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
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Black-Bellied Bustard (Korhaan)
Blue Crane (the National Bird)
African Pygmy Kingfisher
African Jacana
African Green Pigeon
African Hoopoe
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!
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