Street Birds!

I do not often post bird images on this channel as I have a separate birding channel (on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook @christiansperkabirding), but I thought I introduce you to twelve colourful birds, which can often be seen on – or next to – roads on a game drive at Thanda Safari. So, here we go (From top left to bottom right):

⁃ Crested Guineafowl (large, chicken-like, and living in groups)

⁃ Fork-tailed Drongo (a small insect-hunter, specialising in following large animals … or cars … to catch stirred-up prey)

⁃ African Hoopoe (very striking looking, and likes sand-bathing in the middle of the road)

⁃ Yellow-throated Longclaw (know for its long claws and bright yellow feathers)

⁃ Red-backed Shrike (one of the easiest ones to spot, sitting on branches in the sun, often on eye level)

⁃ Lilac-breasted Roller (very good insect hunter, mostly to be seen in the dry season)

⁃ Helmeted Guineafowl (another one of the bush chickens with a turkey-like head)

⁃ Crowned Lapwing (a very noisy ground nester)

⁃ Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (another sand-bather, often to be found displaying on top of trees)

⁃ European Roller (a seasonal visitor, only to be seen in the wet season)

⁃ Burchell’s Coucal (also called the rain bird. Its calls announce rain!)

⁃ Cape Glossy Starling (showing off its beautify blue color only in direct light)

To bring binoculars on safari is most rewarding as one can really enjoy looking closely at the smaller creatures with all their colours and textures. That is why I provide binoculars to every one of my guests on game drive!

No detailed technical data today, but all these images were taken with Canon cameras with either a EF f4/500mm lens or a RF f11/800mm lens

#amazingwildlife #africansafari #safarigetaway #christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari #big5 #gamereserve #wildlifephotography #learnphotography