Willem’s Bird Photography blog (#15)

Interesting variation of African mourning dove (Rooioog tortelduif)( Streptopelia decipiens)

I’ve decided to “resuscitate” my bird photography blog but with a twist. I will not continue with a weekly blog but rather post some interesting and sometimes not so interesting (simple portraits) photos of different birds in the environment. To start the “new” approach to the blog series – I recently photographed this interesting colour variation of an African mourning dove at Tshokwane picnic spot in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. There were three of these doves around the picnic spot. It is the first time I saw such a colour morph of this dove – very interesting.

Sony A1 with Sony 200-600mm lens with 1.4 convertor = 840mm, ISO 1000, f9, 1/2500.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
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A few minutes later a “normal” African mourning dove landed on one of the “braaiers” in the picnic spot – just to compare the two doves, the same type of dove.

Sony A1 with Sony 200-600mm lens with 1.4 convertor = 840mm, ISO 1000, f9, 1/2500.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
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This is another photo I took on the Chobe River of two African mourning doves a few years ago (10 years if I am not mistaken)

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens & Nikon 1.4 convertor = 850mm, ISO 1600, f8, 1/6400.
Chobe Nature Reserve, Botswana
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Interesting facts:

Note the red-eye and the yellow eye of the dove. Confusing species are the Red-eyed dove and Ring-necked dove.

The distribution map of the bird in Southern Africa:

http://www.biodiversityexplorer.info/birds/columbidae/streptopelia_decipiens.htm

Until next week – keep an eye on the birds and keep on shooting.

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography Blog: Week #14

Week #14: Greater Painted-snipe

I’ve just returned from a photography safari to Mashatu game reserve in the Northern Tule Block in Botswana with Albie Venter and C4 Images & Safaris. And another lifer for me – a Greater Painted-snipe (Goudsnip) (Rostratula benghalensis). Not sure how common the bird in South Africa is, but I did enjoy the sighting tremendously.

 

Greater Painted-snipe

Nikon D4 camera, Nikkor 600mmf4 lens, f4, ISO 640, 1/5000 sec, exposure = -0.67, 11.9 meters from subject

Possibly male bird with sub-adult chick as chicks tend to stay with male for almost 12 months

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Interesting facts:

Medium-sized, plump wading bird. Long reddish-brown bill, slightly decurved at tip, and distinct white or pinkish eye patch. Rounded, buff-spotted wings and short tail. White of breast extends up around top of folded wing. The painted-snipe is not related to the true snipes and differs from them in habits, flight and appearance, being far more colorful and having longer legs than the snipes.

Usually found close to the fringes of reed beds along shorelines of marshes, swamps, ponds and streams. Solitary or in pairs, sometimes in groups of up to 12. Rather shy and retiring, skulking close to the vegetation so that it can retreat to cover if disturbed. When flushed, flies like a rail with legs dangling. Bobs hindquarters on landing and sometimes when walking. Probes for food in the mud.

The female initiates courtship and may mate with more than one male. The nest is usually a shallow scrape in soft ground, lined with plant material and situated among grass or reeds at the water’s edge; sometimes a pad of vegetation or a nest of grass and weeds. The breeding season is between April and July. The male incubates the eggs. Immature birds resemble the male but lack the broken dark band across the breast. Males are also known to carry the chicks to safety under the wings. (Wikipedia)

The chicks leave the nest about 12 hours after they hatch, sticking close to the male, who provides them with food for at least the first 10 days (at which point they start to forage for themselves). The male may also perform distraction displays if a predator approaches. They fledge at about 30-35 days old, remaining with the male for another 1-2 months. (http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/rostratulidae/rostratula_benghalensis.htm)

 

Map – distribution:

http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/rostratulidae/rostratula_benghalensis.htm

 

Until next time – keep on shooting

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography blog (#13)

Week 13: White-crowned Lapwing (Witkop kiewiet)(Vanellus albiceps)

This week a very interesting and sometimes a confusing bird – the white-crowned lapwing. Not very common in South Africa but a beautiful bird.

