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Nature Explored

Photography and Information
by Chris Dunford

 

 

 

 

 

 






NCA/Serengeti Birds Reptiles Scenery (February)

The short grass plains of the Southeastern Serengeti with the Ngorongoro highlands in the distancee450 The short grass plains of the Southeastern Serengeti with the Ngorongoro highlands in the distance

A Ruppell's griffon, confirmed as the World's highest flying bird (11000m) after a birdstrike with an airliner over Abidjan 1973451 A Ruppell's griffon, confirmed as the World's highest flying bird (11000m) after a birdstrike with an airliner over Abidjan 1973

Wildebeeste grazing on the savannah. Only during the rains can this part of the Serengeti support the herds452 Wildebeeste grazing on the savannah. Only during the rains can this part of the Serengeti support the herds

The marabou stork uses its 14 inch beak to feed on carrion, and live prey such as birds, lizards, frogs and insects453 The marabou stork uses its 14 inch beak to feed on carrion, and live prey such as birds, lizards, frogs and insects

An augur buzzard. Pairs are known for their noisy aerial displays454 An augur buzzard. Pairs are known for their noisy aerial displays

The secretary bird. This long legged raptor hunts snakes which it stamps to death with horny pads on its feet455 The secretary bird. This long legged raptor hunts snakes which it stamps to death with horny pads on its feet

Lake Ndutu in the Southeastern Serengeti. This is a soda lake and so of no use to thirsty wildlife456 Lake Ndutu in the Southeastern Serengeti. This is a soda lake and so of no use to thirsty wildlife

The tawny eagle will tackle mammals as large as hares by diving on them and seizing them in its powerful talons457 The tawny eagle will tackle mammals as large as hares by diving on them and seizing them in its powerful talons

Hartlaub's bustard is fairly common in the grasslands of Northern Tanzania458 Hartlaub's bustard is fairly common in the grasslands of Northern Tanzania

Hooded vultures taking it easy459 Hooded vultures taking it easy

Kori bustards are Africa's largest flying bird. Males can weigh 18kg, females much less. This one is displaying460 Kori bustards are Africa's largest flying bird. Males can weigh 18kg, females much less. This one is displaying

View from Olduvai Camp looking North across the NCA towards the Gol mountains461 View from Olduvai Camp looking North across the NCA towards the Gol mountains

An Eastern chanting-goshawk462 An Eastern chanting-goshawk

A female agama lizard in the undergrowth at Olduvai gorge463 A female agama lizard in the undergrowth at Olduvai gorge

Male red-headed agama lizard catching some rays464 Male red-headed agama lizard catching some rays

Unusual to see a leopard tortoise out and about during the rainy season465 Unusual to see a leopard tortoise out and about during the rainy season

Close up of a leopard tortoise466 Close up of a leopard tortoise

Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse taking a dustbath in the short grass Serengeti plain467 Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse taking a dustbath in the short grass Serengeti plain

European storks soaring on the thermals high above the Ngorongoro Conservation Area468 European storks soaring on the thermals high above the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

When these waterholes dry up the wildebeeste are forced to leave the area until the next rainstorms refill them469 When these waterholes dry up the wildebeeste are forced to leave the area until the next rainstorms refill them

The ever present ring-necked dove whose call is one of the'sounds of Africa'470 The ever present ring-necked dove whose call is one of the'sounds of Africa'

Looking across Olduvai gorge to the Serengeti plains beyond471 Looking across Olduvai gorge to the Serengeti plains beyond

Only the gazelles can survive here when it gets this dry as they can extract all the water they need from their food472 Only the gazelles can survive here when it gets this dry as they can extract all the water they need from their food

473 Olduvai gorge - also known as the 'cradle of mankind'. Four types of hominid fossils were discovered here473 Olduvai gorge - also known as the 'cradle of mankind'. Four types of hominid fossils were discovered here