On the wings of love….

Just smile for me and let the day begin
You are the sunshine that lights my heart within
I’m sure that you’re an angel in disguise
Come take my hand and together we will rise

Thanks to Jeffrey Osborne for the lyrics of  – On The Wings Of Love

Whilst at the bird hide, a certain white-throated swallow came and perch near at hand begging to have its photo taken. The wind was blowing and it kept its pose as I moved to as near as possible…

It then dropped off the security wire to a reed nearby…..

White-throated Swallow.. Eliza from My Fair Lady…

Apologies to Alan Jay Lerner….

White-throated Swallow

White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis)

Common to South Africa which has benefited from the increased nesting opportunities presented by the construction of bridges and dams.

The swallow breeds in southern Africa from Angola and Zambia southwards to the Cape in South Africa. Winters in Angola, Zambia and southern Zaire. This is a bird of open country and grassland, with a preference for highlands and nearby water. It is often found around man-made structures.

It builds a bowl-shaped mud nest with a soft lining of grass or hair. Usually near or over water.  The nest is often reused for next years brood.

The three eggs of a clutch are white with brown and blue blotches, and are hatched by the female alone for 15–16 days. Both parents then feed the chicks. Fledging takes another 20–21 days

The young can swim a short distance to safety if they fall from the nest into water, now that could be a photo op.

It feeds mainly on flying insects, which it pursues with a fast twisting flight

White–throated Swallow.

White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis)

Tired of being the focus of attention? Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of all the photographers? Sick and tired of the paparazzi? 

Then build your nest in the local bird hide, next to the dam….

The White-throated Swallow builds a bowl-shaped mud nest with a soft lining of grass or hair. It is usually near or over water, and is built on a ledge under an overhang on a rock face or on a man-made structure such as a building, dam wall, culvert or bridge. Uninhabited buildings are preferred to houses. The nest may be reused for subsequent broods or in later years. (kindly supplied by Wikipedia)