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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 3h

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 · 1d

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 · 2d

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 · 3d

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 · 4d

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 · 5d

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 · 6d

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 · 7d

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 · 8d

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 · 9d

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 · 10d

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 · 11d

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

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 12d

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 · 14d

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 · 16d

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 · 17d

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

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michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 17d

Thank you!

michelepix @michelepix.bsky.social · 17d

Here’s an African Sacred Ibis. Found throughout the southern half of the African continent it was revered by ancient Egyptians. Its mummified remains have been found in many tombs. These days it isn’t worshipped, but remains an impressive presence. #birds_matter #birds