Airstrip guards!

Meet the guards who keep an eye on the airstrip of Kabalebo.

The airstrip of Kabalebo is the first thing you will notice when approaching by airplane. A kilometer long wide trail, it doesn't sound a bit exciting, but be aware of its guards. 

The Grey-lined Hawk is one of the frequently seen guard on the airstrip. Even though it is a still hunter it doesn't take any effort to stay invisible for you. Unless it likes to hunt.

Here is a double duty: the Great Black Hawk and the Black Caracara. They are no friends from each other, but they do give each other enough space. Both are here scanning the airstrip for illegal passing by prey. These two are also not afraid to pose in front of the camera.

The Grey-headed Kite is also one of those who is guarding the airstrip. Only this one is a bit shy and likes to stay hidden between the dense vegetation.

Another brave guard is the Laughing falcon. Often seen sitting on exposed branches and from time to time likes to 'laugh' a bit. A not so hard to miss guard as it wears a visible mask.

This guard, the Harpy Eagle, is one that you don't need to rely on. Occasionally comes by to scan the airstrip area, but it will not tell you when it is on the job. 

And here we have 3 new guards also seen on the airstrip edge:
this one is the Hook-billed Kite. A silent hunter, one that doesn't like the spotlight a lot. It stays outside for a couple of minutes and afterwards heads back into the forest.

The Black Hawk eagle; left is an immature, one that was seen close to the airstrip. As it was new on the job, possible doesn't even know its responsibility yet, it flew back into the forest. Picture right is an adult, that is how the immature will look like in the future. From an uncertain bird to a fierce looking bird of prey.

And last but not least ... the Collared Forest Falcon. I spotted this one off guard as it was trying to dry its feathers after a heavy rainfall. Staying inside the forest will not help a bit to dry your feathers so it came out in the open. 

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