SENEGAL COUCAL, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

   We can ID this bird as a Senegal Coucal by its black crown, white underparts, rufous upperparts and dark tail with no barring.  The tail is shorter and the bill is less heavy than the similar Coppery-tailed Coucal.

   The Senegal Coucal is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 437.

MAGPIE SHRIKE, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

   We can ID this bird as a Magpie Shrike by its very, long, wispy tail that splits at the end and its all-black plumage dotted with white on the wings.

   The Magpie Shrike is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 436.

INTREPID BIRDERS, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

   This safari to Hwange National Park was the only safari where it rained.  At times it poured and was very windy, so we donned lined ponchos.  These really protected us.

WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

BLACK-BACKED JACKALS, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

   These jackals were hanging around the area where the Lions were guarding their Elephant kill.  They were waiting for the Lions to eventually  leave.

LIONS GUARDING THEIR ELEPHANT KILL, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

   These Lions had recently killed a juvenile Elephant (second photo).  They are guarding their kill from scavengers and other predators.  We noticed that there were vultures and jackals (see next post) in the area, waiting for the Lions to depart after they were finished with their kill.  They did not go near the dead Elephant while the Lions were there.

GREY CROWNED CRANE, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

   We can ID these cranes as Grey Crowned Cranes by their long, golden crown feathers; black cap; white cheek; and red throat.

   The Grey Crowned Crane is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 435.