Wileli House and Conservancy

Wileli House and Conservancy Treasured by those who appreciate the magnificence of nature and the joy of simply letting go, Wilel

16/06/2024

Happy Father's Day!

12/05/2024

You are an epitome of strength, grace, and unconditional love,

The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large bird of prey native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its ...
26/01/2024

The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large bird of prey native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its striking appearance and distinctive hunting behavior.

The secretary bird is characterized by its long legs, which resemble those of a crane, and a crest of feathers on its head, giving it a distinctive appearance.

It has a mostly gray body with black accents on the wings and thighs, while the tail feathers are edged with black and white. The face is covered in red and yellow skin, and it has a hooked bill.

The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its d...
25/01/2024

The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its distinctive appearance and unique hunting behavior. Here are some key features and facts about the secretary bird:

Appearance: Secretary birds have a tall and slender build, standing about 1.3 to 1.5 meters (4.3 to 4.9 feet) tall. They have long legs with black feathers, and their body plumage is predominantly gray. Their head is adorned with black feathers and a crest of long, thin feathers resembling quill pens.

Hunting Behavior: Secretary birds are terrestrial hunters and are known for their ability to kill snakes, hence their name. They use a combination of stomping and kicking with their powerful legs to dispatch their prey. They also feed on other small animals like insects, rodents, and birds.

Habitat: These birds inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and plains. They are most commonly found in areas with tall grasses and shrubs, which provide cover for their prey.

Social Behavior: Secretary birds are typically solitary or found in pairs. They have been known to engage in courtship displays that involve aerial displays, dancing, and mutual gift-giving of sticks and grass.

Conservation Status: The secretary bird is currently listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, degradation, and persecution. It is protected in many African countries, and conservation efforts are underway to safeguard its populations.

Owls hunt throughout the night in deserted places such as cemeteries, run-down farms, and other open areas. The diet of ...
24/01/2024

Owls hunt throughout the night in deserted places such as cemeteries, run-down farms, and other open areas. The diet of many owls consists mainly of rodents and other small animals. Prey is usually eaten whole, but the whole prey is not digested. An owl's digestive tract compresses the undigested portions of the prey, such as fur and bone, into a compact pellet that the owl coughs up and expels through its mouth.

Instead of building nests, owls simply take over the abandoned nests of other birds. Barn owls frequently inhabit structures such as barns, belfries, and deserted buildings. They also nest in the crevices of cliffs, inside hollow trees, and inside dense evergreen trees during cold weather.

Antelopes are noted for their beauty, grace, and speed in running. Most are distinguished by upswept, back-curving horns...
23/01/2024

Antelopes are noted for their beauty, grace, and speed in running. Most are distinguished by upswept, back-curving horns.

Their coats of hair are usually golden, reddish tan, or gray, often with white beneath and on the face and rump. Some are strikingly marked.

When a leopard spots a potential meal, it approaches with the head low and legs bent, so as not to be seen.It then stalk...
22/01/2024

When a leopard spots a potential meal, it approaches with the head low and legs bent, so as not to be seen.

It then stalks its prey carefully and quietly, until it’s five to ten metres within range, then it pounces. The leopard makes a brief and explosive forward dash of up to 60km/hr. It takes down its victim with a bite to the neck.

Wildlife species roam across a mosaic of vast and varied landscapes that include protected areas, community, private and...
19/01/2024

Wildlife species roam across a mosaic of vast and varied landscapes that include protected areas, community, private and public land. These landscapes provide habitat for wildlife and vital ecosystem services that support rural development.

Africa's land is more than picturesque. It provides critical habitat and ecosystem services that wildlife and people need to thrive.

The herons are long-legged, long-necked, freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae, with 72 recognised species...
18/01/2024

The herons are long-legged, long-necked, freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae, with 72 recognised species, some of which are referred to as egrets or bitterns rather than herons. Members of the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus are referred to as bitterns, and, together with the zigzag heron, or zigzag bittern, in the monotypic genus Zebrilus, form a monophyletic group within the Ardeidae. Egrets do not form a biologically distinct group from herons, and tend to be named differently because they are mainly white or have decorative plumes in breeding plumage. Herons, by evolutionary adaptation, have long beaks.

