For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

A visit to the zoo - Part 1

It was a beautiful autumn day and ideal weather to visit the zoo which includes a reptile park and aquarium. Although many of our trees are evergreen, there were still some like this White Stinkwood who's leaves were dressed in many colors.
From some of these trees, hundreds of caterpillars were hanging or lowering themselves to the ground.
The gardens had lots of flowers including this Disia plus ant. :) I am know a flower expert but I have always wondered if these are related to Irises. These are smaller but quite pretty.
All along the pathways are these little waterfalls and they give off a very restful sound.
I find it strange that these Flamingoes never fly away but I guess with food and water readily available, where would they go to?
The Goliath heron is the largest of the heron family, is found on large shallow inland waters and estuaries. It stands motionless in the water for long periods of time waiting for prey. It feeds on fish, frogs, small reptiles, and crustaceans and will take carrion if available.
Goliath Herons breed from June to January. The nest consists of a platform of sticks up to 1,5 meters in diameter which may be placed in a variety of situations from tree to cliff to marshy island. They are usually solitary breeders but also nest in colonies or a mixed heronry. The eggs are pale blue or greenish blue, usually two but may be more.