Sunbird Director David Fisher writes:

I’m just back from leading my 27th WINGS tour to Kenya, and am delighted to report that everything was back to normal. It seemed quite remarkable that a country that the media told us was falling apart earlier this year could recover so quickly.

During our entire three-week safari we saw virtually no trace of the troubles. All of the hotels, lodges, and camps where we stay were untouched and operating exactly as before. All of the people we met were just as friendly. And all of the birds and other wildlife were as numerous and spectacular as ever.

The only difference? There were far fewer tourists, as so many people had canceled their visits earlier in the year. We felt sorry for the local people who work in the tourist industry, and we left Kenya resolved to get as many tourists back to the country as possible, as soon as possible, to support what has been a thriving tourist economy. If you haven’t been to Kenya, the top birding destination on the planet, now would be a very good time to plan a visit.

Female Cheetah in the Masai Mara, Kenya. July, 2008. Photo: David Fisher.

A Jabiru is present in Louisiana, a potential first state record and one of only about a dozen ever recorded in the US. Details and photos of this great bird are here.

Jabiru, Venezuela. Photo: David Fisher.