Monday, May 31, 2010

Birds of East Africa

In my family, knowing the names of flowers is expected. I know my Alaskan flowers well - columbine, forget-me-not, fireweed. But in Kenya, there are too many flowers to know, so I've settled for learning the names of the birds on my porch. One of my favorite things to do, when I have a free moment, is to sit on the porch and watch the birds come to the bird feeders, which Will made out of flower pots. We get a variety of birds with unusual colors and names. East Africa is a bird-watcher's paradise. There are more species of birds in Nairobi National Park (a small game park next to the airport) than all of the United Kingdom, so our little porch offers a great variety as well. Some of our favorites include...

black and white mannikins,

firefinches,

baglafecht weavers,

and our newest and coolest visitor, the pin-tailed whydah.
The whydah is very obnoxious and won't let anyone but his wife eat at the feeders when he's around. He provides us with a few laughs as he fights off all the other birds, even ones bigger than him.

As you can see, our lives are pretty chill around here when bird watching is part of our daily entertainment. Yes, my nerdiness has been confirmed - I look up each bird's name and mark it in my "Birds of East Africa" book. Even my "cool" husband is looking up birds now. I'm telling you, it's very neat when so many different birds stand within two yards of you each day.

3 comments:

  1. I have some very nerdy friends who are very much going to enjoy your bird pictures. Sometimes, it is the simplest things in life that bring the most joy.

    Blessings,
    Sue

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  2. And I got to hear some of those very birds today while talking to you on the phone~ a real treat! :) Miss ya girl!!!!

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  3. Wow! you are definitely a King - Grandpa and Grandma would be so proud. :)
    I'm glad that you are bringing out Will's true self. haha
    -Bethany

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