A Brave Sparrow!

Ever seen a peaceful Cape Sparrow face off to a dangerous Jackie Hanger ?

This was the scene early this morning as I took up a position to snap the action.

A pair of Southern Fiscal Shrikes (Lanius collaris) birds that we call "Jackie Hangers" discovered a termite nest.

Happily the female Shrike was eating away at a free breakfast.

But then a Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus) decided to join the feast.

But this Sparrow angrily told her to bugger off.

She bowed obediently to the Sparrow and stepped back from the termite mound.

To go and sit at the side and wait until the sparrow had eaten his fill.

The pest extirminators were here the day before and they drilled holes around the termite nest. Then they pumped a chemical solution into the holes and now all of the termites popped up to the surface.

Here is a closer look at the termites dying in the sun.

Although the pest controllers told me that the poison is not harmful to birds, I took no chances and placed a bucket on the nest.

So why do I say that the Jackie Hangers are dangerous birds?

Well they steal the sparrows and other small birds babies and then hang the babies on fences to dry for a later snack.
I am not very fond of them, but they are beautiful birds.

That little brave sparrow was indeed a great surprise.

And That's All Friends!

Note: All photos are my own and taken with a Canon Powershot SX60HS Bridge camera.

We hope that you have enjoyed the story and the pictures.

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