September 24, 2014

An African Masked Spider brought to me for a photo shoot

Although the container was lined with leaves and quite comfortable, the little spider was pleased to be set free and I had to act fast to get a few shots

 These little spiders have amazing defence tactics as you can see below

It lifts and moves the abdomen from side to side while stretching out to look as big and threatening 

as possible. I call it the jungle dance - all that's missing is the beating of a drum.

Note the 'mask' and the position of the front legs - held in such a way to look like pincers

September 15, 2014

A Portia Spider found on the wall in the ladies' room at work.

I can think of quite a few captions for this photo ,,,,

September 14, 2014

 Often I sit and work on the laptop at the front veranda table. 

The camera is always part of this 'office' and today's photos show why.

This Masked Weaver perched in the tree at the fence and peeked at me through the gap in the poles that line the edge of the veranda.

A House Sparrow takes a rest while carrying material to line the nest for his lady

Poor little thing looks a bit bedraggled!

Blended colours and textures of nature - what an amazing word we live in

September 12, 2014

The next set of photos were all taken at False Bay Park which is part of the Isimangaliso Wetlands

This gathering of birds remind me of the meetings & workshops that we so often have to attend. 

(Please note that this post is done 'with tongue in cheek' with NO intention to offend anybody)

Timing is a major thing in Africa

Early arrivals wander around aimlessly while the convenor faffs to try & create some order

'The Boss' arrives flanked by his bodyguards/assistants

An Inspector makes a short appearance just to see that the meeting is being conducted 

according to standard rules and regulations

  Although the meeting is just about over there are still late arrivals

By this time numbers have dwindled and the few still present seem to have lost interest

(one wonders - do they understand the language?)

 This guy had the best plan - signed out from work to attend the meeting

but went fishing in stead!

September 6, 2014

Shy birds? Egyptian Geese foraging breakfast

 This Blacksmith Plover has to be a first for me. 

Although my bird book states that it is fairly common, I can't recall seeing one before

(unless old age has something to do with it)

Taken from a moving vehicle

A Lilac Breasted Roller made a beautiful splash of colour in otherwise drab surroundings. 

I could not resist the shot that resulted in this very strange photo. I nearly deleted it, but the more I look at it the more it reminds me that although everything might not always be perfect, there is beauty in everything around us. We just have to open our eyes and our minds to it 

September 5, 2014

What would a visit from the children be without breakfast in the park?

As soon as the food came out, so did the birds although they did try to hide in a nearby tree ;)

At one stage there must have been at least 6 types of birds,

This has to be my favourite photo of all time - a Bradfields Hornbill - in all its glory

September 3, 2014

There is big excitement in my house tonight because my children are en-route from Dubai !

While pacing up and down in anticipation, I went outside and noticed how beautiful the moon is.

Quite an amazing shot for a bridge camera, even if I say so myself!