We were on a dawn to dusk safari in the Ngorongoro crater and just after lunch we spotted this large Bustard close to the safari tracks. Our guide identified it as the Kori Bustard and we later discovered that they are the largest Bustard found in East Africa.
What caught our attention about this bird was its huge size, large crest and fluffy neck feathers. It was interesting to see the Bustard puff up its neck feathers every once in a while. We guessed it to be some sort of courting display. While the lighting was a bit harsh our guide pointed out that these birds are normally shy. But this one looked particularly friendly and its curiosity brought it close to the safari tracks giving us the opportunity to get some frame filling compositions with the D700 and 200-400mm f4 lens.
I have to admit, I never heard of this bird before. I had to look it up in Wikipedia! Thanks for sharing these interesting and skilfully captured photographs.
i can’t help but notice the massive neck of this bird.. it definitely looks magnificent.. great catch!
I’ve never seen or heard about it neither, but from your shots, it seems pretty big! Incredible set of pictures Thomas. Sharp and wonderful! Well done.
Very interesting Kori Bustard that’s a bird I never seen before!
Thanks for sharing!
Excellent set Thomas. He certainly looks a big one.