Friends of Ondiri Wetland Join World Migratory Bird Day 2026 at Ondiri Wetland

Today, Friends of Ondiri Wetland proudly joined the rest of Kenya and the global conservation community in marking World Migratory Bird Day 2026 and participating in the Global Big Day 2026 under the theme: “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter.”

The day brought together passionate birders, conservationists, nature lovers, and citizen scientists committed to protecting birdlife and promoting biodiversity conservation. Through bird monitoring and data collection using the eBird Mobile App, our team successfully recorded an impressive 56 bird species at Ondiri Wetland, reaffirming the wetland’s importance as a critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds.

Among the most remarkable and rare sightings of the day were the African Water Rail (recorded and photographed), Grey Crowned Crane, Hunter’s Cisticola (recorded and photographed), White-faced Whistling Duck, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Malachite Kingfisher, and the beautiful Golden-winged Sunbird. These sightings highlight the incredible ecological richness and conservation value of Ondiri Wetland.

Other notable species recorded included the African Yellow Warbler, Yellow-billed Duck, Klaas's Cuckoo, Common Moorhen, Black Crake, Little Grebe, Reed Cormorant, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, African Paradise Flycatcher, Red-faced Cisticola, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Kikuyu White-eye, Bronze Sunbird, Spectacled Weaver, Pin-tailed Whydah, African Citril, Streaky Seedeater, and many more.

This exercise not only contributes to global bird conservation data but also strengthens awareness on the urgent need to protect wetlands and natural ecosystems for future generations.

Ondiri Wetland continues to stand as a beacon of environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and ecological education in Kenya.

We sincerely appreciate all the birders, volunteers, partners, and conservation champions who participated and made today’s activity a success.

Together, every bird counts. Every observation matters. Every action for nature makes a difference.

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