With winter comes the Malachite Sunbirds and the protea flowers start to bloom.
Just look at that beauty on a protea flower.
I will have to make this post part 1, and I will do part 2 tomorrow as I got the Malachites on two consecutive days. Maybe tomorrow's post will be even better as in some shots I got the Malachite in clear sunshine to show you his brilliant colors. But for now, this is part 1 and I hope that you will also think that this is one of nature's wonders.
With a look to the left, and below this photo a look to the right.
He found no enemies and he continued to suck nectar on the protea.
For dessert, he popped down to one of their paradise flowers.
And here is the future mamma Malachite, and that's why I will soon have to hunt for a nest again.
Mr Malachite was done with the feeding, and he popped up into a tree to prune and clean himself.
Then this little surprise also came in to have some nectar.
He is a Southern Double-collared Sunbird, and whenever the Malachites are around you can be sure that these little sunbirds will also be around.
We hope that everyone will have a good Saturday, and I am happy to find the first Malachites of winter again. Some time ago, last season, I found a nest that I posted and the baby, when it popped out of the nest for the first time. I kept track of it every day, as it was a very cute little thing, and it might even be the little mamma that you see in this post. The new generation as such.
The thing is, that they build small hanging and hidden nests that are very difficult to find and let me tell you that the structure of the nest is situated so that it faces north to catch the sunlight during the day. The nests consist of woven grass, and they are lined inside with cotton pieces, soft materials, and the soft parts of plants. Fortunately, I now know what to look for, and if I cannot find it then I will wait until I see the Malachites coming down into a spot to feed the baby. That is how I got the last nest. So, I look forward to this season's baby.
I hope you have enjoyed the pictures and the story.
Photos by Zac Smith-All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.
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