Go hang out at 10,000 Birds and check out my latest post on WONDERFUL WEAVERS.Why Some Birds Cross the Road /
Strolling through the Serengeti on a fine day. The sky darkens as the short rains arrive and flush the lowlands. Common Ostrich seem uncommonly hurried as they strut in formation across the plains.
They aren't the only ones. In the distant grass, moving, searching, a Cheetah lopes along with purpose.
There have been records of a band of Cheetah brothers hunting together and taking down Ostrich... but the odds aren't anywhere close to even today. Still, it pays to listen to that little instinct that moves you further away from predators.
Strutting becomes running and then the Ostrich take full flight, as only they can.
Fischer's Lovebirds at Ndutu /
Fischer's Lovebirds are surprisingly hard to see sometimes. It's amazing, considering their technicolor plumage, that they can disappear into the treetops. On the other hand it is remarkably easy to know they are around because they never seem to stop chattering. These birds were digiscoped near Lake Ndutu, southeast of the Serengeti.
They chatter because they are highly social creatures. When they do emerge seeing them isn't a problem but tearing yourself away is. They are pretty captivating.
This group was foraging together near what appeared to be nest cavities.
This sleepy fellow makes an appearance in the video below. He was falling asleep in the sun in between sessions of frenetic preening. One of the nice things about the video is the soundscape at Ndutu - there are birds everywhere.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/36002266 w=590&h=332] Video digiscoped with a Canon Powershot Elph 100 and a Swarovski ATM 65.
Lovebird in an action stance.
Lilac-breasted Roller /
Rollers are the size of jays with the alertness of a flycatcher, the predatory instincts of a shrike, and the beauty of a sunbird. Plus they are common in Tanzania. Have I mentioned I love Tanzania?
Seeing prey in the grass below the Roller glides off his perch while keeping a close eye on me.
It devoured something in the tall grass and then it rose again.
On the lookout once more.
Greater Kestrel /
Locally known as the White-eyed Kestrel. Photographed in the Serengeti.