Bird ringing in Rye, England

The Baltimore Sun 0 Comment World birds, British Trust for Ornithology, Dan Kitwood, England

Currently in the process of recording migrating hirundines and other birds at a reserve close to the East Sussex coast, the British Trust for Ornithology can ring as many as 1,000 hirundines in one evening. Hirundines comprise of Sand Martins, House Martins and Swallows — all of which roost in high numbers on the reserve over summer before continuing their migratory route back to Africa. In fact, the site is one of the world’s largest ringing stations. Other birds are also ringed including Nightjar, Grasshopper Warbler and Sparrowhawk.

Volunteers and staff capture the birds using long mist nets that are erected and run through the reedbeds before the birds come in to roost every evening. Details recorded before being released include the bird’s age, weight and sex, which allow the BTO to monitor long-term population and global migration patterns. | Photos taken by Dan Kitwood of Getty Images.

Jun 24, 2012

Benin’s Voodoo heartland

Stokely Baksh 0 Comment World Benin, Dan Kitwood, Egungun, Nigeria, Ouidah, Togo, vodun, voodoo, vudun

13 photos

Often misunderstood, the spiritual religion of Vodun — or Voodoo — conjures up images of primitive rituals, animal sacrifices, spirits and curses. But within every religion, lies beauty and mystery in the practices of those who believe.

Considered the birthplace of Voodoo, the coastal city Ouidah attracts followers from across the country as well as Togo and Nigeria who attend religious ceremonies. Getty photographer Dan Kitwood spent time earlier this year in Ouidah, where some 17 percent of Beninese practice the religion.

The photos in the gallery show Egungun spirits from the Nigerian Yoruba Clan. According to Kitwood, these masqueraded dancers depict ancestral spirits of the clan’s past who are believed to visit earth to possess and offer guidance.

“The constant beat of drumming throughout the day and into the night draws people into the secluded courtyards of Voodoo priests to discover secret ceremonies in hidden shrines and temples,” writes Kitwood on his blog.
More →