Aloha! I am back in the islands after my second once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Okavango and Linyanti wilderness of northwest Botswana. I have to say that re-entry into my work life and also into the blazing insanity that is American politics after two weeks of wildlife photography is jarring to say the least. This diary as all my diaries here is meant primarily as a respite from the craziness and as a reminder that we share this fragile planet with some incredible creatures.
For my first Botswana diary I am sticking primarily to some of the beautiful birds of the Okavango Delta.
Dawn
Pied Kingkisher (Ceryle rudis)
They hover over the river channels and suddenly plunge and crash into the water.
This lucky fellow managed to snag two fish at once.
Ooops. Lucky but not that skilled.
Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata)
How about this amazing little bird?
Skilled bird, unlucky frog.
Gulp.
A very full little bird.
Lilac-Breasted Roller (Coracias caudata)
They get the name roller for their acrobatic rolling aerial displays.
Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
Ok, is someone catching these things and painting their bills bold warm colors?
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
This bird was dancing around the river channel catching small fish. I shot enough frames to luck into this shot, one of my favorties from the whole trip.
Dickinson's Kestrel (Falco dickinsani)
Pearl Spotted Owl (Glaucidium perlatum)
Little Bee-Eater (Merops pusillus)
Thanks so much for visiting here. I hope I brought a little calm and beauty into your day (well aside from fish/frog violence).
Feel free to treat this as a community photo diary and please be good humans.
Days End
If you have a problem with this diary I refer you to the Complaint Department.
or her backup...
(yes, I photographed more than just birds. More to come)