Hi! Please have these photos of a juvenile harrier hawk that I was lucky enough to take while waiting in the parking lot of my mom's physical therapist's office!!
We live very close to the Rietvlei Wetlands Reserve, which is like 30 Min north of Cape Town in South Africa, so we do see a lot of pelicans and flamingos, but not one of these bad boys!! I feel so lucky to have seen this beauty up close! RIP to the little yellow weaver that it ate though.
Damn!!! RIP poor weaver, but incredibly cool to see these photos, especially of the hawk looking in the nest for the weavers!
A large, grayish, naked-faced hawk with broad wings. The small, bare, yellow (sometimes flushed red) face, white-banded black tail, and underwing pattern distinguish it. The immature is blotchy brown with yellow-green facial skin and barred flight feathers. Harrier-hawks are specialists, foraging on eggs and nestlings, and they have double-jointed knees which allow them to access nest holes and other confined spaces. They are often seen clumsily clambering around on cliffs and trees when foraging. (eBird)
Also called: Gymnogene
One of the birds best adapted to living in urban areas, have seen them in the heart of the city. Often hanging upside down in trees, very acrobatic. Massive, quirky and beautiful.
A small sunbird. The male has a pale gray belly and relatively narrow red breast band. The female is overall gray-brown. Pairs and small groups visit a broad variety of habitats. The species gives a characteristic short two-note “cher-cher” call and a rapid high-pitched song of up-and-down notes. (eBird)
They’re incredibly beautiful and I love their songs. Also they’re an iconic South African bird and leaving them out would be a crime.
Kwêvoël (Crinifer concolor)
Unusual gray turaco with a long tail and towering crest. The flight is hesitant, and the tail flops up and down. Usually in small groups, which often perch up conspicuously on trees and bushes. The calls include a series of grumpy yelps, and the classic nasal “go-waaay” call. (eBird)
Also called: Grey Go-away-bird
It go kweh
I love the silly name (it is named after its call) and the crest.
Happy Monday everyone. It will be a short week as most of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Remember to let those in your life, family and friends know how special they are to you.
