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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 12h

We have had some lovely weather for ducks. But if you’re a Cooper’s Hawk, it’s a lot less enjoyable. #birds #birds_matter

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 19h

Thank you!

michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 19h

Thank you!

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 1d

Not too many cars at the park on a rainy day, making the lushly planted parking lot median strip an ideal buffet spot for a few dozen birds, including this Lark Sparrow. #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 2d

A pair of White-tailed Kite were engaged in a very dynamic tail-flipping session when a blackbird flew a little too close and …. The chase was on! #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 3d

A flock of Long-billed Dowitchers take to the air in a beautifully choreographed maneuver in order to relocate as a group …. About six feet from where they started. The nearby Greater White-fronted Geese and Mallards pay no mind. They’ve seen it all before. #birds_matter

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 4d

I have that problem with a few species!

michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 4d

Nice!

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 4d

A lady American Kestrel deigns to notice me. Just for an instant. #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 5d

Sandhill Cranes are back. Here’s a simple photo to say “Welcome.” Now on to another season of trying to make an image that truly captures the beauty and spirit of these birds. #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 6d

Our populous European Starlings have given starlings in general a bad name. In fact, there are some 128 starling species, many quite beautiful. Here are four. #birds_matter #kenya #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 7d

The Blue-naped Mousebird is named, not for its eating habits, but for its ability to scurry along branches like a mouse. It is said to be fourteen inches long but, haha, nearly ten of those inches are its long tail. #birds_matter #kenya #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 8d

The Vulturine Guineafowl is named for its featherless vulture-like head, but there the resemblance ends. Confronted with danger this pretty bird would rather run than fly. #birds_matter #kenya #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 9d

The Gray Crowned-Crane is a spectacular “must-see” bird in East Africa. No wonder it’s the national bird of Uganda. #birds_matter #kenya #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 10d

Greater Flamingos are taller and a bit less pink than their plastic-lawn-decoration-inspiring Lesser Flamingo cousins. So beautiful and exotic, it’s almost hard to believe they are real creatures of the wild. But it’s true. I saw them with my own eyes. #birds_matter #kenya #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 11d

The Saddle-billed Stork, the tallest of all storks, is found in subsaharan regions, but that doesn’t mean it’s easily seen. While it’s rated a bird of Least Concern, population estimates range from as low as 1,000 up to 25,000. This is the only one I saw on my Kenyan sojourn. #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 12d

An African Fish-Eagle prepares to fly. This big bird, with a six to eight foot wingspan, seeks prey ranging from big fish to small monkeys. Or else it takes the easy way and steals its meals from others. #birds_matter #kenya #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 13d

The Goliath Heron, found throughout sub Saharan Africa, is the largest of all herons. It competes with the African Fish Eagle for food, as the eagle would rather steal a heron’s fine fish rather than go to the trouble of catching its own. #birds_matter #kenya #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 14d

The Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill is found throughout East Africa, but so far I have only been lucky enough to see him and his lady once. #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 15d

Is any bird more iconic of Africa than the Secretarybird? It glides smoothly across terrain in its hunt for insects, rabbits or snakes, which it kills with a swift kick. Named for quill-like feathers of its crown, it makes no actual notes but does take note of everything. #birds_matter #kenya #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 16d

The Superb Starling, found throughout East Africa, definitely lives up to its name. #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 18d

The White-browed Sparrow Weaver is one of several weaver species that build amazing hanging nests. This sparrow may look rather plain but it decorates the East African countryside most marvelously! #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 19d

A Yellow-necked Spurfowl is named for its neck color and the spurs on the male’s legs. Found throughout Eastern Africa, it is a charming sight despite its habit of eating elephant dung. We all have our peculiarities. #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 21d

A young Tawny Eagle was enjoying a feast and is not very pleased to see an adult appear. Time to learn to share. #birds_matter #birds

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 22d

A Red-billed Oxpecker - was there ever a more apt name? - is on the job. #birds_matter #birds

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