During week 4 I saw and heard 40 species. I also added another bird to my garden list – a Crowned Lapwing flew over my house. My lock-down total stood at 47 at the end of week 4, thanks to a pair of African Hoopoos. I also spotted all 3 Swift species – African Palm Swift, Little Sift and White-rumped Swift.
The bees were still around and annoying me and the birds. But they did present some great photo opportunities.
I’d been hearing the Cape Turtle Doves on a regular basis, and finally one decided to come for a photo.
One morning the light was absolutely perfect, and I took some photos of the Grey Go-away bird, Black-collared Barbet, Laughing dove and Dark-capped Bulbul.
The Sparrows were around as well – Grey-headed Sparrow.
When I see Sparrows, I am always reminded of Matthew 10:29-31 –
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
The Cape Robin-chat continued to be a regular visitor, but the Karoo Thrush has become a little scarce.
The Amethyst Sunbirds were very active. This female was feeding outside my garage.
The Cape White-eyes were still around, but they were not happy with the bees that were interfering at the nectar feeder. The little Tawny-flanked Prinia family was hunting for little bugs. They are such busy little things.
A Laughing dove was taking a sun bath on the neighour’s roof.
It wasn’t just the birds that provided entertainment during the 5th week of lock-down. A cute little gecko was playing hide and seek on the balcony railing. And then I saw this gorgeous Garden Commodore butterfly on one of the daisy bushes.
I played with the macro lens again. A young green twig was growing from the trunk of a tree in my garden. The daisy bush was in full bloom with a few newly opened blossoms.
I also found a few creepy crawlies. There was a pretty little Lady Bug, a caterpillar and a couple of flies.
Next up Week 5, the last week of Level 5 Lock-down before we changed to Level 4.