Good fences, great trip to the city

Last week Grant and I drove to the city. He had a bit of business and afterwards I was able to buy a few groceries at a shopping mall. Later still we drove to an upmarket suburb for him to pick up another part he needed. I, of course, took photos.

South Africa is all about security around your property so I always get good fence shots when we're in the city. 

A neat looking house with double garages and a clean patio

Another similar-looking fence and gate around the next property

A rather clinical looking grey fence and posts. The garden looks quite boring too! 

I'm linking to Theresa's blog here

HAPPY THURSDAY TO YOU ALL!

Black-throated Canary

During the winter months my Setaria  seeds. I can see the Canaries enjoying the seeds through my entertainment room window and of course, I take photos! 

The Setaria which attracts dozens of seed-eating birds especially the Black-throated Canary

This species is very attractive and may be used as a garden ornamental, lining the borders of larger beds with its pendulous flowers. It can be planted in groups or clusters. The colour of the foliage is an attractive green and it remains green until late in the growing season. Good texture and colour combinations can be created by using this grass effectively in the garden. Its leaf texture also makes it an attractive choice for a container. Setaria megaphylla attracts birds to the garden as finches; canaries and other seed eating birds eat the seed. The leaves are also used by weavers to build their nests. (Google) 

Close-up of the grass seeds which attract the birds

The stalks aren't very thick and sway as the birds land. Here a bird has to struggle to balance on the stalk 

The Black-throated Canary is a dull grey-brown canary with a bright yellow rump. The extent of the black on the throat is variable; sometimes even absent. I scarcely saw a really black patch, but the yellow rump is visible in many of my images.

I'm linking to Wild Bird Wednesday here

My world continues

My world continues here in South Africa and I'm beginning to enjoy what I'm doing. I'm busy from early  morning and by about 10.30, I leash up Skabenga and take him and Eddy to the golf course. They LOVE it and I love the sound of the birds, the winter blooming wildflowers on the course and seeing other dogs and of course, birds on our walk. 

We stop and let the dogs behind their fences see us...

Good dog!

Crowned Lapwing

On the course, it's off-leash and he and Eddy enjoy every minute !

Skabenga enjoys a good plodge in the dam at Hole No 5

Luckily the birds aren't too fazed with the splashing. This beautiful Grey Heron stood here all the time we were at the water's edge

The Little Grebe in the middle of the dam

An African Spoonbill on the left bank! 

It was also not at all concerned about the splodging dogs!

The local Reed Cormorant swims across the dam...

...and hops onto a short pillar; one of the Blacksmith Lapwings lurks behind!

An army helicopter flew overhead

Skabenga gave chase! Can you see the "speck" dog and even smaller "speck" helicopter in the sky? 

Walking through a firebreak I photographed the noxious Black Jack (bidens pilosa). 

But look at it's beautiful flower! 

I couldn't get enough ...

...of snapping it ! 

Do click on the link above the first of these photos and read up about this invasive weed . The petals of the flowers I photographed had already fallen off; the flower would soon seed (like the white one to the back) and then spread its spiky "fruits" which are already visible in the yellow flower. 

Further along I came across these dainty little flowers

And these on a cluster

I love how the buds are blue but when opened are soft lilac

Back home, I divest myself of my peak and prescription glasses; my walking shoes and then I take my camera to my desk, download the photos and do a blog post! 

Skabenga in the photo with Mum after a lovely walk on the golf course

I'm linking to Our World Tuesday here

HAPPY TUESDAY TO YOU ALL!