The threadbare wings of this butterfly are evidence of the transient nature of its life. Continue reading “Transient life of a drifter on the wing”
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”
Bringing good cheer and nectar in the late autumn and early winter, the Wild Dagga’s bright orange flower clusters, arranged vertically on segmented tall stems, brighten wild grasslands and gardens alike. Continue reading “Wild Dagga: Cheerfulness in early winter”
Previously, I have highlighted birds that are daily visitors to our garden. By contrast the Bush Blackcap and the Swee Waxbill appear to be infrequent or very discreet visitors. Continue reading “Fleeting garden visitors: The Bush Blackcap and the Swee Waxbill”
I was photographing this Common River Frog in the small water feature in our garden. Imagine my surprise when it blinked! Continue reading “Surprise! The frog that blinked”
Unlike the emperor in the Hans Christian Andersen story, Emperor Moths are gorgeously clad with no need to hire any tailors, deceptive or otherwise. Continue reading “The Emperor (Moth) has new clothes”
Although nearly fully grown, this juvenile Hadeda Ibis still seeks a sense of security from its parent. Continue reading “The security of parental care”
Feeling their roots, comfortable in their own skin, a nest for birds, there are no words for the beauty, splendour, the wonder of our trees. Continue reading “Shady characters in the garden: Celebrating tree-dom”
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”
