Too Many Lion Blogs

Lest we forget...Katavi is getting greener, to say the least, and a short stroll around the camp can yield some spectacular birding opportunities.

 

On the edge of camp, a female African grey hornbill tries to deal with a tasty praying mantis...

...and skulking in the undergrowth, an elusive Collared Palm Thrush sings a tune...

...more often heard than seen, this Red-chested Cuckoo inflates it's throat to call, "It will rain!"

Peering out from camp to the edge of the grassland, we see a Southern Ground Hornbill on a stroll of her own.  The lovely blue throat patch is a female characteristic. 

 

Scanning the Chada plain beyond the hornbill, we can easily spot this Black Coucal, contrasting its surroundings in its striking, seasonal breeding plumage.

Turning back to scan the bushes, my first ever photo opportunity with a Yellow-bellied Greenbul presents itself.  A real highlight of the walk!  Rarely does this bird show itself in the open.

I know, I know, but what is a bird walk without a few seconds to stop and admire the very common but no less stunning Lilac-breasted Roller.

And, the piece de resistance, Bohm's Bee-eater!  A common species in some parts of Africa, including at our own Sand Rivers Selous camp, but in Katavi they seem to be isolated to a single bend in the Kavuu river at the very end of the Chada plains.

Thanks for joining our bird walk.  Til next time...