People And Places

When the chicks hatch, the adults both hunt to feed the youngsters and the colony becomes a very busy place. Birds come and go throughout the day, and opportunist predators such as yellow -billed kites swoop in and attempt to snatch anyone who isn’t paying attention! As the remaining birds erupt from the bank in flight, there is a moment when the air is filled with noisy squawks and crimson wing-beats. And then, after all the frenzied activity, the adults begin to depart with their fledged youngsters. Some juveniles—and a number of adults—choose to stay behind and can be seen throughout the rainy season in the mopane forests until the rest of the population rejoins them the following season.

The annual visit of the carmines is really something to behold. The drama begins in August, extending and intensifying through September and October before the rains bring an end to the breeding season in November.

I hope you enjoy your safari in Zambia!

For more in the ‘Know Your African Wildlife’ series, visit:

www.edwardselfephotography.com

Edward is a seasoned safari guide and specialist photo safari operator based year-round in South Luangwa National Park.

People and Places is an owner-run, Zambian-based tour operator specialising in tailor-made itineraries throughout Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. It is the people and places of Africa that we love and our team are dedicated to ensuring that all clients that travel with us have the optimal African experience. We focus on efficiency, flexibility, generosity and consistency. We thrive on offering a very personal service.

+260 966740362 / emma@peopleandplacesconsult.com www.peopleandplacesconsult.com

Adrian Steirn SEVEN AMAZING FACTS ABOUT

They are masters of ‘hawking’, a hunting technique where birds launch from a perch, catch an insect from mid-air and return to the same or a different perch. Carmine bee-eaters have even been known to use the backs of antelopes or kori bustards as roving perches.

They are drawn to bush fires and will circle high above the flames, catching the insects that are flushed out of the burning undergrowth. They build burrows one to two metres deep into dry riverbanks. A whole colony will occupy the same stretch, making for dramatic displays as they come and go from their burrows.

Carmine

Bee-Eaters

4. Just like the great wildebeest migration, the southern carmine bee-eaters follow a yearly migration route— from August to November they reside in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. During the summer months they fly to their southernmost habitats in South Africa, before eventually returning north to the lush rainforests of equatorial Africa from March to August.