The Okavango Delta boasts a variety of birds for obvious reasons.

Ostrich prefers the open savanna and are rarely seen around larger waterways.

The shy Kori Bustard stalks the high grass on the hunt for snakes and lizards.

So does the elusive Secretary Bird, which is known to attack larger snakes by kicking with his strong legs. But the Okavango Delta is all about water.

Water means life and attracts birds of all kinds. This is no news for anyone and I was lucky to have snapped some nice photos previously. However, with the Chobe River around Kasane not being quite as wide as in the Okavango Delta itself, the birdlife was easier to observe.

A large amount of trees gives plenty of nesting opportunities.

Fish Eagles rule the skies. Not since my visit to Vancouver Island in Canada have I seen such quantity of these majestic birds.

Dead trees give perfect viewing points to hawk out an unsuspecting fish.

On many of these dead trees are nests built, a perfect breeding and feeding ground.

Observing one the ground whilst drinking was just a bonus. 

Cormorants are home to any waterway that holds fish.

There seems to be plenty of fish here. 

A Carmine Bee Eater enjoys the warming early morning sun in chilly windy conditions, blowing his colourful feathers.

Even in full flight, the rainbow colours are striking.

A group of Sunbirds making the most of early morning sun rays.

Their reddish feathers glow against the blue skies. 

A flock off Guinea Fowls appeared double in quantity in calm waters. 

A pair of colourful ducks looked just as impressive on calm water reflections.

I tried to find out the name of these birds, but couldn’t find them on the net. Maybe they are a rare breed? They sure are pretty. 

The Marabou Stork is the largest of its kind. A scavenger that is found all around Southern Africa. They are often seen scavenging on rubbish dumps. Not this one.

The Yellow Billed Stork has a more defined fishing technique.

Raising one off his wings in the air like an umbrella to cast a shadow to the waters below. This scares fish and frogs to move away, right into his opened beak.

A small White Egret tries to snatch his share.

It’s best to double up. 

The African Open Bill Stork specializes in water snails. He can’t close his beak completely, as it is designed to snare the snails from its housing.

His black feathers appear in a reddish shimmer against the sun. 

I went back to this particular pond late afternoon to watch the sunset. Knowing that these storks inhabit this swamp, I was hopeful to get a nice photo against the lower sinking sun.

The paintings setting does wonder against the reflecting sunbeam.

I really am happy with the outcome in sepia as well.

As the sun set lower, yellow colours appeared on the waters.

A Great Heron just flew off into the setting sun, whilst the Open Bill Stork was still foraging for snails.

A truly spectacular day to observe Botswana birdlife in true colours.

What a way to end this day.