70 YEARS A HISTORY 
The Successful Years 
1951 proved a quiet year. Finances were at a low ebb but still 
the Journal was produced, the editor trying to make it acceptable 
to the world of science, yet popular with the less scientifically 
minded members. Dr T,R, Odhiambo joined the Society in 1952. This 
was the beginning of a long association and he later became a life 
member. Professor Odhiambo now heads the International Centre for 
Insect Physiology and Ecology and is the Chairman of the Board of 
Museum Trustees, 
Several cover designs for the Journal from 1953 to 1956 were 
beautifully drawn by Dr P.R.O, Bally and Journal No, 96 was given 
over entirely to ’The Cowries of the East African Coasts’ by B, 
Vercourt. A paper of this nature was greatly needed as important 
monographs ' on the subject were rare or out of print. All species 
of cowries known to occur on the coast were included. 
The Pan-African Congress of Ornithology was held in Livings- 
tone in 1957 and brought many transit overseas visitors to the 
Society, Mr Roger Tory Peterson, well known author and illustrator, 
amongst memy others, of the ’Field Cuide to the Birds of Britain 
and Europe’, gave a talk on various curiosities of bird life, A 
walk was held at Athi with Mr Cohen of the British Trust for Ornith- 
ology in attendance. Talks and film shows were given in member’s 
homes. This entailed much less work and anxiety for the committee 
and proved very popular. 
In 1954 a, number of Blaok-headed Herons appeared at the stores 
yard near Nairobi Railway Station and began to breed in a clump of 
tall Eucalyptus trees. The Society decided in' 1958 that this was 
suitable for a detailed study, which continued, under the guidance 
of Myles E.W, North, until 1962 and was fully written up by him in 
Journ al No 106, This contained over a d 02 sen very good photographs 
of the birds. To study the herons at nest level an observation 
tower at least 80 feet high was required. Railway engineers const- 
ructed a firm tower which they allowed the Society to use for 15 
months, and full advantage was taken of this. Much photographic 
help was given by Mr John Karmali, the Society’s present chairman. 
Mr and Mrs Armand Denis, who’s wildlife films are world renowned, 
and Mr Des Bartlett, also a famous wildlife photographer, made 
generous financial contributions to the cost of this study. The 
Railway’s drawing office were also very helpful in producing maps 
Eind histograms. 
This was not the only project of the Society in 1956. Plans 
were in hand for a large scale ringing of migratory birds, while 
wildlife conservation and the formation of a sanctuary at Lake 
Nakuru were closely watched. 
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