in flight en route upcountry on 2nd Dec, then 6 at Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) Seen regularly but only in ones and twos.

Western Reef-heron (Egretta gularis) Probably the most frequently seen species of heron, at most wetland areas but not in great numbers.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) Small numbers seen daily.

Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) At Abuko 18 on 27th Nov and 34 on 7th Dec, 3 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, 3 near Sutu Singyang on 2nd Dec, also at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec & Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) Only one of the trip was by the pumping station on the Bund Rd on 8th Dec.

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) Half a dozen on the river trip from Tendaba on 3rd Dec, also at Georgetown on 5th Dec and 2 from Lamin Lodge on 7th Dec.

Great Egret (Egretta alba) Seen regularly but only in ones and twos.

Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia) Seen regularly but only in ones and twos

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) Abundant.

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) 2 at Kotu Ponds & 1 from Casino Cycle Track on 26th Nov, 3 at Marakissa River Camp on 30th Nov, also on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec, Sanyang Pools on 6th Dec and Wadner Hotel beach on 8th Dec.

Striated Heron (Butorides striatus) 1 at Marakissa bridge on 30th Nov, several on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, 3 at Basse & 3 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, also at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec & Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) Adult, sub-adult & juv at Abuko on 27th Nov, 12 from Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, 1 near Georgetown Ferry on 4th & 5th Dec.

White-backed Night-heron (Gorsachius leuconotus) Only seen on Tendaba river trip - 4 birds on the 3rd Dec.

Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) One in flight at Panchang on 3rd Dec ( en route to Georgetown ).

Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii) One distant bird from Marakissa Bridge on 30th Nov.

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) One in flight at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, 2 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 6 at Marakissa River Camp on 30th Nov, 3 in flight at Camalou Corner on 1st Dec, 6 on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, plentiful at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, seen Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec, Lamin Lodge on 7th Dec and Wadner Hotel beach on 8th Dec.

Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) 6 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 2 over Gambia river on 3rd Dec.

Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) 3 over Kampant on 2nd Dec, around 20 from the Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec.

Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) 2 or 3 in flight at Balanghar on 3rd Dec, a few at nest site at Fulabanta on 5th Dec.

Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) First one at Sanyang on 6th Dec, 3 from Casino Cycle track on 8th Dec.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) 2 seen over the Gambia river on the 3rd Dec.

African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) 5 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 3 from the Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec.

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) 3 from the Tendaba river trip on the 3rd Dec.

White-faced Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna viduata) 35 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 14 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, 2 at Camalou Corner on 1st Dec, several at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec & Casino Cycle track on 8th Dec.

Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) c15 over the river on the 3rd Dec & 1 over Georgetown on 5th Dec.

Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos) 14 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Up to 12 off Tanji beach on 28th Nov, 12 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 1 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, c25 from the Bund Road on 1st Dec, also seen at Brumen Bridge on 2nd Dec, several on the Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, off Sanyang beach on 6th Dec, over Brufut Woods on 8th Dec and Bijilo on 9th Dec.

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) 1 en route to Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 at Mandiana on 28th Nov, 1 at Pirang & 1 en route on 29th Nov, 1 at Prufut Swamp & 1 en route on 4th Dec.

Black Kite/Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus migrans parasitus) Seen daily - mainly the Yellow-billed sub-species but Eurasian was also seen.

Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) 2 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 1 over Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov, 1 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 3 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, 2 at Kampant on 2 Dec, 2 nr Bansang on 4th Dec, 1 over Sifoe on 6th Dec, 1 at Abuko on 7th Dec and 1 nr Kololi on 8th Dec.

Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) Abundant.

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) 3 over Marakissa Bridge on 30th Nov, 2 at Kabokor on 2nd Dec, 1 adult & 3 imms. at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, 1 at Kudang on 5th Dec.

Rüppell's Griffon-vulture (Gyps rueppellii) 3 imms. over Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec.

Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) 1 over Dangoroba on 5th Dec.

Beaudouin's Snake-eagle (Circaetus gallicus beaudouini) 1 nr Nioro Jataba on 2nd Dec, 1 over Balanghar on 3rd Dec, 1 imm. at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, 1 over Kudang on 5th Dec.

Brown Snake-eagle (Circaetus cinereus) 1 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 1 at Marakissa River Camp on 30th Nov, 1 at Balanghar on the 3rd Dec, 1 en route to Prufut on 4th Dec and 1 at Fulabanta on 5th Dec.

Banded Snake-eagle (Circaetus cinerascens) 1 perched at Marakissa Bridge on 30th Nov, 1 at Kudang on 5th Dec.

Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) An adult at Kaboko & 3 juvs at Kalagi ( Brumen Bridge ) on 2nd Dec.

