South Africa Trip, Day 3: Hoopoes and Bataleurs

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Kimberly Writes: Today's adventure was like having awesomeness fired at you out of a machine gun! We focused on birds today, and the amazing birds just kept coming. Some of the species I hoped to see the most on this trip came one after another. Hoopoe, Bateleur, Lilac-breasted Roller, Hamerkop, Bee-eater, Go-Away-Bird, Hornbill, Turaco...and so many more! And you should see the Starlings here; they're absolutely dazzling!

I'm so happy to be able to share this adventure with all of you. At the end of the day, the excitement of telling you what we've seen and posting some of our photos extends the happiness of the day. And it means so much to me to see so many people celebrating this experience with us.

Purple-crested Turaco
There were several of them in the trees around the camp bungalows, and they woke us up in the morning!  Pretty cool alarm clock, eh?!?

Bateleur Eagle!
(I nearly fainted when we saw this bird!!!)
This is a bird that gives off power vibes even at a great distance. It's like an electrical current from the bird to you!
Common Waxbill 
European Bee-eater
Greater Blue-eared Starling!
Yepper, THIS is a STARLING!!
The Grey Go-Away-Bird: so named for its call, a harsh, nasal,
"kaaa-wayyy" which sounds like "go away."
Lilac-breasted Roller
Your eyes can hardly take in all this bird has to offer!
Magpie Shrike
The shrikes here are AMAZING!
African Hoopoe
(Isn't this the coolest bird?!?!)




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