Zvezda & Alex are still in the game - BY #9

[PeterHG]

A great series of photos again, Alex!

[TonyQ]

A fine collection from Botswana 

[xelas]

A fine collection from Botswana indeed, but not the end of the series for this trip! While some folks hate connecting flights at Johannesburg airport, I like them. As this give me a chance to spend some quality time braaing and birding with @Peter Connan and his wife Sonja. Six years passed by since my last stop there, and it was time to meet them again. Peter and Sonja, thank you very much for your friendship and hospitality!

 

 

First batch of birds were photographed in and from Peter's garden in Kempton Park on 27-Aug-2024:

 

 

BY 462  /  SA 001    

Crested Barbet  -  Trachyphonus vaillantii

 

 

 

BY 463  /  SA 002    

Rameron Pigeon  -  Columba arquatrix

 

 

 

BY 464  /  SA 003    

Karoo Thrush  -  Turdus smithi

 

 

 

BY 465  /  SA 004    

Cape Robin-Chat  -  Cossypha caffra
 

 

Edited November 2 by xelas

[xelas]

Returning from Botswana, my flight back from JNB was on 14th afternoon, which gave me an opportunity for a morning birding trip with Peter. These are the results.

 

MARIEVALE, 14-Sep-2024

 

 

BY 466  /  SA 005    

Kittlitz's Plover  -  Anarhynchus pecuarius

 

 

 

BY 467  /  SA 006    

Little Rush Warbler  -  Bradypterus baboecala

 

 

 

BY 468  /  SA 007    

Levaillant's Cisticola  -  Cisticola tinniens

 

 

 

BY 469  /  SA 008    

African Stonechat  -  Saxicola torquatus

 

 

 

BY 470  /  SA 009    

White-throated Swallow  -  Hirundo albigularis
 

[xelas]

MARIEVALE, 14-Sep-2024 (cont'd)

 

 

BY 471  /  SA 010    

Yellow-billed Duck  -  Anas undulata

 

 

 

BY 472  /  SA 011    

Plain Martin  -  Riparia paludicola

 

 

 

BY 473  /  SA 012    

African Marsh Harrier  -  Circus ranivorus

 

 

 

BY 474  /  SA 013    

African Snipe  -  Gallinago nigripennis

 

 

 

BY 475  /  SA 014    

Long-tailed Widowbird  -  Euplectes progne

 

 

 

BY 476  /  SA 015    

Orange-throated Longclaw  -  Macronyx capensis
 

 

 

 

 

[xelas]

This year was mostly southern African birds. Next year I hope for a more global variety!

[TonyQ]

9 hours ago, xelas said:

This year was mostly southern African birds. Next year I hope for a more global variety!

I look forward to it!

[michael-ibk]

Good birds from South Africa, I'm jealous of the Rush Warbler!

[PeterHG]

A well- spent morning at Marievale, @xelas, in good company and a very good last batch of African birds!

[Peter Connan]

More Grey-headed Bush-shrikes out in the open! I think I'll just go sit in the corner with an old razer blade now.

 

It was fun having you Alex. If I survive the razor blade we look forward to your next visit. Sonja says that next time Zvezda has to come along though.

 

[xelas]

11 minutes ago, Peter Connan said:

Sonja says that next time Zvezda has to come along though.

Agreed!

 

 

[xelas]

13 minutes ago, Peter Connan said:

If I survive the razor blade

?!? Have you got a new shaving device, Peter?

[Peter Connan]

15 minutes ago, xelas said:

?!? Have you got a new shaving device, Peter?

It's an euphemism for slitting one's wrists...

[xelas]

19 minutes ago, Peter Connan said:

It's an euphemism for slitting one's wrists...

I've had my slitting done a month ago. With a nice scare to show . Not over a bird though.

[Kitsafari]

Good collection from southern Africa, and looking forward to the global collection next year!

[pedro maia]

Great sellection from Southern Africa, and it´s good to know you´re getting well!

[xelas]

During my 2-weeks rehabilitation treatment at Šmarješke Toplice I have reconnected with the birds & camera again.

 

First batch is from the balcony of our room (Ground level); the Blackbirds came very close, and apart of bad weather, rainy and overcast = low light, they were excellent targets to test the OM-1 capabilities. Very minor cropping for Blackbirds and 50% crop for Long-tailed Tit. All photos processewd with Topaz Photo AI and Nikon NX Studio. OM-1 with Zuiko 100-400 zoom; S priority with AutoISO

 

Lens (mm): 400, ISO: 8000, Aperture: 6.3, Shutter: 1/250, Exp. Comp.: 0.0

 

Lens (mm): 400, ISO: 10000, Aperture: 6.3, Shutter: 1/250, Exp. Comp.: 0.0

 

Lens (mm): 400, ISO: 5000, Aperture: 6.3, Shutter: 1/500, Exp. Comp.: 0.0

 

 

Lens (mm): 400, ISO: 1600, Aperture: 6.3, Shutter: 1/500, Exp. Comp.: 0.0

 

Edited December 1 by xelas

[xelas]

On a sunny day I took a walk along the small creek, trying to find the Common Kingfisher. No luck there but happy to get Common Buzzaed, Grey Wagtail and Eurasian Wren.

 

Lens (mm): 385, ISO: 200, Aperture: 8, Shutter: 1/500, Exp. Comp.: 0.0

 

Lens (mm): 374, ISO: 4000, Aperture: 6.3, Shutter: 1/500, Exp. Comp.: 0.0

 

Lens (mm): 374, ISO: 3200, Aperture: 6.3, Shutter: 1/500, Exp. Comp.: 0.0

Edited December 1 by xelas

[xelas]

All these birds are nice but all also already counted this year. However far the next one was, it does count!

 

 

BY 477  /  SI 058    

Mistle Thrush  -  Turdus viscivorus    

 

Šmarješke Toplice    21-Nov-2024
 

[PeterHG]

Beautiful additions, Alex! Your high iso shots worked very well.

[Galana]

Great therapy. Birding should be included as part of the recommended recovery regimen.

[Peter Connan]

Lovely photos!