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Abuko Nature ReserveAbuko Nature Reserve is a managed reserve of remnant rain forest around a small pond that has good water levels all year. There are a number of public hides and for the more serious; a small hide overlooking its own small waterhole near the animal sanctuary in the centre of the reserve can be rented by the day for a small fee. (Book in advance at the main entrance. It will take two persons comfortably and three at a pinch.) The bird list of about 200 includes Eagle Owl, Night Heron, Giant Kingfisher and most of the other kingfishers, Violet and Green Turaco and Paradise Flycatcher. A delightful spot very rewarding first thing in the morning when the gates first open (8 am) and again in the late morning after the groups have departed.BijiloBijilo Forest Park is a small Managed reserve just by the Kololi/Kairaba/Senegambia complex. Has good varied selection of birds including Stone Partridge and is the only place where I have managed to get good close views of white-cheeked bee-eaters.Bird Safari CampFurther inland one can stay at the Bird Safari Camp at Georgetown. This is a lovely spot with its own speciality of the delightful little Swamp Flycatcher and Hippos in the river there. I have seen Western Banded Snake Eagle and Red-Shouldered Cuckoo-Shrike in the woods surrounding the camp. Travelling further inland towards Basse takes one into Carmine and Red-Throated Bee-eater country. October to December sees the magnificent Crocodile Bird, the Egyptian Plover in residence at Basse. For me the sight of this bird makes the long journey to Basse worth every bruise on my rear end from the bumpy ride. New accommodation was being built on the opposite side of the river from Basse town when I was last there in October 1999. Perhaps, if someone has been up there since its completion, they could let me know what it is like. Also, the Kairaba hotel was starting to build an upcountry site. That too should have benefits for birdwatchers.Bund RoadBund Road is a brackish wet area on one side of the road, sea mudflats on the other side, just outside Banjul. Shags, Pelicans, Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers, Waders, Terns, Gulls, occasional stork and ibis and doves on the roadside wires. Crested Lark, Marsh Harrier... etc.(I was told that the Bund road should not be birded alone as it is close to an undesirable area of Banjul - Fatbirder) KotuKotu Bridge, Kotu Ponds and the Golf Course are all situated in the area around Kombo Beach/Badala Beach Hotels. Kotu Bridge and Ponds good for thick-knees, hammerkop, waders, herons, egrets pied kingfisher. Kotu Ponds (Honey Farm) additionally often has ducks and little grebe. Golf course often has Black Headed Plover, Wood Hoopoe, small raptors, scops owl... etc.Lamin LodgeFrom Lamin Lodge you can take a boat trip to see many of the heron species. You will be unlucky not to see Goliath Heron, and with luck, should see Osprey, White and Pink-Backed Pelican, Yellow Billed Stork and Sacred Ibis.Tanji Bird ReserveTanji Bird Reserve is a remarkable narrow strip of land between the sea and the main southbound coastal road. Despite its small size around 300 species of birds have been recorded here including a number of raptors. Seagulls and waders can be seen on the sandbanks just offshore. Not very far out of Banjul, but you will need transport to get there. There is a small entrance fee to help to pay for the wardens that look after the area. Unfortunately, the road bounding the eastern edge of the reserve is in the process of being upgraded from dirt to tarmac. During my last visit in February 2000 it appeared that work on the road had not significantly affected the number or variety of birds to be seen here. However, the road had not been completed at that time and was not open for general use. It remains to be seen how much the noise from the increase in traffic will effect the bird population once the road is fully operational and whether there will be increased human disturbance from the improved accessibility that the new road affords.Tendaba CampTendaba Camp and Kemoto are situated at either end of the Kiang West National Park. Accommodation is a little more Spartan than at a normal hotel, but, never-the-less, very adequate and the staff as always are very helpful and friendly. Here you could see Ground Hornbill, Gabar and Chanting Goshawk, Brown Snake Eagle, Crested Hawk Eagle and the magnificent Bateleur or a Marital Eagle.Waste Ground between Kairaba Avenue and the sea (towards Senegambia Hotel)The waste Ground between Kairaba Avenue and the sea (towards Senegambia Hotel) has Black shouldered kite, warblers, Prinia, Tchagra, Oriole Warbler... etc A small water-hole at the Palma Rima end of this patch often has a good selection of herons from the end of the wet season to about mid February after which it dries out. An area behind the Palma Rima hotel is good for nightjars, but we have been advised by Gambian Guides that this is not a recommended area to visit without local assistance. I have never heard them say that of anywhere else in The Gambia, so I would heed the warning.Yumdum AirportNear Yumdum Airport there is a patch of open countryside on the right hand side of the main road between Serrekunde and Brikama just past the runway and on the opposite side of the road from the runway at Yundum. It is a good spot to see Buffalo weaver, Pin-Tailed Whydah, Yellow-Shouldered Widowbird, Black-Crowned Tchagra, Red Bishop and sometimes Chestnut-Bellied Starling.
