Avian update

When I arrived at work this morning, there to greet me was a brand new Crowned Lapwing chick, or for the South Africans a Kiewietjie. It must have been newly hatched, because it was still quite unsteady on its legs. (See For the Birds posted on Friday, 12 December). It wont be winning any beauty contests.

When I came out about an hour later, a second one had arrived and by the evening the chicks were quite mobile. The only problem with the chicks is that it is impossible to photgraph them together, because as soon as anyone arrives, they split up and each one runs to a separate parent.

When I wrote about the Dikkops (Spotted Thick Knees, for the purists), in Pavement Specials on 16 November, I expressed my concern about the survival of the chick. I am happy to report that he, or she, has survived and I often see the family running about in the park at night feeding. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get an up to date picture.

The chick looks just like the adults now, only slightly smaller.

Pavement specials - Dikkop

This family of Dikkops were observed in Richmond Hill this weekend. I am always amazed at how many birds manage to adapt to city life. My only hope is that they move to a less populated area, where there will be more chance for the chick to survive.

For a picture of the whole family, go to Port Elizabeth Daily Photo.

Another Dikkop

Suzi-k and I went for a drive around the North End cemetary this afternoon, on a photographic expedition and I was delighted to come a cross this fellow. He allowed me to get quite close, before moving off. When I got back to the car grinning like a Cheshire cat Suzi-k said, "That really made your day, didn't it".
It sure did.


I have featured dikkops before. You can click on the labels if you want to see more.

Saturday morning stroll

This morning started off very misty, which is always a good indication of a hot sunny day to follow. The weather report has in fact predicted temperatures of around 35 degrees centigrade today. Our walk took us to the old Russell Road cemetary (established in the middle of the 19th century), by which time the mist was beginning to clear.

Russell Road Cemetary at the Corner of Campbell Street and Elliot Street


Looking across the cemetary towards Russell Road. It is so sad that many of the old graves have fallen into disrepair through neglect.


View across Russell Road towards Central


The grave of James Langley Dalton, is the only one that is still maintained. He was one of the 11 recipients of the Victoria Cross after the Battle of Rorkes Drift in January 1879. You can follow the link to an earlier post on Dalton.


This family of Dikkops have made their home in the cemetary. It is always a delight to seem. They are nocturnal and seem to cope well with city life, especially where there are open spaces. Very often we see them running down the middle of the road at night, screaching at the top of their lungs.

Neighbourhood Watch - Dikkop

The dikkop is found throughout Southern Africa. It is another bird that has adapted well to city lifeThis one was spotted in the neighbourhood early one morning.

They usually hide during day light hours and come out at night. It is easy to miss them, as they stand still for long periods of time and blend in with the surroundings

We often seen them running about the park or down the streets at night or calling out with their very distinctive pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi