Heartbeat

Long Time In Coming

Deprived of life outdoors, slightly further afield to the garden has been sorely lacking since October with matters out of my control. Well planned then orchestrated we managed a walk on Monday just after midday, with cloud cover and trees for cover, took a gamble on a midday walk.

Normally it will be the plant life that will appeal, not much moves during the heat of the day, to my surprised delight I have more to share than I thought I would.

Swooping glance across the field into a wall of pleasing green, some coral rising in the blue sky a flash of colour to catch the eye, below wild fig ripening.

Native to Australia and parts of New Guinea, Octopus Tree (Schefflera actinophylla) an invasive alien in our region also known as the umbrella tree adds a Tropical feel to the park during the Summer months.

Small red flowers appear in the thousand along a spike that will bloom over a few months during these hot days. Might be alien will support insects and nectar-eating birds, nothing ever goes to waste.

Below the tall alien, native Natal Fig (Ficus natalensis) also in fruit, the monkeys, birds and insects to enjoy which will carry on for quite awhile. As the fruits fall they tend to rot attracting more to the table below. Structure of tree a wonderful size to home nests for a variety of birds. Sought after by Bonsai enthusiasts offer much reward with distinctive aerial roots and glossy oval leaves.

Timing was perfect to avoid rain coming up the coast again, evident here in reflection of water puddled on the car park, surprisingly quiet with no one walking, a few in the eatery overlooking the sports fields.

On closer inspection the Catopsilia florella, African migrant, African emigrant, or common vagrant, a butterfly of Pieridae family is found in Africa. What a pleasure watching them puddling through today about six floating from one spot to another.

Standing quietly looking down onto the river I had movement closer than that, Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) what an exciting surprise, I have seen other heron in the region, I do believe a first for this particular bird so close.

Wooden poles used for barricading motor vehicles off the fields you are able to visually see how tall this bird is.

Close up of the face with intricate detail which is explained in link attached above, each species has a unique look.

Lesser striped swallow (Cecropis abyssinica) giving direction from tree top to start making a move homeward bound, one and a half hours of pleasure but rain was on it's way once again.

Last glance into the green, what variety after rainfall! Wishing you a wonderful day over here simply managing a walk lately has become a navigation to factor in. Day later I started with Summer flu, now feel like death warmed up so won't be going anywhere soon!

As long as I have a heartbeat I will find a way outdoors.

One seldom sees birds in such thick vegetation, rolling out of here after almost four month when things simply go wrong. Will be back, never promise when.

All photography my own using Canon Powershot SX730 HS. Anything not properly identified please let me know in comments below. Now go out and have a wonderful day wherever you live in our wonderful world.

Thought for Today: "The miserly man is like a fattened ox: he will give of his fat only when he has been deprived of his life." - African Proverb