Nigel Eaton-Gray
A Birdwatchers Guide to The GambiaRon Ward Prion (1994)ISBN: 1871104041 Buy this book from NHBS.com Bird Song of The Gambia and SenegalAn Aid to Identification Clive Barlow, John Hammick and Pat Sellar 3-CD set. Mandarin ProductionsISBN: 143076 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birding in the Gambia 1Sorties Around the Smiling Coast Malcolm Rymer Series: BIRDING IN THE GAMBIA 1 Running time: 85 mins. Malcolm RymerISBN: 127713 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birding in the Gambia 2DVD & Video - Malcolm Rymer - Bird Sounds & Videos 2001 [there are three volumes in the series]ISBN: 127714 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birding in the Gambia 3Upriver Odyssey Malcolm Rymer Series: BIRDING IN THE GAMBIA 3 Running time: 90 mins. Malcolm RymerISBN: 127715 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birds of the GambiaAn Annotated Checklist MEJ Gore Series: BOU CHECKLISTS 3 148 pages, 31 col & 25 b/w plates, 2 tabs, 3 maps. British Ornithologists' UnionISBN: 0907446027 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birds of the GambiaR Thomas and S Thomas 60 mins. Frogmouth PublicationsISBN: 53611 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birds of the Gambia & SenegalClive Barlow, Tim Wacher, Tony Disley. Christopher Helm (2005)ISBN: 0713675497 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birds of the Gambia and SenegalPaul van Hoek and Chris Groenendijk - running time: approx 90 mins. GreenCorner BirdingISBN: 170877 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birds of Western Africa: An Identification GuideNik Borrow and Ron Demey Series: CHRISTOPHER HELM IDENTIFICATION GUIDE SERIES 832 pages, 147 col plates, 1100 dist maps. Christopher HelmISBN: 0713639598 Buy this book from NHBS.com Field Guide to the Birds of Western AfricaNik Borrow and Ron Demey Series: HELM FIELD GUIDES 496 pages, 150 col plates, 1300 maps. Christopher Helm See Fatbirder ReviewISBN: 0713666927 Buy this book from NHBS.com The Gambia The Bradt Travel Guideby Craig Emms & Linda Barnett Published by Brandt Travel Guides http://www.bradt-travelguides.com ?12.95 US$18.96cSee Fatbirder Review ISBN: 1841620408 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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African Bird Clubhttp://www.africanbirdclub.org/countries/Gambia/introduction.htmlA combination of a good tourist infrastructure, travel connections and knowledgeable people makes The Gambia one of the primary birdwatching destinations in Africa. With a checklist of over 500 species and readily accessible sites, this small country offers a great introduction to African birding as well as retaining its appeal for those who have visited the country on previous occasions... Gambia Birding Grouphttp://www.gambiabirding.orgThe Gambia Birding Group is a not for profit organisation, which provides information about practical aspects of visiting. The Gambia for wildlife trips and about birding throughout The Gambia. Supports conservation for wildlife. Provides contact points for birders and naturalists visiting The Gambia... Lamin Jobarteh - Director - West African Bird Study Associationmailto:laminjobarteh2002@yahoo.co.ukCan be contacted for guiding... West African Ornithological Societyhttp://malimbus.free.fr/Country%20pages/Gambia.htmThe West African Ornithological Society grew out of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society, which was founded in February 1964. Its object is to promote scientific interest in the birds of West Africa and to further the region’s ornithology, mainly by means of its journal Malimbus (formerly the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society). This journal is biannual and bilingual, a unique feature in Africa.The West African Ornithological Society grew out of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society, which was founded in February 1964. Its object is to promote scientific interest in the birds of West Africa and to further the region’s ornithology, mainly by means of its journal Malimbus (formerly the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society). This journal is biannual and bilingual, a unique feature in Africa.
