© irene waters 2019
On a tour of ancient Egypt it was an unexpected delight to have the opportunity to go bird watching in the upper reaches of the Nile. In earlier days the Nile periodically flooded but since the building of the first dam at Aswan and then the large dam that goes for miles and wiped out the home of the Nubian people flooding is now a thing of the past – it doesn’t happen very often these days. I imagine the tyre is evidence of a water level of the past. The Rock doves, a precursor to the modern pigeon, have taken advantage of the boulder to roost.
© irene waters 2019
Virtually every sitting surface in the Nile at this point had something resting or wading. The pied kingfisher was immediately recognisable as a kingfisher but I doubt he laughs like our kookaburras.
© irene waters 2019
Common gulls and ducks mix together in the shallows.
© irene waters 2019
The common teal duck is not so common to me.
© irene waters 2019
A colony of ducks (not sure of the type) take advantage of a sandy island in the river.
© irene waters 2019
When the birds were too far away to identify the surrounding scenery was spectacular.
© irene waters 2019
Sadly rubbish sits where the Grey heron and other birds search for food.
© irene waters 2019
Another heron sits on a boat.
© irene waters 2019
Are they homes or archaelogical digs?
© irene waters 2019
The desert meets the water. Donkeys graze on the small amount of greenery beside the river. A delightful sight.
© irene waters 2019
A quick wander through the botanical gardens.
© irene waters 2019
Trees I’ve never seen such as the floss silky tree from Argentina.
© irene waters 2019
and a flowers I didn’t have the sense to record their names.
© irene waters 2019
© irene waters 2019
Out to dry.
© irene waters 2019
© irene waters 2019
Some beautifully coloured birds . Does anyone know what they are?
© irene waters 2019
An egret. So many birds in such a short space of river. Wonderful nature.
In response to Patti’s prompt for the lens-artist challenge
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Egypt would be the last place I’d expect such an array of beautiful birds Irene! What a terrific surprise
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It was wonderful Tina. Dramatic backdrop and a bird photographer’s dream.
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Hi, Irene. I am also surprised at the wide variety of birds. I especially love your shot of the desert meeting the water. Great contrast!
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Yes it was such a small fertile belt along the banks and then stark desert. I hadn’t expected that.
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Yes. Me too.
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Lovely pics. Sad to see the garbage amongst the birds, but I’m finding here in Texas also.
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Thanks. Garbage is a world wide problem. The contrast when shown living side by side with nature brings it home how big a problem it is.
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Yes. It sure does.
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I don’t think I’ve ever encountered another traveler Egypt who photographed so many birds. What a treat – thank you.
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And the photos were severely culled – there is a limit to everybody’s viewing time. It was an absolute treat for me also. Glad you got pleasure as well Sharon.
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Similar to other comments, I was surprised at the number og birds to be found in Egypt. Lovely photos. The floss silky tree was certainly interesting. Just a delightful photo/essay of your travels. Thank you, Irene.
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You’re welcome. I was surprised as well. I guess like the people the birds gather near the water also. Truly beautiful.
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Thank you so much, Irene for sharing these bird photos in Nile. What a wonderful treat.
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You are more than welcome Amy.
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Lovely to catch up with you again, Irene, and get to see some of your Egypt pics. Funny, I never equated bird watching with a trip on the Nile, thinking only of all things pyramids. Makes perfect sense though…love your pics. Thinking of those brightly coloured birds, I have no idea, but they do look similar to our British moorhens and coots in shape and legs 🙂
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They probably are some of your birds as many are migratory. It was a special experience seeing them.
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Wonderful ❤
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