The classification of the individual heron/egret species is fraught with difficulty, and no clear consensus exists about the correct placement of many species into either of the two major genera, Ardea and Egretta. Similarly, the relationships of the genera in the family are not completely resolved. However, one species formerly considered to constitute a separate monotypic family, the Cochlearidae or the boat-billed heron, is now regarded as a member of the Ardeidae.

Although herons resemble birds in some other families, such as the storks, ibises, spoonbills, and cranes, they differ from these in flying with their necks retracted, not outstretched. They are also one of the bird groups that have powder down. Some members of this group nest colonially in trees, while others, notably the bitterns, use reed beds. A group of them is called a "siege.

Zebras, iconic members of the horse family known for their distinctive black and white striped coats, boast several fasc...
17/01/2024

Zebras, iconic members of the horse family known for their distinctive black and white striped coats, boast several fascinating features. Despite their visually striking appearance, each zebra's stripe pattern is unique, much like human fingerprints. These social animals are highly communicative, using various vocalizations, facial expressions, and body movements to convey emotions and establish bonds within their tight-knit groups.

Zebras are formidable runners, reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h (40 mph), making them well-equipped to evade predators in the African savannas where they predominantly reside. Surprisingly, zebras are not just black and white on the outside – their skin underneath the fur is black. Additionally, these herbivores play a crucial role in the ecosystem by influencing the composition of grasses through their selective grazing habits.

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a formidable reptile found across various freshwater habitats in Africa, pa...
16/01/2024

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a formidable reptile found across various freshwater habitats in Africa, particularly in the Nile River and its surrounding waterways. These impressive creatures are known for their sheer size, with males reaching lengths of up to 16 feet or more. Their iconic appearance includes a robust body, powerful tail, and a set of formidable jaws lined with sharp teeth. The Nile crocodile is a skilled and opportunistic predator, preying on a diverse range of animals that venture near the water, including fish, birds, and even large mammals like wildebeest during migration.

One fascinating aspect of Nile crocodiles is their nesting behavior. Female crocodiles construct mound-shaped nests along riverbanks, using vegetation and mud to create a warm, protective environment for their eggs. The temperature of the nest plays a crucial role in determining the s*x of the hatchlings – warmer temperatures generally produce males, while cooler temperatures result in females. This unique aspect of their reproductive biology showcases the intricate adaptation strategies of these ancient creatures.

Despite their fearsome reputation, Nile crocodiles are essential to maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats, and their conservation is vital for preserving the biodiversity of African ecosystems.

Trust in your abilities, tackle each challenge one step at a time, and before you know it, what once seemed impossible w...
15/01/2024

Trust in your abilities, tackle each challenge one step at a time, and before you know it, what once seemed impossible will be a remarkable achievement. Your determination and perseverance will turn the impossible into the conquered.

Embrace the challenges ahead with confidence, for you have the power to turn the 'impossible' into 'done.'"

Did you know Pangolins are endangered with some of its sub species on the edge of extinction?The word Pangolin comes fro...
13/01/2024

Did you know Pangolins are endangered with some of its sub species on the edge of extinction?

The word Pangolin comes from ‘penggulung,’ the Malay word for roller – the action a pangolin takes in self-defence. When startled, a pangolin swiftly covers its head with its front legs, bravely exposing its sharp scales to any potential predator!

What other facts do you know about Pangolins?

The African Openbill is a medium-sized, all-dark stork with a mostly greenish gloss and a uniquely-shaped bill that crea...
12/01/2024

The African Openbill is a medium-sized, all-dark stork with a mostly greenish gloss and a uniquely-shaped bill that creates a diagnostic gap between the two halves of the bill. Its flight is slow and labored. The long neck and feet separate it from other dark waterbirds.

It prefers still waters in shallow lakes, swamps, and seasonal pans, where it uses its odd bill to extract snails and mussels from their shells. A resident, migrant, and nomad; massive numbers can suddenly appear when conditions are favorable.

The spotted hyena is the largest species of hyena. They are primarily hunters, not scavengers. They usually hunt alone h...
11/01/2024

The spotted hyena is the largest species of hyena. They are primarily hunters, not scavengers. They usually hunt alone however clans will hunt together to catch larger prey. They are also good opportunistic hunters.

