The housing complex where we live here in Pretoria has seen a proliferation of Garden Acraea butterflies and their caterpillars over the past few weeks.
These in turn have been a boon for the Diederik Cuckoos that visit our part of the world in summer. Caterpillars are a staple for them.
An added bonus for the Diederikkies are the number of nests of Southern Masked Weavers to be found in our complex gardens. The Diederik Cuckoo is a brood parasite that is especially fond of using weavers as foster parents for their chicks. Of course this isn’t going down too well with the weavers, who frequently dive bomb any Diederikkie found exposed.
These photographs were all taken by Joubert in the past couple of days. His examinations are over and for all intents and purposes his Grade 6 year is concluded – all that he still needs to do is collect his report card and certificates. The dramas of the Diederikkies and their neighbours has been great entertainment and Joubert quickly got very adept at using both stories of our townhouse as photographic hides from which to capture their antics. Of course I am very grateful that he loves photography so much rather than vegetating on the couch with tv games.
DeWetsWild 
Nicely done Joubert!
Thank you so much, Kathy!
Such a pleasing set of photos, and though I never had a clear view of a diederik cuckoo, I remember its penetrating call – part of the bird-call soundscape that is the essence of Africa.
Sadly only a part of the summer soundtrack here in southern Africa, Tish, but definitely music to the ears!
A great illustration of a food cycle in action. Well done Joubert! Robust nature right on your doorstep in suburbia. Interesting facts too on the relationship between the parasitising Diederiks and the masked weavers. Your budding young field naturalist/ photographer gets top marks for this project!
Thank you very much, Liz, and nice to see you around these parts again!
Sjoe, maar Joubert is handig met die kamera! Na ‘n jaar van harde werk in die skool, is daar verseker niks so lekker as om die natuur dop te hou nie! Die klein diederikkie lyk of hy in ‘n paar verf blikke geval het – te mooi!
Baie goeie skote met die kamera Joubert – welgedaan! Geniet jou vakansie!!
Groot waardering vir die gawe woorde!
Joubert neem al fotos vandat hy 18 maande oud is, kan jy glo, en natuurlik soos mens jou talente oefen word hy al hoe beter. Ek kan binnekort my kamera wegpak.
O jinne nee, jy kan nooit jou kamera wegpak nie … ek dink jy en Joubert kan dalk ‘n “mean team” maak!
Dis n heerlike stokperdjie om te deel, dit is gewis.
Congrats to Joubert for getting through the school year. Now for some photography fun. Does that mean he goes to high school next year.
Thank you very much, Tracy!
Joubert still has one year, grade 7, left of primary school. Our baby is growing up too fast!
You are so lucky that he loves spending time with his dad.
I am, Tracy. I am.
Well done Joubert! I struggle to catch sight of these cuckoos that call about my garden and yet you have captured them in so many poses!!! This is a wonderful post illustrating the interaction between different facets of nature.
I must say he’s been very diligent about setting up his stake-out, Anne – unencumbered by the domestic chores that I’m sure distracts you from being able to sit-and-wait for a Diederik to show himself!
So awesome photography and inspiring the beauty of several birds 🌷🙏👍🏻♥️
Very beautifully written and grace wishes to lovely photographer 👌👏❤️🎉
Thank you very much for the kinds words, Thattamma!
Nice birds! Joubert is a great asset for your job, D. 🙂
That is very true, H.J – thank you!
Joubert is becoming an expert photographer. I always enjoy these avian photos on your blog.
Agreed, John. He can definitely take over as this blog’s chief photographer!
Wonderful shots, Joubert! Yay! School’s out! I was never a fan of school. **don’t tell your parents I just said that** 😉
I’ll close my eyes when Joubert reads your comment, Lois… 😀
haha! Whew! Thanks, Dries. 😆
Mooi raak gesien. Stouters wat so op ander voëltjies staat maak om hul broeisels groot te maak.
Nogtans n fassinerende verskynsel, Ineke. Soos duidelik hier gesien kan word, weet die vinkies hoe n diederik lyk en probeer hul verjaag, maar tog wanneer hulle eers die kuiken grootgemaak het, en die dan ook so lyk, hou hulle maar net aan om kos aan te dra.
Wys jou ook maar die ouer instink om klein indringer groot te maak. AS ek hom so hoor skreeu het ek altyd in my gedagte gesê ja jou stouter jy soek nou weer lêplek.
Superb photography by Joubert of a colorful bird and its neighbors! I am thoroughly impressed.
Thank you very much, Hien. Joubert will be thrilled to read your comment.
Excellent shots, Joubert. I enjoyed reading about this interweaving of birds/caterpillars/butterflies. If we just let creation go the way God set is up, how much better off we would all be. Both birds and the butterflies are attractive but I’m just glad my husband doesn’t feel compelled to offer me a caterpillar. I prefer dark chocolate. 🙂
I couldn’t agree more, Janet. Every actor plays their part perfect in Creation’s tapestry – it is only us that pull sideways far too often.
Now you have me salivating for dark chocolate at 03:50 on a Wednesday morning…
😁