Spring is for the birds

Over the last two weekends, we have met most of the new additions to the feathered folk in the Towerwater garden. First, was the family of Wagtails feeding all over the lawn oblivious of us having lunch in close proximity. They successfully raised two chicks and the family outing was intense with both parents having a child to feed.

Fiscal Flycatcher

The Olive Thrush that normally feeds along the rosarium scratching for, and catching insects, suddenly came back to the herb garden on a regular basis. Soon the reason was revealed when I noticed the juvenile Olive Thrush sitting under the Elderflower bush waiting for some juicy morsels from its parent.

Olive Thrush

The Robin’s warning chirps whenever I came near to the herbaceous border, made me stand still for a moment. Flying away to distract me, while giving the warning chirps, made me look in the direction from where it came. My patience was rewarded when I noticed movement in the Portwine Magnolia tree. The Robin chick ventured out of the shadows and I could see it clearly.

Juvenile Cape Robin

The absence of the Bulbuls from the lawn must mean that their chicks must still be too young to fly. The growing bird population in the garden is a welcome sign of spring. We find it delightful how they enjoy the garden oblivious of our presence. Or perhaps they instinctively know that we pose no threat to their idyllic lives and that our presence means an absence of stalking cats.

Wagtail

The spring air is filled with the sounds of young birds chirping for food and adult birds tending to their young with warning chirps. The raucous toads in the dam vibrate the warm evening air with their croaking. The new life in the garden and veld is palpable. A reassuring sign that it has been a successful season for our feathered friends.

Weaver bird's nest

The unfinished Weaver bird’s nest in the hibiscus tree, is a bit of a puzzle as there was no follow-up activity from the normally very active nest-builder. The female rejecting the nest at such an early stage, would be most unusual. Well, time will tell. But it’s clear that the birds do love spring.