Lilac-breasted Roller from Botswana
Sep 10, 2017 18:06:06 #
These little bug-eaters are fairly common in Botswana. Yet, while they dress for the party they don't like to dance. They are notorious for out-waiting a photographer who wants to catch them flying.
This little guy was being upstaged by two leopards who had the attention of all the cameras. But, there was a little pile of some kind of dung below his perch and he repeatedly flew down to grab flies which were either eating or hatching from the manure. I caught his flash of colors out of the corner of my eye and got our guide to move for better light.
This little guy was being upstaged by two leopards who had the attention of all the cameras. But, there was a little pile of some kind of dung below his perch and he repeatedly flew down to grab flies which were either eating or hatching from the manure. I caught his flash of colors out of the corner of my eye and got our guide to move for better light.
These first two shots were backlit - not the best to show off his bright colors.
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Eating his lunch, one fly at a time.
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As bright as they are sitting, they really light up when they fly.
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Sep 10, 2017 18:14:44 #
GregWCIL wrote:
These little bug-eaters are fairly common in Botsw... (show quote)
Great captures, Greg! What a beautiful bird.
Sep 10, 2017 18:45:34 #
Absolutely STUNNING! Thanks for sharing and giving us the story about how you managed to get such wonderful images.
Sep 10, 2017 18:54:27 #
MadMikeOne wrote:
Absolutely STUNNING! Thanks for sharing and giving us the story about how you managed to get such wonderful images.
Much credit goes to our guides. We spent part of our time with Pangolin Photo Safaris based out of Kasane, Botswana. They had a professional wildlife photographer with us the entire time who really "upped our game" in terms of technique. Or second half of the safari was with Scotty and Kabelo of Earth Ark Safaris out of Maun, Botswana. They knew how to find the game (often tracking animals in the sandy roads) and got us the very best position and light for photos. On top of that, I often sat next to Plessner of UHH fame. You gotta be on your toes if you want to keep up with Katherine, lol.
Sep 10, 2017 19:29:20 #
Sep 10, 2017 19:31:26 #
Sep 10, 2017 19:34:34 #
GregWCIL wrote:
These little bug-eaters are fairly common in Botsw... (show quote)
Omgoodness Beautiful colors & captures!!! 😀
Sep 10, 2017 21:15:11 #
Sep 11, 2017 06:11:12 #
Sep 11, 2017 06:48:45 #
Sep 11, 2017 06:55:39 #
Sep 11, 2017 07:39:47 #
GregWCIL wrote:
These little bug-eaters are fairly common in Botsw... (show quote)
Greg, such gorgeous colors that just jump off my screen. Thank you for sharing these excellent set of photos.
Greg
Sep 11, 2017 07:49:20 #
GregWCIL wrote:
These little bug-eaters are fairly common in Botsw... (show quote)
Super photos, Greg! I especially like the shot with the bug in the bird's mouth. Delicious!
Sep 11, 2017 08:23:08 #
Wow! What an interesting looking bird. Have never seen one with coloring like that. Cheers.
Sep 11, 2017 08:42:12 #
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