 

Lapwing with butterfly 1

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens & Nikon 1.4 convertor = 850mm, ISO 800, f8, 1/3200, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 10 meters from bird

Chobe Nature Reserve, Botswana, March 2013

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Lapwing with butterfly 3

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens & Nikon 1.4 convertor = 850mm, ISO 800, f9, 1/3200, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 12 meters from bird

Chobe Nature Reserve, Botswana, March 2013

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Lapwing with butterfly 2

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens & Nikon 1.4 convertor = 850mm, ISO 800, f9, 1/3200, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 12 meters from bird

Chobe Nature Reserve, Botswana, March 2013

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These images above are showing some interesting behaviour from the lapwings. They are busy catching butterflies on the bank of the Chobe River. When a lapwing did catch a butterfly, the bird took the butterfly to the water, dipped it in water before swallowing it.

 

Other interesting facts:

This lapwing is unmistakable. Its wings and tail are strikingly patterned in black and white, the back is brown and the underparts white. The head is particularly striking, being mainly grey, but with a white crown and foreneck. The eyering, facial wattles and legs are yellow. Females, males and young birds are similar in plumage. It is a wader which breeds on exposed sand or shingle near rivers. 2–3 eggs are laid in a ground scrape. The nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders, up to and including the hippo. (Wikipedia)

It can easily be mistaken by the African Wattle Lapwing (Lelkiewiet) but its white and not brown breast separate it from the African Wattle Lapwing. The white crowned lapwing also does not a red spot above its beak.

Monogamous, defending a linear territory along the river bed. The nest is a shallow scrape in a damp sandbank, occasionally lined with small sticks and pebbles. It is typically placed in the open, occasionally adjacent to a driftwood or vegetation. Egg-laying season is from July-November, peaking from August-October. It lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both sexes for at least 26 days, although they are often left unattended (sometimes in the hottest part of the day). The chicks can feed themselves within 24 hours of hatching and are cared for by both parents, who become increasingly aggressive towards intruders. Near-threatened in South Africa, largely due to decreased river flow, which is probably caused by afforestation, invasive plants and obstruction by man-made structures (such as dams).

http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/charadriidae/vanellus_albiceps.htm

 

The distribution map http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/charadriidae/vanellus_albiceps.htm

 

Until next week – keep an eye on the birds and keep on shooting.

 

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography blog (#12)

Week 12: African Mourning Dove (Rooioogtortelduif)(Streptopelia decipiens)

A very common bird in Africa south of the Sahara this week – the African Mourning Dove.

 

African mourning dove

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens, ISO 1600, f8, 1/6400, exposure = -1.0, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 15 meters from birds

Chobe Nature Reserve, Botswana, November 2011

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Interesting facts:

The Mourning Collared Dove (Streptopelia decipiens) is a pigeon which is a widespread resident breeding bird in Africa south of the Sahara. However, they are more common in the northern part of South Africa.

Despite its name, it is not a close relative of the North American Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura. This species is common or abundant near water. They often mingle peacefully with other doves. The Mourning Collared Dove is a largish, stocky pigeon, up to 31 cm in length. Its back, wings and tail are pale brown. The head is grey and the underparts are pink, shading to pale grey on the belly. There is a black hind neck patch edged with white. The legs and a patch of bare skin around the eye are red. (Wikipedia)

The African mourning dove lives in small areas in the northern half of southern Africa, where it is locally common. It lives in moist savanna, cultivated areas and riverine Acacia woodland. Its diet consists mostly of seeds, with very small amounts of fruit and insects. The female builds a nest of twigs, leaves and roots, the male gathering the material. It lays 1-2 eggs, which are incubated for 13-14 days (recorded in captivity). The chicks stay in the nest 15-18 days. (http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/columbidae/streptopelia_decipiens.htm)

They are quite common or abundant near water. Its flight is quick, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in general. Their stick nest placed in trees, often mangroves. The average clutch consists of two white eggs. African Mourning Doves feed on grass seeds, grains and other vegetation. They usually forage on the ground, and often in groups. http://beautyofbirds.com/africanmourningdoves.html

 

The distribution map http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/columbidae/streptopelia_decipiens.htm:

 

Until next week – keep an eye on the birds and keep on shooting.