Abuko Nature Reservehttp://home3.inet.tele.dk/mcamara/abuko.htmlOver 270 species of birds have been recorded from Abuko Nature Reserve which reflects the value of this small area. The reserve contains an intact pocket of gallery forest in which numerous forest dependent species occur such as the Green Touraco, little Greenbul and the Yellow Breasted Apalis. The milky (or Verreaux`s) Eagle Owl is also resident and often heard calling in the late afternoon. The chain of pools within the lower end of the reserve attract a tremendous variety of bird life, from the White-Spotted Flufftail to the African Fish Eagles. An afternoon spent at the Education Centre or one of the photo hides will yield many good sightings. At the south-western end of the reserve an extension of 29ha added in 1978 has been appropriately labelled the extension bird walk. The area is composed of Guinea Savannah with open glades of grassland. Abuko Nature Reservehttp://www.africanculture.dk/gambia/pa_abuko.htmThere is something to interest everyone in Abuko Nature Reserve. It provides a good introduction to the flora, fauna and avi-fauna of The Gambia. Its unique nature allows the visitor to gain an insight into the biodiversity of The Gambia, both present and past. The pools in the Northeast end of the reserve hold a substantial population of Nile crocodiles, and attract a wide variety of birds and mammals, especially during the dry season... Bao Bolon Wetland Reservehttp://www.africanculture.dk/gambia/pa_bao.htmBao Bolon is located on the North Bank of The Gambia River opposite the Kiang West National Park. It consists of six major bolons between Salikeni and Katchang. Together these bolons form a vast wetland complex of international importance. Bao Bolon does not have the characteristics of a river any more... Birding Siteshttp://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/worldwidebirdsites/Gambia.htmOn the north bank of the Gambia river at its mouth and just to the north of Barra lies Ginak Island. Stretching about 10 km from north to south and some 1-3 km wide, it is separated from the mainland by a mangrove-fringed tidal channel varying in width from 200 m at the north to 25 m at the south end. It forms part of the Niumi Sine-Saloum National Park and adjoins the Sine-Saloum National Park in Senegal: the northern I km strip is actually in Senegal... Kiang West National Parkhttp://www.africanculture.dk/gambia/pa_kiang.htmThe area of Kiang West National Park (KWNP) is approximately 11,000 ha. (110 km2 ) and one of the most important reservoirs of wildlife in The Gambia. KWNP is situated in Lower River Division in the Kiang West District, 145 kms drive from Banjul. It was established as a national park in 1987. Although the major part of the National Park is dry deciduous woodland and guinea savannah, there are extensive stretches of mangrove creeks and tidal flats. In the mangrove creeks, the West African manatee and the Nile crocodile occur... Niumi National Parkhttp://www.africanculture.dk/gambia/pa_niumi.htmThe Niumi National Park occupies the coastal strip of The Gambia north of the river. The park is approximately 4,940 ha (49.4 km2) in extent. Apart from being an important fish breeding ground, it constitutes one of the last untouched mangrove stands on the West African Coast north of the equator. The more terrestrial parts of the park contain an interesting cross section of threatened regional fauna and a wide diversity of habitat types... Protected Areas in The Gambiahttp://www.africanculture.dk/gambia/pa_intro.htmDue to a growing awareness about the importance of conserving what remained of our flora and fauna, the Wildlife Conservation Unit was upgraded into a government department (Wildlife Conservation Department) in 1977. The name of the department was changed in 1994 to the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management to reflect its widening role into wildlife management as well as conservation. As well as being accountable for the management, administration and development of The Gambia`s six national parks and reserves, the department also handles all matters relating to wildlife conservation and management. This includes the enforcement of the 1977 Wildlife Act which prohibits the sale of wildlife products and the keeping of wild animals in captivity (see pages 2 and 3 for more information). The department also controls and monitors hunting activity in the country... River Gambia National Parkhttp://www.africanculture.dk/gambia/pa_grnp.htmThe River Gambia National Park (also known as Baboon Island); a complex of five Islands (total area 585 ha.); was gazetted in 1978. All islands are quite flat and possess mainly gallery forest with some open swampy or savannah areas. The park is situated in Central River Division (CRD) about 300 km by road from Banjul. It forms one of the last refuges for the very threatened hippopotamus within The Gambia... Tanje Village Nature Trailhttp://www.tanje.dds.nl/trail.htmA special feature of the museum is the garden. Feel free to wander everywhere. There are no paths marked out. The trees are numbered and named. With the help of a map, visitors can take a closer look at the various plants, trees and bushes that can be found in The Gambia as a whole... Tanji Bird Reservehttp://www.africanculture.dk/gambia/pa_tanji.htmBald Cape is formed from a shallow reef of laterite rock which extends to the north-west reappearing at the Bijol Islands 1.5 km offshore. The Cape is backed by a lagoon which runs south in a broken chain as far as the village of Tanji. The lagoon system has developed from a combination of the outflow of the Tanji River and longshore drift accumulating sand deposits. It is a dynamic system and significant changes can result from a single flood or storm. The Cape and lagoons serve as feeding and roosting grounds for a large diversity of gulls, terns and waders...
