Our second trip took us along the stunning cliffs of Hell s Gate. 
The primary objective was to catch a view of the Uramergeyer, but who needs 
an excuse. In terms of numbers, the Augur Buzzards have to take first place, 
appearing at regular intervals all the way along the route. The 
rump of the Mourning Wheatear was in full bloom, in addition to the Isabellin , 
Eurasian and Pied. The Laramergeyer was obviously maintaining a low 
and we failed to spy its characteristic silhouette spiralling amongst Tawny 
Eagle, Egyptian and Ruppells Vulture. Perhaps the two most memorable birds 
of this trip were the Wailing Cisticola with its unmistakable chestnut head 
appearing through the scree and a Spotted Eagle Owl. spotted being the word 
as it was picked out with the naked eye, in rapidly deteriorati^ light, 
sitting on Che cliff face at a distance of at least a quarter of a mile, by 
Adrian's wife Juliette. In celebration of this great feat of observation, 
liberal Whitecap and Coke were dispensed. , j-ji 
Our total number of sightings for the day had been advancing splendidly 
and as we returned to the lake shore, wc were all geared up for a last spot 
to complete the 'century run*. A White Pelican obligingly flew by as our 
spirits were waning in the gathering gloom, only to discover on a recoun , 
chat this was in fact, species number 106 - the trials and tribulations o 
recording! ,, , 
Next morning we arose later, a deliberate policy to allow the sun to cotb 
up sufficiently to initiate the spiralling aerobatics of the raptors in the 
thermals; at least this sounds a very plausible reason for a lie-in. 
Walking up the hill behind the camp was invigorating although not terribly 
rich in terms of faunal diversity. There was an excellent opportunity 
however, to study the huge flocks of feeding swifts, in many cases, 
good views from above. In the melee. Black Rough-wing was added 
The final ascent was punctuated with constant debate as to whether the fema 
Harrier was Montagu's or Pallid and whether the falcon was banner. 
In the final event, the first was confirmed as Montagu s and the letter 
answered the question itself by flying overhead and around us 
close range and flaunting its rufous nape patch. With the temperature g 
and our natural inclinations tending to follow the course of gravity, we had 
a final treat in the form of Brown Snake Eagle, mmature Steppe Eagle, 
Lesser-Spotted Eagle and, of course, Fish eagle. No sooner were , 
than they were gone from view, leaving only a feeling of intense wxcitement. an. 
^ ^Needless to say, the return journey to Nairobi provided yet a few more i 
sightings and the final tally for the weekend worked out at 123 species. 
Not bad at all, but quickly put into perspective as the world record 
arrived back at the Norfolk for a well-deserved beer. Our thanks for the kin 
invitation and hospitality of our hosts, the Carnelleya, it is certainly well 
worth 3: return trip in the future. 
Graham Reid, Box 30197, Nairobi. 
WHEN TO HOLD EANHS MEETINGS? 
Many thanks to those who have returned the questionnaire on this topic. I have 
received 43 completed forms to date and would urge those who have not already 
done so, to send their views to me as soon as possible. There is still tuoe 
for your vote to be counted and 1 need more response to achieve a statistically 
significant sample - whatever that is! 
Graham Reid, Functions Organizer, EANHS, Box 44486, Nairobi, 
12 
