Tessera

Michael Lund Markussen

@mlmarkussen.bsky.social

Traveller of East Africa, birder, amateur photographer, conservationist, coin collector, bookwyrm, local politician. All my pictures are my own.

982 Posts1562 Follower 790 Folgt

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Fischer's Lovebird Rødhovedet Dværgpapegøje Agapornis fischer #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) 🦜💚

Native to East Africa, especially northern Tanzania, Fischer’s lovebirds are known for their strong pair bonds and lively personalities. They’re often seen sitting close together, preening one another, and moving as a pair — true to the name lovebird.

✨ Facts:

Bright green body with a yellow–orange face

Red beak and a distinctive blue rump

Highly social, active, and vocal

Live in flocks in the wild

Lifespan of 10–15 years (often longer in good care)

In the wild they inhabit savannas, open woodlands, and farmland, feeding on seeds, grasses, berries, and fruit.

Fun detail: males and females look alike — you can’t tell them apart just by appearance!

Small bird. Big personality. 💛

Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) 🦜💚

Native to East Africa, especially northern Tanzania, Fischer’s lovebirds are known for their strong pair bonds and lively personalities. They’re often seen sitting close together, preening one another, and moving as a pair — true to the name lovebird.

✨ Facts:

Bright green body with a yellow–orange face

Red beak and a distinctive blue rump

Highly social, active, and vocal

Live in flocks in the wild

Lifespan of 10–15 years (often longer in good care)

In the wild they inhabit savannas, open woodlands, and farmland, feeding on seeds, grasses, berries, and fruit.

Fun detail: males and females look alike — you can’t tell them apart just by appearance!

Small bird. Big personality. 💛

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Green Wood Hoopoe Purpurskovhærfugl Phoeniculus purpureus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Green Wood Hoopoe
Purpurskovhærfugl
Phoeniculus purpureus

Green Wood Hoopoe
Purpurskovhærfugl
Phoeniculus purpureus

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Hildebrandt's Starling Masaiglansstær Lamprotornis hildebrandti #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Hildebrandt's Starling
Masaiglansstær
Lamprotornis hildebrandti
One of East Africa’s most striking birds.
Its metallic blue-purple head, rich chestnut belly, and intense red eye make it truly unforgettable.

Found mainly in Kenya and Tanzania, Hildebrandt’s Starling inhabits open woodland and savanna, often seen calmly foraging on the ground or perched low in the shade.

A reminder that nature doesn’t need exaggeration — just good light and patience.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Ashy Starling Ensfarvert Glansstær Lamprotornis unicolor #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Ashy Starling
Ensfarvert Glansstær
Lamprotornis unicolor

Endemic to a small corner of northern Tanzania, the Ashy Starling is one of Tarangire’s true local specialties.
Unlike most starlings, it lacks iridescent colors. Instead, it wears a subtle ash-grey plumage that blends perfectly into the acacia savanna — understated, elegant, and easy to overlook.

Often seen in lively flocks, these birds forage on the ground for insects, seeds, and fallen fruit, their bright yellow eyes standing out against the muted tones of the landscape.

A reminder that not all beauty is loud — some of it belongs only to one place, and only to those who take the time to notice.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Grasshopper Buzzard Græshoppevåge Butastur rufipennis #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Grasshopper Buzzard
Græshoppevåge
Butastur rufipennis

Ever seen a raptor with golden eyes like this? 👀🦅
Meet the African Grasshopper Buzzard — a master hunter of the savanna, standing tall and scanning the land for its next meal.
Nature never stops amazing me.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Lilac-breasted Roller Lillabrystet Ellekrage Coracias caudatus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

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Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Black-winged Kite Blå Glente Elanus caeruleus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Black-winged Kite
Blå Glente
Elanus caeruleus

Perched calmly in Tsavo, Kenya — this small raptor may look delicate, but it’s a razor-sharp hunter, famous for its hovering flight and lightning-fast dives on rodents. Often seen at dawn and dusk, it’s one of Africa’s most graceful birds of prey.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Eastern Chanting Goshawk Somalisanghøg Melierax poliopterus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Eastern Chanting Goshawk
Somalisanghøg
Melierax poliopterus

A sentinel of the African bush.
Perched high and fully exposed, the Eastern Chanting Goshawk surveys its territory with calm authority. Unlike many raptors that prefer cover, this species is often seen out in the open—watching, waiting, and occasionally announcing its presence with its distinctive, melodious call that gives it its name.

With its ash-grey plumage, barred underparts, and striking yellow legs and cere, it is both elegant and unmistakably predatory. From such vantage points it scans for lizards, small mammals, and birds, dropping down with sudden speed when the moment is right.

A true embodiment of patience and precision in the African landscape.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Wahlberg's Eagle Savanneørn Hieraaetus wahlbergi #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Wahlberg's Eagle
Savanneørn
Hieraaetus wahlbergi

A quiet sentinel of the African skies.
Wahlberg’s Eagle is one of Kenya’s elegant migrants — arriving with the rains, perching silently in woodland and savanna, often overlooked because of its calm, unobtrusive nature.

Uniform dark brown plumage, a keen eye, and a patient posture mark a hunter that relies more on precision than power. It may not shout for attention, but it commands respect — a reminder that true presence doesn’t need noise.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Lilac-breasted Roller Lillabrystet Ellekrage Coracias caudatus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Lilac-breasted Roller
Lillabrystet Ellekrage
Coracias caudatus
One of Africa’s most iconic birds — and for good reason.
The lilac-breasted roller is a living palette of turquoise, violet, emerald and chestnut, perfectly at home on an open perch where it scans for insects before launching into swift, acrobatic flights.

