Trees Are For Birds To Hide In
Rustling through the leaves, often hear chattering deep within, smaller birds do know the trees are their kingdom. Hide from the heat, feast on nectar or simply chatter at the top of their voices there is a a kite flying above flying above.
Firey little finch visits normally in the afternoon, very skittish will take to hide within the bush. Red-billed firefinch )Lagonosticta senegala) prefer thickets, woodlands and savannas, these normally feed beneath the leaves of the tree, seldom venturing far from the bush along the wall.
Awesome Brown-hooded kingfisher often lets me know sitting in the tree checking the landscape below for morsels to enjoy below, this kingfisher does not eat fish, prefers to hawk on worms or insects...
Oh the Loerie makes a noise, lets everyone know he is close but to try capture photos a near impossibility! Hidden well within the tree eating fruit, quick in movement normally out of sight. Gotcha - Purple-crested turaco!
Alas ring-necked dove (Streptopelia capicola), or Cape turtle dove or Half-collared dove is a little slow sometimes, pretty bird seen in the open that are vulnerable to black sparrowhawks and lanner falcons, not that I have ever witnessed one attacked in the garden. Dove may be close to the trees, simply not quick enough....
Tiny little White-bellied sunbird perches high early morning and late afternoons singing on high, to attract the ladies! Another have to zoom, thank goodness modern cameras have the capability of using this with a sturdy hand..
Him taking in some nectar in bush right next to the next one.... There we have it male and female!
Lady sipping from the flowers, delicious pollen she has been alerted to again late afternoon before they seek shelter for the night, in trees. She does not have the grand colour, but most definitely listens to his call.
When you hear the song change, chattering loudly, movement within the trees agitated, look above there goes a pair of Yellow-bill kites perhaps hunting together, or sharing the thermals for pleasure.
Moving at high speed...
Suddenly you realize there are two, hunting or playing together?
Judging by acrobatics it might have been a bit of both, game and hunt is on!
What did you see stepping out your door today, birds are ever on the move...
The feeder is a busy place, here to enjoy a short clip of weavers doing just that, free food!
Best things in life are free, aren't they? Cost of a small camera with loads of entertainment. Happy a happy day!
Thanks for visiting Feathered Friends, Entry to #SMAP No. 202 - Bird Contest with host @nelinoeva BIRD FREE THEME
Feathered Friends Community gratitude to @melinda010100 for sponsoring the contest. Our talented artist @barbara-orenya for on-going creative support.
All photography and stories are my own, thanks for reading and visiting. No AI here!
Thought for Today: "A chattering bird builds no nest." - South African Proverb