SENEGAL 20 REP - birdquest-tours.com...overlooking the Senegal River and Mauretania beyond. Little Grey Woodpecker and Sennar Penduline Tit – two scarce Sahelian specialities (Chris

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Senegal 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com

Golden Nightjar – Bird of the Trip (tour participant Paul Gregory)

SENEGAL

1 – 17 February 2020

LEADER: CHRIS KEHOE Our recent tour to Senegal was rich in avian highlights. Bird of the trip was the sensational Golden Nightjar, seen perfectly at day roosts where they revealed all of their wonderfully intricate plumage details. Further highlights, mostly Sahelian specialities, included the unpredictable and enigmatic Quail Plover, gorgeous Egyptian Plovers, Chestnut-bellied Starlings, the localised Little Grey Woodpecker and Sennar Penduline Tits, delightful Cricket Warblers, Arabian and Saville’s Bustards, Fox Kestrels and spectacular flocks of wonderful Scissor-tailed Kites. A gathering of 107 Black Crowned Cranes was most impressive at Djoudj NP where the very localised River Prinia showed well and masses of wintering Palearctic waterbirds were amassed. We travelled the length and breadth of the country, visiting the northern border with Mauretania (where we watched recently discovered Horus Swifts), the wetlands of the Atlantic coast, where a White-crested Tiger Heron was a particularly prized find, and the arid interior and Gambia River valley near the Guinea border where a splendid Bronze-winged Courser was an unexpected bonus. Good roads almost throughout, comfortable lodgings and tasty food make this a most enjoyable tour in which some of Africa’s least known and impressive birds are to be found alongside large numbers of more widespread Afrotropical species and numerous overwintering Palearctic migrants. After gathering at Dakar’s new Blaise Diagne Airport, a short drive took us to our overnight base in Thiés where we had dinner and a chat about the tour before retiring for the night.


Just before first light we were on our way north, stopping after about 90 minutes at a couple of sites west of Kebemer where we soon found a host of new birds including local specialities such as Chestnut-bellied Starlings, White-rumped Seedeaters, Yellow-bellied Eremomelas and Speckle-fronted Weavers. A roadside cow carcass attracted several Rüppell’s and White-backed Vultures plus a couple of Eurasian Griffons while nearby a couple of Pearl-spotted Owlets showed well along with overwintering Subalpine and Western Bonelli’s Warblers. We made another stop to view a couple of Northern Anteater Chats and our first Black Scrub Robin before continuing to our lunch stop at Richard Toll. Just east of there we watched roosting Long-tailed Nightjars and Spotted Thick-knee before going in search of Sennar Penduline Tit which gave great views, along with Sudan Golden Sparrows, Senegal Eremomela and Senegal Batis. A chance sighting from the moving vehicles led us to fine views of a pair of Little Grey Woodpeckers attending a nest. We reached the Podor area an hour before dark and after a short search were enjoying fantastic views of our first roosting Golden Nightjar, an amazing haul for what was mainly a travelling day! From here it was just 15 minutes to our comfortable hotel overlooking the Senegal River and Mauretania beyond.

Little Grey Woodpecker and Sennar Penduline Tit – two scarce Sahelian specialities (Chris Kehoe)

We spent most of the next morning in the open savanna south of Podor where we quickly found our first sprightly Cricket Warblers. Not long afterwards a busy group of Fulvous Babblers showed well. We checked many Norther Wheatears for the much scarcer Seebohm’s but without success though several Western Orphean Warblers, a couple of scarce Black Scimitarbills and others were found and we eventually tracked down a pair of roosting Golden Nightjars for wonderful views. Moving on, we chanced upon a roadside Seebohm’s Wheatear before visiting nearby Gamadji Sare where Horus Swifts were recently discovered breeding along a stretch of cliffs bordering the Senegal River, the Swifts duly appeared and gave great views before we returned to Podor for lunch. During our midday break Booted Eagle and Lanner Falcon appeared overhead along with our first Red-chested Swallows while Sudan Golden Sparrows and others came to drink. As it began to cool down we visited an area of rice cultivation where Red-billed Queleas were abundant, a couple of Short-toed Snake Eagles appeared and we saw the likes of Woodchat and Great Grey Shrikes, Abyssinian Rollers and our first European Turtle Doves. We ended the day back in the savanna where African Collared Doves showed well after earlier brief views, a scarce Black-eared Wheatear was found and we watched many Chestnut-bellied Starling along with a couple of Greater Blue-eared. After dark we tried a couple of areas for Northern White-faced Owl but without success.


The next morning was spent travelling west to Djoudj though an hour near Richard Toll gave us great views of several Temminck’s Coursers. As we approached Djoudj we stopped to search some harvested rice fields where we found a couple of Orange-breasted Waxbills and had great scope views of several Quailfinches. A little further on we were watching our first River Prinia and Winding Cisticola, along with a good selection of waterbirds. After lunch we went in search of Arabian Bustard, eventually seeing two, enjoying great flight views of one and decent scope views of the other. Many waterbirds were on the Grand Lac, including thousands of Lesser Flamingos, with a a few Greaters mixed in, many White-faced and a few Fulvous Whistling Ducks, a distantly perched African Fish Eagle and, in one of the hides, a couple of Barn Owls. As we returned towards our base a group of Black-crowned Cranes showed well after earlier much more distant views.

