JUMPING JACK FLASH

The latest issue of Africa – Birds & Birding features that most enigmatic and sought-after birder’s life-lister, the African Pitta. Formerly known as the jewel-thrush, this beautifully coloured bird is reclusive and extremely hard to see in its natural forest-floor habitat. Read Johann Grobbelaar’s intrepid quest to track it down in the sultry Zambezi Valley last December.

The issue also features part 2 of Andrew Jenkins’ spectacularly photographed diary of the Peregrine Falcon’s breeding season in the Western Cape, some amazing insights into Cape Vultures and photographs of an interaction between a Shoebill and a lungfish that will leave you gasping.

Finally, celebrating its 15th birthday this issue, Africa – Birds & Birding has some awesome prizes lined up for readers, from Antarctic birding trips to birding at Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Visit the Africa – Birds & Birding magazine page at www.africageographic.com or look for the April/May issue in all good bookstores now. It’s packed with all the usual delights to be expected from the continent’s premier birding magazine.