Some random shots of a swallow and others to share the beauty.
I found a shady spot to start with a swallow, as the heat was unbearable.
This is a White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis) sitting on one of a marker posts next to a big pond. You can see a Red-knobbed Coot in the background. So, I decided to focus on the swallow for a while, as it takes periodical flights over the pond, and I was hoping to catch it with some prey on camera. But no go, as the flights were only taken to show the other swallows that it is this one's territory.
The swallow breeds in southern Africa from Angola and Zambia southwards to the Cape in South Africa. It is mainly migratory, wintering in Angola, Zambia and southern Zaire. This is a bird of open country and grassland, with a preference for highlands and nearby water. It is often found around man-made structures. It feeds mainly on flying insects, which it pursues with a fast twisting flight like a barn swallow.
Birds open their mouths (beaks), in an attempt to expel the hot air.
Did I tell you that it was hot, and this swallow sat suffering in the heat, but it will not leave its territory, and it just keeps on patrolling.
Now here is something new, this Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) was jealous and so disrupted my photoshoot of the swallow. You can see that it wanted to pose for a shot:)
A lovely green line break with the sweltering mountains in the background.
Oh wait, I will also show you two quick shots of a coot and its youngster. First up below, is the parent and the youngster.
Finally, here is a full shot of the youngster. Look at that white head.
Coots are common all over, and that's why I have not given its specie name. The only difference is, is that the Red-knobbed Coots are not found in Europe and some other countries. Red-knobbed means that it has two little red round baubles on its head. So, it is not wise to stay out long on these hot days, as the African sun has no mercy.
Best is to remain indoors with the fan on, and to drink plenty cold water. So many spend the day in the sun and then have to go to the hospital with sunstroke, which is a very debilitating condition. In my younger days, the sun didn't bother me, and I worked outside in the construction fields for many years, but gradually my skin started protesting and now in my golden years I need to hide from the sun. So sad.
Such is life.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the story.
Photos by Zac Smith. All-Rights-Reserved.
Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.
Thank you kindly for supporting this post.
Awesome captures! The photos are all spot on and the subjects are clearly captured. Thanks for sharing, love them all!
Thank you Max, and I am glad that you liked the photos.
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Wow! I was amazed by the small White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis), which remained perched under the scorching sun, unwavering in its duty to protect its territory while constantly patrolling the area.
And the bluish mountains in the background stand majestically, adding a breathtaking contrast to the scene.
Nice photography!
Thank you, and occasionally the swallow will scoop down in flight to take a sip of water. They know how to stay hydrated in the heat. I often look for color contrasts in my photos. !LOL
What a beautiful shot 😍😍
Thank you!
They all show their coolest style and you shoot them right on target.
I only try my best to get them. !LOL
Wowww very-very beautiful bird 😍
Wow, thank you very much. !LOL
They are very beautiful birds, their color is also very beautiful and their sounds in the morning I like them very much.
Thank you, and I agree, and their mud nests look just as good. !LOL
Beautiful bird photography ♥️
Thank you kindly!
!BEER
I can imagine the patience and time you spend for such beautiful photos. I congratulate you. A hug. 🤗
My friend @papilloncharity I can imagine the patience and time you spend for such beautiful photos. I congratulate you. A hug. 🤗
One has to have patience to get the photos my friend, I learned this a long time ago.
Thanks for the congrats.
!BEER
Yay more exotic birds to discover.
Wild to think it is sweltering there when we are just pulling out of a polar vortex that saw temps below -16c. All we have here now are rabbits and are probably months off seeing any birds.
So I will get my birdwatching through your posts and the golf course through our indoor golfing!
Amazing differences Zeke and I took me a long time to really get to understand the weather differences between the north and south hemispheres. People are swimming here, and they are skating there. !LOL
Here is a warm photo that I took today to remind you of summer.
!BEER
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Looking at your post I remember going to the Pashan Lake and seeing couple of coots in the water and tiny swallows always flying above us. Rarely could I see such beautiful creatures from up close. I used to observe some swifts in my hometown. Thank you for sharing. 🦆
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Beautiful shots
!DIY