The Scimitarbill is indeed a bird and not an invoice for mechanical repairs on a sports car. It should also not be confused with a backsword or sabre with a curved blade although I believe this is where its name originates because of its beak! It is among three species of Scimitarbill all of which are […]
This is one of my favourites, the Blue-bellied Roller is such a beautiful bird and easy to see not only because of its striking colours but also because of its size. Seen at Footsteps regularly and on the walk to the beach this fella will definitely make an appearance. Where there is one you will
Blue-bellied Roller Read More »
I wonder why this large bird from the Turaco family is called a plantain eater. One thing that’s always made me giggle about this bird is that I have never seen one eat plantain and I don’t really know if they do but I suppose they must. They love fruit such as Mango, Papaya and
Western-grey Plantain-eater Read More »
1971-2021 ( rest in peace ) The following post about our good friend Sarani was written long before he passed away but will remain as I can’t bear to remove it. Sarani Darbo has been a local guide at Footsteps for nearly 18 years now. When we had our bushfire back in February 2007 he
Local guide, Sarani Darboe. Read More »
Senegal coucal is a member of the cuckoo species. Found as the name suggests in Senegal but also in much of central and Southern Africa. A daily visitor to Footsteps and not shy so any old camera will get a great close-up shot. Pictures below are by lil ol me! I can’t help being reminded
Gambia Cotton weaver Ousman Sambou was born on the 10th January 1981 in Thies, Senegal. A modern man, he is father to one son, Omar Sambou, who is named after Ousman’s father. His Mother is Jainaba Sarr and she was a farmer. Ousman tells us ” my father was the best weaver in our region”.
Gambia Cotton – Made By Ousman. Read More »
Heuglin’s Masked-weaver hardly rolls off the tongue, does it? There are many kinds of Weaverbirds. Most are fairly unextraordinary in their looks but some such as The Northern Red-bishop are extraordinary in theirs. Weavers are so-named because of the way they weave their nests from leaf fibres like a basket. They can leave Palm-trees shredded
Heuglin’s Masked-weaver AKA Village Weaver Read More »