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) 1 over Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 2 on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, a dozen over Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, also at Jahally rice fields on 5th, seen en route on 6th Dec, at Lamin Lodge on 7th Dec, at Bund Road on 8th Dec.

Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) Both male and female over Kaur wetlands on 3rd Dec.

African Harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus) One seen briefly at Abuko on 27th Nov, then 2 at Marakissa & 1 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, several on 2nd as we drove to Tendaba, also at Brufut Woods on 6th & 8th Dec, at Abuko on 7th Dec.

Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus) 1 over Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, 1 over Abuko on 27th Nov, 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 4 over Pirang on 29th Nov, 3 over Marakissa on 30th Nov, 2 ( inc 1 at Kampant ) on 2nd Dec, 1 on 5th Dec en route, 1 at Sifoe on 6th Dec.

Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates) 1 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 over Pirang on 29th Nov, pair at Kampant plus several others on the 2nd Dec, 2 at Bansang Quarry plus 4 en route on 4th Dec, also at Dangoroba on 5th Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec and Yundum Woods on 7th Dec.

Shikra (Accipiter badius) 4 at Kotu on 26th Nov, 2 at Tanji & 1 at Brufut on 28th Nov, 2 at Brikama on 30th Nov, 4 on the Bund Road on 1st Dec, several en route on 2nd & 5th Dec, 2 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, at Sifoe on 6th Dec and Abuko on 7th Dec.

Grasshopper Buzzard (Butastur rufipennis) 1 at Sutu Sinyang on 2nd Dec, 1 at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec, 1 nr Prufut on 4th Dec and 1 en route on 5th Dec.

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) 1 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 5 over Marakissa on 30th Nov, 1 at Brufut on 8th Dec.

Wahlberg's Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi) 1 over Marakissa on 30th Nov, 2 at Kabokor on 2nd Dec, 2 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec and also seen en route on 5th Dec.

African Hawk-eagle (Hieraaetus spilogaster) 2 at Bansang Quarry & 1 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec - the latter took a Cattle Egret.

Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) 1 over Pirang and 1 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov.

Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) 1 perched at Pirang and 1 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov.

Grey Kestrel (Falco ardosiaceus) A pair at Yundum Airport on 25th Nov, 1 at Kotu & 2 at Yundum Woods on 26th, also at Pirang on 29th Nov, 3 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, 2 nr Prufut on 4th Dec, also en route on 5th Dec, at Sanyang on 6th Dec, at Kololi on 7th.

Red-necked Falcon (Falco chicquera) 2 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 1 at pirang on 29th Nov, also at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec and Lamin Lodge on 7th Dec.

African Hobby (Falco cuvierii) Singles at Pirang on 29th Nov and Brufut Woods 6th Dec.

Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) 1 Kotu Ponds & 1 Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 2 en route & 1 Faraba Banta bush trrack on 29th Nov, 1 at Marakissa Bridge on 30th Nov, 1 at Kabokor on 2nd Dec, also seen on 6th and at Yundum on 7th Dec.

Double-spurred Francolin (Francolinus bicalcaratus) 3 at Kotu Ponds & 1 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 nr Madiana on 28th Nov, 1 at Prufut Swamp & 1 at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, also at Georgetown on 5th Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec, Yundum Woods on 7th Dec and Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus) Heard at Seleti Waterhole on 29th Nov then 2 flushed from roadside nr Georgetown on 3rd Dec.

African Crake (Crex egregia) Just one at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec ( only seen by Jean ).

Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostris) 2 ads & 1 juv at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 5 at Panchang on 3rd Dec, 2 or 3 at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Lesser Moorhen (Gallinula angulata) An immature at Jahally rice fields, initially called as an Allen's Gallinule, but on the spot reference to the field guide confirmed its id as this species.

Black-crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) 3 at Pirang on 29 Nov.

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) 3 at Abuko on 27 Nov, 3 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, also at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec and again at Abuko on 7th Dec.

Greater Painted-snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) 2 in rice fields adjacent to the Georgetown Ferry on 5th Dec.

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) Only seen at the Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec ( 2 birds ).

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) 50+ at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, just 1 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 2 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, 1 on Bund Road & 2 Cape Point Road on 1st Dec, also seen at Soma on 3rd Dec and Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) 4 on the Bund Road on 1st Dec were the only ones of the trip.

Senegal Thick-knee (Burhinus senegalensis) 8 at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, 1 at Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov, 6 at Pirang on 29th Nov, c12 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, numerous on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, also at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, heard at Baobolong Camp on 4th & 5th Dec, seen at Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) Unsatisfactory in flight views of two birds at Batelling track, nr Tendaba on 2nd Dec then one seen well at Kudang on 5th Dec.