In case of an encounter with one, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) advises to counter the attack through the use of these safety tips:

1. Stop. Don’t run. As a predator, it will instinctively chase away animals that run.
2. Don’t lie down or pretend to be dead. This will increase its curiosity.
3. Try not to show your fear. Keep yourself calm by talking to it.
4. Hyenas are nocturnal. Minimize movements at night.
5. Don’t move away until the hyena does, and when you do continue to face its direction.
6. If it growls or giggles, stand your ground. Never run away, but don’t move any closer.
7. Make a loud noise, look aggressive and frightening, as if you are going to attack.

Image Courtesy: KWS

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. With a wingspan ran...
10/01/2024

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. With a wingspan ranging from 140 to 160 centimeters, these raptors exhibit a distinctive appearance characterized by dark plumage, deeply forked tails, and a hooked beak. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open country, grasslands, forests, and urban areas. Black kites are known for their impressive soaring abilities, often riding on thermals to cover large distances during migration.

These birds are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, preying on a diverse diet that includes small mammals, insects, birds, and carrion. Their scavenging behavior often leads them to human settlements, where they scavenge for food scraps and waste. Black kites are skilled aerial hunters, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from great heights before swooping down to capture it.

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. With a wingspan ran...
10/01/2024

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. With a wingspan ranging from 140 to 160 centimeters, these raptors exhibit a distinctive appearance characterized by dark plumage, deeply forked tails, and a hooked beak. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open country, grasslands, forests, and urban areas. Black kites are known for their impressive soaring abilities, often riding on thermals to cover large distances during migration.

These birds are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, preying on a diverse diet that includes small mammals, insects, birds, and carrion. Their scavenging behavior often leads them to human settlements, where they scavenge for food scraps and waste. Black kites are skilled aerial hunters, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from great heights before swooping down to capture it.

The African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) is a fascinating bird species found across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a variety...
09/01/2024

The African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) is a fascinating bird species found across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a variety of ecosystems from woodlands to savannas. Recognized for its brood parasitic behavior, the female African Cuckoo lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, exploiting their parental care to raise its own offspring. The unsuspecting host birds often raise the cuckoo chicks alongside their own, as the young African Cuckoos mimic the appearance and behavior of their foster siblings, ensuring a successful integration into the host family.

Remarkably, the African Cuckoo has evolved to lay eggs that closely resemble those of its chosen host species. This adaptation increases the likelihood of the host birds accepting the foreign eggs as their own. Once hatched, the young cuckoos may even eliminate the host's own chicks, ensuring that they receive undivided attention and resources.

This behavior showcases the intricate coevolutionary dynamics between the African Cuckoo and its host species in the complex ecosystem of sub-Saharan Africa.

Dare to venture into uncharted territory by stepping beyond the confines of your comfort zone. Embrace the uncertainty, ...
08/01/2024

Dare to venture into uncharted territory by stepping beyond the confines of your comfort zone. Embrace the uncertainty, for it is often within the unknown that magic and success unfold, rewarding those bold enough to take the leap.

Have a fruitful week ahead!

Bush babies, also called galagos, are small, saucer-eyed primates that spend most of their lives in trees. At least 20 s...
06/01/2024

Bush babies, also called galagos, are small, saucer-eyed primates that spend most of their lives in trees. At least 20 species of galago are known, though some experts believe many are yet to be discovered. Also known as nagapies, which means “night monkeys” in Afrikaans, all galagos are considered nocturnal.

Along with their big eyes, which help them see in low light, bush babies are adapted to nocturnal living with their large, collapsible ears that rotate independently like radar dishes to zero in on prey in the dark. The animals are ace jumpers, using powerful legs and extremely long tails to spring great distances. This allows the primates to move quickly through the forest canopy or sn**ch flying insects out of the air.

The yellow-billed stork is a large wading bird found in Africa south of the Sahara as well as Madagascar.It belongs to t...
05/01/2024

The yellow-billed stork is a large wading bird found in Africa south of the Sahara as well as Madagascar.

It belongs to the family Ciconiidae and has three other species in its genus – Mycteria americana, Mycteria cinerea and Leptoptilos javanicus.

This majestic bird stands at an average height of up to 1 meter with a wingspan that can reach 2 meters wide.

