Pied Kingfisher
This is my first view of a Pied Kingfisher. They are massive compared with the Common Kingfishers we see in the UK.
We’re lucky that it turns briefly and I can see its breast pattern. Otherwise I would only have seen it from the back.
What a special bird.
More on safari in Kenya
Topi There's a fast antelope called a Topi here. They often like to stand on hillocks, looking like sentinels. The only… read more
African Wattled Plover No sweat. That's the problem with being a bird. Humans have sweat gland which act to produce water which cools… read more
Plunge pools, Superb Starlings and sundowners Here at Mara Ngenche Safari Camp the luxury is embarrassing. A beautiful two-room tent with outside shower and private plunge… read more
Close to Lionesses I've already had the experience of a male Lion getting uncomfortably close to me on this safari. This time it's… read more
Common Ostrich In the distance, through the heat-haze, from a moving vehicle, wearing dirty glasses, the first thing I think is that… read more
A day of Giraffes, Drongos, Sacred Ibis, Coucals and Snake-Eagles Masai Giraffes are tall. There are four species of Giraffe and this one is native to the Masai Mara. I… read more
Spotted Hyenas It's my first view of Spotted Hyenas. What strange animals. They have such short back legs and long front legs.… read more
A Lion so close I could pet it There's a Lion in the Masai Mara and we're on safari to see it. Four of us are in an… read more
Hooded Vultures assemble There's a corpse in the long grass. We think it's the remains of a Buffalo. That means Hooded Vultures, Necrosyrtes… read more
My first views of wild African Elephants There is a small family group of Elephants in the distance. Seeing them in the landscape is something new for… read more
Black-Backed Jackals We're out on a safari drive in the Masai Mara in Kenya. Our guide and driver, Gladys, is an expert… read more