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Momodou
Denmark
11809 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 20:47:46
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Two New Species of Birds Spotted in The Gambia
By Lamin Jobaate
A team of bird Experts from the West African Bird Study Association (WABSA), have confirmed the presence of two new species in the Gambia at Atlantic Hotel bird garden. They are Mr Lamin Jobaate, the Executive Director, Mr Solomon Jallow, the president and Mr Sering D Bojang of WABSA.
On the 14 of February 2008, a Grayish Eagle owl (Bubo cinerascens), made its third appearance in the hotel garden, 4 days later i.e. The 18th of February an unusual species was also sighted in silhouette. Mr Jobaate alerted some of the bird photographers in the hotel, to keep an eye on an unusual species in the garden. On the 24th of February, Mr Chris Bowman, made a first picture of the bird and it happened to be a European Robin (Erithacus rubecula). Mr Jobaate then called Mr Jallow and Mr Bojang to come and see the wonderful discovery in the Atlantic Hotel bird garden. On the 25th of February, they both were present in the garden and luckily for them the two species were seen and were confirmed.
We look at the behaviour of the Robin to check whether it appeared that it was caged and brought to The Gambia, but according to our own Observation the bird may not have been caged, as it behave very elusive, not approachable. Although these might not be a sufficient justification, because according to some of the guests in the hotel from UK, Robins are territorial and normally visit gardens and get closer to search for worms when people are digging their gardens, and at times they can even stand on their working tools in the garden.
Some Description Of The Two Birds
Grey Eagle Owl Bubo Cinerascens : A medium to large size bird uniformly grey and brown, finely barred underpants become more bold on the chest, dark grey legs, white spots on shoulder and the wing, dark brown eyes with ear tuffts.Recorded in The Gambia few years ago.
Stand in the same tree and branch which is prominent and provide a better cover for them.
European Robin Erithacus rubecula ; uniformly olive brown upper parts and tail, warm orange -red face and breast. Lower underpants, dirty huffish, becoming paler at the center of the belly.
First recorded in The Gambia, nearest place of records is Mauritania.
The picture of the Robin was taken from the Bamboo in a tree in the garden, a plant which has been in the Garden since the time of Clive R Barlow the initiator of the bird garden and the Author of Birds of The Gambia and Senegal.
The Gardner Doudou Bojang also saw it to several guests in the hotel including Mr Francis and his wife who took several pictures of the two species
Several staff of the hotel were informed about the new discoveries in the garden including the General Manager of the Hotel Mr sylvain Chauvet.
Some of the guests were approached by Mr Jobaate to share their views about the European Robin, and according to Linda Penda, the robins are associated with winter; that it is also a festive bird; that when people see the Robin in UK they know that Christmas is not far away, and during Christmas many greeting cards have the picture of the Robin.
While some species of birds sing a welcoming song to these two new species in the Garden, the young vulture which is almost 3 months old is struggling hard to make it’s first flight from the nest to join the rest, what a big fun.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 37/2008, 31 March – 1 April 2008
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