At last some small relief from the overwhelming heat here in Cape Town. Some high thunderclouds are shielding us from the sun, which even at this time of year can inflict a serious sunburn. I doubt whether much rain will fall from these clouds as they are predicted to clear later and so we head towards the middle of April with no significant rain since about October last year.
The leaves on my creeper are just beginning to take on their beautiful hues of orange and red - autumn is officially here. The Arctic terns and swallows have left for warmer climes (although they may still be disappointed when they get there) and the rocks on the island are bare and silent without their presence, the skies no longer filled with their wheeling flocks. Even the flamingos are scarce at the moment.
Suddenly there is panic among the pigeons as the black sparrowhawk swoops in for breakfast, and forty birds scatter in all directions at a speed of about 60 kilometres an hour - no luck this morning though. He'll be back later.
Mango Kitty just ran through the house and onto the balcony. A post-hunting meow ensued and I went to investigate. Tiny feathers sticking out of the corners of her mouth revealed all, but fortunately the little double-collared sunbird escaped, as it was nowhere to be seen and Mango was looking very disgruntled, even more so after a good whack from me. She has caught this little bird three times now during its so far very short life and you would think it has learned a few lessons, but it seems to know no fear. Here is a pic of it the first time she caught it.
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