Balaba Camp

Family run eco-lodge in the heart of rural Gambia

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

A Western Grey Plantain Eater taking a look at our pool area. #gambia #birdwatching #birdphotography

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

In previous years we've had Hamerkops nesting at Balaba. They build huge nests, often including random found objects such as plastic or rope. I photographed this beauty at the river between Siffoe and Darsilami. #birdwatching #gambia #birdphotgraphy

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

A stunning male Western Bluebill enjoying some grass seeds. #gambia #birdwatching #birdphotography

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

Many birds enjoy the palm nuts that grow around the compound. This Common Bulbul is making the most of the harvest. #Gambia #gambiabirds #birdwatching #BirdPhotography #BirdsSeenIn2022 #TwitterNatureCommunity

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

We are based in The Gambia and can see how #overfishing and large-scale fish factories have decimated the local fish industry and caused real problems for people trying to feed their families. #FoodInsecurity

[Environmental Justice Foundation @ejfoundation]

In West Africa, fish populations are heavily exploited and the food security of coastal communities is at risk of collapse.

West Africa is also where 78.5% of China's offshore fisheries are approved by the Chinese government. Reform is urgently needed.

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

@SteveBotham6 They truly are spectacular birds! 😀

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

@daybhorwhale They truly are spectacular birds! 😀

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

The Violet Turaco is one of our star species. Here you can catch a glimpse of its stunning red under-feathers that you normally only see when it's flying. #Gambia #gambiabirds #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #BBCWildlifePOTD #BirdsSeenIn2022 #TwitterNatureCommunity

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

A while ago, Lamin and his son Dodou built a fabulous two-storey platform where we can sit and survey the birds from among the trees. We were delighted when a pair of Grey Woodpeckers came to check it out. #Gambia #gambiabirds #Birds

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

Looks like this these Blue-Bellied Rollers are making baby rollers! #Gambia #gambiabirds #birding #BirdsSeenIn2022 #BBCWildlifePOTD #TwitterNatureCommunity #BirdPhotography

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

@SteveBotham6 Great photo! I always find these very tricky to photograph. 😀

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

The Tawny-Flanked Prinia is a bit tricky to photograph because it hides in the foliage. So I was pleased to get a clear shot of the lovely little bird. #Gambia #gambiabirds #birdwatching #WildlifePhotography #BBCWildlifePOTD #BirdsSeenIn2022 #TwitterNatureCommunity

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

@CherieLComstock Such beautiful colours! 😀

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

We see the Northern Black Flycatcher daily at Balaba, but it doesn't often come to bathe in the pool. #Gambia #birdwatching #BirdPhotography #BirdsSeenIn2022 #TwitterNatureCommunity

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

For some reason, the Western Grey Plantain Eaters prefer to bathe in the small bird bowl rather than the pool! Maybe they feel more secure bathing higher up rather than coming down to the pool. #Gambia #birdwatching #BirdPhotography #BirdsSeenIn2022 #TwitterNatureCommunity

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

This Greater Blue-Eared Glossy Starling is enjoying a vigorous bath in the bird pool. Got to keep those stunning colours looking their best! #Gambia #birdwatching #BirdPhotography #BirdsSeenIn2022 #TwitterNatureCommunity

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

@BubacarrDaffeh I still have trouble recognising the different gulls! Need to keep checking my field guide. 🤣

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

@djpaterson1 Fantastic photo! 😀

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

@CherieLComstock @Becky_Vixie Absolutely beautiful! ❤️

[Balaba Camp @BalabaCamp]

We don't see the Yellow White-Eye very often, so we were delighted to have a pair visiting the pool for a dip. #Gambia #birdwatching #BirdPhotography