Travelling Birder 1995 [December] - Bo Beolenshttp://www.anytimetours.co.uk/More a list than a report... 1997 [January] - Jan Vermeulen et alhttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia4/gambia1.htmThis report is based upon a trip (20th - 27th January 1997) to The Gambia taken by Jan Vermeulen, Willemien van Ginneken and Vital & Riet van Gorp. For several years I intended to visit this small West African country in wintertime. It is already for many years a winter retreat for many Europeans as they escape the wet and cold for the sunnier climes of this country... 1998 [March] - Stephen Poleyhttp://www.camacdonald.com/birding/tripreports/Gambia98.htmlJust back from a cracking week in The Gambia. Most of our friends and relatives declared us mad for taking our two-year-old son Alex to the tropics, but it went really well. The hotel staff loved him and were particularly amused when he escaped our attention and ran into the conference room where some government ministers were having a meeting! Fortunately it was during the coffee-break... 1998 [November] - Gambiahttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia1/report.htmThe trip was planned as a short winter break and an introduction to tropical African birds. My only previous trips to Africa were to Ethiopia in February 1998 and Morocco in September/October 1994. I am hoping to make more African trips in the future, and saw The Gambia as a perfect introduction, not only to the birds but also to the complications and difficulties of African birding, in a relatively easy environment. In this respect, the trip worked out perfectly... 1999 - Birds of the Gambiahttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia2/birding.htmlAn excellent report with photographs from Fatbirder contributor Nigel Eaton-Gray... 2000 [December] - Birdseekershttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/birdseekers/gambia.htmOnce we had sorted out our rooms it was time for a brief look around the hotel gardens. Famed for their wealth of birds it wasn`t long before we were seeing our first African species. Broad-billed Rollers were very evident with several birds sat around on trees and even more soaring around above us. There were a couple of Yellow-billed Shrikes and the very common Laughing Doves and Beautiful Sunbirds. ... Steve Bird reports. 2000 [December] - Oscar Tourshttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia5/OSCARSTOURS.htmPlanning for this trip began in the May of 1999. Six members of my regular group had not been to Africa before and after many conversations about the amount of new species to be seen, and the relative cheapness of a 14-day tour, I set about getting a trip to The Gambia arranged... 2001 [December] - Birdseekershttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/birdseekers/may2002/gambia2001.htmOur plane left a very cold Bristol Airport at 9.15am and we met up with other Birdseekers who had started off in Manchester. Some six hours later, we touched down at Banjul Airport to be greeted by 36 degrees Celcius! Wow! We were soon out of the airport & on our way to the Senegambia Hotel. There were many birds visible on the short drive to our hotel, including Black-shouldered Kite and many Hooded Vultures. On arrival at the hotel, an Osprey soared overhead... 2001 [February] - Tom Embo & Barbara Van den Abeelehttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/Gambia7/gambia7.htmMore a list of birds and locations with a few notes than a trip report. 2001 [January] - Tony & Viv Dayhttp://www.exmouth.demon.co.uk/Play/Tripreport.htmWhenever we can, we like to break up the Winter with a week of sunshine, preferably in a country we haven`t visited before. We were hoping to go to Thailand this year, but in the event had neither the time nor the money, so we had more or less settled on a week in the Canaries - and had researched and liked the look of Gomera. I then started reading glowing reports on The Gambia - in particular the birding - and we realised that we could do it for about the same price, and only an extra hour and a half on the plane! On a trip to Slimbridge in early December we found the book The Birds of Senegal & Gambia, bought it - and then just had to go. We booked two days later. 2001 [July] - Tiemen De Smedthttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia10/gambia2001.htmWe stayed at Badala Park Hotel in the Kotu area. The rooms are clean but simple (no aircon, but is was available)... 