The decline of Black Rhinoceros (above), only found in Africa, since 1970 due to poaching has been dramatic. Their horn is used illegally for traditional medicines (aphrodisiac) in Asia and as dagger sheaths in Yemen. There were an estimated 65,000 individuals in 1970. Ten years later that number had fallen to 10,000. Today the population…

Under overcast skies, we arrived at Mida Creek (above). It’s a magical place lined with Mangroves, where the tide moves in the blink of an eye, like few other places in the world. We strolled into the water up to our ankles, following the birds as they receded with the tide before us. Mida Creek…

We spent three mornings exploring Arabuko-Sokoke Forest (below), the last remaining stand of native coastal forest in East Africa, and a critically important habitat for many wildlife species. Among many things, Sokoke is known for it’s population of Golden-rumped Elephant Shrews, and we were lucky to see one foraging out in the open. The forest…

A Gentoo Penguin, one of four penguin species we found on Antarctica. Lisa and I have returned from the ends of the Earth! We had an amazing trip full of beautiful scenery, incredible wildlife, fun people and wonderful surprises! The photographic opportunities were boundless and the birding offered so much more than penguins alone. We…

From the plains we climbed up the Taita Hills to the Ngangao Forest (above) at a height of 6400 ft (1950m). As our vehicle lugged up the steep incline we spotted three White-naped Ravens flying over the villages around the mountain. We spotted our first target endemic before reaching the forest – a feeding flock…

The dry savanna dominates much of Tsavo East, though most of grass was tall and green as a result of a successful short rainy season. Entering via the Manyuni Gate we soon saw Eastern Paradise Whydah (above) in display flight, Grasshopper Buzzard, Olive-tree Warblers, the first of many Buff-crested Bustards and a flock of male…

East Africa’s largest park covers 20,000 square kilometers and is divided into two, West (above) and East. The deep red soils of Tsavo are covered with a mix of dense brush, acacias festooned in white flowers following the rains, palm trees lining the river and patches of golden savannah. The scenery is truly magnificent with…

Standing on the lip of the western edge of the escarpment, where our lodge is located, we overlook the Great Rift Valley. An assortment of hirundines – Red-rumped Swallow, Rock Martins, White-rumped, Little and massive Mottled Swifts zip passed us as tremendous speed. Nestled at the foot of the Rift Valley 2/3rd of Lake Manyara…

A guard stopped me as I was walking to breakfast, saying “Bwana, bundi, bundi.” “Mzuri sana,” I replied. Brilliant! In of all places, a Spotted Eagle Owl (above) was nesting in the bathroom window sill of one of the lodges! As we headed south towards the southern Serengeti, we searched in vain for Grey-crested Helmet-Shrikes…

Wow. This is extraordinary to witness. The hatching of Barn Owl chicks live on webcam! She laid 6 eggs and at least 3 have hatched. One can hear the sound of the chicks hissing and growling as they beg, the mother’s bill tapping on the wooden box and even dogs barking in the background! The…

A morning walk around the Serena grounds (above) produced Arrow-marked Babblers around the swimming pool, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, White-browed Scrub-Robin, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Red-fronted Barbet, Red-fronted Warbler and a displaying Brown-crowned Tchagra at the new patio overlook. A gregarious group of Northern White-crowned Shrikes took a break from foraging and sat together on a branch preening, as…

As we descend from the Highlands our view is tremendous. The Lemakarot Crater towers to our east, Oldupai Gorge is ahead of us and beyond that, the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park. Once we have reached the short grass plains that dominate this side of the Serengeti, we encounter our first taste of…