Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park:

Lake Nakuru National Park is a paradise for birding enthusiasts, known for its diverse avian population and the spectacular sight of thousands of flamingos that gather along the lake’s shores. Here’s an overview of birding in Lake Nakuru National Park and some of the key bird species found there:

1. **Flamingos**: Lake Nakuru is famous for its large flocks of flamingos, both the greater and lesser flamingo species. These iconic birds create a stunning pink hue along the lake’s edges as they feed on algae and crustaceans in the shallow waters. The sight of flamingos in such vast numbers is a highlight of birdwatching in the park.

2. **Pelicans**: The park is also home to various pelican species, including the great white pelican and the pink-backed pelican. These large waterbirds can be seen gliding gracefully over the lake or resting on the shores.

3. **African Fish Eagle**: One of Africa’s most iconic raptors, the African fish eagle is commonly spotted around Lake Nakuru. Known for its distinctive white head and powerful hunting skills, this bird of prey is often seen perched on tree branches near the water, scanning for fish.

4. **Marabou Stork**: With its massive size and distinctive bare head and neck, the marabou stork is a conspicuous sight in the park. These scavenging birds can be seen scavenging for food near the lake’s edges or soaring overhead.

5. **Yellow-billed Stork**: This elegant wading bird is a common sight in Lake Nakuru National Park. With its long neck and distinctive yellow bill, the yellow-billed stork can often be seen stalking through shallow waters in search of fish and other aquatic prey.

6. **Goliath Heron**: Another impressive wading bird found in the park is the goliath heron. With its towering stature and long neck, the goliath heron is a striking sight as it hunts for fish along the lake’s shores.

7. **Other Species**: In addition to these prominent species, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a wide variety of other birds, including pied kingfishers, black-winged stilts, cormorants, African spoonbills, and various species of ducks, egrets, and herons.

Overall, Lake Nakuru National Park offers birdwatchers an incredible opportunity to observe and photograph a diverse array of bird species in a beautiful natural setting, making it a must-visit destination for birding enthusiasts in Kenya.