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The incubation period is not an exciting event, but what is important, is to monitor if the male brings in enough food to feed the incubating female. This has certainly been the case, and both adults look strong and healthy.
We also observed that Thulane did his fair share incubating on the nest, giving Makatsa some time to stretch her wings and enjoy the thermals generated by the lovely sunshine we are experiencing at this time.
My Raptor of the month is the Southern White-faced Owl.
I have previously spoken about the amazing ability of some animals and birds, to adapt perfectly to our city life, and using it to their advantage. However, do not for one moment think that all creatures are capable of this, and our human encroachment is indeed threatening most wild animals and birds.
The White-faced owl has fortunately adapted, and is helping us in an enormous way, getting rid of mice and other vermin attracted by our wasteful and littering society. They do their work at night, and most of us are not even aware of the wonderful work they do in eradicating pests spread by these vermin.
Instead we cling on to old myths regarding owls, and many people still in this modern age believe that if an owl calls while sitting on your roof, there is bound to be a death in that family house. Owls have been hunted for ages in this believe, but thankfully through education things are starting to change.
I recently visited the Field and Study Centre in Sandton and got these shots of this beautiful creature. He was most obliging, and even called while photographing. It was so humbling to hear this great African sound, interrupted by traffic noise coming off William Nicol Drive nearby.
Only through education and awareness will we be able to learn to live in perfect harmony with all the wonderful creatures that live on this great Planet called Earth.
