Imagine standing on the open plains of Kenya at sunrise, the golden light spreading across the horizon as the air fills with the calls of birds both familiar and exotic. Within minutes, you might spot a fish eagle circling overhead, a flash of turquoise and lilac as a roller swoops past, or a stork wading patiently in shallow waters. It is the everyday reality of East Africa, a region that has rightly earned its reputation as a birder’s paradise.
Jane Moorman’s Birds of Africa captures this magic with a collection of striking photographs taken during her 18-day journey through Kenya and Tanzania. Featuring more than 40 species, her book highlights the variety, beauty, and sheer abundance of birdlife that thrives in the savannas, wetlands, and woodlands of East Africa. What makes this book stand out is that every image was taken in the moment, often without preparation or blinds, reflecting both the spontaneity of the safari and the richness of the region’s wildlife.
East Africa is home to approximately 1,400 species of birds, about 15 percent of the world’s total. From the commanding presence of the African Fish Eagle to the shimmering wings of sunbirds and the flamboyant plumage of bee-eaters, the region offers unparalleled opportunities to observe avian diversity. For birders, this variety means no two days are ever alike. You may watch flamingos transform Lake Nakuru into a sea of pink one morning and then marvel at the stealth of a secretary bird hunting snakes the next.
What makes East Africa particularly special for birdwatchers is not just the numbers, but the accessibility. Many of these species can be seen in national reserves and parks that are already popular for safaris. While others come for lions or elephants, birders find themselves equally captivated by the feathered wonders that often steal the show. Moorman’s photographs remind us that while predators dominate many safari stories, it is often the birds that bring color, sound, and rhythm to the landscape.
Birds of Africa is more than a photographic record; it is a celebration of this biodiversity. Moorman shares the thrill of catching a bird in flight with wings extended, each feather captured in crisp detail. Those moments remind us why East Africa continues to draw nature enthusiasts from around the world: its birdlife is not only abundant, but alive with character and story.
For anyone who has ever dreamed of experiencing the wonder of East African birds, or for those who simply love stunning wildlife photography, Birds of Africa by Jane Moorman is a book worth adding to your collection.
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DN7Z8S3Z/.