Africa Wild

Loving it!

Beautiful birdlife STF and Sprocky



We moved into our present house six years ago. It was a new development and we started the garden from scratch. One of the first trees we planted was the Coral tree and now we are reaping the benefits. Besides their gorgeous flowers they attract birds like the amerthyst sunbird - haven't got a photo of him yet

As I said last week this was the first time the Southern Masked Weaver built a nest in our Coral Tree

Most gardeners are familiar with this hard working bird especially now in spring. He mixes with other seed-eaters at bird-feeders.



The Southern Masked Weaver nests alone but sometimes he may join small colonies. He mates with between 2-12 females and fervently builds his nests trying to impress the picky females. He builds some 10-50 nests and then advertises all his homes to the females. He can make quite a mess while leaf stripping especially the palm tree, which can be left bare, and also leaves a mess when the nest is destroyed.



His displays of hanging from the nest with spread wings while chattering insistently can be seen and heard in many gardens.



His dance includes fluffing up of the wings and still the consistent chattering all in the hope of attracting a female
Once a female accepts his nest then she lays the inside lining to the nest and only then does he build a short entrance tunnel to the nest. She lays 2-3 eggs.
If she does not like the nest it is destroyed and replaced by the male.



Another visitor that loves the taste of the coral flower is the Dark-capped Bulbul





The Cape White-Eye was not going to miss out on this sweet feast

Sharifa, what a great way to show how to attract birds to your garden! Indigenous rules!!!

if I got a coral flower... not sure I will have these birds
what a chance

I just love your Black collared Barbet Sprocky - will there be babies or is this their home?

Coral tree - that is splendid Sharifa - a great idea. Super birds as visitors.

I have always wondered why evolution has decided that the weavers have to do such a complicated job to make a nest Great to watch though §

I don't only like your photos, Sharifa, but also the comments
which are very interesting and educational

Fantastic photos Sharifa especially the white eye. They never keep still long enough for me to get a photo.

Very interesting narration as well. Well done.

Thanks all

Sprocky wrote:Sharifa, what a great way to show how to attract birds to your garden! Indigenous rules!!!

We have an indigenous garden except for one or two plants and the veggie patch

Lovely birdies and tree!!