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Project Noah Nature School
Amblyospiza albifrons
This male was very focused when bilding this nest. With the utmost precision he weaved tiny strings of grass into this solid nest. I watched him for over ten minutes before he flew off. The nest here is far from done. It takes the male 2-12 days to finish it, and on this nest, the narrow entrance, pointing towards the ground, is still missing.
Reedbed of a small dam. Mkhaya game reserve, Swaziland
Spotted on Dec 24, 2013
Submitted on Jan 11, 2014
21 Comments
It is a tough job for sure! According to the link, the male of this bird sometimes gets a bit too creative and builds the nest in a tree instead of reeds or papyrus. That one always gets rejected :)
Maybe a lady's in there letting him know she doesn't like it :-) I do not know about this species, but in some weavers in the genus Ploceus if a female rejects a nest it will then be destroyed :-(
And thank you Noel and Bhagya for your comments :)
And Noel, I agree.. Sckel has some fantastic series :P
Yes :P Mark. He looks a bit grumpy and perhaps a bit scared. Imagine to work your tail off for a few days in a row, just to hope to charm a lady. I would have the same expression in my face if I had to do that for a man! Teamwork is the way to go!
And Kel, I would not mind if Tarzan would save me :) Would feel a bit uncomfortable if he was not properly dressed though!
Arya, the nest made by this one is just fantastic and so solid compared to the golden weavers, but I agree with you, the yellow weavers is a bit more active and fun to watch and photograph!
Oh, Mark! you're right! how funny.
What a fabulous structure. It's like there's someone inside yelling at him though. :)
Very nice series, Sckel!
Oh, sorry. I don't want you sinking in the lowland. Maybe Tarzan will not be around. ;)
I actually like this one better than the Golden Weaver! Although the Golden Weaver does have more personality in pictures
beautiful series Tiz......
Would have loved to take a closer look, but that place is a shallow dam. Two months ago there were no reeds there and it was more or less open water. Not it is all green! I think it is a seasonal thing. I guess what I am trying to say is that it is difficult to reach the nest :D
I think good that male birds building nest, to females save energy. Men should follow this example. You could have waited for the bird to move away from the nest, then you make some pictures of the inside of the nest without harming the work of the bird; maybe you take some strong pecks on the head. but it is the most fun part of being a photographer. : D
Thank you Patty, Staccyh and dear Daniele! It means a lot that comment on this, and I am so happy that you appreciate the spotting :)
Wonderful bird and series Tiz!
Lovely series Tiz :)
Wonderful series and beautiful bird and nest! Great spotting Tiz =)
Thank you Ava and RiekoS :) I am so impressed by the hard work it takes to build this nest, and he does not even know if the female will accept it... :)
Very nice and interesting series. Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful series!
Thank you Alice :)
Very nice series!