This is a “now” page a la Derek Sivers. It serves to share what I am up to right now. For more about me, see the about page.
Last updated on February 20th, 2025.
I just got back from Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary up near the Mauritanian border. I was able to kill two snakes with one stone, managing to do some research for the Bradt Guide to Senegal, which I am updating, while undertaking an ambitious family holiday. Djoudj was of course the star of the show, but I also really enjoyed Saint-Louis.
In my hopes and dreams post for 2025, I talked about sending 100 postcards this year and seeing 36 new bird species. Well. I’ve sent 61 postcards so far, and in Djoudj, we saw over 60 species of birds, including multiple lifers for me (first sightings of a species): squacco heron, african spoonbill, knob billed duck, african stonechat, black shouldered/winged kite, marsh harrier, yellow wagtail, gargany, african pygmy goose, african sacred ibis, pied avocet. I’m nearly half-way to my goal after a single two-day visit to Djoudj.
Have you ever seen a squacco heron?
Look at him!!!
In a few days I will be heading out on a two week trip with Scoot West Africa clients to carnival in Guinea-Bissau. More to come!