09/05/2020 Photos from the Eastern Cape, South Africa

With thanks to Christelle who took these photos of birds in their garden during the lockdown at the beginning of May.

The Crowned hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus) or sometimes it seems to be called (Lophoceros alboterminatus),  A little confusing to say the least of it.

As above...

As above...

It looks like they are feeding young.  The youngsters stay with their parents for about 8 weeks so this would certainly be the end of their Autumn in South Africa...

As above...

As above.

This bird was taken on the same day, some discussion over ID, but I think it is one of the Weaver family that is either young or maybe some type of Leucism,

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Mrs Blackbird prepares for a date......

Day 45 of lock-down.

Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)...

Mmmm the water is a bit low but I guess it will have to do...

Maybe deeper than I thought...

Splish splash...

Now to groom those feathers...

Trying to be a contortionist...

 Oops that feather is out of place...

Now a good stretch...

Right my friend, where did that husband of mine go to?

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I'd Rather B Birdin

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My Corner of the World

25/04/2020 A change from lock-down photos and a return to South Africa

These are photos that I did not publish previously as they were not particularly good, but I needed a change from the garden!!

Natal spurfowl or Natal francolin (Pternistis natalensis)...

As above, not a good shot but it helped with ID.

Red-crested korhaan or Red-crested bustard (Lophotis ruficrista).

Saddle-billed stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis).

Southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas)...

As above.

Yellow-billed storks (Mycteria ibis).

A family of Bateleur eagles (Terathopius ecaudatus). Looks like this pair successfully raised two young.

As above.

Emerald-spotted wood dove (Turtur chalcospilos).  The only record I got of having seen one!

Namaqua dove (Oena capensis) male.

Red-headed weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps) female.  Sadly I did not get to see the male which truly does have a redhead.

Steppe buzzard (Buteo vulpinus).

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All photos from the garden.....

Lockdown is continuing until 11 May so these birds may have a lot of photos taken of them by then...

Mrs Blackbird takes a bath...

Common blackbird (Turdus merula).

As above...

As above...

That feels better.

Mr Blackbird as well, they must have a date, lucky them...

Buzz off Mr Sparrow I got here first...

Cold feet...

No, not really so bad...

Splish splash...

Right now where are we going?

Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto).

European greenfinch  (Chloris chloris)...

As above...

As above...

Eurasian magpie or common magpie (Pica pica).

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My Corner of the World

Not much change, still in lock-down and all birds in the garden.

Common blackbird (Turdus merula)....

As above - yum yum lunchtime...

As above.

Great tit (Parus major).

Common Wood Pigeons (Columba palumbus)...

A little too big to fit in the bath!!

Common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), male.

Common Magpie (Pica pica).

Little owl (Athene noctua) - in hiding 🦉

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Joining up with 

Wild Bird Wednesday

I'd Rather B Birdin

and 

My Corner of the World