Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix nigriceps ssp. melanauchen)

Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix nigriceps ssp. melanauchen)

This location was full of bird song from the black-crowned sparrow-lark and other bird species. Most of Socotra is rather silent in regards to bird sounds. You…


Lomariocycas schomburgkii

Lomariocycas schomburgkii

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the…


Great Dusky Swift (Cypseloides senex)

Great Dusky Swift (Cypseloides senex)

The color of the swifts match that of the rocks they cling to, so unless you know what to look for you'll most likely pass by focused as you are on the…


Great Dusky Swift (Cypseloides senex)

Great Dusky Swift (Cypseloides senex)

These swifts are impervious to the force of the water as well as being able to stay dry whatever the conditions.


Great Dusky Swift (Cypseloides senex)

Great Dusky Swift (Cypseloides senex)

These swifts seem to be untouched by the laws of physics. They move in and out of the raging falls as if it's air, and fly as close to the water as possible.…


Great Dusky Swift (Cypseloides senex)

Great Dusky Swift (Cypseloides senex)

Black vultures are large and seen all the time around the falls - either surfing the updrafts or simply lounging on treetops or outcrops. The swifts are the…