Birds of the Masai Mara

Given that I know far too many people who enjoy birdwatching to not pay some attention to their interests, I have assembled a separate posting for just you (and anyone else who likes birds). Please understand my own knowledge of wild fowl in general is pretty meager, I have named the ones I know. The rest you and your friends Google and Audubon will have to suffice.

(Update: I have corrected and added the names of the featured birds, thanks to the tireless persistence of our friend Dave Eshbaugh, of Oregon State Parks Trust and avid birder extraodinaire.)

Vitalline Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)
(this was actually taken near Eldoret, as this tree is not found on the Masai Mara. However, the birds are just as at home on an Acacia as here.)

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)

Superb Starling (Lamprotonris superbus)

Gray-backed Fiscal (Lanius excubitoroides, male)

Gray Woodpecker (Dendropicos goertae)

Hildebrandt's Starling (Lamprotornis hildebrandt)

Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)

Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) on back of Giraffe

Lilac-Breasted Roller (Coracias caudata)

Marabou Stork in flight (Leptoptilus crumeniferous)

Marabou Stork in flight

Ditto (amazing how such an ugly bird can look so beautiful in flight)

Marabou Stork...on the ground

Crowned Plover (Vanellus c. coronatus)

Secretary Bird in a tree

African White-backed Vultures (Gyps africanus)

Common Ostriches. (Struthio camelus) The male is the black one, and has many little ones in tow.