We visit an art cafe near our home for some coffee every now and then and at our recent visit, something extraordinary happened. Come and let me show you.
Out of nowhere this little Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis) appeared above my head.
So I grabbed my camera and thought that they were building a nest somewhere in the roof, the same as the Cape Sparrows do. But not to be, as the wagtails had other ideas. I think that nature has taught the early human beings where to build their homes in secure and safe places. As time progressed the hunt for profits has erased this knowledge as lately houses are being built in areas below the water lines and they are easily flooded during heavy rains.
But I digress and come to look how clever these little birds are.
I posted about this place and the dog about 2 months ago and maybe some of you will remember it.
This metal frame was mounted on a wall above our heads at the right-hand side above our seats.
I had a mug of coffee in my hand when I noticed a movement above my head and there it was.
Totally ignoring me, the little wagtail hopped from pot to pot, until it stopped at this one below. Ah! It was a nest.
Popped up to pose for me.
And then it was off again.
But not far off as it started searching for something to eat on the grass lawn near us.
Not long and the mate also arrived.
Luckily I am a tall guy and I popped up to look if there were eggs in the nest. Nothing yet and they are still preparing the nest.
Look how well the nest is camouflaged and no big predator bird will come in under the roof of the cafe's front veranda.
Brilliant, as the little wagtails thought of everything to locate the site of their nest. People movement on the veranda will keep predators away and as the nest is up high, nobody will notice it. Protected from the wind and the rain, they literally have a roof over their heads, at no cost of course. Plus food close by. Clever or what?
I hope that you have enjoyed the story and the pictures.
And That's All Friends.
Photos by Zac Smith-All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon Powershot SX70HS Bridge camera.
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