THE LIFE AND DEATH BATTLE

A whole other world exists in the skies above. A world most are totally oblivious too. In the tranquil blue sky - with whispy drifting clouds and gentle breezes - a battle of life and death rages. Predator and prey. Each with a right to the skies. Each with a right to survival.

With the return of the rains after the 7 year drought, the wildlife is returning. It is a wonderous sight. And sound. The constant orchestra of twittering which changes to a choir of alarm when a raptor darkens the sky. Southern Chanting Goshawks were first to return. Then Jackal Buzzards and Black Shouldered Kites.

Recently our homestead was selected by a magnificent Harrier Hawk as his new home and hunting ground. The children have nicknamed him Harry. Assuming he is a he! Early in the morning or at the end of a sweltering day the choir of twittering stops then becomes hysterical cries of alarm as the skies fill with confused birds, chasing and escaping the lazily circling raptor.

We don't choose sides in this life and death struggle. Each has a right to survive. But the beauty of each unique bird, both predator and potential prey is jaw dropping. What a masterpiece of feathered beauty fills our skies above.