Egyptian Plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) 2 at Soma, 8 at Kaur Wetlands & 1 at Panchang on 3rd Dec, 1 on river at Basse on 4th Dec.

Temminck's Courser (Cursorius temminckii) A flyover at Bambakuno Forest ( id'd by Sering ) on 2nd Dec - included for completeness.

Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) One in flight at Pirang on 29th Nov, a dozen at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec.

Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) At Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, Tanji Beach on 28th Nov, Bund Road 1st & 8th Dec, Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) At Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, en route on 5th Dec.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) Only seen on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec - just 2 birds.

Kittlitz's Plover (Charadrius pecuarius) 2 at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec were the only ones of the trip.

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) An immature bird on Wadner Hotel beach on 8th Dec was originally id'd as a White-fronted Plover but the use of Al's digital shots and better literature at home allowed retrospective correction.

Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus) Common - seen on most days.

Black-headed Lapwing (Vanellus tectus) 1 at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, also at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, at Kudang on 5th Dec & Lamin fields on 7th Dec.

Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus) Common seen on most days - first seen hotel grounds on 25th Nov.

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) Only seen in flight at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) 1 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 2 at Pirang on 29th Nov, also at Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) 3 at Tanji beach on 28th Nov, 40 at Bund Road on 1st Dec, also there on the 8th Dec.

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Seen daily in small nos.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) Just 1 seen at Wadner Hotel beach on 8th Dec.

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) 2 at Pirang on 29th Nov, also at Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec and Lamin Lodge on 7th Dec.

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) 3 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 1 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, 1 at Cape Point Road on 1st Dec and 1 at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec.

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) Regularly seen at most coastal & wetland sites throughout.

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) 3 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 1 at Seleti Waterhole on 29th Nov, 2 at Darisalami on 30th Nov.

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) 10 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, then seen at Pirang on 29th Nov, Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec and Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Common Sandpiper (Actitis Hypoleucos) Seen in good nos at most wetland sites.

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) 3 at Tanji beach on 28th Nov, 2 at Bund Road on 1st Dec, also there on 8th Dec.

Sanderling (Calidris alba) 3 at Tanji beach on 28th Nov, 3 at Bund Road on 1st Dec, also there on 8th Dec.

Little Stint (Calidris minuta) 4 at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec were the only ones of the trip.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) 2 at bund Road on the final day, 8th Dec, were the only ones of the trip.

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) 8 at Bund Road on the 1st Dec, 5 on the Tendaba river trip on the 3rdDec, then many at the Bund Road on the 8th Dec.

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) Just 1 at Pirang on the 29th Nov, also seen at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) 3 off the beach from the Paradise Club on 26th Nov, 1 off Tanji beach on 28th Nov & 1 off the beach at Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Audouin's Gull (Larus audouinii) 3 immatures on Tanji beach on 28th Nov.

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) Just 1 on Tanji beach on 28th Nov.

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) First seen from the Paradise Club on the 26th Nov then c20 on Tanji beach on 28th Nov and also on Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec.

Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrocephalus) From the Hotel Senegambia beach on 25th Nov then seen regularly in numbers when near the coast.

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) Only seen at Tanji beach and the Bund Road.

Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei) 3 on Tanji beach on 28th Nov, 2 at the Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, also at Brumen Bridge on 2nd Dec.

Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica) 6 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 12 at Bund Road on 1st Dec, 3 from Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, also at Brumen Bridge on 5th Dec and Lamin Lodge on 7th Dec.

Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) 2 off Hotel Senegambia beach on 25th, 25+ at Tanji beach on 28th, also at Pirang on 29th Nov, 1 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, at Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, Tendaba on 2nd Dec, river trip on 3rd Dec, Brumen Bridge on 5th Dec, off Sanyang beach on 6th Dec, Lamin Lodge on 7th Dec and again from the hotel on 9th Dec.

Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Easy to see off any of the beaches.

Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis) 2 at Tanji beach on 28th Nov, 2 at Bund Road on 1st Dec and also there on 8th Dec.

Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) Off beach at Paradise Club on 26th Nov, at Lamin Lodge on 27th Nov, plentiful at Tanji beach on 28th Nov, also at Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) 25+ at Tanji beach on 28th Nov.

Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) 2 off the beach at Paradise Club on the 26th Nov, 2 at Tanji beach on the 28th Nov, 4 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 4 at Bund Road on 1st Dec, 3 on Gambia river at Tendaba on 3rd Dec.

Four-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles quadricinctus) 7 at Batelling Track, nr Tendaba on 2nd Dec, 2 dozen at waterhole ( en route to Georgetown ) at dusk on 3rd Dec, 2 at Bansang Quarry at dusk on 4th Dec.

Feral Pigeon (Columba livia) Small nos around habitation.

Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea) Abundant - first seen hotel grounds on 25th Nov.

Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) Abundant - first seen hotel grounds on 25th Nov.

African Mourning Dove (Streptopelia decipiens) Fairly common - first seen hotel grounds on 25th Nov.

Vinaceous Dove (Streptopelia vinacea) Fairly common - first seen hotel grounds on 25th Nov.

Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) Abundant - first seen hotel grounds on 25th Nov.

Black-billed Wood-dove (Turtur abyssinicus) 3 at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, 6 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 6 at Tanji & Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 3 Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, also at Marakissa on 30th, Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec, Tendaba on 3rd Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec and Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Blue-spotted Wood-dove (Turtur afer) 4 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 3 on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec and Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis) 2 at Pakalinding on 3rd Dec, also at Kudang on 5th Dec.

Bruce's Green-pigeon (Treron waalia) 6 on the Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, 1 over Georgetown ferry on 5th Dec.

African Green-pigeon (Treron calva) 2 in flight & 2 perched at Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov, also seen at Sifoe on 6th Dec.

Brown-necked Parrot (Poicephalus robustus) Just 1 at Pirang on 29th Nov.

Senegal Parrot (Poicephalus senegalus) 1 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 4 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 2 at Old Cape Road on 1st Dec, also at Batelling Track on 2nd Dec, Panchang on 3rd Dec, 5 at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, Georgetown on 5th Dec & Sifoe on 6th Dec.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Over Hotel Senegambia & Kotu on 26th Nov, at Pirang & Seleti on 29th Nov, Bund Road on 1st Dec, Kampant on 2nd Dec, Tendaba on 3rd Dec, Georgetown on 5th Dec, Kololi on 6th & 8th Dec.

Green Turaco (Tauraco persa) 1 at Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov & half a dozen at Abuko on 7th Dec.

Violet Turaco (Musophaga violacea) 8 at Abuko on 27th Nov, also there on 7th Dec then 3 at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Western Grey Plantain-eater (Crinifer piscator) Widespread seen in small flocks daily - first seen at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov.

Levaillant's Cuckoo (Clamator levaillantii) 2 at Kabokor on 2nd Dec, 1 at Basse & 2 at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, also at Yundum Woods on 7th Dec.

Klaas' Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas) 1 at Abuko on 27th Nov, then 1 at Lamin village on 7th Dec.

Dideric Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius) 1 perched at the Batelling Track on 2nd Dec.

Black Coucal (Centropus grillii) Half a dozen at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) First seen hotel grounds on 25th Nov then at Kotu & Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, at Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov, at Marakissa on 30th Nov, then at most sites from 3rd to 8th Dec.

Verreaux's Eagle-owl (Bubo lacteus) Just the one at the stake-out at Abuko on 27th Nov.

Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) Ever present in hotel grounds - first seen 25th Nov, also at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, heard near Marakissa Bridge on 30th Nov.

Standard-winged Nightjar (Macrodipteryx longipennis) A dozen or so en route to Georgetown after dark on 3rd Dec, one or two alighted on the road and gave splendid views in vehicle headlights.


Mottled Spinetail (Telacanthura ussheri) Half a dozen over Abuko on 27th Nov, 3 over Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov, 2 at Pirang on 29th Nov, also at Kabokor on 2nd Dec and Brufut Woods on 6th Dec.

African Palm-swift (Cypsiurus parvus) Many at Yundum Airport on 25th Nov, then seen regularly - over Kotu on 26th Nov, Tanji 28th Nov, Pirang on 29th Nov, Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec and Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Common Swift (Apus apus) Several picked out from the Pallids over Pirang on 29th Nov & Marakissa on 30th Nov.

Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus) Over Kotu on 26th Nov, numerous at Pirang on 29th Nov, Brikama & Marakissa on 30th Nov, Bund Road 1st & 8th Dec, upcountry on 2nd Dec and Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Little Swift (Apus affinis) First seen Yundum Airport then daily in good numbers.

Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) 1 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 1 at Darisalami on 30th Nov,6 on the Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, 2 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec.

African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ceyx pictus) 1 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 1 at Seleti Waterhole on 29th Nov, 1 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, 1 at Brufut Woods on 6th Dec, 1 at Abuko on 7th Dec.

Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) Only one on the Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec.

Blue-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica) 1 at Marakissa Bridge on 30th Nov, plentiful on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, 2 at Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Striped Kingfisher (Halcyon chelicuti) 2 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 1 at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) 1 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 1 at Marakissa River Camp on 30th Nov.

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) 2 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 2 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 10+ at Pirang on 29th Nov, 2 at Darisalami on 30th Nov, 15+ at Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, 2 at Kalagi on 2nd Dec, numerous on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, also at Basse on 4th Dec, Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec, Sanyang on 6th Dec & Abuko on 7th Dec.

