Some lovely wet days here.

The forecast was that we would only have two dry days this week and in here I will show you how the birds handle the wet weather.
Firstly, I will show you the reason why this little guy was singing so happily.

I took the photos in some trees that are across the road from our house in the morning, as we had a meeting scheduled with two of the Papillon board members to discuss impact and service priorities. Nothing is easy these days and we know that it is the same all over the world, as people face some severe struggles. It appears that the lengthy Covid lockdowns have left many in a state of apathy and lethargy. On the economy front there is also nothing to crow about and things just seem to be deteriorating all round. But I digress and come to see what the birds are up to during the rain breaks.

We had a temporary break in the rain and as you can see below, everything was wet.

The little fella is a Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus).

The have a nest in a bush below this Acacia thorn tree and he popped up to dry himself.

The birds are very busy during the rain breaks, as some are feeding babies and others pop out to clean themselves.

The first new rain cloud started coming over driven by a strong wind.

So this guy knew that he had to be quick and here he was cleaning his water clogged ears.

He also used the wind as nature's hair dryer. Or should that be feather dryer? :)

And finally, this was when he started to sing.

Now for something else. A challenge.

I saw 3 birds in this tree. Have a look if you can also see them.

There was a pair of Southern Fiscals (Lanius collaris).

And one male Swee Waxbill (Coccopygia melanotis).

The third bird was at the top of the picture at the front of the pole inside the yellow circle.

Keep the pot cooking fella. One of the many sayings when I was in my 20s with a wife and 3 children to raise. But I stuck it out until the day that my youngest completed her education and then I was out of there. So I know how that little songbird feels having a pregnant wife and protecting the nest come rain, hail or sunshine. To get out during a rain lapse and to clean himself is a simple pleasure and instead of going around with a long face and moaning, he rather decides to sing. This is their way of life and it's a lesson to all of us to stop moaning and to rather take up singing :)
All things will pass as such is life.

I hope that you have enjoyed the story and the pictures.

And That's All Friends.

Photos by Zac Smith-All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon Powershot SX70HS Bridge camera.

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