Vanishing Wings: Climate Change Dims Spirit of World Migratory Bird Day in Kerio Valley
Enthusiasts, conservationists, and students had travelled from across the country, including Nairobi, only to be met with near-empty skies.
Sospeter Kibiwoett a conservationist having a glimpse using his Binoclaurs to watch birds .
By Jessica Nyaboke
World Migratory Bird Day celebrations in Kerio Valley were marked with disappointment as only a handful of birds were spotted, a stark contrast to previous years.
Enthusiasts, conservationists, and students had travelled from across the country, including Nairobi, only to be met with near-empty skies.
Experts attribute the decline in bird sightings to the worsening effects of climate change, deforestation, and human encroachment.
Tugumoi Hills, a renowned observation point, was quieter than usual as birdwatchers strained their eyes and cameras in vain.
Chief Warden of Baringo County, William Kimosop, explained that Kerio Valley is part of a vital migratory corridor used by birds travelling from the Northern Hemisphere to southern Africa.
However, he noted that rising temperatures, habitat destruction, and dwindling tree cover have disrupted their migration patterns.
“Birds migrate just like humans seeking better conditions, but when their shelters—trees—are cut down, they are forced to change their routes,” said Kimosop.
He emphasized the need for community sensitization and sustainable conservation practices to preserve bird habitats.
Students and researchers from Nairobi University and local ICT staff joined the event, mounting cameras and binoculars in hopes of spotting some of the over 1,200 bird species that usually grace the region.
But with only a few resident birds like the African hawk, Tawny eagle, and Aygr Buzard sighted, the experience was underwhelming.
Angela Kimutai, a conservationist student, lamented the loss of traditional respect for birds. She highlighted that children continue to hunt birds for food, a practice she is working to reverse by educating school pupils about the ecological importance of birds.
“I’ve started an initiative to teach children about bird conservation. We even created an activity where children formed a tree branch with birds perched on nests to learn the value of protecting nature,” said Kimutai.
Teacher Veronicah Cherotich from Mwachon Primary School observed that the number of birds has dwindled significantly due to climate change. “Birds not only signal seasons, but they also represent life. Losing them means losing part of our ecosystem,” she said.
Ornithologist Sylvester Karemi noted that many bird species have aborted nesting this season due to harsh environmental conditions and food scarcity caused by habitat destruction.
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