At dawn in East Africa, the air comes alive with sound, a thousand songs rising from acacia trees, riverbanks, and open plains. It’s a world where every color seems brighter, every call distinct, and every wingbeat tells a story. For birdwatchers and photographers alike, there’s no place quite like it. East Africa isn’t just home to birds. It’s home to some of the most spectacular avian diversity on Earth. Jane Moorman’s Birds of Africa beautifully captures this living symphony, offering readers an up-close look at the region’s feathered wonders through her lens.
During her 18-day photographic journey across Kenya and Tanzania, Moorman documented more than 40 bird species, from the regal African Fish Eagle to the dazzling Lilac-breasted Roller. Her images, taken in the wild without the use of blinds or staging, reveal the raw vibrancy of East Africa’s skies. But beyond photography, her work tells the story of why this region has become the beating heart of global birdwatching, where geography, climate, and biodiversity converge in perfect harmony.
East Africa sits along one of the world’s great migratory corridors. Every year, millions of birds travel from Europe and Asia to rest and feed across its wetlands, savannas, and forests. From the flamingos of Lake Nakuru painting the waters pink to the weaverbirds that build intricate hanging nests, the region hosts approximately 1,400 species, an astonishing 15 percent of the planet’s total bird population. Few destinations offer such a diverse range of experiences within a single landscape.
In Birds of Africa, Moorman reminds us that this abundance is not just a visual feast. It’s a story of resilience. Photographing birds in flight, she writes, is “the biggest thrill,” a challenge that demands patience, precision, and presence. Her photographs mirror the same traits that define the birds themselves: grace, adaptability, and endurance. Each image captures not just a species, but a moment suspended between stillness and motion, a reflection of the wild rhythm that defines East Africa.
What makes this region a true haven for birdwatchers is not only its species diversity but also the accessibility of its habitats. In a single day’s drive, one can move from highland forests to arid plains, spotting eagles, hornbills, and sunbirds along the way. Moorman’s journey shows that East Africa’s magic lies in this variety, with endless surprises awaiting just beyond the next acacia tree.
For anyone who dreams of exploring nature’s most vivid skies or experiencing the poetry of birds in flight, Jane Moorman’s Birds of Africa is the perfect place to begin the journey. Explore this book now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DN7Z8S3Z/