While many people go game viewing to see animals, bird watching is just as exciting, as this clip shows. This thoughtful compilation of sightings showcases surprise moments in wildlife viewing, and some daring, breathtaking feats of birds.
Secretary bird demonstrates hunting skills
It can be hard to miss a secretary bird when out on a game drive. Standing at around 1,3 meters, they have a commanding presence!
One of these was spotted hunting for prey in an open grass area. It’s ‘weapon’ of choice was its strong back legs.
Secretary bird’s hunting techniques are as impressive as their height. Research on the secretary bird’s feeding behavior has provided scientists with insights into the hunting methods of prehistoric ‘terror birds’: massive, flightless predators that lived more than 3 million years ago.
This one managed to pin down a rabbit with its legs, and calculated moves, before using its beak to stab at the prey and make a kill.
Martial eagle feeds on young impala
Having a length of around 78 to 96cm, and a wingspan of around 2,6 meters, the martial eagle is one of the kings of the air. This one managed to prey on a young impala, in full view of spectators.
Martial eagles are impressive in both stature and behaviour. These eagles can spot prey around 5 to 6km away. They are also known as secret, silent hunters.
They spend much of their day riding warm air currents, effortlessly gliding without flapping their wings until they become nearly invisible against the sky.
On the savannah, animals don’t perceive them as a danger; until, without warning, they strike. This young impala must have been caught completely off guard.
Hamerkop fishes quite comfortably near croc
A hamerkop fishing on the back of a crocodile seems to be an anomaly. However, this bird used the croc as a fishing platform, unconcerned about the stealthy predator.
Blue waxbill falls prey to golden orb spider
Perhaps the pièce de résistance of this clip, is the miraculous sighting of a bird suspended in the web of a spider.
The small blue waxbill does not anticipate the spider’s web and is caught in a moment, dangling by its food, with the large spider lurking overhead.
All laws of nature seem suspended as the bird hangs by the invisible web.
While golden orb spiders traditionally feast on beetles, and flies, and other flying insects, it is not unusual for them to eat parts of trapped birds or microbats which get caught in their webs. This, however, is a rare occurence, making this sighting extra special.
These sizable spiders are famous in South Africa for their stunning golden webs. Their webs are expansive, often stretching across large spaces between bushes. The silk is incredibly strong, and there have been instances where small birds, such as this one, have become ensnared.
Game viewers are reminded to appreciate birdlife when out on a drive. This thrilling sequence of birds caught in both vulnerable and victorious moments highlights how much one can miss, when going on a drive and focusing exclusively on animal sightings.
The bushveld is thriving with life and as bird lovers will testify, when one gets hooked on bird watching, one’s experience of a game drive will be just that much richer!