Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers

Just a quick pic I snapped at my parent's house in Pennsylvania. A Hairy Woodpecker is the larger bird on the left, and the smaller bird on the right is a Downy Woodpecker. As you can see, the two species are almost identical except for the size. My mom came up with an easy way to remember it though. Downys are Diminutive, and Hairys are Huge. Hope that helps you remember, and have a happy new year!

South African Birding (continued)

Birding Kruger Park!


This is the 3rd posting of pictures of our birding trip to South Africa with Nestling Tours and Avian Leisure. Included here are photos from traveling through the regions known as the Tanqua Karoo, the Langeberg Mountains, the west coast, the Agulhas Plain, the Grootvadersbosch Forest, the Gargen Route, and the famous Kruger Park.


Pictures here are a few of 348 species we observed and photographed, many of which are endemic. My traveling companion Bill Eden and I found pristine bio diverse environments rich in bird, insect, floral, and the highly sought after "big five mammals." We were fortunate to see African Elephants, Cape Buffaloes, Rinos, Lions, and Cheetas. We did miss out on the Leopard. Maybe next time.



All posted pictures taken with a Leica V Lux 1 camera.






















Yellow-Billed Stork catches a fish. Just as I pressed the shudder.















Stripped Kingfisher in Kruger Park













Spotted Thick-Knee














Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill
































Southern Masked Weaver




























Secretarybird



Scarlet-Chested Sunbird

Long-Crested Eagle

Lilac-Breasted Roller

Knysna Turaco

Black-Bellied Bustard (Korhaan)

Blue Crane (the National Bird)

African Pygmy Kingfisher

African Jacana

African Green Pigeon

African Hoopoe