Saturday 28 July 2012

Bird Brains

Hello Again,

People who travel to Namibia come for a variety of reasons.  One of the most active group of tourists that come to Namibia are birders. 

These are folks who focus on our feathered friends and enjoy naming them, observing them, tracking them or researching them.  I am no expert on birds, but when you are on a game drive in Etosha National Park or in other parts of Namibia, the 'game' that is most present, yet most unappreciated, are the birds.

My personal favourite bird in all of Namibia is the lilac breasted roller.


My friend Pauline took this photo....

This guy sits up on bear upper branches of trees. He east the usual bugs and insects.  He gets eaten by some eagles and falcons.  Sad to think of such a colorful and beautiful bird getting eaten, but that is the circle of life.

When he flies away his wings are just stunning!  He is turquoise and teal, with mauve, lavender and other shades of purple... His breast and underbelly are... of course... lilac.

When you come to Namibia, make sure to buy a birding book and/or have a guide who can tell you the name of various birds that you will see while here.

You don't have to be a birder, to learn a bit about birds, learn to appreciate them and start seeing them as a necessary part of any 'game drive.'

When you come.... Tell 'em Jackie sent you!

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