Tag: christian sperka

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Not supposed to be there! – Bird of the Day – Malachite Kingfisher

It is always very exciting to see a bird in an area where it usually does not occur. Malachite Kingfishers are one of the aquatic Kingfisher species. They live on Rivers or other large bodies of water. Finding one on Thanda Safari – Private Game Reserve was a very special treat for our bird-loving guests. Bheki (my Zulu tracker) spotted it at the waterhole near my home.

These are not my best Malachite Kingfisher images, but they are very special to me!

To view more of my Malachite Kingfisher images go to http://www.sperka.biz/sgb10

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The Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) is an aquatic, small Kingfisher which is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara. It is only 13 cm (5.1 in) in length. This species is common to reeds and aquatic vegetation near slow-moving water or ponds. The flight of the Malachite Kingfisher is rapid, with the short, rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies low over water. The call of this kingfisher is then a short shrill seek. The breeding song is a chuckling li-cha-cha-chui-chui.

Malachite Kingfisher

 

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Pakamisa Youngsters

Just a few weeks ago Pakamisa celebrated the birth of two new horses. A boy and a girl 🙂

During my recent stay I got to take a few images of the the two youngsters and their mums. And just for fun I have included some wildlife images I took during the stay in the gallery.

Enjoy them!

Running along mummy …
Very alert …
Enjoying the gardens …
Enjoying the sun …
With the herd …
Showing off …
Lots of energy …
Funny jump …
Greeting guests …
Speedy youngster …
An older gentlemen …
For once not the back-side ….
Traffic jam Pakamisa style …
Evening light …
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On Bheki’s hands …

What is the little creature on my tracker Bheki’s hand. Not the fly, the other one?

What does it eat and how does it hunt?

Let’s see who gets it right!

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LONG LIVE THE KING – Africa Geographic Magazine

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Nine of my Lion images got published in the recent issue of Africa Geographic Magazine. The pictures accompany an article by ecologist and science journalist Cheryl Lyn Dybas titled the LONG LIVE THE KING – LAST ROAR OF AFRICA’S LIONS.

As a partner photographer for Panthera, the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 38 wild cat species, I had been asked to contribute to this story about the plight of Lions in West and Central Africa. And I was very happy to do so!

An interesting and important – but very sobering – article!

http://magazine.africageographic.com/weekly/issue-88/long-live-the-king/ 

#africageo #pantheracats #panthera #christiansperka

 

 

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Bird of the Day – African Fish Eagle

The sound of Africa: African Fish Eagle – This picture was taken at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu Natal (St.Lucia Estuary).

To view more of my African Fish Eagle images go to http://www.sperka.biz/sgb9

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The African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of open water occur that have an abundant food supply. It is the national bird of Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Sudan.

This species resembles the North American Bald Eagle in appearance.

The African Fish Eagle is a large bird, and the female, at 3.2-3.6 kg (7-8 lbs) is larger than the male, at 2-2.5 kg (4.4-5.5 lbs). The adult is very distinctive in appearance with a mostly brown body with a white head like the Bald Eagle and large, powerful, black wings. The plumage of the juvenile is brown in colour, and the eyes are paler compared to the adult. The feet have rough soles and are equipped with powerful talons in order to enable the eagle to grasp slippery aquatic prey.

Coat_of_arms_of_Zimbabwe.svg Coat_of_arms_of_Zambia.svg  Coat_of_arms_of_South_Sudan.svg

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Bird of the Day – Purple-crested Turaco

A shy and very beautiful bird: Purple-crested Turaco. The Zulus call it Gwala Gwala, which means coward, describing its behavior at slightest disturbance 🙂 This picture was taken at Mkuze Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

To view more of my Gwala Gwala images go to http://www.sperka.biz/sgb8

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The Purple-crested Turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus) is the National Bird of the Kingdom of Swaziland, and the crimson flight feathers of this and related Turaco species are important in the ceremonial regalia of the Swazi royal family. It has a purple colored crest above a green head, a red ring around their eyes, and a black bill. The neck and chest are green and brown. The rest of the body is purple, with red flight feathers. Purple-crested Turacos live in woodland and evergreen forests. They eat mainly fruit.

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