Namaqua Dove, Adelaide Zoo
Namaqua Dove, Adelaide Zoo
The Namaqua Dove shown in today’s photo was taken in an aviary in the Adelaide Zoo, South Australia.
The natural habitat of this species is southern Africa. It can be found in open woodlands, grassy plains and scrubs, mostly feeding on the ground. Like many doves and pigeons, it makes a flimsy nest and usually lays two eggs.
Although they are found in Ethiopia, I did not get a chance to see this species on my visit there a few years ago.
Red-billed Fire Finch, Adelaide Zoo
Red-billed Fire Finch, Adelaide Zoo
The beautiful Red-billed Fire Finch is found in southern Africa. The above photo was taken in our local zoo in Adelaide, South Australia.
The first time I saw this species was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. You can read about that experience, and see the photos taken at the time by clicking here and here.
Red-billed Fire Finch, Adelaide Zoo
Dusky Turtle Dove sunning itself, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Dusky Turtle Dove, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
I delight in getting good photos of birds when I go out birding. Sometimes a great shot presents itself with little planning on my part. On this occasion this Dusky Turtle Dove in Addis Ababa last December was not aware of my presence high up on the other side of a small stream. My camera was at full zoom so I was pleased with the result, a nice clear photo.
You can read more about my encounters with this species here, including the frustration of getting good photos of it in poor lighting conditions.
Olive Thrush, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Olive Thrush, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Late last year during my visit to my daughter who was teaching in Ethiopia I spent quite a few hours exploring the gardens and adjacent small forest of the school campus. During these times was able to get a few nice photos of the birds I saw.
Included in the species seen was the Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus) shown in the photos on today’s post. This particular bird was quiet and didn’t seem to mind me focussing on it. Despite the shade of the forest making the light conditions rather poor, I did manage several reasonable shots.
The Olive Thrush of East Africa is found throughout the higher altitudes of the region and is relatively common in forests, wooded areas and park and large gardens with plenty of trees. Its diet consists of spiders, various insects, fruit, worms and snails.
Olive Thrush, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Olive Thrush, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Baglafecht Weaver, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Baglafecht Weaver (non-breeding) in Addis Ababa
Today I feature photos of the Baglafecht Weaver in Addis Ababa.
I think I have the identification of this bird correct. If any of my readers can enlighten me I’d really appreciate the help because I can’t find all that much information about this species online. Sure – I can find heaps of fine photos of this bird in breeding plumage. At that stage it takes on a bright yellow plumage with a black face mask. Only remnants of those bright colours remain in the non-breeding plumage of the bird shown in today’s photos.
These photos were taken on the campus of Bingham International School in Addis Ababa where my daughter was teaching last year. I also found a number of nests nearby which were clearly made by a weaver.
Baglafecht Weaver (non-breeding) in Addis Ababa
Baglafecht Weaver (non-breeding) in Addis Ababa
Baglafecht Weaver (non-breeding) in Addis Ababa