Sunbirds

Sunbirds are similar in appearance and have similar habits to the hummingbirds of the New world. They feed mostly feed on nectar but I did observe a splendid sunbird feeding on a moderately sized spider. These photos are not my best, however, these birds are beautiful and fascinating.

I found the best way to photograph this group of birds is to find a suitable flowering plant at low level, position yourself at an angle so that the sun is behind you (but not so that your shadow is cast on the plant) and wait, these are very tiny birds so in order to get frame filling shots you need to be very close. I suggest using some form of cover, be it a scrim net or just hunkering down behind nearby foliage. Patience here is the key... Unfortunately on this last trip I didn't come across any massively regular spots but here are my attempts.

Beautiful sunbird - female.

Beautiful sunbird - male.

Variable sunbird - male.

Up next, rollers!