Red-throated Bee-eater (Merops bullocki) Only seen on 4th Dec at Bansang Quarry where there is a large colony - 250 nest holes, most occupied.

Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus) Most common Bee-eater - first seen Kotu on 26th Nov then almost daily at most sites.

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (Merops hirundineus) 2 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 2 at Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov, 2 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 2 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, at Sifoe on 6th Dec, Abuko on 7th Dec and Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Little Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) A few near Farafenni on 3rd Dec.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus) 3 from Lamin Lodge on 27th Nov, 4 at Bund Road on 1st Dec, also there on 8th Dec.

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) 3 at Batelling track on 2nd Dec, c12 Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, also at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus) 7 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec.

Abyssinian Roller (Coracias abyssinica) 1 at Pirang & 1 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 1 at Cape Point Rd on 1st Dec, numerous en route upcountry on 2nd & 3rd Dec, seen at Bansang Quarry & Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec and Brufut Woods on 6th Dec.

Rufous-crowned Roller (Coracias naevia) 1 at Brikama on 30th Nov, several upcountry on 2nd Dec, also on 8th Dec nr Wadner Hotel.

Blue-bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster) 1 at Kotu Ponds on 26th Nov, 2 at Tanji on 28th Nov, plentiful nr Pirang & Faraba Banta on 29th Nov, also Marakissa & Brikama on 30th Nov, 2 at Bund Road on 1st, 2 at Kampant on 2nd, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec, Kololi on 8th Dec & Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) Ever present in Hotel Senegambia grounds - half a dozen on 25th Nov first sighting, also 2 on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, Brufut Woods on 6th & 8th Dec and Abuko on 7th Dec

Green Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) 6 at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, 4 at Abuko on 27th Nov, also at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, at Pirang & Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, Marakissa on 30th Nov, Farafenni on 3rd Dec, Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, Brufut Woods on 6th Dec and Kololi on 7th Dec.

Black Woodhoopoe (Rhinopomastus aterrimus) 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 2 at Marakissa on 30th Nov.

Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) Very common at all sites - seen daily.

African Pied Hornbill (Tockus fasciatus) 1 at Tanji on 28th Nov, several at Marakissa on 30th Nov, at Kampant on 2nd Dec, several at Tendaba on 3rd Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec, Abuko on 7th Dec, Brufut Woods on 8th Dec and Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus) First seen Yundum Woods on 26th Nov then almost daily - seen at most sites.

Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus chrysoconus) Heard on most days, always in hotel garden - first seen Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, then 3 in Senegambia gardens on 1st Dec, plentiful Bambakuno Forest on 2nd.

Vieillot's Barbet (Lybius vieilloti) 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, heard Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 1 at Kampant on 2nd Dec.

Bearded Barbet (Lybius dubius) 6 at Kotu & 4 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 2 at Tanji & 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 1 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, 1 Senegambia hotel on 1st Dec,1 at Panchang on 3rd Dec, 2 nr Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec, also at Brufut Woods on 6th Dec & Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) 2 in flight over Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec, 1 in flight at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor) 1 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 1 in flight at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla) 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov only one of trip.

Fine-spotted Woodpecker (Campethera punctuligera) 1 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 1 at Brikama on 30th Nov, 2 at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec, at Brufut Woods on 6th & 8th Dec, Yundum Woods on 7th Dec.

Grey Woodpecker (Dendropicos goertae) A pair in Senegambia grounds on 25th Nov, a pair at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, 1 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 3 on 8th Nov ( Tanji Bird Reserve, Paradise Lodge & Brufut Woods ), 1 at Brikama on 30th Nov, 1 at Kalagi on 2nd Dec, 3 on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, 1 at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Brown-backed Woodpecker (Picoides obsoletus) 1 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 at Farafenni on 3rd Dec, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec.

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix leucotis) 3 at Balanghar Waterhole on 3rd Dec.

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) Just 1 at Pirang on 29th Nov.

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) On the Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec & en route on 5th Dec.

Red-chested Swallow (Hirundo lucida) A dozen over Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, c25 at Pirang on 29th Nov, also at Bund Road on 1st & 8th Dec, Kalagi on 2nd Dec, Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, 2 dozen at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, Sanyang on 6th Dec, Abuko on 7th Dec.

Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) 4 at Pirang & 1 at Seleti Waterhole on 29th Nov.

Pied-winged Swallow (Hirundo leucosoma) 3 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 3 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 1 at Cape Point Rd on 1st Dec, also at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Rufous-chested Swallow (Hirundo semirufa) A few at Batelling track on 2nd Dec, 3 Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec.

Mosque Swallow (Hirundo senegalensis) c25 at Pirang on 29th Nov, over Kampant on 2nd Dec & en route on 5th Dec.

Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica) At Pirang & Seleti Waterhole on 29th Nov, a few at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec, Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, at Dangoroba on 5th Dec.

House Martin (Delichon urbica) Seen over Marakissa on 30th Nov, also at Kalagi on 2nd Dec, Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, en route on 5th Dec.

Fanti Sawwing (Psalidoprocne obscura) 3 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, half a dozen at Abuko on 27th Nov, 4 at Tanji beach on 28th Nov, Brufut Woods on 6th & 8th Dec.

Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus) Just 1 at Lamin fields on 7th Dec.

Plain-backed Pipit (Anthus leucophrys) 4 at Pirang on 29th Nov.

Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) Just 1 at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) 1 at Bund Road on 1st Dec, 1 at Farafenni & many at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec, also en route on 5th Dec.

Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) 1 at Pirang on 29th Nov, 2 dozen at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec inc. a grey-headed type.

Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina phoenicea) 1 at Batelling Track on 2nd Dec.

Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) Very common - seen at most sites.

Little Greenbul (Andropadus virens) Only seen at Abuko - 10 on the 27th Nov, also 7th Dec.

Yellow-throated Leaflove (Chlorocichla flavicollis) 2 at Paradise Inn Lodge on 28th Nov, 3 at Marakissa Bridge on 30th Nov, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec, Abuko on 7th Dec and Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Grey-headed Bristlebill (Bleda canicapilla) 1 seen well at Abuko on 27th Nov, also seen there on 7th Dec.

Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) Several singing at Brufut Woods at dusk on 6th Dec, also there on 8th Dec.

Snowy-crowned Robin-chat (Cossypha niveicapilla) 5 at Abuko on 27th Nov, also there on 7th Dec, Brufut Woods on 8th Dec & Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

White-crowned Robin-chat (Cossypha albicapilla) Ever present in the Senegambia grounds, at least 5 on 25th Nov, also at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec & Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) 1 heard at Kotu & 1 seen at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 at Batelling track on 2nd Dec.

Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) Only seen at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Northern Anteater-chat (Myrmecocichla aethiops) 2 near Farafenni on 3rd Dec.

African Thrush (Turdus pelios) Plentiful in Senegambia grounds, first seen on 25th Nov, also at Abuko on 27th Nov & 7th Dec and seen at most coastal sites.

Red-faced Cisticola (Cisticola erythrops) 2 or 3 birds seen well at Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Singing Cisticola (Cisticola cantans) Heard at Kotu then one seen well at Casino Cycle track on 26th Nov, heard regularly at many sites.

Whistling Cisticola (Cisticola lateralis) 6 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, also at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec & Sifoe on 6th Dec.

Winding Cisticola (Cisticola galactotes) Heard and seen well at Farafenni ferry on 3rd Dec.

Croaking Cisticola (Cisticola natalensis) 1 at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Rufous Cisticola (Cisticola rufus) 1 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec.

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) Heard quite often, seen 29th Nov en route to Pirang then at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava) Up to a dozen at Kotu & Yundum Woods on 26th, then seen in small nos on most days.

Red-winged Warbler (Heliolais erythroptera) 4 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, heard at Pirang & seen at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, also at Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida) Only at Abuko - 2 seen & several heard on 27th Nov, also on 7th Dec.

Oriole Warbler (Hypergerus atriceps) Only at Sanyang on 6th Dec - never caught up with the one in the Senegambia grounds but other birders were seeing it regularly.

Grey-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura) 2 at Casino Cycle track on 26th Nov, 1 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 2 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, also at Kalagi on 2nd Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec & Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) 2 at Panchang on 3rd Dec, 1 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec & at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) 2 at Panchang on 3rd Dec, 1 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec & heard at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) Heard ( and seen by Leo & Sering ) at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Greater Swamp Warbler (Acrocephalus rufescens) 1 at Panchang on 3rd Dec at dusk.

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida) 1 at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, 1 at Tanji Bird Reserve & 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 1 at Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta) 1 at Kotu Creek & 1 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 3 at Tanji Bird Reserve & 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 2 at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec, 1 at Kudang on 5th Dec, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec & Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) Just 1 at Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov.

Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans) Singles at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov, Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov & Sanyang on 6th Dec.

Green-backed Eremomela (Eremomela pusilla) 2 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, several Marakissa on 30th Nov & several Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec, also at Kudang on 5th Dec & Sifoe on 6th Dec.

Green Crombec (Sylvietta virens) A couple found in Bijilo Forest on our final morning, 9th Dec.

Northern Crombec (Sylvietta brachyura) 4 at Kotu Creek & 1 at Casino Cycle Track on 26th Nov, 2 at Tanji Bird Reserve & 2 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov.

