WHALES, LOERIES AND AN OTTER
There are not sufficient words to describe the magnificent 5 day Otter Trail. Hiking the forest coastline while the whales are birthing in the shallows of South African's Cape seas is forever etched in my memory. Above the constantly crashing waves is the unique call of the striking green Knysna Loerie. These beautiful birds are peculiar to this area and of the African musophagidae birds. Their markings look like they've been painted by a Heavenly pallet. With the vivid red hooked beak and eyeliner - and that surrounded by white feathers which match the white tipped green mohawk style hairdo. Far from comical they are a very striking bird. The Knysna Loerie moves with agility through the forest canopies.
Also known as the Knysna Turaco the vibrant green of the birds blends into beautiful shades of blue along their wings and tail, with flashes of red to match that of their beak and encircling their eyes. They survive largely on fruit, with an occasional insect or seeds as a treat.
Thanks to @nelinoeva for yet another Free Theme SMaP Challenge This gave me the opportunity to reminisce over a very special hike many years ago. My memory is of early Summer watching the birthing whales as we hiked the breathtaking forest coastline and listened to the constant "kok kok kok kok" call of the Knysna Loerie for 5 glorious days. And then, just at the end we watched an otter surfing the river mouth.
Good night dear friend @buckaroobaby
What beautiful memories, and what beautiful photographs you share with us, this really is a beautiful and peculiar bird.
Thank you very much for sharing these beautiful photos.
Have a beautiful night and a happy rest
They truly are beautiful memories @jlufer. And it is a delight for me to share. Thank you for taking the time to read it. A lovely weekend to you
Cool snaps
hoppylimpy. There's a place called Knysna right? I wonder if the Knysna Loerie is named for it or it's the other way around?Now this takes me back to your deleted post....well the one about deleting. My comment was I seldom edit. Usually my reason for edited it triggered by a comment. Like yours. Duh. How could I forget that teeny little bit of information. Yes, Knsyna is a place. In the Garden Route. It's a beautiful and rather expensive seaside spot that has gained reptuation as a tourist destination. Whether the loerie came first or the town, remains the question
No worries, we can't remember to add every element in and it's not really all that critical to the bird thing I guess.
Just critical to my expectations of myself. And my writing. It's one of those little things that I feel I should not have overlooked. Oh well. If I remembered every little thing I guess I would be perfect. Good thing it was just little and not - I don't know - saving the world or something
I understand, I have high expectations of myself with...well, everything, so I totally get it.
What a memorable hiking you had. I must admit I haven't heard about Knysna Loerie and I am in awe of its look. Thanks for letting me know something new. The close up is outstanding.
The Knysna Loerie is a very striking bird! I love the colours. I'm happy to have introduced you. I couldn't decide on my favourite photos. Sadly the last is not perfect as my camera was faulty and I took about 30 photos to just get these few
Stunning bird I have seen on a couple of occasions in St Lucia up the North Coast in the forest, they blend in so well it is difficult to photograph, well done on your captures.
Similar not the same, we have the Purple-crested turaco dancing through our trees here at home, hear them seldom capture them out in the open, nature of the bird.
It's always wierd for me to think the Knysna Loerie is anywhere except - well - Knysna. But I know his habitat extends well into Natal. The only time I've ever seen him is in the forests of Knysna. Hiking the Otter there were a LOT. I am sure his cousin, your purple-crested turaco is just as exquisite
Otto Trail looked amazing we never had the good fortune of full hike but walked a fair bit down when our sons where young, in wet weather.
Our visitor who is shy, fast between the trees seldom sits long enough to get a good pic. Very scarlet beneath the wings when in flight much like the Knysna bird.
It's really difficult to get into. Much like the Fish River Canyon. We had to book years in advance. But the first day is easily done. That part I've walked many times.
Your Turaco is gorgeous!
Travelled down to the Cape late 80s staying mostly in Parks Board accommodation, no problem back then, it was a trip to remember.
What a gorgeous bird! I was wondering if you had gone on this hike recently, hobbling, or if you had made a sudden miraculous recovery. At least your writing and imagination are not hobbled. How's the healing going? I can't imagine you unable to walk.
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Striking is definitely the word for this bird. It’s absolutely beautiful! I feel like the style and look of this bird is what inspired the many looks we see on humans today…makeup and all 😄.
This was super cool to see. I don’t get to travel and go around the world to see all of God’s amazing creations so I appreciate posts like this ~
Marvelous species...