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A Walk in the Desert

10,000 Birds

During our tenure there, we had exceptional views of Africa’s largest ( Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl ) and smallest ( African Scops Owl ) owls, the largest bird on the planet, not neglecting numerous hornbills, sunbirds and weavers. Greyish Eagle-Owl. Pearl-spotted Owlet. Gambaga Flycatcher. Speckle-fronted Weaver.

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Here’s the new bird family tree. It’s amazing.

10,000 Birds

The new 48-genome analysis included only ostrich and tinamou DNA, so it doesn’t shed further light on paleognath interrelationships, but it does reinforce their distinctiveness from all other living birds. Sister to this group is the Strisores : the “night birds” (excluding owls), swifts, and hummingbirds.

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Birding and Safari-ing South Africa with the ABA

10,000 Birds

This immature Verreaux’s Eagle-owl was one of the first birds I saw at Kruger, on the introductory afternoon ride through the park. Verreaux’s Eagle-Owls are amongst the heaviest and longest owls in the world. The small group was a good counterpart to the large, convivial ABA Safari group of 98 birders.

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Tanzania – Africa at its best

10,000 Birds

For 9 months of the year, this great, bellowing herd can be found in the Serengeti and watching the long lines of grunting wildebeest moving across the plains is truly a remarkable experience. And of course the big game is an added bonus.

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