2001 [March] - John Kirbyhttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia6/THEGAMBIA2nd.htmThese are notes of a birding trip to The Gambia based on the Tanji tour offered by Gambia Experience and on trips arranged by us... 2001 [November] - Neil Moneyhttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia11/gam-nov2001.htmThis was my wife`s and my first visit to West Africa. The only previous experience either of us had of birding in Africa was a week I spent in Cape Town in August of this year, a trip focused on seabirds. Therefore, as many of the commoner birds were new to us, we decided to spend the time in the coastal area, to get good views of the familiar species of West Africa... 2002 [February] - Tony Coatsworthhttp://homepage.ntlworld.com/tony.coatsworth/trips/Gambia.htmWe spent the first week just sat around the Senegambia Hotel with one trip out with the resident bird man - Maas Cham to see some Nightjars, a brief walk down to Bijilo Forest and a stop at Bukau Crocodile Pool on the way to Banjul. The second week was The Plover Week as arranged by the Gambia Experience which included trips to Abuko, a boat trip from Lamin Lodge and a boat trip from Denton Bridge, a walk around the Kotu area and a trip to Pirang shrimp farms and some bush south of there... 2002 [February] - Willy Aelvoet & Gerard Morniehttp://users.skynet.be/wielewaal/Gambia_2002.htmThis report is based upon a trip to The Gambia from January 28th. till February 18th. 2002. The tour members were Willy Aelvoet, Luc De Rutter, Andrea Dhondt, Gerard Mornie, Willy Vandeputte, and Ann Vandriessche. 2002 [October] - Neil Moneyhttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia15/gambia-oct-02.htmThis was my wife Diana`s and my second visit to The Gambia, 0ur previous visit being in November 2001. This year we chose to go in the first half of October to catch the end of the rainy season, which ends at the end of the month. It is surprising the difference that six weeks makes at that time of the year. Some species that last year where in non-breeding plumage were still in full breeding plumage and some species were in greater abundance. In the event the rain was not an inconvenience... 2003 [April] - Andy Leeshttp://uk.geocities.com/birdingam/the_gambia_2003.htmThere appears to be very little about birding in The Gambia in April on the web, so I thought why not give it a go for a week... 2003 [April] - David Hattonhttp://uk.geocities.com/davenhel_uk/ornithology/gambia.htmlSome notes on what birds can be seen where plus an email address for a guide. 2003 [December] Julian Hugheshttp://www.surfbirds.com/mb/trips/gambia-jh-1203.htmlMy wife, Sandra, and I spent two weeks in The Gambia in late 2003, our first visit to Africa, so we anticipated seeing a considerable number of species that we had not seen before. We were not disappointed - lots of good views of wonderful birds, some great people and, by visiting sights away from the coastal strip, an insight into rural Africa. Even in two weeks in this small country, we did not have chance to visit all the places we wanted to, and The Gambia is definitely on our list of places to return to. I now understand why so many European birders make several return visits! 2003 [February] - Bob Biggshttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia18/gam-jan2003.htmI don`t want to start off by boring everyone but if you knew me, you wouldn`t believe that I would ever contemplate a trip to Africa... 2003 [January] - Dave Ferguson, Mike Collard and Jim Rosehttp://mysite.freeserve.com/birdingtrips/gambia/gambia.htmThis trip report describes a one week birding trip to The Gambia by Dave Ferguson, Mike Collard and Jim Rose. Being a first trip to The Gambia for Mike and Jim, it was decided to cover the coastal area and not travel too far inland. The three were also fairly keen to find their own birds, so the use of local guides was limited. While essentially a birding trip, all three have digiscoping and/or camcorder equipment so a significant number of birds were caught on digital media. The report contains pictures of over 100 species of birds that were taken during the week. 2003 [January] - Ray Wilsonhttp://www.raywilsonbirdphotography.co.uk/Foreign%20Trips/Gambia/Gambia.htmlSince this was my first trip to the Gambia and time was short, we decided to concentrate on exploring the immediate vicinity of the Hotel. In fact, we found that bird photography opportunities were so good in the hotel grounds (we were staying at the Senegambia) that we didn't leave the grounds for the first day and a half! 2003 [November] Steve Baineshttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia19/gam-nov-03.htmAlways with an eye on birding possibilities and budget The Gambia seemed ideal. I forewarned my family of the possible culture shock but explained what an opportunity to show the boys a complete contrast to the excesses of last years trip. (Not to mention a possible 100 + lifers for me!)... 