Took the photos on the 28th of February but I was unable to identify this bird. I have now been told that it is a Sooty falcon.
Sooty falcon, (Falco concolor). This bird has captured something and has it in it's left claw. According to my bird book these birds are rare visitors to this area, though I counted five flying about and hunting.
Here you can see the bird feeding. It was quite a substantial meal as it took the falcon a long while to finish it.
Having a good stretch after feeding.
Took these photos very late evening so the light was almost gone, thus the silhouette
Meal over and it starts hunting again even though it's almost dark. I suppose that many small animals will start to feel safe in the low light, only to have death swoop down on them from the sky.
The black spot on the left hand edge of the photo is actually a swallow flying by. These falcons also prey on swallows.
Woke up at 5:30 last Saturday morning to the sound of an aircraft roaring over the cottage.
Stumbled outside to see this crop spraying plane flying overhead at treetop height. Dashed inside and grabbed the camera to take a few photos. Stood outside in my shorts, - my fine physique a definite distraction to any passing lady drivers ;¬) , - and clicked away.
On the western side of the N3 highway is a huge field of maize, irrigated by several centre pivot irrigation systems. Every year at this time the field gets sprayed by a crop spraying plane.
The field starts just metres past the highway so the plane comes in very low. Spraying is done very early before there is any wind, so as not to disperse the spray, and also for flying safety.
A series of photos showing the aircraft approaching the highway. Once over the highway the plane is literally skimming the tops of the maize.
Almost there.
Just over the back of the truck.
Took these photos of a Black Headed heron on Sunday afternoon late. I kept moving closer and closer to the bird, taking photos all the while.
Click on photos to enlarge and see the detail.
Keeping an I on me, wondering how close I'll come.
Too close, and it flies off with a Blacksmith Lapwing closes behind and it's shadow racing along the dam wall.
The heron went and sat in this thorn tree close by and I continued advancing while taking photos.
Then it took off again to seek some real privacy.
Took these photos a couple of evenings ago.
Click on photos to enlarge.
T
The clouds above just caught the last rays of the setting sun.
Almost gone, a few minutes later it was completely dark.
Took these photos at about 7:30 last night.
Click on photos to enlarge.
This new camera of mine just keeps on amazing me, looks like I used a telescope.
Filled the whole frame with this shot,and a bit more.
On our daily walks around the farm we pass three ponds/dams, and the dogs make full use of the opportunity to have a swim. Tombi and Sissy might have one swim but Lady has several in each of the three ponds. It was so hot yesterday at 5:30pm that I felt like joining them.
A very happy Lady.
It's been very hot these last two weeks, with temperature in the mid thirties with high humidity. Below are some fat sleek cattle seeking the shade under the big old pecan nut tree just beyond the dam wall.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Took this photo from the cottage veranda, distance about 300 meters.
