When Rob and I were in the Kruger National Park earlier this year we came across a number of Burchell’s Coucals. It was the rainy season and there were more about than usual. The one I’m blogging about today was sitting quite far away which made it difficult for Rob to get a good photograph. We sat patiently watching the bird for a while hoping that it would move into a better position. Imagine our delight and surprise when the bird actually decided to watch us instead and flew to within a few meters of our car!
It’s not often than one has an inquisitive bird that comes to say hello so readily. In South Africa we call these Coucal’s “rain birds” because they usually start calling loudly shortly before it rains. Their rain predictions are extremely accurate too! They are normally quite shy and and prefer to take refuge or move about deep in the bushes.
This is obviously a juvenile bird as it doesn’t have the dark markings of an adult.
Having one come right out into the open and close to our car was rather exciting and Rob was able to get a couple of good photos after all.
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