Training Kenyan bird ringers

Abstract

Jackson, J. 2000. Training Kenyan bird ringers. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 342.

Capturing and ringing birds is a fundamental ornithological field technique, and one that underlies much bird conservation research. In several countries, particularly in Britain and parts of western Europe, ringing is largely an amateur activity. Enthusiasts ring birds in their free time and take part in national surveys, enabling the effective monitoring of bird populations and movements. Until recently ringing in Kenya has been undertaken almost entirely by a handful of expatriate researchers and enthusiasts. Over the last 1CL15 years, it has also been largely confined to one site: Ngulia in Tsavo West National Park. Ringing effort has targeted Palaearctic migrants, mainly ignoring Afrotropical birds. The number of amateur and professional Kenyan ornithologists is fast increasing, but only a handful have any ringing experience. The remainder lack the resources to obtain the necessary equipment or the opportunity to undergo the long training required to become a qualified ringer. In June 1994, the, Nairobi Ringing Group was formed, based at the Department of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi. The Group provides an opportunity for interested Kenyans to train as amateur ringers to a high standard, using departmental equipment and expertise. Ringing takes place twice weekly at the Nairobi Museum grounds and monthly at a constant effort site in a forest near Nairobi. Excursions have been made to other sites including Lake Magadi, for training in ringing waders, and Ngulia. The Group has a core of seven to ten members and a further 30 have taken part to varying degrees. Over 2 500 birds have been ringed so far and much learned about the identification, ageing and moult of the commoner species.