Often called the most colourful bird in Africa, it is also Kenya’s national bird — a symbol of wild beauty and freedom.

Jean Kelsey @immachocoholic.bsky.social · 8mo ago

#SkySunday So this happened and I’ve never seen anything like this before! Those ovals have wispy clouds inside that look like feathers to me. Have you ever seen anything like this before?

A blue sky with some white clouds and two ovals that have a design of clouds inside.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Olive Bee-eater Madagaskar-biæder Merops superciliosus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Olive Bee-eater
Madagaskar-biæder
Merops superciliosus
Two Olive Bee-eaters sharing a quiet perch—elegant, alert, and always ready to launch after passing insects. Their subtle green tones, sharp bills, and graceful posture make them easy to overlook, but once noticed, they’re hard to forget.

A beautiful reminder that even the understated birds add richness to Africa’s skies. 🐦✨

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Craig died this morning. Craig was born in January 1972 to Cassandra of the CB family. Craig had just turned 54 years old. He led a long life and no doubt fathered many calves. He died peacefully of natural causes. www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1...

Craig died this morning. Beloved by many people but particularly by the local community with whom he shared his range, Craig was born in January 1972 to Cassandra of the CB family. We were never certain but we suspected that he had a twin sister, Cerise, who is the matriarch of the CB family today. Craig had just turned 54 years old. He led a long life and no doubt fathered many calves. Thanks to his many protectors he died peacefully of natural causes. Craig represented all that is wondrous about the Amboseli elephants.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

White-browed Coucal Hvidbrynet Sporegøg Centropus superciliosus

White-browed Coucal
Hvidbrynet Sporegøg
Centropus superciliosus
A striking and often overlooked bird of African scrub and woodland. Unlike most cuckoos, the White-browed Coucal prefers to move slowly through dense vegetation, hunting insects, small reptiles, and frogs. That deep chestnut wing and bold white eyebrow make it unmistakable once you spot it.

Nature rewards patience. 🪶🌿

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Peregrine Falcon Vandrefalk Falco peregrinus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Peregrine Falcon
Vandrefalk
Falco peregrinus
Spotted at Ngutuni, Voi, Kenya — perched calmly, but always ready. This legendary raptor is the fastest animal on Earth, capable of reaching over 300 km/h in a hunting dive. From city skyscrapers to African savannahs, the peregrine is a master of adaptation and aerial dominance.

A moment of stillness from a bird built for motion.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Spotted Thick-knee Plettet triel Burhinus capensis #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Spotted Thick-knee
Plettet triel
Burhinus capensis

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Village Indigobird Atlasfinke Vidua chalybeata #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Village Indigobird
Atlasfinke
Vidua chalybeata
✨ A small bird with a big story ✨
This is the Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybeata), photographed on the red soils of Tsavo, Kenya 🇰🇪
With its glossy, almost metallic black plumage, it may look modest at first glance—but this species is one of nature’s most clever tricksters, famous for letting other birds raise its chicks.
African birdlife never fails to surprise 🐦

📍 Tsavo, Kenya
👍 Like & share if you love discovering the hidden stories behind wildlife!

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Water Thick-knee Vandtriel Burhinus vermiculatus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Water Thick-knee / Vandtriel
Burhinus vermiculatus

A master of camouflage on the African riverbanks. With its huge yellow eyes and long, slender legs, the Water Thick-knee often freezes in place, trusting its mottled plumage to blend perfectly into sand and stone. Mostly active at dusk and night, it’s a bird you’re more likely to notice before you truly see it.

One of those quiet, watchful species that rewards patience—and a reminder of how subtle and beautiful wildlife can be when it chooses stillness over spectacle.

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Eastern Paradise-Whydah Paradisenke Vidua paradisaea #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Eastern Paradise-Whydah
Paradisenke
Vidua paradisaea

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Black-headed Weaver Sorthovedet Væver Ploceus melanocephalus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Black-headed Weaver
Sorthovedet Væver
Ploceus melanocephalus

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Northern Red-billed Hornbill Rødnæbbet Toko Tockus erythrorhynchus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Northern Red-billed Hornbill
Rødnæbbet Toko
Tockus erythrorhynchus

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Red-and-yellow Barbet Pragtperleskægfugl Trachyphonus erythrocephalus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Red-and-yellow Barbet
Pragtperleskægfugl
Trachyphonus erythrocephalus

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

White Stork Hvid Stork Ciconia ciconia #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

White Stork
Hvid Stork
Ciconia ciconia

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Isabelline Wheatear Isabellastenpikker Oenanthe isabellina #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Isabelline Wheatear
Isabellastenpikker
Oenanthe isabellina

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Long-crested Eagle Topørn Lophaetus occipitalis #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Long-crested Eagle
Topørn
Lophaetus occipitalis

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Broad-billed Roller Brednæbbet Ellekrage Eurystomus glaucurus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

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Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Red-naped Bushshrike Sodbrun Busktornskade Laniarius ruficeps #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Red-naped Bushshrike
Sodbrun Busktornskade
Laniarius ruficeps

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

European Roller Ellekrage Coracias garrulus #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

European Roller
Ellekrage
Coracias garrulus

European Roller
Ellekrage
Coracias garrulus

European Roller
Ellekrage
Coracias garrulus

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Augur Buzzard Augurvåge Buteo augur #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

Augur Buzzard
Augurvåge
Buteo augur

Michael Lund Markussen @mlmarkussen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

African Woolly-necked Stork Afrikansk uldhalsstork Ciconia microscelis #birds #birding #Kenya #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #ornithology #birdphotography #animalphotography

African Woolly-necked Stork
Afrikansk uldhalsstork
Ciconia microscelis