Hi.I always look forward to reduced incidences of bird poisoning whenever I get to Bunyala. The seemingly changing favourable conditions for poisoning; I mean the ‘noise making’ through this blog’s screeming anti-poisoning campaign, the expected reduced availability of the poison to Kenya following halted supply by FMC, the altered proposed crops to be planted in the once purely rice growing scheme.

Apparently there is an expected shift from the traditional norm of rice growing to legumes, etc. This could Just mean the flooding area in the paddy fields is likely to be reduced, remaining only restricted to the regions where rice will continue to be planted. Probably this will mean less bird congregation at the established poisoning sites.That reduced poisoning just does not seem to be the case echoes our cry as to why it is time the local ban on the pesticide poison should be sensibly welcomed.

I got to my study area early yesterday just to be told by my assistant that poisoning sites had changed. We then set out to survey the new sites that my assistant had identified. The place is perfectly flat and the recent rains left the plain soggy. Heading eastward of the previous sites, I immediately noted feathers were scattered at various places. I thought it was worth counting the sites where the dead birds’ feathers were removed which would correspond to the poisoned birds in the last 3 days. The last rains had fallen 3 days ago. We reached this estimated longevity during which poisoning leading to the deaths of the birds had occured by looking at the state of the feathers. Rained on feathers would be shrunken and therefore we left these out. We counted 43 in total!2

One….

Two….

……..up to 43

Then we reached the poisoning baits!

A closer look, my assistant estimated the baits t had been there for 2 days or so. Note the purple of Furadan on one of the snail’s shell and sticks!

So while trying to get a photo of the birds in the nearby Muuri Wetland which is indeed a haven for birds but attractive to poachers too, an ususpecting poacher approached us. About 5 yards from us and he changed his mind I think because my hat was suggestive of our local wildlife defenders, the Kenya Wildlife Service. He quickly showed us his bacK!

This kid must be an apprentice!

Then another band of poachers approached and also showed us their backs.

We still have a major problem with furadan poisoning in Bunyala.

But protein supply just seems so abundant!

But not the local’s favourite it seems.