A Brave Sparrow!

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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.
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A pair of Southern Fiscal Shrikes (Lanius collaris) birds that we call "Jackie Hangers" discovered a termite nest.
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Happily the female Shrike was eating away at a free breakfast.
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But then a Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus) decided to join the feast.
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But this Sparrow angrily told her to bugger off.
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She bowed obediently to the Sparrow and stepped back from the termite mound.
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To go and sit at the side and wait until the sparrow had eaten his fill.
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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.
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Here is a closer look at the termites dying in the sun.
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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.
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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.

Thank you kindly for visiting a post by @papilloncharity



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9 comments
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Hi @papilloncharity ,those Jacky Hangers are vicious, i also don't like them much, but like you say, they are beautiful. We have them in our garden as well, poor little sparrows have a hard time with them.
Thank you for sharing and have a great day.

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Thank you milady and I once saw them taking tiny Loerie babies out of nest and since then I am not very fond of them. The sparrows do indeed normally avoid them and that's why this little guy was so rare.
I was mightily impressed by him.

!BEER

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Very unusual seeing the Mossie standing ground against the Butcher bird, makes an interesting set of photos for proof.

Squirrel stayed clear of the debate ha ha, they don't enjoy termites obviously.

Lovely series once again on smaller birds pecking order Stephen.

!BEER
!LUV

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Indeed a very rare occasion Lady Joan and I was very lucky to see that, but I have to tell you that I was very surprised.
Yep, the squirrels are not big meat eaters.

Glad that you appreciated the post.

#LUV
#BEER

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