A Morning with Birds: Exploring Ilashe with the NCF–Lekki Bird Club

The morning air over Ilashe was calm and refreshing, carrying the soft rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds hidden deep within the mangroves. As the first rays of sunlight stretched across the island, binoculars were raised, notebooks opened, and a quiet sense of anticipation settled among participants. It was the perfect start to a day dedicated to discovering the rich birdlife of one of Lagos’ most serene coastal landscapes.

More Than a Hobby: Why Birdwatching Matters

Birdwatching has steadily grown into more than just a recreational activity. Across the world, it plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and citizen science, enabling everyday people to contribute meaningfully to tracking bird populations and understanding ecosystems.

In Nigeria, organisations such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute continue to champion birdwatching as a powerful tool for building ecological awareness and inspiring conservation action.

One of such initiatives is the NCF–Lekki Bird Club, a vibrant community of bird enthusiasts, researchers, students, and conservation practitioners united by a shared passion for avian life.

A Day at Ilashe

On the morning of March 14, 2026, members of the NCF–Lekki Bird Club gathered at Ilashe, a picturesque island along the Badagry Creek in Lagos. Known for its lush vegetation and diverse habitats, Ilashe offers an ideal setting for birdwatching and environmental learning.

The activity began at about 8:00 a.m., with participants setting out across wetlands, forest edges, and open vegetation. Each step into the landscape revealed a new layer of biodiversity, turning the island into a living classroom where theory met real-world observation.

The Experience: Nature in Motion

Armed with binoculars and smartphones, participants relied on the eBird app to document their sightings which include logging species, tracking abundance, and capturing geospatial data in real time.

The wetlands came alive with water-associated birds, their movements synchronized with the gentle rhythm of the creek. Along the forest edges, flashes of colour and sudden bursts of song hinted at hidden species among the trees. Open vegetation areas revealed insectivorous and omnivorous birds actively foraging, offering participants a chance to sharpen their identification skills.

Every sighting sparked excitement. Whether it was the glide of a raptor overhead or the quick dart of a kingfisher near the water’s edge. The experience was immersive, requiring patience, focus, and a deep appreciation for the subtle beauty of nature.

Highlights from the Field

Over the course of the exercise, an impressive 51 bird species were recorded, reflecting the ecological richness of Ilashe.

Some standout sightings included:

• The striking Blue malkoha, moving stealthily through dense foliage
• The powerful African harrier-hawk, soaring gracefully above the canopy
• The elusive African cuckoo-hawk, a rare delight for observers
• The migratory Eurasian whimbrel, spotted along the wetland margins
• The vibrant, Blue-breasted kingfisher, adding flashes of colour to the landscape

Images of Oriole warbler (hypergerus atriceps) and Blue-breasted kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica).

Images of African harrier-hawk( Polyboroides typus) and the Black-crowned Tchagra(Tchagra senegalus).

These species, among many others, showcased the island’s importance as a habitat for both resident and migratory birds.

Building a Community of Conservationists

Beyond the birds, the activity fostered meaningful connections among participants. Students, researchers, and conservation enthusiasts exchanged knowledge, shared observations, and learned from one another in a collaborative environment.

Such interactions are essential for building a strong network of conservation advocates. Individuals equipped not only with knowledge but also with the passion to protect Nigeria’s natural heritage.

Why It Matters

Activities like this go far beyond a day in the field. They serve as powerful platforms for:

• Promoting environmental awareness
• Encouraging hands-on learning
• Strengthening public engagement in conservation

By connecting people directly with nature, birdwatching helps cultivate a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and underscores the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems like those found in Ilashe.

Raising Ambassadors for Conservation

As the sun climbed higher and the morning drew to a close, the sounds of birds gradually softened into the background. Yet, the experience lingered etched in the memories of everyone who took part.

The Ilashe birding activity was more than an observation exercise; it was a reminder of the beauty, complexity, and value of the natural world. And with every sighting recorded and every lesson learned, participants left not just as observers, but as ambassadors for conservation.