#1381
|
||||
|
||||
Kevin, some great colors on that bird.
|
#1382
|
||||
|
||||
They are lovely. The chest colour is also turquoise blue - but unfortunately, the colour is not visible in the photo because of the shadow.
I waited a while for him to move so I could get a better shot, but when he did move he left!
__________________
The SD40 is 55 now! |
#1383
|
||||
|
||||
On to the next - a Blacksmith Lapwing on the edge of a large pool.
So-called because of its call - which sounds (really) exactly like a blacksmiths hammer on a steel anvil! A resident of Southern Africa, it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and insects. A couple of interesting things... * They have a habit of stamping and trembling their feet in the water to activate their prey and get them to rise. * They are also subject to Falcon and Eagle attacks but repel these by adopting aposematic displays. This is when they spread their wings out, down and forward. * They nest on the ground. If the eggs are overheating the Lapwings go into the water and wet their bellies and then go back to cool the eggs (usually 3-4). Called "Belly Wetting". * If the eggs get attacked by safari ants, they pick them up and dunk them in water - which removes the ants easily. Ants have a small body mass so they rise to the waters surface where they get "locked" by surface tension.
__________________
The SD40 is 55 now! |
#1384
|
||||
|
||||
Next up - a Lilac Breasted Roller.
An insectivorous resident. Also eats small snakes, birds, rodents and frogs. Monogamous and fiercely territorial.
__________________
The SD40 is 55 now! |
#1385
|
|||
|
|||
The lapwing is an interesting bird. I was not aware of its capabilities.
|
#1386
|
||||
|
||||
More very beautiful birds!
No lapwings in North America usually, although I have heard of some being blown in from time to time. The lovely lilac-breasted roller was previously unknown to me. Seems to be found only in Sub-Saharan Africa (with occasional brief forays into the southern Arabian Peninsula). What colors! Don |
#1387
|
||||
|
||||
Very cool birds Kevin That Lapwing pic is really sharp. We've been seeing a few more birds here as early spring now..
__________________
regards Glen |
#1388
|
||||
|
||||
Coincidence. I pulled this thread up and all of a sudden there was a horrible ruckus outside. An owl was being harried by a couple ravens and a red-tailed hawk. She ended up in a cedar tree. The ravens got bored and left but the hawk is making a racket trying to get her to move
__________________
A fine is a tax when you do wrong. A tax is a fine when you do well. |
#1389
|
||||
|
||||
She really needs to sit on her nest more. I doubt we will have another Barney this year.
__________________
A fine is a tax when you do wrong. A tax is a fine when you do well. |
#1390
|
|||
|
|||
California Quail
These snap shots may be of some interest.
Happened to have my camera handy yesterday when drinking coffee out on the patio. California birds are not a colorful bunch compared to the ones back in New England where I grew up. They still though are fun to watch and I enjoy their visits. BP |
|
|