It is amazing how nature takes it’s course without human interference. A month ago we saw these rare white and black birds with red bills and feet feeding within the Conservancy. We didn’t take much interest after realising that they were Eurasian white storks, (Ciconia Ciconia), an European migrant. At first there were small numbers of birds. We didn’t recognize what they were feeding upon until we called the National Museums of Kenya and perused the Bird Book and we realized they feed on small insects, frogs, mice, rats and snakes.
European Whitestorks
Suddenly the numbers started to increase and the fields were white and black. We were interested to know what they were feeding on. We spotted Army worms (Spodoptera Frugiperda) which had invaded the area in large numbers. After the heavy rains there was healthy tall, green grass which we thought would be enough food for both Livestock and Wildlife till the next rains. This worms have attracted a number of birds species and in the Conservancy you will spot a variety of bird species such as Abdim stork, Marabou stork, sacred ibis, cattle egrets, grey wagtail, Lesser, greater and superb starlings and weaver birds feeding on them. Soysambu Conservancy is a birders’ paradise and now you can sit back, relax and listen to the sweet melodies from these satisfied birds The Army worms (Spodoptera Frugiperda) invaded the grassland and are feeding on the grass. You might mistake their impact on the grassland with a lawn mower as where they have eaten is now bare. The process of ‘eat and being eaten’ is in progress; Grass————-> Army worms————->White stork————-> Marabou stork. The Marabou Storks (the undertakers) stalk the White storks as they prey on the young ones and the weak. Though the Amy worms (Spodoptera Frugiperda) have already eaten up pasture for both livestock and Wildlife we are happy that nature is taking it’s course. The Conservancy is playing a great role in the eco-system. The storks conquer the Army worm before they eat this years maize crop. Maize farmers are happy, there is no need for artificial intervention and it ensures survival of other organisms that could have killed by use of chemicals. You cant miss the spectacular sights that nature has for us if we can find ways to coexist!
