PC's fifth attempt

[Kitsafari]

On 3/14/2018 at 11:53 AM, Peter Connan said:

 

If you are a Nikon user with a relatively new, relatively high-end camera, Group Area AF helps a lot, as it is programmed to always focus on the closest item under the active focus points. Then all you need to do is keep those four points on the bird...

 

More to the point, these three photos were all taken with different focus settings. The first with Group Area, as described above.

The second with a single point.

The third with Dynamic Area, with all points active. The latest batch of cameras can be set up such that these focus modes are activated by pressing buttons with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand only, no need to use the left hand or twiddle rotary controls, which to me is what makes these cameras worth their asking price.

 

I t know what that meant but the series of the bumblebee was stunning.

[Galana]

No quicksand with the Ruff (or Reeve). Nice photo.

My books are split on Torquata.

RSPB (British), Collins (Europe) and Fanshawe (East Africa) all have Torquata. Sinclair "Africa" and "Southern Africa" both have Torquatus.

Given the regions covered I wonder if the birds drop their masculinity as they cross the equator heading north and pick it up on their return? Something about the colder climate perhaps?

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much @Kitsafari

 

 @Galana

[Peter Connan]

More mire...

79) Sanderling

 

Drietoonstrandloper

Calidris alba

 

 

28 January, Marievale

[Peter Connan]

80) Black Heron

 

Swartreier

Egretta ardesiaca

 

This bird has an interesting tactic: it builds a tent with it's wings, casting a shadow on the water to improve it's ability to see into the water. Unlike other herons, it seems to move fairly quickly, and the tenting itself is quite a rapid movement, never lasting more than a couple of seconds.

 

Unfortunately, this time I was unable to get a clear shot of it.

 

 

28 January, Marievale

[Tdgraves]

About your mire, @Peter Connan I listed this “sanderling” as a little stint (by #22) - which one of us is right??!....

[elefromoz]

@Peter Connan, a few have posted the Black Heron performing, What a spectacle, and nice to now know why it does it. Birds are so clever.

[Peter Connan]

7 hours ago, Tdgraves said:

About your mire, @Peter Connan I listed this “sanderling” as a little stint (by #22) - which one of us is right??!....

 

Which is why I said it's muddy ground...

 

Thank you very much @elefromoz

[Tdgraves]

Doesn’t answer my question though....

[Galana]

1 hour ago, Tdgraves said:

Doesn’t answer my question though....

Very true and it's a darn tough call. They are not easy to split unless seen together which is not often. I don't see the Sanderling's dark shoulder patch in winter plumage.

 

So let's use the location as our decider?

Sanderling are rare inland whilst Little Stint is often seen on freshwater wetlands. Literally in the mire!

I think the honours are due to the Light Blues over the Springboks. Sorry Peter.

[Peter Connan]

That's OK, with these little waders I am just clueless. Thanks for the help!  The score remains the same though.

 

81) Black-headed Heron

 

Swartkopreier

Ardea melanocephala

 

 

28 January, Marievale

[Peter Connan]

82) Black-crowned Night-heron

 

Gewone Nagreier

Nycticorax nycticorax

 

 

28 January, Marievale

[Peter Connan]

Going to overtake myself now, as I will soon not be able to post a daily bird...

 

83) Wattled Lapwing

 

Lelkiewiet

Vanellus senegallus

 

28 January, Marievale

[Peter Connan]

84) Spur-winged Goose

 

Wildemakou

Plectropterus gambensis

 

On the leading bird, the spur which gives it it's name is clearly visible.

 

28 January, Marievale

[michael-ibk]

Wow Peter, lots of great stuff! I really, really admire those fantastic Swallow shots, far beyond my capabilities. And love the Bumbleebee of course. FWIW, I agree with Galana and Tdgraves on Little Stint, definitely no Sanderling.

[Peter Connan]

Thanks Michael.

 

I wonder if @Game Warden could make it possible for us to edit posts in the Big Year sections for longer, as it really does get confusing after a while...

[Peter Connan]

85) Fan-tailed Widowbird

 

Kortstertflap

Euplectes axillaris

 

 

 

28 January, Marievale

 

[Peter Connan]

86) Long-tailed Widowbird

 

Langstertflap

Euplectes progne

 

 

 

28 January, Marievale

[Peter Connan]

87) Southern Pochard

 

Bruineend

Netta erythrophthalma

 

Male:

 

Female:

 

28 January, Marievale

[Peter Connan]

88) Hottentot Teal

 

Gevlekte Eend

Anas hottentota

 

28 January, Marievale

[PeterHG]

Those Widowbirds are beautiful, @Peter Connan ! I wish you and your company a wonderful trip and look forward to the tales and photos!

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much @PeterHG

[Galana]

9 hours ago, Peter Connan said:

I wonder if @Game Warden could make it possible for us to edit posts in the Big Year sections for longer, as it really does get confusing after a while...

Well if he declines we will just have to brush up our memories Paul.

Have a good safari next week. I now have a mental image of you both eating a much needed bird a la Udzungwa Partridge.

Make sure @xelas gets a shot of it on the plate. You DO use plates??

[Peter Connan]

??

 

Yes, and even knives and forks if one is so inclined.

 

I may even have packed a bottle opener, in case a bottle of wine adopts a threatening attitude!

[TonyQ]

The Widowbirds are amazing

Have a great trip Peter