A flash of color across the savanna sky, the sudden call of a fish eagle near a riverbank, or the quiet patience of a stork waiting in the shallows. Africa’s birds are not just part of the landscape. They are storytellers in their own right. Each wingbeat and call carries a tale of survival, beauty, and tradition. Jane Moorman’s Birds of Africa captures these moments, bringing readers face to face with more than 40 species photographed during her 18-day safari across Kenya and Tanzania.
Take the African Fish Eagle, for instance. Known as the voice of Africa, its piercing cry echoes across lakes and rivers. Beyond its striking white head and powerful talons, the eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and strength, even serving as the national bird of several African countries. Moorman’s photographs capture not just its physical presence but the commanding aura it carries as it soars above the water.
Then there’s the Lilac-breasted Roller, one of East Africa’s most photographed birds, and for good reason. With feathers that span shades of turquoise, green, and violet, it is a living rainbow. But its story is not just about beauty. The roller is known for its spectacular aerial displays during courtship, rolling and diving in a show of agility and strength. Moorman’s lens captures these bursts of color in motion, reminding us that even small birds can hold big stories.
Equally captivating is the Secretary Bird, a tall raptor often spotted striding across open plains. With long legs and a distinctive crest of feathers, it hunts snakes with a deadly stomp, a trait that has made it legendary in African folklore. Seeing one in action is like watching a dance of precision and power. Moorman includes these striking figures in her collection, showcasing how form and function come together in the wild.
What makes Birds of Africa especially engaging is that none of the photos were staged. Moorman relied on quick reflexes, patience, and the sharp eyes of her safari guide to capture these fleeting moments. The result is a collection that feels alive, filled with stories that unfold naturally in the wilderness.
East Africa’s 1,400 bird species represent 15 percent of the world’s total, a diversity few regions can rival. Each one adds a unique thread to the fabric of Africa’s ecosystems.
For anyone who wants to experience these remarkable stories through both words and photographs, Jane Moorman’s Birds of Africa is a book not to be missed.
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DN7Z8S3Z/.