Sunbird

The call of the variable sunbird (Cinnyris venustus), tew-tew-tew-tew-tew, is a common sound in equatorial Africa. These flashy little avians perch in the highest branches of the trees and are not shy in announcing their presence.

The male, shown here, is brilliant. His blue-green "metallic" head and nape is contrasted by a yellow belly.

The needle-like curved beak of the sunbird is perfect for extracting nectar from flowers, as is its tubular tongue.

I spotted this one enjoying the sprinkler in the yard of our lodge, just outside Arusha, Tanzania.

Stilt

I spotted this Black-winged Stilt in the slapping waves of Lake Magadi in Ngorogoro Crater, Tanzania. The sharp beak, black-white contrasting feathers, and long spindly legs make this bird memorable--and well suited for mud foraging.

Lake Magadi is a soda (or alkaline) lake, favored by stilts and other African waders.

(I wish you could see how goofy long his legs are. You would know why he is called a "stilt"!)

Back to Work after a Three-day Weekend

Not sure what this gangly Black-headed heron is up to, but he's all scrunched-up and fluffed-out! Ardea melanocephala is a solitary hunter, but roosts in groups. I found the individual below with 10-15 companions in a tree in the northern Serengeti.