Honey Bee

As I was wandering around in Abuko I bumped in to this sat atop a large dead tree. When I put my bins on it I was rather surprised see it was a young Honey Buzzard! Abuko, The Gambia, December 2009.

One or two Black Kites?

Ok, so its a photo of two Black Kites (Nov/Dec 2009, The Gambia), but are they one or two species?

The bottom bird is a classic Black Kite Milvus migrans migrans, which migrates between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. However the top bird is a 'Yellow-billed Kite' Milvus migrans aegyptius (Or Milvus aegyptius parasitus, if you prefer) which resides in West, East, and South Africa. Some say they are a different species. I'd go with that...

It needs a shave

Just back from 14 days in the Gambia. I spent about five days doing 'serious' birding, and the rest duding around the hotel grounds, spending plenty of time by the swimming pool. This gaudy beast was found just behind our room. Bearded Barbet. The Gambia, December 2009.