 

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography blog (#11)

Week 11: Red crested korhaan (Boskorhaan)(Lophotis ruficrista)

A very common bird in the northern parts of South Africa this week – the Red-crested Korhaan.

 

Red-crested Korhaan

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens, ISO 800, f4, 1/4000, exposure = 0, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 8 meters from bird

Mokala Nature Reserve, Northern Cape South Africa, November 2012

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Red-crested Korhaan foraging

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens, ISO 1000, f4, 1/5000, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 6 meters from bird

Mokala Nature Reserve, Northern Cape South Africa, November 2012

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Still on my bucket list – getting an image of a male during his courtship with his red crest exposed.

 

Interesting facts:

The Red-crested korhaan is near-endemic to southern Africa, being uncommon to locally common in a range of woodland habitats. It is omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates, especially termites, beetles and grasshoppers, and plant matter, especially seeds and fruit, foraging on the ground, picking up food items with its bill. http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/otitidae/lophotis_ruficrista.htm

All in an effort to advertise undisputed control over his territory and to attract the opposite sex as a result, the male starts vocalizing on the ground with an ascending piping call. All of a sudden and as the call reaches a crescendo it then flies vertically up into the sky. On reaching a certain height the korhaan merely folds its wings, and plummets back down towards terra firma, body seemingly prone – almost as if having been shot in mid-air. Shortly before hitting the ground, it opens its wings for a soft, elegant landing. Rather impressive and the reason it is sometimes called the suicide bird. http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/blog/posts/courtship-dance-of-red-crested-korhaan

Polygynous, with each male performing an elaborate courtship display to multiple females, some of which he will mate with. The male puts on a spectacular courtship display to multiple females, who solely incubate the eggs and raise the chicks. It lays 1-2 eggs directly on the ground often among dense leaf-litter, which are incubated solely by the female, for about 22 days, and little is known about the chicks

http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/otitidae/lophotis_ruficrista.htm

 

The distribution map http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/otitidae/lophotis_ruficrista.htm:

 

Until next week – keep an eye on the birds and keep on shooting.

 

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography blog (#10)

Week 10: Dark capped Bulbul (Swartoog tiptol)(Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor)

This week I am back in South Africa with the bird of the week. It is all about the more common garden bird – the common or dark capped Bulbul.

 

Bulbul My seat

Nikon D700, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens, ISO 1000, f4, 1/3200, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 12 meters from bird

Underground elephant hide, Mashatu Nature Reserve, Botswana, July 201

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Interesting facts:

The Dark-capped Bulbul is mostly greyish-brown above and whitish-brown below, with a distinctive dark head and pointy crest on top of the head. The back of the head merges into the brown of the back, and the chin is also blackish. The underparts are grey-brown apart from yellow around the vent. It is about 18 cm in length, with a long tail. It has a dark brown head and upperparts. Sexes are similar in plumage (as evident in my photo). This species eats fruit, nectar and insects. (Wikipedia).

It occurs across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Chad to Ethiopia south to southern Africa. Here it is common to abundant across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Northern Botswana, the Caprivi Strip, the Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. It can occupy any habitat with adequate supply of fruiting trees and bushes, absent only from dense woodland or grassland with few bushes. It is particularly common in gardens, plantations and parks in and around human settlements. Monogamous and territorial, with males defending their territories against other males by lowering their wings and head and chasing the intruder. If the confrontation escalates into a fight, the males viciously peck and scratch each other, sometimes interlocking their claws in mid flight and falling to the ground.