Green Hylia (Hylia prasina) Only at Abuko - just one in same spot on 27th Nov & 7th Dec.

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) Half a dozen at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec.

Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) Just 1 on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec.

Northern Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis edolioides) 1 Senegambia grounds on 25th Nov, 2 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 3 at Tanji Bird Reserve & 3 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, also Senegambia on 1st Dec and Brufut Woods on 6th & 9th Dec.

Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) 1 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov.

Swamp Flycatcher (Muscicapa aquatica) 3 by the pumping station at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

African Blue-flycatcher (Elminia longicauda) 1 Tendaba river trip only seen well by Leo ( & Sering ) on 3rd Dec.

Red-bellied Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone rufiventer) 12 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 2 at Paradise Inn Lodge on 28th Nov, 2 at Seleti Waterhole on 29th Nov, 2 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, at Sifoe on 6th Dec & Abuko on 7th Dec.

African Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) Just 2 at Abuko on 27th Nov.

Blackcap Babbler (Turdoides reinwardii) 3 in Senegambia grounds on 1st Dec and a small party at Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Brown Babbler (Turdoides plebejus) Ever present in Senegambia grounds - first seen 6 on 25th Nov, then 15 at Paradise Inn Lodge on 28th Nov, also at Marakissa on 30th Nov, Sifoe on 6th Dec, Yundum Woods on 7th Dec & Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Yellow Penduline-tit (Anthoscopus parvulus) 5 at nest site at Yundum Woods on 7th Dec.

Mouse-brown Sunbird (Anthreptes gabonicus) Never seen well - several on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, also at Lamin Lodge on 7th Dec.

Western Violet-backed Sunbird (Anthreptes longuemarei) 2 at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec were the only ones of the trip.

Collared Sunbird (Anthreptes collaris) Several at Abuko on 7th Dec.

Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia senegalensis) Scarce - a pair at Abuko on 27th Nov, a male at Marakissa on 30th Nov, also at Yundum Woods on 7th Dec.

Variable Sunbird (Nectarinia venusta) Pair on Casino cycle track on 26th Nov, 12 at Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov, several at Marakissa on 30th Nov, also at Kampant on 2nd Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec, Abuko on 7th Dec & Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Copper Sunbird (Nectarinia cuprea) Only ones of trip were 3 on Casino cycle track on 26th Nov.

Splendid Sunbird (Nectarinia coccinigaster) Pair at Casino cycle track on 26th Nov, 6 at Tanji Bird Reserve on 28th Nov, also Batelling track on 2nd Dec, Kudang on 5th Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec & Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Beautiful Sunbird (Nectarinia pulchella) Most common - seen almost daily - first seen a pair in Senegambia grounds on 25th Nov, at Kotu & Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, Abuko on 27th Nov etc.

African Yellow White-eye (Zosterops senegalensis) 1 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, several at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec.

African Golden-Oriole (Oriolus auratus) 1 in flight at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 at Paradise Inn Lodge on 28th Nov, 2 at Kampant on 2nd Dec, also at Yundum Woods on 7th Dec & Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Northern Puffback (Dryoscopus gambensis) A pair at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 4 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 2 pairs at Marakissa on 30th Nov, a pair at Kampant on 2nd Dec, 6 on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, also at Brufut Woods on 6th Dec.

Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegala) 3 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, 3 heard Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 4 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, also at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec, Sifoe on 6th Dec & Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Common Gonolek (Laniarius barbarus) Common, seen daily - first seen 3 in Senegambia grounds on 25th Nov.

Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike (Malaconotus sulfureopectus) 3 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov.

White Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus) A party of 7 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 4 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, several at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 2 at Batelling track on 2nd Dec, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec & Abuko on 7th Dec.

Senegal Batis (Batis senegalensis) A pair at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 1 at Faraba Banta on 29th Nov.

Common Wattle-eye (Platysteira cyanea) At least 10 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 2 at Marakissa & 1 at Brikama on 30th Nov, heard on Tendaba river trip on 3rd Dec, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec & Abuko again on 7th Dec.

Yellow-billed Shrike (Corvinella corvina) Common see daily at most sites - first seen at Yundum Airport on 25th Nov.

Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) 1 at Yundum Airport & 1 Senegambia grounds on 25th Nov, 2 at Kotu & 2 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 2 at Abuko on 27th Nov, several at Marakissa on 30th Nov, also at Kalagi on 2nd Dec, Panchang on 3rd Dec & Sifoe on 6th Dec.

Piapiac (Ptilostomus afer) Common - seen in small parties - first seen in Senegambia grounds on 25th Nov.

Pied Crow (Corvus albus) Abundant.

Purple Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis purpureus) 4 at Kotu Creek on 26th Nov then seen most days in small flocks.

