Page 33 - 2017 ZAMBIA

Crocodiles lined the banks and could sporadically be seen as eyes and

heads above the water as they cruised along in the rivers. Waterbirds
were abundant, especially on the Chongwe: open-billed storks,
Egyptian geese, fishing eagles, herons and egrets, thick-knees, jacanas,

sandpipers, hawks, and so many others. But on our first river safari, we
were in search of a colony of bee-eaters who nest in holes they dig into

the high sand banks along the river. There were carmine bee-eaters
galore, flitting, fishing and flying deftly into the small openings of the

nests to feed the young. They are beautiful birds whether perching or
flying and their activities were fascinating to observe. Some white-

fronted and little bee-eaters were visible as well.

Around the bee-eater colony were several types of kingfishers as well—

one of our favorite birds wherever we see them: pied, malachite,
brown-hooded, white-bellied, African pygmy, and woodland. The sky

was bright blue with some soft clouds breaking the blue tableau and we