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The Birds of Kruger (she said)

10 Jan 2012 by Heather

Lake Panic

The untold story of birds at Kruger (posted a bit late …)

When two of us luck into Jessica Van Putten as a guide to Kruger National Park, we are delighted to learn of her passion for the birds of Kruger. Although we normally think of large beasts when we think of Africa, the assortment of birds we observe on our trip amazes us. We spot six different types of eagles and actually capture three of them in photos!

Bateleur
Tawny Eagle-2
Tawny Eagle
African Fish Eagle

Kent and Jessica at Lake Panic

We stop at the bird blind at Lake Panic on our first afternoon in the park. This placid lake teems with birds along with the resident hippos and crocodiles. A whole colony of weaver birds gatheres grass and weaves their hanging nests in a large tree next to the water. Photographers sit quietly, waiting to capture their elusive subjects. It’s so good, we return shortly after dawn the following morning, making it the only place we visit twice in Kruger National Park. It has to be one of the most beautiful, peaceful spots in the entire world.

Over the next three days, Jessica points out and identifies a wide variety of birds. We even see one she had not seen before — it wasn’t even in any of the bird books Jessica brought with her! Here is a slide show with some of our better bird photos. Apologies in advance for any mis-identification of the birds. Please let us know if you know something we don’t!

Weaver Bird
Weaver Bird-2
African Green-backed Heron (photo courtesy Jessica)
African Jacana (photo courtesy Jessica)
Burchell's Coucal (photo courtesy Jessica)
Cape Glossy Starling (photo courtesy Jessica)
Egret
Egyptian Goose
Goliath Heron
Green Doves
Guinea Fowl
Plover
African Jacana (photo courtesy Jessica)
Plover
Water Thicknee
Woodland Kingfisher (photo courtesy Jessica)
Yellow-billed Stork
Southern Ground Hornbill (photo courtesy Jessica)
Red-backed Shrike
Ostrich
Cape Glossy Starling (photo courtesy Jessica)
Guinea Fowl
Malachite Kingfisher (photo courtesy Jessica)
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