I photographed three different species of hornbill in Samburu National Reserve, the red-billed, Von Der Decken’s and this guy, the northern yellow-billed (also known as the eastern yellow-billed). Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/4 at 1/500th of a second.
Close Louis. But that would be the toucan. From what I can tell, Sam is based loosely on a combo between the toco toucan of Brazil and the keel-billed toucan found throughout Central America. Although neither has ringed stripes of fruit colors around the base of their beaks. And neither speaks English with a British accent (at least I haven’t heard it in my experience).
Thanks Sue. They are more common in southern Africa (the southern yellow-billed hornbill) at least from my experience in Botswana. It was nice seeing this guy in Kenya.
Love the misty/blurred background, while that gorgeous beak is in full focus. We saw a several different species of hornbills when we were in Africa, and every one of them was an impressive bird. My recollection is the ground hornbill was pretty tall. As a birder, I was always smiling! Thanks for bringing back some great memories. I really really want to go back.
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I photographed three different species of hornbill in Samburu National Reserve, the red-billed, Von Der Decken’s and this guy, the northern yellow-billed (also known as the eastern yellow-billed). Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/4 at 1/500th of a second.
That thing looks angry!
Perhaps so Bob, as my arrival may have disrupted his quiet morning.
He looks like he’s really pissed off that I ate his Froot Loops.
Close Louis. But that would be the toucan. From what I can tell, Sam is based loosely on a combo between the toco toucan of Brazil and the keel-billed toucan found throughout Central America. Although neither has ringed stripes of fruit colors around the base of their beaks. And neither speaks English with a British accent (at least I haven’t heard it in my experience).
What an awesome looking bird. It just got added to my “must photograph bucket list” (MPBL). Nice shot!
Thanks Sue. They are more common in southern Africa (the southern yellow-billed hornbill) at least from my experience in Botswana. It was nice seeing this guy in Kenya.
Mean looking, but great color in that beak, hope you didn’t get to close to him,
Aunt Sue
As always in Africa (well, almost always) photographed from the safety of the safari vehicle.
Love the misty/blurred background, while that gorgeous beak is in full focus. We saw a several different species of hornbills when we were in Africa, and every one of them was an impressive bird. My recollection is the ground hornbill was pretty tall. As a birder, I was always smiling! Thanks for bringing back some great memories. I really really want to go back.