We saw this Hamerkop (also Hammerkop or Hammerhead) on our trip to the Gambia in January 2007. This species occurs across sub-Saharan Africa and was fairly common in the Gambia.
These were among the cutest birds we saw in the Gambia. I think it’s the big black eyes.
These birds make huge nests, up to five feet across and strong enough to hold a man’s weight. Check out this one:
Apparently they are ‘compulsive nest builders’ and will build these huge constructions whether they are breeding or not. Sounds like bird OCD.
Be sure to check out the rest of the submissions in this week’s Bird Photography Weekly.
