Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Sisal Growth Macro Detail- Nairobi Kenya

Sisal 'leaves' are single thorn-tipped blades that can reach a length of nearly 2 meters. The cluster opens from a single base with older leaves incubating younger leaves successively within. This type from my back yard lives for between 7 and 10 years attaining a circumference of up to 3.5 meters. They flower once and die- sending a single flower-tipped stalk over 4 meters vertically.

Heavy nectar-laden yellow flower clusters at the apex attract swarms of honey-bees, bee-eaters and bush-babies at night. This reproductive effort draws nutrients from the fleshy leaves and thick root, which shrivels and dries, eventually allowing the seed-laden to be blown over.... depositing it's seeds to grow from where the tip of the tall stalk lands; 4 to 5 meters away from the parent.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Friday, November 25, 2011

Female Impala- Nairobi Park, Kenya

A female Impala daintily nibbles at succulent- and well protected- Acacia leaves in Nairobi Park. I can aaaaaalmost see my reflection in her eye.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Egret in Flight- Baringo Kenya

This fly-by photo of this Greater Egret from Lake Baringo converts rather elegantly to black & white image I think. I just might blow this one up to make a large print in a black frame....

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Spotted Eagle-Owl- Nairobi Kenya

Approximately 12 birds of four species and two squirrels were scolding this owl just outside my kitchen window the other day. He seemed unperturbed.....

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Young Colobus Monkey- Mount Kenya.

This little chap is probably around a month old- losing the infant's white coat for the typical black & white Colobus pelt. Taken in Nanyuki, Mt. Kenya.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

VineVegetation Detail- Nanyuki Kenya

I found this vine creeper along the Burguret Rive at our Trout Farm  at the base of Mt. Kenya today (www.tamtrout.com). Nice to be able to send it to you directly from here!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Lappet Faced Vulture- Nairobi Park, Kenya

Lappet-Faced Vulture, Nairobi Park. This one's for Shiv Kapila, a raptor biologist here in Kenya (www.shivkapila.com). Keep up the good work!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Egyptian Goose- Nairobi Park, Kenya

An Egyptian Goose- one of the few birds that can be found EVERYWHERE throughout Kenya where there is permanent fresh water below 3000m altitude. Obviously a very adaptable bird.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

White-Bellied Go-Away Bird. Amboseli Kenya

A White-Bellied Go-Away Bird. Aside from bleating like a sheep, it's call is also "G'wa!" (go away!). This one was found in Amboseli.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Pied Kingfisher- Baringo Kenya

Looking fast while standing still- the sleek Pied Kingfisher is a purpose-built tool made to bridge the air/water divide.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Young Elephant- Masai Mara, Kenya

A young elephant with It's older sister 'minder' in the Mara Triangle Conservancy area of the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011