Saw quite a few birds in the last few days in Botswana, but the most amusing one was the Grey Go away bird.
It is pretty big and not shy of humans but his amusing call is what catches the attention. (don't miss the moon)
The bird is named for its alarm call "Kuh-we" which sounds like "go-away" and is thought to alarm other species of approaching predators or other dangers such as hunters. You can hear the call at the start of the video.
I found these mouse birds eating (or rather destroying) the flowers of the Moringa tree (drumstick) Their activity was more of destructive nature as they were not eating them but just plucking it and spitting it
The sunbirds too come in flocks looking for the Moringa flowers
This Little Bee eater was sitting pretty, well protected by those thorny branches and pretty flowers
Talking of thorns, I was standing under a thorny tree when I saw this masked weaver bird flying in and out with green leaves busy weaving his nest. I got some bottom view of his activity where he was modelling his entrance door and spitting out the excess leaves.
While I was shooting the weaver, the Groundscrapper Thrush was eyeing me with some concern from the sidewalk.
The Crowned Plover got himself well camouflaged in the dry grass. His movements too were such that he used to stand still for a long time.
Towards the end of the video I managed to get a long shot of two Red-billed Buffalo Weavers up in the tree
These blue birds were pretty. I am assuming it is the blue waxbill finch
The next morning I was off again hoping to catch some early birds. I started off with the sunrise
Considering the array and variety of birds in Africa, there is a possibility of part 2 for this blog.
Birds are not something I know a lot about or have paid much attention too. I think most of that stems from not being close enough to them. If I had your camera/lens setup, I think I would know a lot more about them.
ReplyDeleteAs always, your pictures and video capture our full attention. I am enchanted by the Go Away bird and the moon, by the bird weaving its nest, the sunrise, the pretty blue birds, the birds looking for the Moringa flowers. What a beautiful variety of birds to be seen in Botswana! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!! Admire your patience....... 👍😊
ReplyDeleteI do love birds, and it was great to see so many varieties here. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Joe, especially as I myself saw them all. what about those angry looking sparrow-like birds hopping about the garden? They look so ready to poke you with their sharp beaks at the slightest provocation (but they don't).- Vimala Madon
ReplyDelete@Vimala Madon, The angry bird (scaly feathered finch) that you mentioned is there in the video at 4:00
ReplyDeleteA very nice variety of beautiful birds. The sunrise photo is absolutely beautiful. I like the video and listening to the bird. Thanks so much for sharing and have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely variety of birds, they are lovely.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Fabulous bird captures
ReplyDeleteI love birds!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and video.
Have fun!!
Excellent capture of birds' activities.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite the collection. It's fun to see what birds are about.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and writing!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and videos of these fascinating birds.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of these birds but they look nice and sound amazing never heard a bird sound like that before, thank you for sharing this information.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Very keen observation.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Joseph
Lovely photos, all! And all new to me as well. I love what our blog world introduces us to!
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures...Regards
ReplyDeleteJoe, wonderful pictures and very well written blog!
ReplyDelete