Black-shouldered Kites during season of veld fires

It is August and veld fires are a common occurrence. Amidst the smoke and strong winds, it is common to see Black-shouldered Kites patienly perched on power lines awaiting rats and mice as they flee the raging fires.

Black-shouldered Kite  

Black-shouldered Kite going for a perch

Nice perch on a power line

African Hoopoe a fairly common garden bird

As we move into the month of August the African Hoopoe will also go into its breeding season. This African Hoopoe has a nest in my neighbour's  house-roof and every year it has one or two broods during its breeding period.

African Hoopoe

African Hoopoe

Red-knobbed Coots at peak of breeding season

While birding today at Modimola Dam, it was quite apparent that the coots were at the height of their breeding season. Close to seven nests were visible after the tall reeds were cut at Modimola Dam.

One of the Red -knobbed Coots nesting.

Others were already wandering around with their young.

More on "African Spoonbill a remarkable bird"

I have recieved numerous requests from followers, friends and the general public; both within the country and abroad, after my last publishing of the African Spoonbill photos  on this blog. Here are some more images of the bird.These photos were also taken at Modimola Dam which boasts a large number of these wonderful  water birds.

African Spoonbill basking in the sun

African Spoonbill in flight

African Spoonbill a remarkable water bird

African Spoonbills breed in winter down here in Southrn Africa. The breeding period may stretch up to early spring. As we bid farewell to one of our coldest winters, I spotted a flock of this remarkable birds  foraging at Modimola Dam .It was wonderful to see juveniles together with adults.

African Spoonbill and its long spoon like bill

African Spoonbill wading and foraging slowly

Grey-headed Gulls are great fishers

While Birding at Modimola Dam yesterday afternoon I was fascinated by fishing Grey- Heade Gulls. Taking fish bigger than heads. There were both breeding and non breeding birds. What was surprisingly enough was that the non breeding ones were more active in terms of diving whereas the non breeding ones only wanted to fight over the catcch

Active Grey- headed Gulls before diving (the non breeding ones)

Going down for the catch.

Nice catch!!!!

Off to enjoy the meal.

Watching in envy and jealous (the breeding ones).