Birding with Kenn and Kimberly

Kenn Writes:  Work in progress: African Fish Eagle Related to the Bald Eagle of North America; somewhat different in structure and notably different in voice, with loud, ringing cries. Last month in Kruger we saw these eagles almost every day, but I had only a few good opportunities to study and sketch them at close range.

Kenn Writes:  Work in progress: Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill In Kruger last month, I took several opportunities to study and sketch this bird because I was intrigued by its facial expression. Its odd bill shape and garish pink and yellow touches are certainly distinctive, but "beautiful" isn't the first word that comes to mind. "Interesting," though, that definitely fits. (Actually, "in progress" is the wrong term also; this painting has reached the point where I'll ditch it and start over, because some details of structure are wrong and some of the colors are irretrievably muddy. Still adjusting to these new oil paints. But I thought I'd share it anyway.)

Kenn Writes:  Random sketchbook: African Harrier-Hawk The name "Harrier-Hawk" is unfortunate; this broad-winged, big-headed, loose-feathered raptor isn't remotely similar to a harrier. But it's so structurally interesting that I couldn't resist sketching it. We had several good studies of this species in Kruger National Park, including this adult near Pafuri.

Kimberly Writes:  We're carefully planning our last precious hours in South Africa. So with thoughts of home streaming in around the edges of a dream trip, we're going outside. We're going outside to bask in the South African sun -  like this Laughing Dove. We're going to keep our eyes and ears open to the world  of possibilities - like this tiny new elephant. And we're going to enjoy being together - like these lovely Blue Cranes. I am deeply, powerfully, and immensely grateful to Kenn for planning a stunningly flawless trip for us. It has been absolute perfection every single day, and I will cherish the memories of the gift of this trip for the rest of my life.

Kimberly Writes:  Today, we had the distinct pleasure of birding with Callan Cohen, owner of Birding Africa Tours , and one of the authors of the Southern Africa Birdfinder guide! Our dear friend Ethan Kistler works for Callan, and together with Ethan's girlfriend Billi Krochuk, we spent the day in some really superb birding spots. If you're interested in a trip to Africa focused on birds, I highly recommend this company! When we started out this morning, I mentioned three species we really hoped to see: Black Harrier, Blue Crane, and Verreaux's Eagle. And with impressive precision, Ethan and Callan found us all three, plus so many more amazing birds (and some mind-blowing insects, too)! Blue Cranes are among the most elegant birds I've ever seen. With soft, curving lines, elongated wing feathers that flow behind the bird like jet-black ribbons, dancing and swaying in the breeze, and movements graceful enough for the finest ballet, it isn't hard to understand ...

Kenn Writes:  Random sketchbook: African Penguin This bird has a limited range, and I'd never seen it before -- this was my 14th penguin species. I had done field sketches of other penguins in the past; they often sit still (which is good) but they're often in very cold places (not so good). When I was sketching Chinstrap Penguins in the Antarctic, for example, my hands were so cold that I couldn't feel the pencil, with or without gloves on. So it was a pleasure to watch these African Penguins in shirtsleeve weather at Boulders Beach, south of Cape Town, when Kimberly and I went there as part of our anniversary celebration.

Kimberly Writes:  Today is our anniversary, and it was the kind of day that dreams are made of. We had perfect weather, perfect scenery, and perfect birds. And I had the perfect company!  It's been just the two of us this entire trip, which has made this trip very special for me. But today, we spent some time hanging out with a few other couples who were also celebrating love and romance! This handsome pair of African Black Oystercatchers was resting on the edge of the ocean. We thought they made a beautiful couple. This Glossy Ibis couple was looking particularly fetching as they stood close to one another in the morning sunlight -- on the edge of the sewage ponds! A Greater Flamingo couple that we hung out with this morning! Water Thick-knees (sometimes called Water Dikkop), are such cool birds! Aptly named for the fact that they have thicker knee joints than most birds their size, they're usually most active at night, so we felt certain that this coup...