2004 [December] - Bird Seekershttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/birdseekers/feb05/Gambia/The-Gambia-2-2004.htm...Our list was already up and running with Hooded Vultures, Cattle Egrets, and some White-billed Buffalo Weavers seen on transit to the hotel. After everyone had settled into their rooms, we still had a little time to add a few more species to our life lists. The gardens were full of people due to an outdoor buffet in honour of the president, but still produced Grey Woodpecker, Grey-headed Sparrow, a female Northern Puffback, several Bearded Barbets, African Harrier-Hawk... 2004 [December] - Marcus & Zoe Wardhttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia22/gamb-04.htm...We chose Gambia as our first birding destination to Africa, based mainly on great reports given by others who had visited the area. It was a difficult choice given the range of fantastic birding destinations in Africa from South Africa to Morocco. However we thought that The Gambia offered such a diverse range of species that it would be the ideal place to start... 2004 [January] - Robin Hadleyhttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia21/gamb-jan-04.htmMy wife Maryan and I spent one week in The Gambia in early 2004 for some winter sun and a little bird watching. We were very impressed by the country, its people and the wonderful array of birdlife. We definitely will return... 2005 [December] - Derek & Lynne Listerhttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia24/gambia-dec-05.htmOn Thursday 1st December Lynne (my wife) and me departed Gatwick at 10-30 am for Banjul airport in Gambia Africa. We were travelling with First Choice. With a pitch of 29 inches the seats were a little cramped!. We chose Gambia for its sunshine, cultural and wildlife wealths. The dry season in The Gambia runs from November to May approximately, and as such gives about 12 hours of sunshine with temperatures around 34c every day... 2005 [February] - Avian Adventureshttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/avian-adventures/April-05/gambia/Gambia-tour-report.htm...White-crowned Robin-chat, both Brown and Blackcap Babblers, African Thrush, Mosque Swallow, Red-billed Hornbill and Yellow-billed Shrike were all birds we were to see almost every time we walked in the gardens... 2005 [January] - Pat & Judy Hayeshttp://www.realbirder.com/GambiaTripReport.htmAs this was our first trip to the Gambia we decided to do it in style. We booked the holiday through the Gambia Experience who are the market leaders in Gambian holidays. We have long been of the impression that you don't have to suffer for your art... 2006 [January] - Mark Easterbrookhttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia25/gambia-dec-05.htmThis was my second visit to the Gambia following an “up-river” trip on a boat in March 2003 with the Army Ornithological Society (AOS). This had proved to be an excellent trip and introduction to African birding although due to the survey work that the AOS was mandated to carry out, it was impossible to carry out very much birding at the coast. My aspiration during this visit was to target the birds that I had missed last time and visit sites that I had not visited – to a large extent I achieved this... 2006 [January] - Nik Borrowhttp://www.birdquest.co.uk/tripreports.cfm?trip=474We returned to The Gambia and Senegal this year under the guise of ‘Easybird’ in what was virtually a blaze of glory! An impressive, record-breaking total of 363 species were recorded... 2006 [March] - Graham Mastershttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia-26/gambia-march-06.htmIt was my intention to go on birding trips most days between dawn and lunchtime with maybe 1 or 2 full day trips included. With a guide I found that half day trips were sufficient to see most of my target species. I also think that in soaring temperatures all day birding would have been very hard. With this in mind I set myself a target of 160 species over 2 weeks birding in the coastal region and as you will discover this was easily surpassed... 2006 [September] - Sander Bothttp://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/gambia/gambia-27/gambia-aug-06.htmBirding the hard way: rainy season, public transport, no bird guides... 2007 [February] - David Masonhttp://www.realbirder.com/Gambia2007.htmJanuary in England was cold and bleak, so it was with great anticipation we set off for Gatwick and our flight to The Gambia for a week's birding. Checking in was smooth though we had been advised to arrive three hours before flight time, which gave us plenty of time to browse through the airside shops and have a leisurely breakfast. The flight left on time and was comfortable and uneventful...
