Our disapproving new neighbour is proving to be rather camera shy. Pale Chanting Goshawks are common to our area, but being really shy, you wouldn't know there are so many. Every time the camera faces in his direction he takes to flight. It has been incredibly hot here. Summer took a while arriving. But now that it has arrived with scorching force we try to take shelter in the heat of the day. Not too easy when it hits 40C before breakfast. We decided to take an air-conditioned drive today. The valley is a picture of vibrant greens following the Heaven sent rains.
Dams and streams that have been dry for years are now filled and flowing. It has been a special time to reflect over the journey of the past years.
The skies are filled with low flying swallows. The pressure from approaching rain forces their insect snacks to the ground. The mountains are a riot of blooming cacti - the plate sized white flowers only bloom before the rains. Their scent is incredible.
From their lofty perch a magnificent pair of Pale Chanting Goshawk glare down on our slowly passing bakkie. I roll my window down and snap a photo ... as the beautiful predators take to the skies.
Part of the valley floor has washed away. It is hard to believe. Even the low lying bridges are under a layer of water. We stop to splash. A family of Klipspringer - small indigenous antelope - vanish up the cliff face. Dassies - rock rabbits - vanish into the hollows.
And from another nearby thorn tree the Pale Chanting Goshawk watches us. Surely they have the best view of the desert floor. Wouldn't it be wonderful to fly? The world is so beautiful but from that height all you see is the beauty. Not the ugliness, grief or suffering. Just perfection. Beauty.
