Some random shots of a swallow and others to share the beauty.
I found a shady spot to start with a swallow, as the heat was unbearable.
This is a White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis) sitting on one of a marker posts next to a big pond. You can see a Red-knobbed Coot in the background. So, I decided to focus on the swallow for a while, as it takes periodical flights over the pond, and I was hoping to catch it with some prey on camera. But no go, as the flights were only taken to show the other swallows that it is this one's territory.
The swallow breeds in southern Africa from Angola and Zambia southwards to the Cape in South Africa. It is mainly migratory, wintering in Angola, Zambia and southern Zaire. This is a bird of open country and grassland, with a preference for highlands and nearby water. It is often found around man-made structures. It feeds mainly on flying insects, which it pursues with a fast twisting flight like a barn swallow.
Birds open their mouths (beaks), in an attempt to expel the hot air.
Did I tell you that it was hot, and this swallow sat suffering in the heat, but it will not leave its territory, and it just keeps on patrolling.
Now here is something new, this Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) was jealous and so disrupted my photoshoot of the swallow. You can see that it wanted to pose for a shot:)
A lovely green line break with the sweltering mountains in the background.
Oh wait, I will also show you two quick shots of a coot and its youngster. First up below, is the parent and the youngster.
Finally, here is a full shot of the youngster. Look at that white head.
Coots are common all over, and that's why I have not given its specie name. The only difference is, is that the Red-knobbed Coots are not found in Europe and some other countries. Red-knobbed means that it has two little red round baubles on its head. So, it is not wise to stay out long on these hot days, as the African sun has no mercy.
Best is to remain indoors with the fan on, and to drink plenty cold water. So many spend the day in the sun and then have to go to the hospital with sunstroke, which is a very debilitating condition. In my younger days, the sun didn't bother me, and I worked outside in the construction fields for many years, but gradually my skin started protesting and now in my golden years I need to hide from the sun. So sad.
Such is life.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the story.
Photos by Zac Smith. All-Rights-Reserved.
Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.
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