Bird Findershttp://www.birdfinders.co.uk/tours/gambia.htmThe Gambia is one of the easiest introductions to both tropical birdwatching and Africa. A former British colony, it is one of the smallest countries in Africa, surrounded by Senegal and straddling the Gambia River for some 200 miles. We will be visiting after the end of the wet season when the vegetation is still green and some of the weavers and bishops are still in summer plumage... Birding Palhttp://birdingpal.org/Gambia.htmLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area... Gambia Birding Grouphttp://www.gambiabirding.org/tours5.html#GambiaListings of tour operators and guides... Gambia Experiencehttp://www.gambia.co.ukWe offer the chance to experience the flavour of West Africa, un-crowded beaches, sunshine, fishing, birdwatching as well as meeting some of the friendliest people on earth. The simplicity and charm is different to anywhere in Europe. But why take our word for that? Experience it for yourself. The Gambia is a small country and one can cover the many habitats in a short space of time, from canopied forest islands on the coast, through reed beds and marshlands to a diversity of mangrove. Gamtourshttp://www.gamtours.gm/tours.html...offer 'Birds & Breakfast' etc... Guide - Ebrima N. J. Njiemailto:birdlifeafrica2002@yahoo.com…is a bird guide recommended by David Callahan who recently [2004] visited the Gambia and used his services. He says: though fairly young (c.21), he certainly knows his stuff. Bird songs heard distantly were nearly always identified, and if their owners were tracked down, the ID was invariably accurate. Though we largely only visited the more well-known sites due to the constraints of time, Ebrima had his own particular locations for target species which other guides did not seem to be aware of. This was noticeably true around the Bush Track, Pirang and Brufut. He is priced reasonably, and can be relied upon to provide a driver and vehicle with inclusive rates. I didn`t get the chance to go, but he is a native of Tendaba and I`m sure he could do a good tour there as well. The things that really stood out about Ebrima were his tenacity and honesty. If we were unable to put a name to a briefly heard or glimpsed bird, he was very willing to crawl around in the undergrowth with me until we`d got to grips with it, and this was done without flushing or frightening the bird. Ebrima is also good company, having a fine, self-effacing sense of humour, and while much of the above is true of several of the guides around the coast; he was quite prepared to go that extra mile for you both time-wise and effort-wise. He is contactable at Kotu Bridge, being one of the WABSA guides, or as follows: Ebrima N.J. Njie, c/o Bakary Jammeh, P.O. Box 2313, Serekunda, The Gambia 00220 461 704 or 9988674 Guide - Lamin Sanyanghttp://www.gambiaguide.co.uk/Let a qualified tourist guide introduce you to the stunning birdlife and nature of the Gambia... Guide - Maxhttp://uk.geocities.com/maxbirder/Homepage.htmlDetails of local guide in the Gambia offering birdwatching and tour services... Guide - Modou Barryhttp://www.gambiabirdwatching.com/I am a well known Gambian Ornithologist, with over 10 years' experience. I can arrange bird watching trips during your holiday, throughout the length and breadth of The Gambia, at very reasonable cost... Guide - Mustapha Kassamahttp://sjeik.openhost.nl/gambia/My name is Mustapha Kassama and I am a professional bird watching guide and I can guide you around the coastal and to the up country with a good experience of showing you different bird species... Halcyon Gambia Ltdhttp://www.halcyongambia.comEnglish owned and operated birding tour company with its own accommodation offering several week long itineraries... Hidden Gambiahttp://www.hiddengambia.com/live/Tours Suspended - Sept 2006 Adventure holidays off the beaten track to explore up-river Gambia by boat and road. Discover the rich variety of birds, wildlife and people that live along the river banks of this peaceful West African country...
