DE HOOP RESERVE

Like the beautiful symphony of various instruments perfectly orchestrated to play together; so is the delicate balance of a symbiotic relationship. Frequently seen in nature, it is a joy to behold the harmonious relationship between creatures. On a very rare break from the responsibilities of homesteading we were delighted spectators to all the grandeurs of the countryside, while we camped in the tranquil De Hoop Reserve. The call of the fish eagle woke us before sunrise. Across the vlei (lake) pelicans drifted while around the tents cheeky francolin snatched rusks out of the campers hands. Driving slowly around the camping grounds the browsing zebra, ostriches and bontebok (small antelope) are not skittish. But my favourite sighting by far, was the numerous eland and their little companions. Such magnificent buck, they were closely shadowed by Cattle Egret.

Not only do the Cattle Egrets pick ticks off the eland but they forage for other insects disturbed by the grazing eland.

The dozens of eland are followed by easily double that in number of the white birds. Initially the eland seem oblivious to the Cattle Egret rushing to and fro between their hooves. But on watching for a long time, it is clear that the graceful buck step very carefully around the dashing bodies of the Cattle Egret

Thank you @nelinoeva for another week of beautiful birds for Show me a Contest - week 106 I think the limelight gets shared between both the lovely white egrets with their light pink hairdo and their gentle foraging companions; the Eland!