The glossy red berries of the Solanum giganteum provide satisfaction for birds during the winter months when conditions can be harsh. Continue reading “Winter satisfaction”
It wasn’t just a discrete little tap, tap, tap on the window frame, it was a very loud and insistent hammering. The first time I heard it early in the morning I thought what an inconsiderate visitor this is. It must be an emergency. Continue reading “A woodpecker at the window”
What has bright yellow legs and bill, is predominantly purple-brown with beautiful speckled markings and hints of iridescence, a soothing deep and almost resonant call, clambers about in large trees with clumsy agility in search of small fruits, and is one of my favourite garden birds? Continue reading “The forest-loving African Olive-Pigeon – a special garden visitor”
Here is a bird that lives up to its beautiful name – the word “oriole” derives from the Latin for “golden”. Continue reading “Black-headed Oriole: Golden bird of the African treetops”
He built this nest in anticipation of attracting a mate. Continue reading “Anticipating attracting a mate”
Even in sunny South Africa, European winter traditions are evident at Christmas time. There are Christmas cards that feature red-breasted European robins and there was a time when shop windows sported cotton-wool snow and plastic holly, even though December is at the height of the southern hemisphere summer! Continue reading “Christmas cards and robins”
The Southern Boubou is most noticeable on account of its ringing duetting call. It is an audible presence in our garden, and we catch glimpses of the pair hopping through low dense foliage, but they are shy and it is difficult to get a clear view of them. These photos were taken on a recent road trip to the Western Cape and back. Cheating perhaps? Continue reading “Southern Boubou: A bushshrike that’s usually quite shy”
What catches the eye is not so much the bright red collar as the iridescent green sheen of this Southern Double-collared Sunbird. Continue reading “Sunbird shine”
I grew up with raucous calling of the Hadeda Ibis. When at dusk they call in unison as they fly back to their roosts, when at dawn they call seemingly to advertise their presence to their neighbours, and even the frequent callouts during the day to keep in touch with family members or to warn of dangers from predators; I love the sound.
Continue reading “Suburban soundtrack: Call of the Hadeda Ibis”