The female builds the nest, which is a tidy and well-built cup built of rootlets, dry grass and twigs with an outer layer of spider web, and lined with finer plant material. it is typically placed on a branch or slung between a few twigs, generally concealed towards the edge of the canopy, often found in suburban gardens. Egg-laying season is from July-April, peaking around September-December. It lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated by the female for about 12-15 days, while the male regularly brings her food at the nest. The chicks are brooded almost constantly by the female at first, but thereafter both adults leave the nest repeatedly in search of food. The young stay in the nest for about 11-16 days, leaving before they can fly. At first they remain huddled together in the tree where the nest is placed, but soon they join their parents in foraging trips. http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/pycnonotidae/pycnonotus_tricolor.htm

 

The distribution map (http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/pycnonotidae/pycnonotus_tricolor.htm):

 

Until next week – keep an eye on the birds and keep on shooting.

 

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography blog (#9)

Week 9: African Barred Owlet (Glaucidium capense)

I cannot believe it has been a month since my previous weekly bird photography blog – I was just too busy to realise time is flying.

However, for this week’s bird, I am back in South Afrcia and this time in Mala Mala Nature Reserve next to the Kruger National Park. The bird is the not-so-often photographed African Barred Owlet, The image was taken during a predator photography safari organised by C4 Images & Safari with Greg du Toit as our guide. This was a lifer for me because I haven’t see this owlet since I’ve started having an interest in birds. According to Greg, this owlet is not often photographed – so I was very satisfied to get this image just before the owlet flew away.

 

African Barred Owlet

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens with Nikon 1.4 convertor = 850mm, ISO 640, f8, 1/2000, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 25 meters from bird

Mala Mala Nature Reserve, South Africa, April 2014

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Interesting facts:

With a length of 20 à 21 cm and a weight of 83 to 140 grams it is a small owl. It has no ear tufts. There is some sexual dimorphism in size, with the females being larger, but no differences in plumage. The species is most frequently found in woodland and forests, and on forest edges. It may also occur in more open savannah and along rivers. It is partly diurnal, and feeds mostly on insects, although small rodents and birds may also be eaten. (Wikipedia).

Their eyes are yellow. In many species the talons are, in relation to their size, very powerful. The facial disc is not very distinct. Some species have a large dark patch with a pale border on each side of the nape of the neck, looking like false eyes. Most frequently found in woodland and forests, and on forest edges. It may also occur in more open savannah and along rivers. Prefers woodlands, with sparse undergrowth, usually with a river or stream nearby. It uses natural hollows in trees as nests, about 6 m above ground. Nest is lined with feathers and leaves, Clutch size is 2-3 eggs, which are incubated in about 28-34 days by the female alone. The chicks fledge after 32-33 days, and are fed by both parents. At 42 days, they have learned to fly. (http://www.planetofbirds.com/strigiformes-strigidae-african-barred-owlet-glaucidium-capense)

 

Distribution map:

 

Until next week – keep on shooting!!!

 

 

 

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography blog (#8)

Week 8: African Pygmy Goose (Dwerggans)(Nettapus auritus)

Once again, this week we are staying north because I’ve just returned from another photography trip on the Chobe River with CNP. For next month’s bird we are looking at the very fast African Pygmy Goose (for those who tried to photograph them taking off or in flight will know what I am talking about).

 

Pygmy goose (female) with chicks

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens with Nikon 1.4 convertor = 850mm, ISO 640, f8, 1/2000, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 25 meters from bird

Chobe River, Nature Reserve, Botswana, March 2013

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Pygmy goose (Male) take off

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens with Nikon 1.4 convertor = 850mm, ISO 1600, f9, 1/6400, exposure = -1.0, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 32 meters from bird

Chobe River, Nature Reserve, Botswana, November 2011

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Pygmy goose (Male) take off 2

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens with Nikon 1.4 convertor = 850mm, ISO 1600, f8, 1/5000, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 15 meters from bird

Chobe River, Nature Reserve, Botswana, March 2014

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Pygmy goose (Male) take off 1

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens, ISO 2500, f11, 1/2500, exposure = -1.0, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 15 meters from bird

Chobe River, Nature Reserve, Botswana, March 2014

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Interesting facts:

It is the smallest of Africa’s wildfowl, and one of the smallest in the world. It has the average weight of about 260-285 grams. The African Pygmy Goose is known to be nomadic. It can be found across a wide area of sub-Saharan Africa. It prefers inland wetlands with vegetation such as water lilies. It sometimes occupies open swamps, farm dens, river pools, and estuaries (Wikipedia).

