Seeing an African Paradise Flycatcher in the garden always brings me joy. They are not only beautiful, but to the human ear their chirruping call is most cheering. Continue reading “African Paradise Flycatcher brings a smile”
Our suburban sunrises and sunsets are circumscribed compared to those we have experienced in wilder places. In contrast to wide open spaces such as in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana, our garden skyscapes are fringed by trees and the horizons are close and small. Continue reading “African Sundown/Sundowner”
The Cape White-eye is another of my favourite garden birds that is no less special for being a familiar presence in suburban gardens. Cape White-eyes forage busily in small groups and they are enthusiastic visitors to the bird baths where, after drinking, they bathe with much exuberance. Continue reading “Small and gregarious charmers: Cape White-eyes”
I spotted this mantis on an Arum lily plant only by chance. I had been photographing small beetles that were pollinating the flower when I glanced down and saw this interesting little creature. Usually, we only see the green African Mantis around, so it was special to see this small mantis, commonly called a leaf mantis or a ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa). Continue reading “Getting acquainted with a leaf mantis”
Painted by the glow of the late afternoon sun, the reflective water illuminates a Sombre Greenbul at the garden birdbath. Continue reading “Sunbrushed”
I am sure I am not the only one to wonder why these barbets have been named for the black collar and not for their distinctive and bright red head – surely a little perverse? Continue reading “Black-collared Barbets: Duets and warfare in the garden”
Need some perspective to gauge the size of the reptile clambering over what appear to be boulders? Continue reading “Reptile atop boulders”
Usually seen buzzing about collecting pollen from flowers, I spotted this carpenter bee taking a walk. Continue reading “Unusually Pedestrian”
Brightening the drab floor of our mini woodland in our dry winters, this member of the Amaryllidaceae family flowers freely. Continue reading “White Paint Brush: A winter-flowering woodland favourite”
