When Bronze Beats Gold

In nature, if you sit still and patiently for long enough, something beautiful will come to you.

The bronze sunbird is quick and agile.

The male - bold and showy

The female-svelte, elegant and understated

Always in pairs, the male and female perform an elegant aerial ballet. In perfect sync they dart and hover, seeking sweet nectar from flowers and resting only fleetingly. They call often to each other, keeping the lines of communication open.

The male's iridescent plumage is bold and pleasing, an ode to the Creator's palette. The female's discreet colours allow the eye to absorb form and subtle detail.

MARTIAL EAGLE - A RARE SIGHTING

Nairobi National Park - 21 February 2010

A lazy Sunday game drive in yielded something i've been looking forward to for many years - my first sighting of the majestic Martial Eagle. This magnificent raptor is Africa's largest eagle. Now quite rare, it was acknowledged by our forefathers as a fearsome predator, capable of swooping down and snatching up poultry and small livestock.

Immature Eagle - lighter colour than adult

Whenever i'd hear friends talk about their own Martial sightings, I would have to be contented with merely looking at bird books. However, as the saying goes, it never rains but it pours: this time i had the chance to view the bird at leisure, as it cavorted on a fallen acacia branch. Its sheer size, large staring eyes, hooked beak and wickedly sharp talons clearly justify its exalted status among raptors.

Massive lift-off

As an avid birdwatcher, this was a truly memorable treat.