Black-collared Barbet

This thick billed bird is the Black-collared Barbet. While it is very hard to see in this picture, the top bill actually has something of a tooth formed in it, that allows it to cut thru some of the thick casings on the African seed pods.

 

 

Bearded Scrub-robin

The house that has so generously given to us for the time we are here, is four bedrooms, four bath with a huge second level deck all the way around 3 sides of the house. It is a great place to sit and watch the wildlife that wanders thru.  Several evenings and a couple of mornings I have spent time just sitting there listening to the calls, and getting to see Zebra, Impala, Duiker, Warthogs, Kudu and Vervet Monkeys all wander by. There are also quite a few birds that have shown up, including this Bearded Scrub-robin, that was putting on quite a show.

 

 

Burchell's Coucal

My very first Kruger NP bird would be the Burchell’s Coucal. It appears to be something of a cross between a small hawk and a shrike. It sits on the top of a tree or dead tree, and dives on its prey, or sometimes it just wanders around in the deep grass looking for something to eat.

 

 

Eastern Nicator

One of the more bashful birds that I have run across is the Eastern Nicator. The first one I got to see, ever so briefly was near the house. Since then I have managed to spot a few here and there, but almost always skulking around in the bushes. Too bad, as they are a lovely bird.

Kori Bustard

There are several birds that while they are capable of flying, pretty much choose not to. Secretarybirds, bustard and Korhaans are a good example. They wander thru the grass and brush, looking for bugs, lizards, and small rodents. The first one that I got to see was the Kori Bustard, wandering close to the road early one morning.

 

 

White-crowned Tchaga

This interesting bird, with the funny name has such a beautiful voice. It sits along the side of the road, at the tip of a small bush or tree and just sings its heart out. A couple of times we have stopped the car to just sit and watch and listen.

 

 

 

 

The local Vultures

I have been able to photograph three different Vultures, the Cape Griffon, the White-backed Vulture, and the Hooded Vulture. Many of these birds are still nesting, whether it is building their nests are just sitting on them.

 

Here is the Cape Vulture

 

 

Here in the White-backed

 

And this is the Hooded Vulture