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Brimstones are attention seekers. Saw them at Grootvadersbos.

Brimstone canary was a lifer for me when we saw it last week, but it was special for another reason too - it was only the second bird I managed to digiscope successfully. Small birds normally move around too much to be photographed using the digiscope method, but this little chap was so obliging, sitting in the same spot long enough to set up my equipment and get it recorded. Pleased me no end...

One of the many examples of this Seedeater often seen in the Eastern Cape and the Frontier Parks. Got Varsity Vacs now so I'm going to try this early bit to Addo for the morning tomorrow again. Hopefully we will see many more Brimstones!

On the beach buffer that closes off the St Lucia estuary from the sea, I found this confiding (tolerant?) male Brimstone Canary (Serinus sulphuratus).

Why “Brimstone”? Associate brimstone with sulphur. This bird combines pleasant shades of sulphur, chestnut and old gold to affect an appealing picture.




The sexes are similar, but females are slightly duller. The heavy bill and green fore crown are diagnostic features.

They are monogamous breeders. The nest is built solely by the female, consisting of a cup of grass or fine twigs, lined with soft material. It is typically placed in the fork of a bush or tree with sparse foliage. The male accompanies her on trips to collect the building materials, but only supervises proceedings.

Not a henpecked husband then