The Common Wattle-eye, probably more correctly named Brown-throated Wattle-eye and is sometimes called Scarlet-spectacled Wattle-eye. Interesting names and I can see immediately why it would be called Scarlet-spectacled and Common Wattle-eye could refer to it being widespread but Brown-throated refers to the female only. I have examined the pictures below and can’t find even a […]
In search of winter sun. My experience in Gambia was as a tourist with no firm plans apart from relaxation and recharging my batteries (which seem to be solar-powered). I was simply in search of some winter sun, but I found a paradise that was so far removed from the usual winter holiday destinations that
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The Giant Kingfisher is the largest of the kingfishers although hardly a giant measuring around 45cm long. It’s Africa’s largest species of Kingfisher. As we can see from the pictures below, they are not called Kingfishers for nothing. They are truly a king among kingfishers. Where can we find the Giant Kingfisher? Not generally seen
I love to see Gambian Pirogues out on the water. They glide through the water effortlessly as if they had always been part of the sea. On a sunny day with blue skies, their colours pop and sparkle against the water. In The Gambia, Pirogues are the same as in Senegal which is where most
The Long-tailed Glossy starling (Lamprotornis caudatus) is a member of the starling family of birds. You will find them all over The Gambia and of course at Footsteps too. The photo (below left) was taken at our bird hide and the natural feature of water there is really delivering the goods with regard photos. All of the photos in this
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Chameleons live primarily in the mainland of sub-Saharan Africa and of course right here in The Gambia. This one below lives at our lodge in our eco-pools filtration system. It’s great fun trying to spot him. Each day our guests will stare into the reed beds trying to catch a glimpse of him. Often for thirty minutes
The Pink-backed pelican, such an incredible bird, his mouth can hold more than his belly can🤣. Some years back my good friend Nuru from the Gambia reptile centre in Kartong, rescued a pelican that had had its beak cut. There are a few reasons why this may happen. It could be the bird has run
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