A somewhat melancholy, often repeated melody from the dense undergrowth reveals the “tropical robin”. It is an East Coast Akalat (Sheppardia gunningi) of the subspecies sokokensis. We are in the so-called mixed forest. The beginning of our morning trip is not going well. However, a Red-legged Sun Squirrel (Heliosciurus rufobrachium), can be seen briefly on… Continue reading East Coast Akalat in the east-african lowland forest of Arabuko-Sokoke/ Kenya
Category: Bird Trips (Pictures & Stories)
What could be seen, what to see, the landscape…
Photographing Shining Blue Kingfisher at perch in Ghana
A blue twitch in the shadow of an overhanging bush directly near the path along the water. A Shining Blue Kingfisher (Alcedo quadribrachys) has established a perch just on a quite busy trail on an overhanging branch. The Shining Blue Kingfisher sits just 1m above water level – ie at eye level for us. A… Continue reading Photographing Shining Blue Kingfisher at perch in Ghana
Yellow-headed Picathartes: a mystical bird
In March 2019 I visited Ghana with Birdquest specifically to search for the White-necked Rockfowl – or Yellow-headed Picathartes – (Picathartes gymnocephalus). Previously, colonies of this bird sought by many avian enthusiasts had been recorded throughout the rainforest zone of western Africa. Ceaseless deforestation destroyed all known populations, and the bird was considered extinct in… Continue reading Yellow-headed Picathartes: a mystical bird
Etchécopar’s Owlet in Shai Hills Resource Reserve
The target area of the morning is the Shai Hills Resource Reserve. We try to manage to see the scarce local form of African Barred Owlet sometimes split as Etchécopar’s Owlet (Glaucidium etchecopari). While the morning was still fresh we left the van to search for the bird in the dense thickets at Bat Cave.… Continue reading Etchécopar’s Owlet in Shai Hills Resource Reserve
Mount Kupé Bushshrike – searching for a rare bird
One of the top birds of the Bakossi Mountains is Serle’s Bushshrike (Telophorus kupeensis) – better known as Mount Kupe Bushshrike. This fresh morning had started almost exactly like the previous, unsuccessful birding morning. But this time we take another trail. At the very beginning, we see the remains of a camp where scientists had… Continue reading Mount Kupé Bushshrike – searching for a rare bird
Pied Lapwing on sandbank near Porto Jofré/ Pantanal
A Lapwing is standing on a sandbar on the north bank of the Rio Cuiabá (on some maps, this section of the river also Rio São Lourenço). It is a conspicuous black and white colored small wader which obviously uses the southernmost end of the Transpantaneira as his homeground. The Pied Lapwing (Vanellus cayanus) is… Continue reading Pied Lapwing on sandbank near Porto Jofré/ Pantanal
South Luangwa Nationalpark/ Zambia
Eventually we are standing on the Luangwa Bridge. Crocodiles sunbathe on the other side of the river, baboons and impalas roam through the woods. The call of the African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is the final proof. That’s Africa!, Luangwa Bridge offers already great photo opportunities. The Luangwa Bridge leads into the park. Immediately you… Continue reading South Luangwa Nationalpark/ Zambia
Chucao Tapaculo in Patagonia
A thicket of bamboo, ferns, mushrooms and moss in the interior of the forests of Patagonia offers many animals hiding places. The king of the forests is the Chucao Tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula), a small bird with an artistic and loud reputation typical of the rainforests of southern Chile. However, normally it lives very hidden and… Continue reading Chucao Tapaculo in Patagonia
Kori Bustard in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Early spring sees life returning to the thirsty bushveld landscape in the Taita Hills. Knob-thorn trees (Acacia nigrescens) in full bloom dot the landscape in their yellow splendor, and birds too experience a renewed surge of energy. One day I saw a male Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori) displaying in some distance from the road. I… Continue reading Kori Bustard in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Superb Starlings in flight near Lions Bluff Lodge/ Kenya
The waterhole at the Salt Lick Lodge attracts an impressive number and diversity of animals and birds. Nevertheless, we do not last long in the lounge area within the lodge. A little later we move in the afternoon heat again. Many other tourists also go to Lions Rock. There are few alternatives. “Feeding forbidden“ a… Continue reading Superb Starlings in flight near Lions Bluff Lodge/ Kenya
Yellow flycatcher (Erythrocercus holochlorus) im Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, at Kenya´s east coast
After paying the fee to enter the Arabuke Sokoke Forest at Gedi Forest Station Visitors’ Bureau, we want to look at a small piece of woodland just beyond the ranger post. It is now 6:15 a.m.. So pretty early. It would not be worth it much sooner. There are thick clouds in the sky. We… Continue reading Yellow flycatcher (Erythrocercus holochlorus) im Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, at Kenya´s east coast
African skimmers in the Chobe Nationalpark/ Botswana
Morning haze lays over the wide river plain. Perched low on a Sandbank dozens of black and white colored birds with a strikingly long red bill are standing. These are the long-awaited African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris). When we’ve left the river bend for a while, the whole flock starts moving with a heavy, powerful wing… Continue reading African skimmers in the Chobe Nationalpark/ Botswana