Chestnut-bellied Starling (Paul Gregory)

We began the next morning near our rooms, where Greater Painted Snipes showed well along with a few responsive Iberian Chiffchaffs, Western Olivaceous Warblers and several others. On the nearby wetlands we watched numerous Palearctic waders plus lots of Eurasian Spoonbills. Further afield we saw a single African Spoonbill, numerous White Pelicans, a couple of Pink-backed Pelicans and many other waterbirds as Red-chested Swallows posed well for the first time. The journey towards our next base at Bango, near St. Louis, was enlivened by a group of Yellow-billed Oxpeckers on some cattle and an amazing flock of 107 Black Crowned Cranes, an exceptionally large gathering. After a bite to eat and dropping off our bags we set off inland towards the Marigots. Much of the prime habitat for Savile’s Bustard here has recently been cleared and is being converted to cultivation but, perhaps because of this, the small remaining area of accessible habitat proved very productive, indeed we had a total of eight encounters with Savile’s Bustards today, including some excellent views. Also seen where our first Double-spurred Francolins before we pressed on towards the wetland area. Black Crakes were common and easy to see and a couple of confusing Moorhens held our attention for a while, looking close to Lesser Moorhens in some regards but more Common Moorhen-like in others, leading us to ponder whether they were hybrids. After a long search we finally located a single Allen’s Gallinule while additional species seen included several African Pygmy Geese, many African Swamphens, ‘Iberian’ Yellow Wagtails and a couple of Winding Cisticolas.


Savile’s Bustard (Chris Kehoe)

We spent the next morning in the St. Louis area, dividing our time between the bridge area and a series of lagoons to the south, access to the coast was prevented by unrest on the island. West African Crested Terns gave a number of good views, eventually settled on the mud as the tide receded, along with Caspian, Sandwich and Gull-billed Terns. Slender-billed Gulls also showed well amongst the more numerous Lesser Black-backed, Black-headed and Grey-headed Gulls and careful searching eventually revealed a couple of immature Audouin’s Gulls and a single young Mediterranean Gull. Shorebirds included numerous Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints plus a few Dunlin, Sanderling and Turnstones. In the afternoon we returned to the Marigots where Orange-breasted Waxbills evaded us but a couple of Greater Swamp Warblers were enticed into showing themselves and we further pondered the identity of the Lesser-like-Moorhens while enjoying repeat views of many of yesterday’s gathered waterbirds. After breakfast the next day we began the journey south towards Kaolack. Beyond St. Louis we came across a roadside goat carcass that attracted a good selection of vultures including several each of Rüppell’s and Eurasian Griffon’s, a couple of White-backed and Hooded and a single, highly impressive Lappet-faced. A stop at a carcass dump near Kebemer gave us more of the same vultures, all showing very well, before we turned east towards Touba. Shortly before reaching a small waterhole we stopped to view a locally rare Egyptian Vulture circling overhead. At the waterhole itself a couple of Mottled Spinetails hurtled around, along with our only Mosque Swallows, and after watching a female Green-winged Pytillia we soon located its nest parasite, a stunning male Sahel Paradise Whydah which gave a series of great views. After lunch in Touba a short drive delivered us to an area where the much-wanted Quail-Plover is sometimes to be found and we spread out to search the extensive area of low shrubs and grasses. Several Singing Bushlarks were noted and a couple of Desert Cisticolas were found, but refused to perform well in the somewhat windy conditions. A Savile’s Bustard was flushed too but after much searching there was no sign of any Quail-Plovers until one suddenly flew up, followed shortly after by another. After much careful approach work and manoeuvring we tracked down one of the birds on the ground and eventually managed some great scope. views. A couple of short stops as we continued towards Kaolack gave us the likes of Speckle-fronted Weavers, our only Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Pygmy Sunbirds and both Western Subalpine and Bonelli’s Warblers.


The enigmatic Quail-Plover (Chris Kehoe)

Scissor-tailed Kite (tour participant Gareth Rees)

The next day was primarily a travelling day as we transferred to Kedougou, near the Guinea border in far southeast Senegal. We began though with a visit to the outskirts of Kaolack in the hope that Scissor-tailed Kites might appear as they departed from their roost in the Saloum Delta. In the event just a couple of distant views were obtained though we did add Piapiac and Red-necked Falcon to our list before setting off towards


Tambacounda. Not far beyond Kaolack, however, we encountered a stream of Scissor-tailed Kites heading inland and made two extended stops to enjoy the fine spectacle of around 200 individuals moving by, some right overhead and giving superb views. Lunch in Tambacounda was enlivened by the presence of our first Brown Babblers and Purple Starlings before we resumed our journey. Thankfully, the road through Niokola Koba NP is now greatly improved and we made good progress, seeing Brown Snake Eagle, African Hawk-Eagles and several Helmeted Guineafowls en route before reaching our comfortable hotel in Kedougou about 30 minutes after dark.

