Rare migratory bird from Finland found dead in Siaya village

A rare migratory bird believed to have flown over 6,000 kilometres from Finland landed in Usalo village in West Yimbo, Siaya county on Wednesday but was later found dead.

Walter Tende, a resident of the lakeside village, said he spotted the bird's body and noticed it had two rings on its legs, one metal and one plastic, which made him suspect it was under scientific study.

"I've always thought all birds were from here. It never occurred to me that some come from foreign countries and leave again," he told The Standard.

Details from the metal ring identified the bird as having been tagged in Helsinki, Finland. Tende believes it had been trapped in a fishing net before it was killed by unknown people.

This is not the first time an unusual migratory bird has landed in the area.

In January 2020, an Osprey from Europe was also discovered in Usalo.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, there are seven known migratory bird catchment zones in Kenya including Lakes Nakuru, Naivasha, Bogoria and Elementaita.

Lake Victoria's catchment area has not previously been considered among them, although the recent sightings suggest it could be a potential migratory stopover.