WHALES, LOERIES AND AN OTTER

There are not sufficient words to describe the magnificent 5 day Otter Trail. Hiking the forest coastline while the whales are birthing in the shallows of South African's Cape seas is forever etched in my memory. Above the constantly crashing waves is the unique call of the striking green Knysna Loerie. These beautiful birds are peculiar to this area and of the African musophagidae birds. Their markings look like they've been painted by a Heavenly pallet. With the vivid red hooked beak and eyeliner - and that surrounded by white feathers which match the white tipped green mohawk style hairdo. Far from comical they are a very striking bird. The Knysna Loerie moves with agility through the forest canopies.

Also known as the Knysna Turaco the vibrant green of the birds blends into beautiful shades of blue along their wings and tail, with flashes of red to match that of their beak and encircling their eyes. They survive largely on fruit, with an occasional insect or seeds as a treat.

Thanks to @nelinoeva for yet another Free Theme SMaP Challenge This gave me the opportunity to reminisce over a very special hike many years ago. My memory is of early Summer watching the birthing whales as we hiked the breathtaking forest coastline and listened to the constant "kok kok kok kok" call of the Knysna Loerie for 5 glorious days. And then, just at the end we watched an otter surfing the river mouth.