Gosling’s Bunting (Chris Kehoe) and Sun Lark (Paul Gregory)

Our first morning in the Kedougou area was spent exploring the escarpment to the east. A couple of Martial Eagles here were a surprise and we encountered several Gosling’s Buntings, an African Blue Flycatcher, Snowy-crowned Robin Chats and the first of very many Sahel Bush Sparrows (as Bush Petronia is now known) but there was no sign of any of the hoped-for Mali Firefinches at this usually reliable site. In the afternoon we drove west of Kedougou and went in search of Sun Larks which showed very well along with a couple of Fine-spotted Woodpeckers and two rather brief Heuglin’s Masked Weavers. We spent some time admiring Red-throated Bee-eaters at their riverbank nests while our first Grey-headed Kingfisher posed nearby. After an early breakfast we were on our way to Dindefelo well before first light on account of the very poor road to there meaning slow progress. Once it was light, we made a couple of roadside stops which gave us our first Bronze-tailed Starling, a Dorst’s Cisticola, Violet Turacos, Red-winged Warbler and, among a large group of Northern Red Bishops, a couple of Black-winged Red Bishops and Yellow-shouldered Widowbirds. Once at Dindefelo we went immediately to look for Black-bellied Firefinches at a site where they had been recently reported and had good views of a pair along with our first Orange-cheeked Waxbills and White-crowned Robin Chats. The rest of the morning was spent along the wooded Cascade Trail where we quickly found a Wilcock’s Honeyguide, Green-headed and Western Violet-backed Sunbirds and a smart Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. Guinea Turacos proved rather uncooperative but we eventually managed some views. Greater Honeyguide, Familiar Chats, Brown-throated Wattle-eyes and African Blue Flycatchers all put in appearances and we had good views of a Narina Trogon before making our way back towards the village for lunch. We made several stops on the return journey to Kedougou. Black-faced Firefinches gave us the run around, never settling as they moved with a busy flock of Orange-cheeked Waxbills, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleus and others. Much more obliging, an unexpected and very welcome surprise, was a superb Bronze-winged Courser. An excellent day concluded with great views of Four-banded Sandgrouse and Stone Partridges at the roadside before the light faded and we finally reached the surfaced road close to home.


Red-throated Bee-eater (Gareth Rees) and Brown Babbler (Chris Kehoe)

A final morning in the Kedougou area was focussed on the escarpment near Fongolimbi once more but with a stop en route to admire two very smart Fox Kestrels that flew across the road and landed in bare treetops where they gave good scope views. Once again, there was no sign of any Mali Firefinches on the escarpment, despite much searching, so we had to make do with our only ‘Northern’ Red-headed Weavers and a nice selection of previously seen species such as Lavender Waxbills and Pygmy Sunbirds, Goslings Buntings and Senegal Eremomelas. After picking up our bags in Kedougou we travelled back north through Niokolo Koba NP to our next base on the Gambia River at Wassadou. Our first Tawny Eagle was seen on the outskirts of town while a 40-minute picnic stop produced a couple of Bateleurs, Brown Snake Eagle and African Hawk Eagle. We stopped twice more for close views of Bateleurs and on the second occasion were delighted to also have a chance encounter with a pair of Abyssinian Ground Hornbills foraging at the roadside. Once at Wassadou, we dropped off our bags and made our way to the river outlook for the final 90 minutes of daylight. Although we would go on to have much closer views of each species in the coming days it was very satisfying to add the likes of Egyptian Plover, African Finfoot, Giant Kingfisher and Northern Carmine Bee-eater to our list while enjoying cold drinks as the sun began to set.! Two full days at Wassadou were spent out on the river, everyone having one morning and one evening trip on the small lodge boat, or along the trails, though with plenty of time also spent simply scanning from the lodge lookout. Adamawa Turtle Doves are a particular speciality here and we enjoyed several encounters, though these and European Turtle Doves were seemingly in lower numbers than usual. Egyptian Plovers, White-crowned Lapwings and African Finfoots all gave exceptionally close views from the boat, as did Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Giant Kingfishers and many others including plenty of Senegal Thick-knees and African Wattled Lapwings. Post-dinner owling produced an eventually cooperative Northern White-faced Owl while a pre-breakfast search gave us a good, but rather brief, spotlight view of an impressively large Pel’s Fishing Owl sitting in a bare tree near the restaurant. A White-backed Night Heron performed a couple of dusk fly-pasts, Oriole Warblers showed very well close to our rooms as did Yellow-crowned Gonoleks, Black-capped and Brown Babblers, Swamp Flycatchers and a very smart Grey-headed Bushshrike. Tawny and Wahlberg’s Eagles and Brown Snake Eagle appeared overhead, along with a couple of Palm-nut Vultures, several Black Storks, Yellow-billed Stork and unusually large numbers of White-necked Storks. Many previously seen species were seen again in this very birdy area and scarcer species seen by only some included Western Banded Snake Eagle, Bar-breasted Firefinches and a Red-winged Pytillia.


Northern Carmine Bee-eaters (Chris Kehoe)

After a final night at Wassadou we set off on the long drive towards the coast. The journey was not without interest, we stopped to scrutinise a large flock of starlings and picked out a few Lesser Blue-eared amongst their much more abundant Greater Blue-eared cousins. Our lunch stop was at a roadside waterhole where masses of small birds, especially Chestnut-backed Sparrow-larks, gathered to drink and we were soon admiring the first of many Paradise-whydahs, here believed to be Exclamatory rather than Sahel. Raptors also gathered to drink with Tawny Eagle, African Hawk Eagle and Brown Snake Eagle all present and a Red-necked Falcon hunted the thirsty queleas, bishops, larks and others.