The species usually nests in solitary pairs but is commonly found in small family groups outside of the breeding season. The species nests in natural hollows or the disused holes of barbets and woodpeckers in trees, preferably those standing in or close to water. It may also nest in other cavities such as holes in cliffs or termites mounds, in the disused nests of Hamerkop, or in ground sites such as papyrus stands or grass clumps. Elevated nests are usually up to 10 m (occasionally 20 m) above the ground. The species will also nest in artificially erected nest boxes (http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=415). Females compete for nest sites, resorting to fighting one another if necessary. Egg-laying season is September to April.

Ducklings have very sharp claws and are able to climb vertical wooden surfaces. They jump from the nest when the female calls them from below the nest. Only the female looks after the young although the male is in the vicinity to drive off intruding males. By 65-70 days the young have fully developed flight feathers (http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/anatidae/nettapus_auritus.htm)

The distribution map (http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/anatidae/nettapus_auritus.htm):

 

Until next week – keep an eye on the birds and keep on shooting.

 

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography blog (#7)

Week 7: Lilac-breasted Roller (Gewone troupant)(Coracias caudatus)

We are staying north for next month’s bird but they can be found elsewhere in northern part of South Africa – the Lilac-breasted Roller:

 

Roller breakfast

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens, ISO 1000, f7.1, 1/2000, exposure = -0.33, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 15 meters from bird

Chobe River, Nature Reserve, Botswana, November 2011

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Roller breakfast 2

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens, ISO 1250, f7.1, 1/3200, exposure = -0.33, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, 15 meters from bird

Chobe River, Nature Reserve, Botswana, November 2011

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Interesting facts:

It is widely distributed in sub-Sahara Africa, preferring open woodland and savanna; it is largely absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds and rodents moving about at ground level. Nesting takes place in a natural hole in a tree where a clutch of 2–4 eggs is laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defence of their nest, taking on raptors and other birds. During the breeding season the male will rise to great heights, descending in swoops and dives, while uttering harsh, discordant cries. The sexes are alike in coloration. Juveniles do not have the long tail feathers that adults do. It is the national bird of Botswana and the group gets its name from the aerial acrobatics some of these birds perform during courtship or territorial flights.  (Wikipedia) All rollers, including the lilac breasted rollers, are highly territorial. They are also thought to be monogamous. (http://www.sabisabi.com/wildfacts/lilac-breasted-roller)

The distribution map:

 

Until next week – keep an eye on the birds and keep on shooting.

 

Willem’s Weekly Bird Photography blog (#6)

Week 6: Little sparrowhawk (Klein sperwer)( Accipiter minullus)

We are moving a bit more north for this month’s bird – the Little Sparrowhawk:

 

Little Sparrowhawk

Nikon D3S, Nikkor 600mmf4 fixed lens, ISO320, f5.6, 1/500, exposure = -0.67, WB = sunlight, Aperture mode, on beanbag from elephant hide

Mashatu Nature Reserve, Botswana, July 2012

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Interesting facts:

It is the world’s smallest Accipiter and is possibly the smallest member of the diverse Accipitridae family (Wikipedia). The little Sparrowhawk is the smallest of the family of Sparrowhawk and goshawks, weighing between 74 to 105 grams (2.6 to 3.7 ounces). Sparrowhawks have thin, fine legs, long toes and needle-sharp talons. Short, broad wings and a long tail give them great maneuverability flying through woods. They prey on small birds and insects that they catch midair, while flying through the trees at high speed. The indigestible parts of their prey become small parcels called pellets, which they regurgitate on the ground near their eating places (http://switchzoo.com/profiles/littlesparrowhawk.htm). This species has an extremely large range and they can be easily confused with the larger African Goshawk.

The distribution map:

 

Until next week – keep an eye on the birds and keep on shooting.