The Hamerkop takes its name from the shape of its head, it has a long bill and crest at the back that looks like a hammer. It comes from the Afrikaans word for the hammerhead. It’s easy to see why from the pictures below although I think it should have been named ice pick! You find him […]
Oh boy, let me tell you about these cute little Striped ground squirrels. They look so innocent, like butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths, right? Well, let me just say, they are quite the mischievous bunch! I mean, seriously, watching them play in the trees is like witnessing a circus act. They bring me unadulterated
Striped ground squirrel. Read More »
The African Harrier-hawk is a medium to large bird of prey. We are lucky enough to see him on a regular basis because we are just next door to Kunfoong protected forest where he likes to be. He looks like he’s wearing matching socks and a mask, nice to be co-ordinated ! Where is the
African Harrier-hawk Read More »
I have fond memories of The Senegal parrot because I helped save one from an almost certain life in captivity. It was back in October 2005. We were preparing to open the lodge and busy making preparations for a new season. This year we wanted to provide our team with pushbikes, all 20 of them.
The story of my friend Ron, a Senegal parrot Read More »
Double-spurred Francolin – Usually we see this game bird which is a member of the Pheasant family entering Footsteps from the protected Koonfung Forest next door to us. Moving in small groups like chickens they scurry quite quickly over open land preferring the cover of grass and bushland. Where can we find the Double-spurred Francolin?
Double-spurred Francolin Read More »
Although most of the large game animals such as giraffes and elephants have been hunted to extinction in The Gambia a long time ago, hippos can still be observed in the protected area of the River Gambia National Park. Its full name, “Hippopotamus” is derived from the ancient Greek meaning a river horse. Here are some facts about Hippos that
Are there Hippos in the Gambia? Read More »
The Yellow-throated leaflove AKA Mango bulbul, Yellowthroat and Yellow-throated greenbul. A daily visitor to Footsteps its a member of The Bulbul family. A bit of a party bird although shy they are sometimes seen in pairs but seldom alone. Where is the Yellow-throated leaflove found? As mentioned, this little bird is a daily visitor at our eco-lodge. They will
Yellow-throated leaflove Read More »
