The Bale Mountains possess many habitats rich in birds, particularly the Harenna Forest which has been little studied. More than one hundred and sixty species of birds are known from the Park area, but their number is certain to be added to considerably in the future. Since the Bale Mountains are isolated from other similar habitats in Africa by low and dry areas, many endemic species are found. At least twenty-three species of birds are known to be endemic to Ethiopia. No less than fourteen of these species are known to occur in the Bale Mountains National Park area, and several are easily seen every day.

Amongst the endemics, the more commonly seen only are mentioned here. The Blue-winged Goose and Rouget's Rail are found near any water be it stream or high mountain lake, at all altitudes. The noisy Wattled Ibis occurs in most muddy places busily probing for food with its long curved bill. Large numbers roost on high, cliffs in the mountains every night. The beautiful Spot-breasted Plover is found in large numbers in the wet season on the Sanetti Plateau, and large flocks of the White-collared Pigeon feed on the ground here at the same period. The weird-Iooking Thick-billed Raven is a denizen of most villages, and usually finds your camp at any altitude. The colourful little green and red Black-winged Love-birds are seen in large numbers in the forest areas, while the larger Yellow-fronted Parrot is less often seen in the same habitat. The strident ringing calls of the shy Abyssinian Catbird betray its presence in forest. Close observation in the Gaysay grasslands and beside the main road will reveal the Abyssinian Long claw -a drab little bird, but with a smart yellow bib. The high plateau is characterized by large flocks of the little black and yellow Black-headed Siskin.

Gaysay

This area derives its name from the little Gaysay River that flows into the Web near Dinsho. It consists of Boditi peak at the southern end of the Lajo Spur, and the flatlands each side of the Gaysay River at the mountain's base. The main road crosses part of the Gaysay area, just before reaching Dinsho. The entrance gate lies beside (north of) the main road seven kilometers before the village, coming from Shashamenne. A small track from the gate leads you across the Gaysay River and then divides at the base of the mountain. The eastern arm affords good views of the plains west of the Web River and goes for four kilometres to the northern boundary fence at the small Albabo stream. Colobus monkey are often seen in the Hagenia forest before the first stream crossing. There is a small photographic hide that is ten minutes walk up the first stream through lovely Hagenia trees. The left fork of the track goes for three kilometres to the northern boundary fence around the west flank of Boditi. There are good views of the Gaysay valley and its associated marshes brimming with reedbuck. Fine views can be had to the north of the Gaysay