Hildebrandt's starling

Saw plenty of these guys flitting about on our recent travels through Kenya.

The Hildebrand's starling (Lamoritirnis hildebrandti) is far from endangered as it stands - as was evidenced by their near constant presence.

Ranging from Ethiopia and Somalia to Kenya and Tanzania at relatively high altitude they look almost like groups of iridescent gems appearing and disappearing around you. Very tough to catch on camera in flight as the photos below will attest - managed to lure one to a chair nearby (apologies to the conservationists).

They are thought to feed primarily on insects and fruit though are also known to consume seeds (and anecdotally - potatoes) in pairs or small flocks.

Opera Omnia of Life

Have decided to do something a little bit different.

The last 8 months have been somewhat hectic - a bit too much time in the air and a little too much instability in my present and future.

Spent the last few weeks travelling with almost two weeks in Kenya where I got to see a lot of (relatively) wild life out in (relatively) natural settings.

For the time being I will focus (here) on the various life-forms that inhabit this planet and start building a personal database of all these wonderful things that co-habit this planet alongside us - though seemingly unrelated tangents will inevitably be followed.

Initially will start with subdivision into the various categories that scientists have decided to sub-divide it into - plants, animals, fungi, protists, archaea, and bacteria - though primarily on those that are visible to the naked eye and that I encounter in my personal life on my wanderings around my various homes until I have a fixed abode and on my general travels.

Thankfully already have a small portfolio ready to write about and so I will begin.

First posts coming shortly.

To anyone reading this - welcome - hopefully you encounter something new and interesting to you!