fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Recently, I had a chance to go to Kenya with RetiredCPO (Keith) & what a trip it turned out to be. I think we both came back thinking it was too short & want to go back. Prior to going to Kenya, I did some looking around on the Web & saw a quote describing Kenya which I liked ... it goes as follows ...

"Famous for its classic savanna safaris, Kenya is a country of dramatic extremes and classic contrasts. Deserts and alpine snows; forests and open plains; the metropolis of Nairobi and colorful tribal cultures; freshwater lakes and coral reefs."

And it did in deed provide all kinds of contrasts. Keith started his posts a couple of days ago with birds & I thought that was a good place to start. So I'm going to start by contrasting what I think is one of the most beautiful birds (Gray Crowned Crane) ... with what has to be just about the ugliest bird I ever laid eyes on (Marabou Stork). We saw the Crane out on a Safari ... but the Stork hung around the campsite ... apparently people had fed it in the past & that bird would come into the dining room if they allowed it to.

During another Safari or game drive, we came across another amazing bird ... one I'd never heard of previously (Kori Bustard) ... & no, that's not a typo. I wasn't sure if he was practicing some sort of mating dance (there were no other birds in the vicinity that I could see) or maybe he was practicing his moves for the dance the following Saturday ... but either way, he put on quite a show & I'm including 4 shots of him.

Next is a bird that as nearly as I can learn, passes through Africa (European Bee Eater). Unfortunately, I was a bit further away than I would have preferred, plus I was shooting very high shutter speed with Auto ISO, but the limits I thought I'd put on did not work & I also cropped it a lot, so it's soft, but you can see, it's an amazingly beautiful bird.

And finally, we took a boat safari out on Naivasha Lake, where we saw another amazing bird (African Fish Eagle) ... sadly, I was following 2 different eagles who came swooping in to grab fish, but was shooting slow continuous, so I got them both setting up for the grab as well as flying away with the fish ... but missed the actual grab both times!!!! Guess next time I'll go to high speed continuous.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip ... I'm very appreciative of Keith's enviable knowledge of birds ... it made the trip a lot more interesting. I'll try to post some more shots another day.

PS: All were shot with a Canon 5dIV ... the Marbou Stork was shot with an EF100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II while the Gray Crowned Crane, Kori Bustard & European Bee Eater where shot with the same lens plus a 1.4x extender. The African Fish Eagle was shot with an EF70-200 f/2.8L IS II.

Gray Crowned Crane ... one of the most stunning birds I've ever seen

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Marabou Stork ... a bird that I think is the ugliest bird I've ever seen. That's a face a mother would have trouble loving!!!!! (Sorry, couldn't get it to download ... may be too small a file)


Kori Bustard ... in all his glory ... putting on a show for the ladies ...

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Kori Bustard ... calling the girls ...

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Kori Bustard ... with a bow to his fans ...

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Kori Bustard ... doing a strut ...

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European Bee Eater ... a bit soft, but a very colorful bird ...

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African Fish Eagle ... swooping in for a fish ... (Sorry, couldn't get it to download ... again, it may be too small a file)


African Fish Eagle ... setting up for the grab ...

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African Fish Eagle ... heading home with lunch ...

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Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

They're all great but really like the Grey Crowned Crane!

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Thanks ... appreciate the look & comment.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Excellent set. I've always wanted to go to Africa.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

The bee eater is a gorgeous bird.

gwr Loc: South Dartmouth, Ma.

Outstanding shots. Wish I was there. Gary

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Great stuff, but we Army types will tell you to be careful about hanging around with squids (LOL).

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Very nice post, Frank. Really like that Kori Bustard. And the first photo of the Fish Eagle is great!

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

kpmac: Thanks for the comment ... I always wanted to go to Africa as well ... now, after going, the only thing that has changed ... is now I want to go back. It was a great experience.

NMGal: Thanks for looking & commenting ... you're right ... it was a stunning bird. Wish I'd captured a better shot.

gwr: Thanks for the positive feedback Gary ... as noted in a comment above ... I too wish I was there. The visit was entirely too short.

UTMike: Thanks for the comment ... & you crack me up Mike ... what's funny is we used to say the same thing about the Army ... so there's no slack for anyone. ;) Hope you're feeling better.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Thanks Keith ... I figure if I took enough shots, I'd have to get lucky a couple of times. Really appreciated traveling with you ... & in particular, your knowledge of birds. Looking forward to seeing some of your shots as well. Best to Judy.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

All beautiful birds...can't wait to see more!! So glad you enjoyed your trip.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Thanks Cindy ... appreciate the positive comment. Best to you.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice set

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Although I am not a birder type of person your photos are excellent. I have been to Africa, Zimbabwe, and saw some lovely birds but only took big game.

Well done,

Dennis

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Wonderful set!