White-crested Tiger Heron and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters (Chris Kehoe)

By evening we were close to our next base at Toubacouta and spent a while admiring a pair of Verreaux’s Eagle Owls at their roost tree near Ndiffiate before some opted to cross the river by pirogue to enjoy close


encounters at the Scissor-tailed Kite roost in the Saloum Delta where about 1000 birds arrived. Those who remained on the mainland also saw many of the Kites as they approached the roost and wheeled about along with several Lesser Kestrels, Montague’s Harrier and others.

Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle (Gareth Rees)

Early the next morning we were aboard a boat and setting off to explore the Saloum Delta’s mangrove-lined creeks and mudbanks where overwintering shorebirds were scattered about and Caspian and Gull-billed Terns flew overhead. Our primary target here was the rare and elusive White-crested Tiger Heron and we spent much time carefully scanning the mangrove roots along small side channels in the hope of connecting. Swallow-tailed, European and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, Mangrove Sunbirds and others diverted our attention until we spotted a Tiger Heron. After some skilful manoeuvring of the boat we enjoyed excellent views as the bird stood motionless amongst the mangrove roots. A hugely impressive and impressively huge Goliath Heron was much appreciated too and our first Black Kites were noted before we made our way to a small village and disembarked to explore the area, an obliging Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle that performed nicely being the highlight. Coastal Senegambia is a major wintering area for Western Ospreys and we saw at least six this morning including a ringed bird (AK8( that was reared in Germany in 2004 and which has been reported near Toubacouta each winter since 2011. We returned to our hotel for lunch and a short siesta before visiting nearby Sandicoly where woodland birding gave us several additions to our list including Blue-spotted Wood-Doves, Yellow-throated Leafloves, Black-necked Weavers and an overhead Pallid Harrier. Nearby, a Blue-bellied Roller showed well in the scope. We spent the next morning on an extended drive inland along a bush track. Unfortunately, the site for Standard-winged Nightjar we eventually reached had recently become a charcoal burning area and the birds had abandoned it. Nevertheless, we encountered some good birds on the journey to and from there including an obliging Purple Roller, Saville’s Bustard, Lesser Blue-eared Starlings, Lanner and Red-necked Falcons, a Four-banded Sandgrouse, Black-headed Heron and several Variable Sunbirds. In the afternoon we explored the open bush country near Missrah, enjoying repeat views of species such as Bearded and Vieillot’s Barbets, a good selection of sunbirds, Lizard Buzzard, Northern Puffback, Black-rumped and Lavender Waxbills. The undoubted highlight though was a single, rather showy, Yellow Penduline Tit.


We began our final day with a return to the Saloum Delta by boat. A similar list of species to our last visit there was noted, plus a surprise African Finfoot, though with rather improved views of Mangrove Sunbirds, a great encounter with a Goliath Heron and our only Eurasian Oystercatchers. After an early lunch we set off towards Dhaka Airport where the tour ended in the evening.

Pygmy Sunbird (Chris Kehoe)

Bird of the Trip 1 - Golden Nightjar – 33 points 2 - Egyptian Plover – 22 points 3 - Bronze-winged Courser – 14 points 4 - White-crested Tiger Heron – 11 points 5 - Quail-plover – 8 points

Western Osprey - AK8 and Common Gonolek (Chris Kehoe)


Golden Nightjar (Chris Kehoe)

Watching a Quail-Plover (Chris Kehoe)


The incomparable Egyptian Plover (Chris Kehoe) SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR The species names and taxonomy used in the report mostly follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). IOC World Bird Names. This list is updated several times annually and is available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org. Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g. it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species). BIRDS Total number of birds recorded: 354 Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Several north of Kedougou. Stone Partridge ◊ Ptilopachus petrosus Great views near Dindefelo, a handful elsewhere. Double-spurred Francolin ◊ Pternistis bicalcaratus Widespread encounters after the first at Marigot One. White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata Numerous at Djoudj. Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor About 30 at Djoudj. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis One at Wassadou. Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos Over 50 at Djoudj. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Hundreds at Djoudj. African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus Around 20 at Marigot Two. Garganey Spatula querquedula Several at Djoudj. Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata Numerous at Djoudj. Northern Pintail Anas acuta Many hundreds at Djoudj. Golden Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus eximius Fabulous views of three day roosting birds near Podor. Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus Great views on three dates after the first at Richard Toll. Mottled Spinetail Telacanthura ussheri Noted on five dates after the first near Touba. African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Common and widespread.


Common Swift Apus apus (NL) Two near Kedougou. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus Four near Kebemer. Little Swift Apus affinis Widespread encounters, very common at Podor.

Horus Swift and Mottled Spinetail (Chris Kehoe) and Long-tailed Nightjar (Paul Gregory)

Horus Swift Apus horus Two or three at the recently discovered colony at Gamadji Sare near Podor. Guinea Turaco (Green T) Tauraco persa Three or four at Dindefelo. Violet Turaco ◊ Musophaga violacea Several in the Kedougou area. Western Plantain-eater (W Grey P-e) Crinifer piscator Numerous in the south. Arabian Bustard ◊ Ardeotis arabs Two at Djoudj. Savile's Bustard ◊ Lophotis savilei Up to eight at the Marigots, singles at two other sites. Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis Fairly common, especially in the south. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius (NL) One at Dindefelo. Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas Three singles in the south.


Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus Up to 15 near Richard Toll and 10 at Djoudj. Four-banded Sandgrouse ◊ Pterocles quadricinctus Great views of two near Kedougou, one near Toubacouta.

Four-banded Sandgrouse (Chris Kehoe)

Rock Dove Columba livia Feral birds were fairly widespread. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea Common almost everywhere. European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Small numbers near Podor and over 50 at Wassadou, fewer than normal.

Black Crowned Cranes (Chris Kehoe)

Adamawa Turtle Dove ◊ Streptopelia hypopyrrha About eight at Wassadou. African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea Around 10 in the north. Mourning Collared Dove (African M D) Streptopelia decipiens Rather common and widespread. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Several in the south. Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea Common in the south, especially at Wassadou. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis Widespread and Common.


Black-billed Wood Dove Turtur abyssinicus Noted on 10 dates in the south. Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer Two at Sandicoly. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Common in the north, smaller numbers elsewhere. Bruce's Green Pigeon ◊ Treron waalia Several in the south after the first near Kedougou.

African Finfoot (Paul Gregory)

African Finfoot Podica senegalensis At least six individuals at Wassadou and one at the Saloum Delta. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra Up to 20 at Marigot Two, a few elsewhere. African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis Numerous at Marigot Two. Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni Just one at Marigot Two. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Common at Marigot Two, a few elsewhere. Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina About 120 at Djoudj including a spectacular gathering of 107. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis A couple at Djoudj. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus At least 40 at Djoudj. Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Several hundred at Djoudj. Quail-plover ◊ Ortyxelos meiffrenii One of two near Mbacke gave great scope views. Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis Widespread encounters, seen on 10 dates. Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis A couple at Richard Toll and one at the Marigots. Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Six at the Saloum Delta. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Small numbers on seven dates. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta A couple at Djoudj and near St. Louis. Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus Common and widespread. Black-headed Lapwing Vanellus tectus Small numbers in drier areas on six dates. White-crowned Lapwing (W-headed L) Vanellus albiceps Three or four at Wassadou. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus Numerous at Wassadou, a few elsewhere. Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola Small numbers at the coast. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Several at St. Louis and the Saloum Delta. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius A handful on four dates. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius About 30 at Djoudj. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Ten at Djoudj. Egyptian Plover ◊ Pluvianus aegyptius Up to 10 at Wassadou, some fantastic views. Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis About 12 at Djoudj and one at Wassadou. African Jacana Actophilornis africanus Several at Marigot Two, a few elsewhere. Whimbrel (Eurasian W) Numenius [phaeopus] phaeopus Fairly common in coastal areas. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata One at the Saloum Delta.


Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Six near St. Louis.

White-crowned Lapwing (Paul Gregory), Temminck’s Courser (Gareth Rees) and Bronze-winged Courser (Chris Kehoe)

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Several at Djoudj. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Four near St. Louis. Ruff Calidris pugnax Numerous at Djoudj. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Several at Djoudj and near St. Louis. Sanderling Calidris alba A few near St. Louis. Dunlin Calidris alpina A handful in the north. Little Stint Calidris minuta Numerous at wetlands in the north. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Three at Djoudj. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Noted on 10 dates. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Small numbers on seven dates. Common Redshank Tringa tetanus A few at Djoudj and at coastal sites. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis One at Djoudj. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola A handful in the north, mainly at Djoudj. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus (H) Heard at Djoudj. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Noted on 11 dates.


Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii Up to eight near Richard Toll. Bronze-winged Courser ◊ (Violet-tipped C) Rhinoptilus chalcopterus Great views of one near Kedougou. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola One at Marigot One. Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei Several at coastal sites. Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Numerous in the west. Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Common around St. Louis. Audouin's Gull ◊ Ichthyaetus audouinii Two at St. Louis.

Slender-billed Gull and West African Crested Tern (with a Caspian Tern) - a recent split from (American) Royal Tern (Chris Kehoe)

Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus One at St. Louis. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Numerous at St. Louis. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Frequently seen in the west. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Common near St Louis, a few elsewhere. West African Crested Tern Thalasseus albididorsalis Several at St. Louis and one at the Saloum Delta. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Several at St. Louis and a couple elsewhere. Little Tern Sternula albifrons A handful at Djoudj. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Fairly numerous in the west. Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis Ten at Djoudj and three at Wassadou. Black Stork Ciconia nigra A couple at Djoudj and 15 or more at Wassadou. Woolly-necked Stork (African Woollyneck) Ciconia [episcopus] microscelis Up to 20 at Wassadou. White Stork Ciconia Ciconia Two at Djoudj and another near Kaolack. Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus Widespread encounters. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus Common in the west. African Darter Anhinga rufa Several at various wetlands. African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Three at Djoudj. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Small numbers at Wassadou. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Numerous at Djoudj. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Numerous at Djoudj and near St. Louis. African Spoonbill Platalea alba Just one at Djoudj. White-crested Tiger Heron ◊ Tigriornis leucolopha One at The Saloum Delta. White-backed Night Heron ◊ Gorsachius leuconotus One in flight at Wassadou on two dates. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Numerous at Djoudj, Wassadou and the Saloum Delta. Striated Heron (Green-backed H) Butorides striata Small numbers on five dates. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Noted on eight dates. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread encounters. Grey Heron Ardea cinereal Fairly common and widespread. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala One or two on four dates. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath Three or more at the Saloum Delta. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Noted on six dates but only common at Djoudj. Great Egret Ardea alba Present at all wetlands visited.


Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia One at Djoudj. Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca Small numbers at Djoudj. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Noted on nine dates at wetland sites. Western Reef Heron (W R Egret) Egretta gularis Common at coastal sites.

Western Reef Heron (Paul Gregory) and Goliath Heron (Chris Kehoe)

Hamerkop Scopus umbrette Noted on seven dates. Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Numerous at Djoudj with others near St. Louis. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens Numerous at coastal sites. Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Small numbers at Djoudj and coastal sites, especially the Saloum Delta. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Four singles, mostly at Djoudj. Scissor-tailed Kite ◊ (African Swallow-t K) Chelictinia riocourii Up to 1000 around Kaolack over two dates. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus Noted seven times in the south. Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis Seen twice at Wassadou. Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus Noted on 11 dates in rather small numbers. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus One north of Touba – a write-in. White-backed Vulture (African W-b V) Gyps africanus Up to six on five dates. Rüppell's Vulture Gyps rueppelli Seen on four dates with the gathering of up to 20 birds at carcasses Griffon Vulture (Eurasian G V) Gyps fulvus At least 20 between St. Louis and Touba over two dates. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos Three between St. Louis and Touba. Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus Nine birds noted over six dates. . Beaudouin's Snake Eagle ◊ Circaetus beaudouini One at the Saloum Delta. Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus Seen on three dates. Western Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens One at Wassadou. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus Several between Kedougou and Wassadou Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus Two near Fongolimbi. Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi Seen three times at Wassadou. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Two over Podor. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax Four singles in the southeast. African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster Eight birds over four dates.


Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus Singles near Dindefelo and Toubacouta Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar Singles near Kebemer and at Wassadou.

Lappet-faced Vulture (Chris Kehoe)

Bateleur (Chris Kehoe) and Pearl-spotted Owlet (Paul Gregory)

Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates Noted on six dates. Shikra Accipiter badius Noted on 10 dates, mainly in the south. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Up to 20 at Djoudj with others on seven dates. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus A male at Sandicoly. Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus One or two on five dates.


Black Kite Milvus migrans Small numbers in the Saloum Delta. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Widespread, locally common. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Prominent at Wassadou, a few elsewhere. Grasshopper Buzzard ◊ Butastur rufipennis Six in the southeast. Western Barn Owl Tyto alba Two at Djoudj. Northern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis leucotis One in the spotlight at Wassadou. Verreaux's Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus Two near Ndiffiate. Pel's Fishing Owl ◊ Scotopelia peli Spotlight views of one at Wassadou. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum One or two on three dates

Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Giant Kingfisher (Chris Kehoe)

Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus Fairly numerous in the north. Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina One at Dindefelo. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Noted on six dates. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa [epops] senegalensis At least three in the north. Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus Seen on nine dates in the south. Black Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus aterrimus A couple near Podor and Kedougou Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus A pair north of Kedougou. Western Red-billed Hornbill ◊ Tockus kempi Widespread, often common. African Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus Seen almost daily, most numerous in the south. Purple Roller (Rufous-crowned R) Coracias naevius Noted on just two dates, seen best east of Toubacouta. Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus A perennial favourite, seen on 15 dates. Blue-bellied Roller ◊ Coracias cyanogaster Singles near Kedougou and Toubacouta. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus A handful at Wassadou. Grey-headed Kingfisher* Halcyon leucocephala Noted near Kedougou and at Wassdou. Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti Singles at Bango and near Kebemer. Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica Several at Wassadou. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus Noted on six dates at wetlands. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima A few at Wassadou and one at the Saloum Delta. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Common at Djoudj with others on 11 dates. Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus Small numbers in the Toubacouta area. Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus Seen on nine dates, always popular!. Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki Several near Kedougou and many at Wassadou, Green Bee-eater (African G B-e) Merops [orientalis] viridissimus About 20 in the Podor area. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus Noted on seven dates, especially prominent at the Saloum Delta. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster A few in the southwest. Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus Common at Wassadou, stunning as always. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus A handful at Dindefelo.


Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus Widespread, more heard than seen.

Abyssinian Roller (Paul Gregory) and Long-tailed Glossy Starling (Gareth Rees)

Vieillot's Barbet ◊ Lybius vieilloti Ones and twos on six dates at widespread sites. Bearded Barbet ◊ Lybius dubius Eleven individuals on six dates, some great views of this beauty. Willcocks's Honeyguide ◊ Indicator willcocksi One at Dindefelo, perhaps a lingering vagrant from 2019.


Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator Five singles in the south. Fine-spotted Woodpecker ◊ Campethera punctuligera A handful near Kedougou. Little Grey Woodpecker ◊ (Sahelian W) Dendropicos elachus Two at a nest west of Podor. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens One or two at Wassadou. African Grey Woodpecker (Grey W) Dendropicos goertae One or two on nine dates. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Several near Kaolack. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Widespread encounters on 10 dates. Fox Kestrel ◊ Falco alopex Two east of Kedougou, good scope views. Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus A few in the south after the first at Wassadou. Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera About 15 in total in the south, some great views. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus Noted on five dates at widespread sites. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus One at the Saloum Delta. Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus Small numbers in the south. Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked P) Psittacula krameria Small numbers throughout. Senegal Batis Batis senegalensis Noted on seven dates. mostly in the south. Brown-throated Wattle-eye (Common W-e) Platysteira cyanea A few after the first at Dindefelo. Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti One near Kedougou and great views at Wassadou.

