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 know if they do but I suppose they must. They love fruits such as Mango, Papaya and also […]
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 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 of
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 »
Gambia Travel Update. Update 28/9/20 | Update 30/9/20 | Update 9/10/20 | Update 15/10/20 | Update 24/11/20 Here we are with another update for you. The situation regarding Covid19, travel and our ability to manage the situation has changed daily. Decisions made on a Monday are invalid by Friday. It’s upsetting to change our plans
Gambia Travel Update Read More »
Red Bishop, the genus name for the Northern Red Bishop is Euplectes Franciscanus. Derived from the Greek and meaning ‘well-woven’, probably refers to their beautifully woven nests. Franciscanus relates to a religious order from the 12th century that symbolized the crimson colour. Part of the weaver family of birds, it’s a regular visitor to Footsteps between June and
