Swallow-tailed Bee-eater… and what else??

I’m assuming that the bee-eaters that zoomed around near me on Friday were a mix of adult and  Juvenile birds … The juvies are also at difference stages… well that is my opinion or I’ve found a new specie of bee-eater…

In the first photo, the colouring of the two birds are similar, with the one, I think, still developing into it’s adult colours… what do you think.??

The nearer to the camera bird has a shorter tail and the yellow under the beak needs to develop further… also the eye is not as red as the others… here’s a photo of the adult…

BUT then this one came and sat nearby and I became confused….

I have to surmise it is a youngster even though I watched it flying around catching its own food… (not bees but flying insects)…

These bee-eaters nest as pairs or in very small colonies in sandy banks, or similar flat ground. They make a relatively long tunnel in which the 2 to 4 spherical, white eggs are laid. These birds also feed and roost communally.

I still look forward to the day I capture them when all roosting together and not like these birds, actively hunting….

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater… and what else??

I’m assuming that the bee-eaters that zoomed around near me on Friday were a mix of adult and  Juvenile birds … The juvies are also at difference stages… well that is my opinion or I’ve found a new specie of bee-eater…

In the first photo, the colouring of the two birds are similar, with the one, I think, still developing into it’s adult colours… what do you think.??

The nearer to the camera bird has a shorter tail and the yellow under the beak needs to develop further… also the eye is not as red as the others… here’s a photo of the adult…

BUT then this one came and sat nearby and I became confused….

I have to surmise it is a youngster even though I watched it flying around catching its own food… (not bees but flying insects)…

These bee-eaters nest as pairs or in very small colonies in sandy banks, or similar flat ground. They make a relatively long tunnel in which the 2 to 4 spherical, white eggs are laid. These birds also feed and roost communally.

I still look forward to the day I capture them when all roosting together and not like these birds, actively hunting….

A walk on the wild side…

An early morning walk through the wild stuff in search of the bee eaters was not very rewarding. I managed to capture one that was enjoying the early morning sun…. Ruffled feathers and all…

What is it with bee-eaters and me..?

There are bird photographers who’s work I admire in South Africa. Brian Culver, Harvey Grohmann, Robbie Aspeling, Helen Badenhorst and Gnatius de Lange…. but seldom would I say I get jealous of their work (says he tongue in cheek, these photographers are bloody brilliant)… however when it comes to bee-eaters I get jealous of anyone who manages to get a good photo…

I’ve seen photos of the bee-eaters lined up on a wire as though posing for the lucky photographer … peacefully tossing a bee into the air to be consumed…. why, oh why can I never get a photo like that.???

I sat patiently watching various Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters flitting between trees and gathering food in the air… did they ever come and sit closer to me ?? NO… I had to creep around to make these captures, not the best, but enjoy….