Grey-headed Bushshrike (Gareth Rees)

Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus Singles near Touba and Dindefelo. Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis Small numbers in the south. Yellow-crowned Gonolek ◊ Laniarius barbarus Noted on 11 dates, some great views. Brubru Nilaus afer Several near Kedougou. White-crested Helmetshrike (White H) Prionops plumatus Four near Kedougou. Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina Small numbers in the south. Great Grey Shrike (Southern G S) Lanius excubitor Five near Podor, a couple elsewhere. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator About 20 over seven dates. Glossy-backed Drongo Dicrurus divaricatus One or two on seven dates. African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Seen on five dates in thew west. Piapiac Ptilostomus afer Small numbers in the south. Pied Crow Corvus albus Widespread though rarely common. African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda A few at Dindefelo and Wassadou.


Sennar Penduline Tit ◊ Anthoscopus punctifrons One or two near Richard Toll. Yellow Penduline Tit ◊ Anthoscopus parvulus At least one south of Toubacouta. Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix nigriceps Common in the far north. Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis Widespread, mainly in drier areas in the north. Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cantillans A few near Touba. Sun Lark ◊ Galerida modesta Three near Kedougou. Crested Lark Galerida cristata Several in the north. Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus Common and widespread. Yellow-throated Leaflove Atimastillas flavicollis Two near Toubacouta. Sand Martin (Common S M, Bank Swallow) Riparia riparia Common at Djoudj, several elsewhere. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Occasional encounters, seemingly early migrants. Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida Fairly common in the north. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Small numbers on four dates. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula A handful at Dindefelo. Common House Martin Delichon urbicum Widespread encounters, far more than normal. Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis A couple near Touba. West African Swallow ◊ Cecropis domicella (NL) Singles near Dindefelo and in the Saloum Delta. Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura One or two on eight dates. Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Fairly common in the north. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita One at Podor and others presumed this species at a few sites. Iberian Chiffchaff ◊ Phylloscopus ibericus Several at Djoudj. Greater Swamp Warbler* Acrocephalus rufescens Two at Marigot Two. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Small numbers at Djoudj and other wetlands.

River Prinia and Cricket Warbler (Gareth Rees)

Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus A handful in the north. African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus One near Toubacouta matched this species. Western Olivaceous Warbler Iduna opaca Small numbers on 11 dates. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta Singles at Djoudj and Wassadou. Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans (LO) Carlos saw one at Wassadou. Winding Cisticola Cisticola marginatus Noted at Djoudj and Marigot Two. Dorst's Cisticola ◊ Cisticola guinea Two near Dindefelo. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis One or two on just three dates. Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus At least two near Touba. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Small numbers in the south. River Prinia ◊ Prinia fluviatilis Several encounters at Djoudj, heard at Marigot Two. Red-winged Warbler Heliolais erythropterus Singles near Dindefelo Cricket Warbler ◊ Spiloptila clamans Great views of a few near Podor, wonderful birds! Oriole Warbler ◊ Hypergerus atriceps Great views at Wassadou, another near Toubacouta.. Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata Small numbers on eight dates. Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis Two near Kebemer and another near Podor.


Senegal Eremomela Eremomela pusilla Noted on nine dates, mostly in the south. Fulvous Babbler ◊ Argya fulva A family group of seven near Podor. Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus Frequently seen in the south. Blackcap Babbler Turdoides reinwardti Seen a few times after the first near Dindefelo. Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis Up to 15 in the north. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Singles at Djoudj and near Toubacouta. Western Subalpine Warbler Sylvia inornate Noted on 10 dates. Northern Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis Encountered twice at Wassadou. Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus Seen on eight dates, sometimes in large numbers. Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus Seen three times in the south in company with Greaters. Bronze-tailed Starling (B-t Glossy S) Lamprotornis chalcurus Just a couple in near Dindefelo and Wassadou. Purple Starling (P Glossy S) Lamprotornis purpureus Rather common in the south. Long-tailed Glossy Starling Lamprotornis caudatus Seen in good numbers most days. Chestnut-bellied Starling ◊ Lamprotornis pulcher Common in the north, often at the roadside. Yellow-billed Oxpecker* Buphagus africanus Flocks near Djoudj and in the Saloum Delta. African Thrush Turdus pelios A couple at Wassadou and others near the coast..

Oriole Warbler (Chris Kehoe)

Black Scrub Robin Cercotrichas podobe About 10 in total, mainly in the north. Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin (African S R) Cercotrichas [galactotes] minor Two north of Kaolack. Grey Tit-Flycatcher (Lead-coloured F) Myioparus plumbeus A handful at Dindefelo. Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica A handful at Wassadou Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla Twos near Fongolimbi and Dindefelo. White-crowned Robin-Chat ◊ Cossypha albicapillus One at Dindefelo and a couple at Wassadou. European Pied Flycatcher (Pied F) Ficedula hypoleuca Three in the southeast. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Noted on six dates, mostly in the north. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus A couple at Djoudj. Anteater Chat (Northern A C) Myrmecocichla aethiops Noted on four dates after the first near Kebemer. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe Oenanthe Numerous in the north. Northern Wheatear ◊ (Seebohm's W) Oenanthe [oenanthe] seebohmi Two males near Podor. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica A male near Podor, rather scarce in Senegambia. Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris Several in the southeast.


Mangrove Sunbird (Brown S) Anthreptes gabonicus A handful at the Saloum Delta mangroves. Western Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes longuemarei Several at Dindefelo and Kedougou. Pygmy Sunbird ◊ Hedydipna platura Fairly numerous in the south. Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis Small numbers at Dindefelo. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis Several at inland sites.

Speckle-fronted Weaver and Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Gareth Rees)

Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus Widespread, often common. Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus Two at Wassadou and several near Toubacouta. House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus Seen on five dates. Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus Noted almost daily. Sudan Golden Sparrow ◊ Passer luteus Common in the north. Sahel Bush Sparrow Gymnoris dentata Common in dry inland areas. White-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis albirostris Fairly common and widespread. Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis Ten near Kebemer, two near Podor and six near Touba. Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis A handful at Sandicoly Heuglin's Masked Weaver ◊ Ploceus heuglini A couple near Kedougou. Vitelline Masked Weaver Ploceus vitellinus Noted on five dates at widespread localities, some nesting. Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Locally common. Black-headed Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus Especially common in wetter areas in the north. Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps At least two near Fongolimbi, northern leuconotus. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Abundant in the north, plenty elsewhere too. Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer Several identified at Wassadou. Black-winged Red Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus A few in the southeast. Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus Common in dry country in the south. Yellow-mantled Widowbird*** Euplectes macroura At least two near Dindefelo. Red-winged Pytilia ◊ Pytilia phoenicoptera One at Wassadou. Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba Singles near Touba and Kaolack. Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata A few in the north, more numerous in the south. Black-bellied Firefinch ◊ Lagonosticta rara Two at Dindefelo. Bar-breasted Firefinch ◊ Lagonosticta rufopicta Three or four for one boat at Wassadou. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Common in the south. Black-faced Firefinch ◊ Lagonosticta [larvata] vinacea Brief views for some near Kedougou. Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus Noted on 12 dates. Lavender Waxbill ◊ Estrilda caerulescens Several in the southeast and a few near Toubacouta. Orange-cheeked Waxbill* Estrilda melpoda Several at Wassadou and Dindefelo. Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes Quite co mon at Wassadou, several more near Missrah. Orange-breasted Waxbill* (Zebra W) Amandava subflava A pair near Ross Bethio. Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis Great views as we approached Djoudj. African Silverbill (Warbling S) Euodice cantans Widespread, sometimes common..


Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullate Noted on three dates in the south.

Sudan Golden Sparrows (Chris Kehoe) and Quailfinch (Gareth Rees)

Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeate Noted on seven dates. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura Small numbers near Kedougou. Sahel Paradise Whydah ◊ Vidua orientalis A smart male north of Touba.


Exclamatory Paradise Whydah ◊ Vidua interjecta Up to 15 at Maka Yop were presumably this species. Western Yellow Wagtail (Yellow W) Motacilla [flava] flavissima Several in the north. Western Yellow Wagtail (Blue-headed W) Motacilla [flava] flava Several in the north Western Yellow Wagtail (Spanish W) Motacilla [flava] iberiae Quite numerous at Djoudj and the Marigots. White Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alba Several in the north. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp Small numbers at Wassadou. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris One near Podor. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Ones and twos at Djoudj and Bango. White-rumped Seedeater ◊ Crithagra leucopygia Twenty near Kebemer and 10 near Touba. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica Small numbers on five dates. Gosling's Bunting ◊ Emberiza goslingi Several near Kedougou. MAMMALS Total number of mammals recorded: 17 Green Monkey (Callithrix M) Chlorocebus sabaeus Common at Wassadou, several elsewhere. Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas Prominent at Djoudj, a few elsewhere. Guinea Baboon Papio papio Common and noisy at Wassadou. West African Red Colobus Procolobus badius Small numbers at Wassadou. Four-toed Hedgehog Atelerix albiventris One as we travelled to Kedougou. Gambian Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus gambianus Small numbers on four dates. Striped Ground Squirrel (Geoffrey's G S) Xerus erythropus Noted on seven dates. Marsh Mongoose Atilax paludinosus One at the Saloum Delta. Gambian Mongoose Mungos gambianus One at Wassadou. African Golden Wolf Canis anthus Two at Djoudj. Gambian Giant Pouched Rat Cricetomys gambianus One at Kedougou Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus Several at Djoudj. Red-flanked Duiker Cephalophus rufilatus One at Wassadou. Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus A couple north of Kedougou. Yellow-winged Bat Lavia frons Noted at Wassadou. Gambian Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus gambianus Two at Bango and several roosting at Keur Saloum. African Manatee Trichechus senegalensis Fleeting views at the Saloum Delta.

Cricket Warbler (Chris Kehoe)

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SENEGAL 20 REP - birdquest-tours.com...overlooking the Senegal River and Mauretania beyond. Little Grey Woodpecker and Sennar Penduline Tit – two scarce Sahelian specialities (Chris