Lockdown Level 2
Spring arrived with two of the coldest days of the year. Luckily it warmed up soon, and the birds came out again.
I was ridiculously excited to see my first Greater Striped Swallows of the season.
I also saw Little and White-rumped Swifts a few days later.
Another exciting moment was when I had my second sighting of the Ovambo Sparrowhawk.
It was fun to see the Speckled Mousebirds interact and tolerate the other birds.
I also played around a bit trying to get some action shots. Thank goodness for digital photography, because I had to take many, many photos to get just a few decent ones.
The Speckled Mouse birds were very obliging.
The Dark-capped Bulbul was also one of the easier ones to photograph.
The Laughing Doves were a little more difficult as they were more unpredictable ito where they would land.
I also tried with the Black-collared Barbet and Southern Masked weavers.
This Common Fiscal had the Cape White-eyes in a frenzy. If you look closely, it looks as he may have had breakfast earlier, as it looks as if there are some left overs on his throat. I wonder if he could have taken a little bird from a nest somewhere, and that was the reason for the White-eyes’ agitation? He was chased off quite quickly.
I had my first ever sighting of a House Sparrow in my garden way back when during week 5 of Lockdown level 5, but could not get a photo. The little guy showed up again on 18 September 2020, and then appeared on my balcony quite regularly.
Lockdown Level 1
South Africa moved to Level 1 of Lockdown on 21 September 2020. I was fortunate to continue working from home.
The Southern Red Bishop was Lockdown bird #65 in July. I am so used to the Southern Masked Weavers on my balcony that I almost missed this little female coming for a snack. Her husband put in a brief appearance on the last day of September.
One of my favourite birds rarely poses for photos. I have such a fondness for African Hoopoos.
The African Black Duck was Lockdown bird #60 on 3 June 2020, and also my 77th Garden bird. On 28 September it did a quick flyby again and I managed a couple of not so great photos as it was on the wrong side of the light. But I am happy to have the photo at least!
I had some fun with the Grey Go Away Birds and the macro lens again.
Photos
A few of my favourite photos of the month.
I continued my attempts at action photos. I was particularly proud of this Cape Sparrow photo.
Laughing Doves
Black-collared Barbet.
Fiscal Flycatcher taking a bath.
