- Male coots face off to a testing of dominance and territorial rights.
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Pollination is the name of the game for these monkey beetles. 
- Bees and other pollinating insects are busiest in spring, when 60% of the fynbos species are in bloom.
- Here a Southern Double-collared Sunbird poises between nectar gathering. Sunbirds and sugarbirds play a vital role in pollinating fynbos plants such as the pincushion species.
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How wonderful to read about your spring as we on the northeast coast of the U.S. are entering fall. Love those coots!
Are many of your birds migratory, Liz? I only ask as it seems your area would be a destination and not a ‘passing-through’ spot like Michigan is.
Yes, we’re at the end point for the Palaeartic group of migatory birds… a remarkable phenoma. They start coming in now, September over about a 6 week period and then return in autumn. I particularly watch for the Steppe buzzards which arrive from Russia, and locate around the Constantia Valley vineyard area. A useful bird of prey for the vineyard owners, as the raptors keep the small birds from eating the grapes. Migration’s an interesting subject, and i admire the work which is being done to track bird routes. I imagine you must get to see geese, ducks Sandhill cranes passing through Michigan?
Oh, yes. The Canada Geese and Mallards are year-round residents, but soon (if not already) the Sandhill Cranes start gathering in certain spots by the thousands. It’s quite a sight. I used to work for an organization with an affiliate that monitored raptors stopping at our upper peninsula’s Whitefish Point – the little Saw-Whet Owls were always my favorite. Happy Spring to you!
Thanks for the follow up, and the spring wishes. Was curious to find out more about the Saw whet owl, not having heard of it. Led to a google search and excellent material …. Was happy to find educational data, Saw whet owl -10 583, a conservation teaching pack. I sponsored an art exhibition for the local schools here on baboon conservation, but more needs to be done, and school pack a good idea. Mellow autumn wishes…..
You’re making me long for the old country… again!! Fine photos! 😉
Sounds like I’ve stirred up a bit of nostalgia for you!