branch Archives - Page 15 of 26

Kaleidoscope

Rollers get their name from their impressive courtship flight, a fast, shallow dive from considerable elevation with a rolling or fast rocking motion, accompanied by loud raucous calls. All rollers appear to be monogamous and highly territorial. The Lilac Breasted Roller will perch on a dead tree, surveying the area for prey. One typical aspect of its behaviour is that it also preys on animals fleeing from bushfires. It is a swift flier, indulging in acrobatics during the breeding season. They actually breed ‘on the wing’. They live in pairs or small groups but are often seen alone. Their call is a loud harsh squawk, ‘zaaak’. They are partly migratory, but in some areas they are sedentary. To feed they swoop down from an elevated perch next to their prey and eat it on the ground or return to a perch where they batter it before swallowing it whole. They are territorial, also defending temporarily small feeding territories; hence individuals are regularly spaced along roads. They drive off many species from near their nest hole, even after breeding.

14 December 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Drenched

The African darter, sometimes called the snakebird, is a water bird of sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. It often swims with only the neck above water, hence the common name snakebird. Unlike many other waterbirds, the feathers of the African darter do not contain any oil and are therefore not waterproof. Because of this, the bird is less positively buoyant and its diving capabilities are enhanced. After diving for fish, the feathers can become waterlogged. In order to be able to fly and maintain heat insulation, it needs to dry its feathers. Thus the African darter is often seen sitting along the waterside spreading its wings and drying its feathers in the wind and the sun along with cormorants which may share its habitat.

5 December 2018Travel, Wildlife

Fairytale

The Garden of Eden, is an enchanting wet forest, near Knysna on the Garden Route. This is one of the lushest and beautiful parts of the Knysna forest and definitely a must-see when visiting this gorgeous region. This part of the Garden Route is characterized by fairy-tale forests, serene lakes, breathtaking golden beaches and marvellous rivers – making this the perfect place for a variety of outdoor activities. The Garden of Eden is situated in the middle of all it all, so take this opportunity to a break from your action-packed holiday to experience a bit of paradise. The entrance to the Garden of Eden is well marked from the road, so just follow the signs from Knysna and you will easily locate it. A small entrance fee is required at the entrance. This is used towards the conservation of the area and to regulate the thousands of visitors that flock to this natural heaven every year. The “garden” is only open during certain hours and this is dependent on seasonal factors, so be sure to check with the local tourism office before setting off. There are various walking trails in the “garden”, so it is up to you whether you just want to take a leisurely short stroll or spend a few hours exploring the garden’s surroundings. The various information boards are very helpful in identifying the various plant, bird and small animal life in the “garden”. There are also some wooden paths to make the walk easier, making this is the perfect activity for elderly visitors and families with small children. Except for the entrance gate and the walking trails, this “garden” is virtually untouched so you can imagine how it used to be like when wild animals lived there. So come experience this little bit of paradise in the heart of the Garden Route.

4 December 2018Nature, Picture of the day, Travel