Africa Camphttp://www.bsc.gm/default.aspBird Safari Camp is a tropical paradise resort set on the meandering river banks of MacCarthy Island in the Gambia. Deep in the African bush, this idyllic location provides a perfect base for both the keenest birdwatcher or the more carefree individual coming to discover the country`s historical roots... Atlantic Hotelhttp://www.corinthiahotels.com/hotel.asp?h=13&l=1The Atlantic Bird Garden offers the chance to relax and enjoy some colourful African plants and birds. Dalaba Lodgehttp://www.gambianholiday.comTraditional african accomodation with modern conveniences, in the middle of the Gambian Bush. Perfect for bird watchers and those after some R&R... Kairaba Beach Hotelhttp://www.kairabahotel.com/Breakfast is served at the Kingfisher`s Terrace Restaurant, which enjoys a magnificent outlook over the bountiful lawns with its many birds, flowers and plants. Clients have the choice of sitting in the air-conditioned restaurant or outside on the terrace breathing the flowery scented air. Madiyana Safari Lodgehttp://www.paradiseisland-gambia.com/Welcome to Madiyana Safari Lodge. We are located on Jinack Island (also known as Paradise Island). Birdwatching treks through the bush to see which of the hundreds of Gambian bird species you can identify... Palm Grove Hotelhttp://www.palmgrovehotel-gambia.com/birdwatching.html...Called Crab Island, this spot comes alive in the evening with enchanting crustaceans that come to feed along its banks. It is also one of the perfect spots to watch the birds for which The Gambia is justly renowned... Paradise Inn Tanji villagehttp://www.hostelz.com/display.php/2017+Paradise+Inn+lodge...beautyfully located lodge containing twenty huts in typical African style with bar-restaurant(Belgian management) Senegambia Beach Hotelhttp://www.senegambiahotel.com/Mass Cham is the resident bird specialist. He organizes garden walks to observe some of the over 100 species sighted on our grounds offers a slide show free of charge. For birdwatching outside the hotel Mass Cham offers special outings. (Payable) Vulture feeding in the gardens daily at 11:30am is a great attraction and with a little luck you may also see buzzards and harrier hawks. - The garden is excellent for birds - I saw over 70 species there Fatbirder
Birds of The Gambia and Senegalhttp://www.flickr.com/groups/birds-gs...this photo group started with the intent of promoting responsible birding in The Gambia and Senegal, and sharing information for birders visiting The Gambia, Senegal, or West Africa. Of the 660+ species listed (Clements) for Senegambia, we have pictures of over 495 now: 73%. Also, discussion of trip reports, subspecies, and more. Non-profit, volunteer - with contributors from all over the world... Birdwatching in the Gambiahttp://www.bsc.gm/birding.htmThe Gambia truly deserves its reputation as the birdwatcher`s paradise. The country`s outstanding variety of avifauna offers an exciting introduction to African Birdwatching and is also an ever popular destination for more experienced Birders, many of whom flock back year after year... Birdwatching in the Gambiahttp://user.super.net.uk/~fuschia/Birdwatching.htmThe Gambia is a great place to visit, especially if you live in the UK and want to see some spectacular birds, and get some sunshine, without having to travel for too long. The flight is about 6 hours from Gatwick, and as The Gambia is in the same time-zone, there is no jet-lag problem... Green Corner Birdinghttp://www.greencornerbirding.com/home.phpGreen Corner Birding is founded by: Chris Groenendijk and Paul van Hoek. If you are planning a birdingtrip to Gambia this DVD is really worth looking at, so you can see what to expect en where to find this birds. You might also want to take a look at the international links page. There you can find some usefull information about local Gambian birdingguides...
Photographer - Chris Bowmanhttp://www.chrisbowman.co.ukBirds and other wildlife of Gambia... Photographer - Cliff Bucktonhttp://homepage.virgin.net/cliff.buckton/Birding/Gambia/Gamphots.htmAll the photographs below were taken by me during our November 1996 or January 1998 holidays in Gambia... Photographer - Hans Martinhttp://www.wildpicture.com/firstframe.htmGalleries show some of my work of the past ten years, though most of it was made during the last three years... Photographer - Nigel Blakehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/nigelblake/images/gambia/gambia.htmFor many birders a trip to the Gambia is a first introduction to Africa`s spectacular array of birds, many tour companies offer trips, and most are as cheap as holidays to the Mediterranean areas. Gambia however is very different culturally as it is a poor country by comparison, but the people there are generally very friendly and helpful, in fact some have taken the initiative as a result of the influx of birders and learned about their bird-life and are very good bird-guides... |
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