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Weavers

Along with the Southern Red Bishops, the Weavers kept me entertained and happily snapping away while they went about their business.  The amount of bird life was fabulous when we were in Zambia and as well for our day trip into Botswana.  Such an amazing variety of bird life, and such extraordinary colours and patterns on the feathers.  I can’t want to return!

A group of weavers alongside the Zambezi River. One of them looks like it's trying to climb the grass, rather than fly to a new spot! 1/4000sec, f5.6, ISO400
A group of weavers alongside the Zambezi River. One of them looks like it’s trying to climb the grass, rather than fly to a new spot!
1/4000sec, f5.6, ISO400
I haven't been able to figure out what type of weavers these are, but they were in abundance in the tall grasses next to my room at Royal Chundu. 1/640sec, f5.6, ISO200
I haven’t been able to figure out what type of weavers these are, but they were in abundance in the tall grasses next to my room at Royal Chundu.
1/640sec, f5.6, ISO200
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Southern red bishops

Last April I was lucky enough to stay at the Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge, and just outside of my room there was a fabulous variety of birds to watch.  I was fascinated by the red bishop; the male was quite a bully, scaring off any of birds that got too close to his territory.  He was always easy to spot amongst the tall grasses with his brilliant red feathers.  The females are much more subdued, but still very beautiful.  To me they have a lovely, soft face and gentle eyes.

1/640sec, f5.6, ISO200
Female southern red bishop   1/640sec, f5.6, ISO200
1/640sec, f5.6, ISO200
Male southern red bishop   1/640sec, f5.6, ISO200
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Juvenile Northern Flicker

This juvenile northern flicker stayed on the power line for what seemed to be a remarkably long time given how close I was (they always seem very skittish), but it spent most of the time looking in the opposite direction of me and my camera. This one hasn't yet developed the distinct red streaks along the cheek. The previous week I saw 7 flickers at one time; how I wish I would have had my camera along for that! 1/500sec, f6.3, ISO100
This juvenile northern flicker stayed on the power line for what seemed to be a remarkably long time given how close I was (they always seem very skittish), but it spent most of the time looking in the opposite direction of me and my camera. This one hasn’t yet developed the distinct red streaks along the cheek.
The previous week I saw 7 flickers at one time; how I wish I would have had my camera along for that!
1/500sec, f6.3, ISO100
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Heron Silhouette

I'd never before seen a heron perched on the top of the water depth marker near the dike pumping station, and I quickly got my camera out to snap a few photos. I really wasn't pleased with the results though; the photos were far too soft for my liking. I did a quick conversion in Silver Efex Pro to see if there was any way to create an interesting image, and I'm actually quite pleased with the results. 1/500 sec, f6.3, ISO 100
I’d never before seen a heron perched on the top of the water depth marker near the dike pumping station, and I quickly got my camera out to snap a few photos. I really wasn’t pleased with the results though; the photos were far too soft for my liking.  I did a quick conversion in Silver Efex Pro to see if there was any way to create an interesting image, and I’m actually quite pleased with the results.
1/500 sec, f6.3, ISO 100
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Group of herons

I've only seen a group of herons together one other time, and that was when they were perched in trees (I wish I would have been able to get decent photos of that event, but it was in thick fog). I was surprised to see this group together, and unfortunately it was right at the end of the dike, so I didn't have an opportunity to try the shot from a better angle. 1/1600 sec, f6.3, ISO400
I’ve only seen a group of herons together one other time, and that was when they were perched in trees (I wish I would have been able to get decent photos of that event, but it was in thick fog). I was surprised to see this group together, and unfortunately it was right at the end of the dike, so I didn’t have an opportunity to try the shot from a better angle.
1/1600 sec, f6.3, ISO400
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Great Blue Heron

Last Sunday morning started on a sad note. While driving to the dikes, I slowed when I saw something laying in the middle of the road, and unfortunately it was one of these beautiful herons that had been struck by a car. I was planning on removing it from the road after our walk, but thankfully someone else had done so by the time we returned...unless a coyote got to it first. After the sad start, I had some of the best heron sightings I've had in a while; so many individuals were out that morning. It was quite hazy with the heat, but thankfully I came away after a lovely walk with a few good photos :) 1/1250 sec, f6.3, ISO 400
Last Sunday morning started on a sad note. While driving to the dikes, I slowed when I saw something laying in the middle of the road, and unfortunately it was one of these beautiful herons that had been struck by a car. I was planning on removing it from the road after our walk, but thankfully someone else had done so by the time we returned…unless a coyote got to it first.
After the sad start, I had some of the best heron sightings I’ve had in a while; so many individuals were out that morning. It was quite hazy with the heat, but thankfully I came away after a lovely walk with a few good photos 🙂
1/1250 sec, f6.3, ISO 400
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