This pair of Southern Carmine Bee-Eaters, Merops nubicoides, was perched in the trees near our cabana at Nxamaseri Island Lodge (Maun, Botswana) the morning of August 22, 2012. We had just returned from a birding expedition along the main channel and were thrilled to find this pair right in our 'own backyard'. The Southern Carmine is the largest bee-eater in the region and has brilliant carmine and blue plumage. The black bill and mask, blue crown and vent, and deep pink underparts are visible in the photo. After photographing several other species, it was a mad dash to pack our things and get ready to head to the airport (by boat) for a flight to Xakanaxa Lodge in Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve. Temperatures were in the low 70's.