This astounding sighting was filmed by Georgie Lawless in the Ngala Private Game Reserve. These birds desperately try everything in their power to defend their chicks from a snake.
Southern-masked Weavers are generally known for their incredible building skills when it comes to their beautifully-precise nests. Their nests are usually constructed on the edge of branches – making it absolutely incredible to see how strong these nests are! These stunning birds love to nest in thorny Acacias. This serves as a protection and defense mechanism. And of course, keeping predators from getting to their young.
However, in this case, thorns were no match for this predator. The snake seen in this rare sighting is a Boomslang – or directly translated – “Tree Snake”. This particular Boomsang is a male – where females are generally Grey to olive-brown, males are this bright-green.
WATCH
The weavers desperately do everything in their power to harass this predator, trying to keep their chicks from becoming prey. But alas…Sadly they do not fully succeed. The boomslang manages to get into one of the nests, takes what he can, and eventually escapes within a split second.
The Strength it takes
The incredible thing whilst watching this remains – strength. The strength of the nests to actually withhold this entire commotion throughout. The strength of the Birds – to not give up for a mere moment and do everything they can possible – to protect their offspring. And lastly. The strength of this Boomslang – to be able to literally be dangling by a thread – its tail – whilst being harassed and attempting to feed simultaneously.
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Nature really never ceases to amaze. It really does come down to eat or be eaten – but of course, when there is young involved, animals go the extra mile to show their worth as Nature’s Protectors.