Birds at Kruger National Park

Saddle-billed Stork, 5 ft tall with a 9 ft wingspan

Most people visit Kruger National Park in South Africa for the “Big 5” however birders can add to their life lists. And the vehicles with a “birders on board” sticker drive even slower than the rest.

Marabou Stork 4.9 ft tall with 8.5 ft wingspan

I do like to bird watch yet don’t seem very good at getting their pictures. They just don’t seem to hold still long enough, or maybe I’m just impatient. But there were some really BIG birds here. Yet I still saw more birds during my visit to Kruger National Park than I can show.

Vultures

Some of the birds are familiar like I see at home.

Goliath Heron

Or at least similar. This is the world’s largest heron standing up to 5 feet tall with a 7 ft wingspan.

Lilac-breasted Roller with an average length of 14.5 inches

Many look like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

European Roller

I have a birder friend who asked me to take pics of unusual South African birds.

Marabou Storks

Marabou Storks may have an ugly bald head but it makes sense when you know they are carrion eaters. Joan said it was very unusual to see them all walking like this.

Guinea Fowl

Not so unusual to see the Guinea Fowl walking along the road. Sort of reminded me of grouse, also known as “fool hens,” because they’d be easy prey. We kidded about them being breakfast.

Orange Hornbill

Hornbills can also have red or yellow bills. I especially liked these because they remind me of some breakfast cereal. Most birds must have been seen in the early mornings when I was hungry.

Fish Eagle eats fish, carrion and is a kleptoparasite

Similar to the American Bald Eagle, and well recognized by its clear call, the African Fish Eagle is often known as the “Voice of Africa.” It was absolutely amazing to watch soar.

So many birds at Kruger National Park.  I sure added several new life birds to my list. Hope you did too.