November 18, 2013

Please Mr Hamerkop, show us your crest?

 Like this??

 Ha-ha-ha!!

Wikepedia Info: 

The Hamerkop, also known as Hammerkop, Hammerkopf, Hammerhead, Hammerhead Stork, Umbrette, Umber Bird, Tufted Umber, or Anvilhead, is a medium-sized wading bird.

November 17, 2013

This gorgeous normally shy bird surprised me by sitting quite willingly as I zoomed in for this photo. Normally they dart around from branch to branch. Perhaps it thought is was obscured from view :)

Previously known as Purple Crested Louries here in South Africa, the name has been changed to  

"Purple Crested Turaco"

November 16, 2013

While pottering around in courtyard I came across this Scorpion that had fallen into a bucket. 

Photo opportunity! is the first thing that came to mind

After the first shot it started reversing and I tried to lean in a bit further for a closer shot

It raised those pincers in a threatening pose... my last photo, thank you!

It is said that venomous Scorpions do not have large pincers.

I don't like the look of it though, be it non-venomous or not :)