The dry season is here
April 18, 2009
The rains have come to an abrupt end and there is a definite chill in the air now. Here are a couple shots of the river at the height of the rains and again in the dry season. The contrast between wet and dry is quite incredible. I have left the valley for a break before the season begins and will return in a couple weeks once it is dry enough to drive in again.
Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography
Flat battery bird
April 18, 2009
This handsome bird is a Water thick-knee or Dikkop. Although it is primarily a nocturnal bird (see the large eye) it is often found standing around on river banks and is very easy to approach and photograph. It has an interesting call which slows down toward the end giving the impression that it is being played on a tape deck with flat batteries..
Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography
Puku at sunset
April 17, 2009
Wusi flower
April 12, 2009
I grew up in a very remote part of Zambia (Mwinilunga) and my diet was enriched by a wide variety of indigenous plants and insects introduced to me by my Lunda friends. The leaves of this wild hibiscus plant, known in Lunda as Wusi, was and still is one of my favourite vegetables. It has a slightly sour tangy flavour which apparently is a bit of an acquired taste… They produce beautiful flowers as well and are in full bloom in the Valley at the moment.
Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography
Grey crowned cranes
April 9, 2009
With their bright blue eyes and golden Mohawks, crowned cranes must be one of the most striking looking birds in the Luangwa. They are quite shy though and can be difficult to approach. These two were caught up in what seemed to be a mating dance although it is the wrong time of year – they were running around each other, bobbing their heads and jumping into the air and so didn’t take much notice of me. Unfortunately it then began to pour with rain and so I had to leave them to it. We have had a huge amount of rain recently which is a little late for this time of year…
I
Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography
