My next-door neighbour told me about these mantids in a rose bush in his garden. Three of them have taken up residence in a pink-flowering rosebush and have been there for over a week. Continue reading “In the pink: Flower mantids in the garden”
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”
Although cities have their attractions, I prefer more natural places. We are fortunate to have a suburban garden that backs onto a quiet plantation. Continue reading “Back to the garden”
The story of survival depends on the strength of family bonds that endure, as epitomized by these Vervet monkeys, even in a hostile world. Continue reading “Family story”
A wildlife-friendly pond even in a suburban garden can really enrich the space. Although we still provide bird baths, which are heavily used, a pond with aquatic plants adds another dimension, attracting other creatures in addition to the birds. Continue reading “On garden pond: Homemade and wildlife friendly”
What could be sweeter than nectar, and this female Amethyst Sunbird seeking sweetness from the flowers of a Krantz Aloe? Continue reading “Sweet sunbird, sweet aloe”
Bird parents are much more proactive than we might think. I have been told by wildlife rehabilitators that fledglings that fall from their nests a tad prematurely stand a far better chance being left where they are, than being scooped up by humans thinking to rescue them; the reason being that bird parents are proactive and continue to raise fledglings that have left the nest. Continue reading “Bird parents to the rescue: The day the baby sparrow fell from the nest”
A pond or water feature can add liveliness to even the drabbest of backyards. No, I am not promoting a garden makeover, but thought I’d share something of the enjoyment I get from our garden pond, not least because a variety of wildlife get to enjoy it too. Continue reading “Just pondering: Reflecting on our garden pond”
These old bottles were all dug up in a long-disused household rubbish pit behind our house. Variations include bottles for medicines, tomato sauce, beer, lime juice, milk, hair oil, Vicks, Marmite, and liqueur. Continue reading “Bottle variations”