Bronze-tailed Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis chalcurus) Just 1 at Pirang on 29th Nov.

Greater Blue-eared Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) 3 in Senegambia grounds on 25th Nov then seen regularly in small flocks.

Lesser Blue-eared Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis chloropterus) Plentiful - first seen Senegambia grounds on 25th Nov.

Long-tailed Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis caudatus) A flock of 10 at Kotu on 26th then seen daily in small flocks.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus) 4 near Pirang & 4 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 5 nr Marakissa on 30th Nov, 4 at Batelling track on 2nd Dec, also nr Panchang on 3rd Dec, Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec & Sanyang on 6th Dec.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Ones and twos around habitation.

Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer griseus) First seen at Kotu on 26th Nov then on most days at most sites.

Sudan Golden-sparrow (Passer luteus) A small flock at Balanghar on 3rd Dec but unfortunately not in breeding plumage.

Bush Petronia (Petronia dentata) 2 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, 2 at Brufut Woods on 28th Nov, also at Farafenni & Balanghar on 3rd Dec, a large flock at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec & Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

White-billed Buffalo-weaver (Bubalornis albirostris) Common in large flocks - first seen at Kotu on 26th Nov.

Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser superciliosus) 2 at Batelling track on 2nd Dec.

Little Weaver (Ploceus luteolus) 3 at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec.

Black-necked Weaver (Ploceus nigricollis) c12 at Abuko on 27th Nov, 1 at Seleti Waterhole on 29th Nov, also at Sifoe on 6th Dec, Brufut Woods on 8th Dec & Bijilo Forest on 9th Dec.

Vitelline Masked-weaver (Ploceus velatus) 1 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, pair at nest at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec.

Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) Common seen daily - first sighting Senegambia grounds 25th Nov.

Yellow-backed (Black-headed) Weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus) 3 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec.

Yellow-crowned Bishop (Euplectes afer) A male at Kaur Wetlands on 3rd Dec, 3 females at Jahally rice fields on 5th Dec.

Black-winged Red Bishop (Euplectes hordeaceus) 1 near Tanji on 28th Nov, 2 at Bambakuno Forest on 2nd Dec.

Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus) Seen almost daily at most sites - first at Casino cycle track & Yundum Woods on 26th Nov.

Yellow-shouldered Widowbird (Euplectes macrourus) A male briefly at Darisalami on 30th Nov.

Western Bluebill (Spermophaga haematina) Only at Abuko on 27th Nov when 5 were seen.

Bar-breasted Firefinch (Lagonosticta rufopicta) 6 at Prufut Swamp on 4th Dec.

Black-faced Firefinch (Lagonosticta larvata) 1 at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov - only seen by Al ( & Sering ).

Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) Ever present in Senegambia grounds first seen on 25th Nov then daily at many sites.

Red-cheeked Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) Ever present in Senegambia grounds first seen on 25th Nov then daily at many sites.

Lavender Waxbill (Estrilda caerulescens) Ever present in Senegambia grounds first seen on 25th Nov then daily at many sites.

Orange-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda) Small flock at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov then at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Black-rumped Waxbill (Estrilda troglodytes) Small flock at Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, small flock at Kalagi on 2nd Dec & at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec.

African Quailfinch (Ortygospiza atricollis) Only seen at Pirang on 28th Nov - 3 or 4 in flight and a pair on the ground.

African Silverbill (Lonchura cantans) A small flock on Cape Point Rd on 1st Dec.

Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata) Seen almost daily in small flocks at a variety of sites.

Cut-throat Finch (Amadina fasciata) 3 at Balanghar Waterhole on 3rd Dec.

Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybeata) 2 on Casino Cycle Track on 26th Nov, 1 Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov, 1 at Marakissa on 30th Nov, also seen at Kabokar on 2nd Dec, Prufut Swamp and Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, Georgetown on 5th Dec.

Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura) 3 males & 4 females at Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Long-tailed Paradise-whydah (Vidua interjecta) 2 pairs at Seleti Waterhole on 29th Nov, then on 3rd Dec 2 at Farafenni and 15 at Balanghar Waterhole, also 1 at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec.

White-rumped Seedeater (Serinus leucopygius) Only one of the trip was on wires on the Bund Rd on 1st Dec.

Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus) 3 at Yundum Woods on 26th Nov, also 3 Faraba Banta bush track on 29th Nov; fairly easy to find upcountry, seen at Kampant on 2nd Dec, Balanghar Waterhole on 3rd Dec, 10 at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec, at Kudang on 5th Dec and Brufut Woods on 8th Dec.

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi) On the upcountry trip 4 at Balanghar Waterhole on 3rd Dec then 2 at Bansang Quarry on 4th Dec.

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