Let me start at the beginning, I have lived in the same area for close onto forty years now, and the Wooly-Necked Stork was not a bird we saw until about twenty years ago.
Was I not looking, or did they arrive slowly but surely, and found that they survive along the lush rivers of KwaZulu-Natal. Such a big bird I am sure does not go unnoticed easily.
Over the years we have seen more and more arrive and thrive along the river banks where they find crabs, fish, worms, frogs and snakes in the mud.
Is old Wooly being hunted down an African Harrier Hawk zipping through the air behind the Wooly-Necked Stork? (Refer to first picture)
It so happens upon further investigation that the Hawk in fact is a juvenile by the colour of his wings, and most definitely not looking for an aerial combat with this big bird.
African harrier hawks love lizards, insects, small birds and rodents. Perhaps they are just catching the same thermal of air up there and enjoying the morning flight soaring wherever it goes.
In closing, always look up and see what is happening (learn from what is above you) look ahead (find out what is coming your way) and always look down (you never know what you treading on).
As always in nature be part and at one with it and enjoy every moment, it is free and it is fun. All photo's taken with a Cannon SX 160 IS using some zoom.
