This little sunbird – a female malachite appears to be revelling in a light rain shower. She dipped in and out of the puddles skimming across the pavers with her bill. What a delight to watch her, a flurry of feathers and lightness of wingbeats- a dainty dance.
South Africa is classed as ‘semi-arid’ and even in a year of good rainfall, water resources are stretched. The Western Cape falls under a winter rainfall area and the dams should be brimming, yet the levels are only averaging 62.3% full. It does not bode well for the dry summer months ahead; water restrictions are in place across the country as the drought conditions stretch into a third year.
Nature on the Edge 
this summer’s water restrictions are going to be daunting.
Fervently hope for no mountain fires!
I once watched a sunbird bathing on a wet fig leaf.
Such tiny birds!
http://elephantseyegarden.blogspot.co.za/2010/03/sunbird-bathing.html
What a sweet little thing – she was probably delighted to bathe in the rain.
It seems like so many places have either too much rain or not enough – no middle ground.
What a lovely series of photos! They really tell a story.
Thanks Karen.
For a sunbird, she does like her rain! 😉 She’s a joy to look at.
And it looks like water problems are everywhere…
Thanks Anita. The weather boffs are predicting a shift with the La Niña kicking in? Hoping ….
How adorable 🙂
Thanks Gilly; nature’s inspiring 🙂
Delightful series!
Thanks Nick, glad you like this post 🙂
She is a little flurry beauty – I understand it was a total joy to watch her dancing.
Thanks AC; the joy of nature 🙂
I like the “jumping” shot 🙂
Those irrestible rain puddles!
A beautifully captured, lively series of photographs!
Thanks Anne, the rain’s been most welcome.
Ecstasy!
That’s a word to sum up the scene! Thanks Stephen.
Brilliant!
Oh you caught some beautiful shots, the one with the bird drinking is priceless.
Thank you; the rain brings out the birds 🙂