Its plumage is predominantly white with black flight feathers that contrast against its bright yellow bill for which it is named after.

The Yellow-billed Stork feeds on fish, frogs, insects and small reptiles like snakes by probing deep into mud or shallow water bodies using its long beak.

These captivating birds are also known to form colonies during their nesting season from August until October where they build nests out of sticks atop tall trees near wetlands or riversides.

The Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) is a large and distinctive Old World vulture found primarily in arid regi...
04/01/2024

The Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) is a large and distinctive Old World vulture found primarily in arid regions of Africa, ranging from the Sahel to South Africa. With a wingspan of up to 3 meters (10 feet), it is the largest of the African vultures. Recognizable by the prominent fleshy lappets hanging from its neck, it has a bald head and a powerful beak adapted for tearing tough carcass skin. Lappet-faced Vultures play a crucial role in the ecosystem by scavenging and efficiently cleaning up carrion.

Their keen eyesight helps them locate carrion from great distances, and they often dominate other vulture species at carcasses due to their larger size and more robust bill. Unfortunately, like many vulture species, Lappet-faced Vultures face threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, and electrocution from power lines, contributing to their decline in certain areas. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these remarkable scavengers.

The Woodland Kingfisher is a beautiful bird, native to Africa south of the Sahara. It was first described in 1766 by Car...
03/01/2024

The Woodland Kingfisher is a beautiful bird, native to Africa south of the Sahara. It was first described in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus who called it Alcedo senegalensis.

This tree kingfisher has an attractive blue and white plumage with some red and black markings on its wings, tail and head.

The male also has a bright orange beak which helps to distinguish him from the female whose beak is yellowish-green.These birds can usually be found in wooded areas near water sources such as rivers or lakes where they hunt for food including fish, frogs, small insects and even lizards.

They build their nests either high up in trees or inside holes dug out of banks near rivers and ponds. Although not threatened yet, these lovely creatures need our protection so that future generations will have the chance to marvel at them too.

New adventures are just around the corner. Happy New Year! ✨May 2024 open the door to extraordinary opportunities. Wishi...
01/01/2024

New adventures are just around the corner. Happy New Year! ✨

May 2024 open the door to extraordinary opportunities. Wishing you health, wealth, and blessings all year long.

The Northern Carmine Bee-eater is a beautiful bird with striking colors. It has bright red and blue plumage, with the th...
29/12/2023

The Northern Carmine Bee-eater is a beautiful bird with striking colors. It has bright red and blue plumage, with the throat being predominantly carmine in color.

This species of bee-eater can be found throughout northern tropical Africa, from Senegal east to Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.

It was previously assumed to be closely related to the Southern Carmine Bee-eater which has a scarlet colored throat instead of blue as seen in this species.

The Northern Carmine Bee-Eater feeds on flying insects such as bees and other small creatures that it catches midair using its sharp claws and bill for grabbing them quickly before they escape.

Turacos are a unique bird family that inhabit tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. They are also known as “banana...
28/12/2023

Turacos are a unique bird family that inhabit tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. They are also known as “banana-eaters” or “loeries” in southern Africa, due to their diet which consists mostly of fruit such as plantains.

These birds have an interesting semi-zygodactylous foot structure – the fourth toe can be switched back and forth while the second and third toes remain conjoined.

Turacos come in different sizes depending on species but they all generally boast bright colors like green, blue, purple or red feathers with vibrant yellow eyes.

In addition to being beautiful creatures, these birds make loud calls during mating season which makes them even more special.

The Lilac-breasted Roller is a spectacular bird native to Southern and Eastern Africa, with occasional appearances in th...
27/12/2023

The Lilac-breasted Roller is a spectacular bird native to Southern and Eastern Africa, with occasional appearances in the southern Arabian Peninsula.

With its bright purple chest plumage and distinct black stripes on its wings and tail feathers, it stands out among birds of the same family.

It is usually found alone or in pairs perched atop trees or other high viewpoints, often used as lookout points for predators.

This species prefers open areas such as woodlands and savannas; it avoids treeless places like deserts due to their lack of protection from potential dangers.

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas! 🎄

In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. Here’s wishing that your festive season is warm and bright. We hope that the next year is full of blessings and bright lights in your life.

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Moi North Lake Road
Naivasha
20117

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