Living Luangwa

This striking bird is an immature Bateleur. It is sometimes known as the conifer eagle because it’s feathers resemble a conifer or pine cone when fluffed up like this. It takes seven years to attain the red legs and facial skin as well as the black and chestnut plumage of the even more striking adult Bateleur.

Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography

I came across this pair of Saddle-billed storks fishing in a lagoon near here late yesterday evening. I thought their reflections looked quite interesting rotated to give a more abstract image. It is getting extremely hot here now but still not much evidence of rains apart from the odd rumble of thunder in the distance. This time of year is always exciting with the anticipation of the rainy season bringing cooler weather and transforming the valley to lush greenness again..

Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography

I came across this male double-banded sand grouse and chicks way inland in a very dry area of the park and far away from water. They were well camouflaged and I only spotted them because they were quite close to the road. They are very interesting birds as one of the males’ jobs as a dad is to provide the chicks with water. In order to do this he flies to the nearest water source (sometimes many miles away) and soaks his belly feathers in water which he then carries back to the chicks…

Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography

Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography

These magnificent birds spent most of the day foraging for food on the ground and are often reluctant to take to flight. I startled this one as I drove past and managed to grab a few shots as it took briefly to the air.

Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography

This bird is very common in the Valley and is often ignored by photographers as it is not very colourful - even the bird books describe it as drab. I think he is pretty impressive for a common, drab bird…

Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography

We came across this Verreaux’s eagle owl on a night drive a few days ago. It was sitting on the ground on the edge of a lagoon. There was a frog at it’s feet which it was eyeing out and it seemed to be taking its time, savouring the moment before it ate it. You had to feel sorry for the poor frog quietly awaiting its demise. After a while it picked it up by the head and gulped it down.

I saw a similiar incident on another night drive recently involving a Water Thick-knee. The frog was luckier on that occasion though as the Thick-knee regurgitated it a few seconds after swallowing it and the frog hopped off, apparently unharmed!

Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography