Verreaux’s Eagle (Aquila verreauxii) – 3 stories

This eagle holds a special place in my heart. I grew up with them, visiting a farm for 2 months annually, from before I could remember. They had a huge nest, against a cliff edge, I do not know how many meters high it was, but we climbed the mountain regularly, looking for sheep on top, and could look at them from above as well. Only on one occasion did I see 2 chicks, usually just 1, because the second chick is usually killed by its sibling. One year we walked right into an adult sitting on a rock, and it was a "wow" moment, huge bird, incredibly strong and proud. They reach 95 cm in height.

The second story is about an Eagle we saw at the rehab center in Kuruman. This was an injured bird, hidden behind netting and visibly wild. You can see the unmistakable white "V" on the back of the otherwise black eagle. This bird would stand a chance to be released and hopefully by now has been, and is flying the skies again.

The last story is of another eagle we saw at the rehab center in Addo. This bird had been imprinted, basically did not know it was an eagle to begin with and sadly will not be released. In fact it was so tame, we walked into the cage without it even looking spooked. Sad, but it gave an incredible opportunity to get close. Would give it all up, to see it fly in the skies.

Stunning birds and always special to see them. They occur mainly in mountainous areas from Namibia, South Africa and up the East Coast of Africa.

Gardening - Aloe speciosa

Aloe speciosa, one of my favorite aloes. I love the color of this Aloe, bluish-green with lovely long leaves hanging down. The head is mostly tilted towards the sun, making it another interesting part of the plant.

The inflorescence is a tall upright with, initially red flowers, turning white as they mature, making for a wonderful look when the plant is flowering. In contrast the reddish stamens and orange anthers make it just that more special on closer inspection.

They grow in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces of South Africa on rocky slopes. We saw a few of them when we walked the Zuurberg mountains, part of the greater Addo Elephant National Park.

[caption id="attachment_851" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Zuurberg mountains[/caption]

They grow nice and tall and can reach up to 5 meters, but this takes a long time. The plants in my garden is 3 years, in the garden, and my guess would be at least 5 - 8 years old.

White-faced Duck (Dendrosygna viduata)

Found throughout Africa, south of the Sahara, except a few drier areas like Namibia and Northern Cape province of South Africa.

Chestnut brown color with diagnostic white face and they stand very erect. They also have fine barred flanks, which can only be seen close-up.

Beautiful duck and at the time we saw them, we also saw a little meet and greet as 2 ducks met up with a third.

Unfortunately I was not able to get nice pics on the point and shoot when I saw one on the water, but still makes a nice scene.

Some Previous birding post:

Pale-chanting Goshawk

Cape Spurfowl

Warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicas)

We found some Warthog in Addo National Park. Not the most beautiful animal you could ever see, but yet, there it is.

A muddy concoction of compactness, with a huge head, small eyes, and a wart just below the eyes, males have another set lower down, and then the canine teeth forms prominent tusks, growing outward and then upward. The weight of the males average around 80 kg.

They like open woodlands, grassland and floodplains. They feed on grass, roots, seeds, fruit, bark and even invertebrates. Interestingly babies eat mother's dung to inoculate their gut with bacteria.

Their love for mud is for removing parasites and cooling off. They form loose families, usually males with 2 females and piglets. I managed to capture a meeting of 2 groups and in what is said to be a friendly meeting with recognition, some sniffing and possibly a bout of head pushing.

After the head pushing, all was good again, and everybody went on with their day's task of foraging for food.

Cape Spurfowl or Francolin (Pternistis capensis)

I grew up with these endemic birds to not only South Africa, but more specific the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces, mainly along the coastal regions or inland of them.

Large bird, mid-size chicken, without the long legs. They tend to be within the thickets and rarely open for long enough to take pictures, but do frequent gardens, especially where protection is abundant.

The fine beautiful patterns on the body feathers are visible at close range, with bold white stripes on the flanks.

Perfection!

Reference

A comprehensive illustrated field guide: Birds of Africa, south of the Sahara. Ian Sinclair, Peter Ryan. Struik publishers, 2003.

African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

These largish black waders are found mostly in South Africa. Mainly in estuaries, coastlines and lagoons.

We see them regularly here, coming and going from their nesting sites or sleeping spots, in groups. You cannot miss the red/orange bill and eye-ring. Here are a few pictures I took at various spots.

Some of the photographs are on mussel colonies and I understand there may be oysters around here too, but not sure.

Previous birding post:

Pied Kingfisher

Wonderful Winter's Day

We awoke this morning with a mom in the house and perfect weather to add. So, naturally, we had to go walking and Boeta got a chance to play and connect with mom. Here are a few pictures of this walk.

Hope you enjoy your Saturday as much as we did!