Greeting the Sun

Posted on Thu January 24, 2019.

When resident locally the awesome Secretary Birds stand atop their tree roost and greet the newly risen sun.
Stretching and preening with amazing balance they ready themselves for the flight back to earth & another day of hunting ........

One seldom gets the opportunity to see these regal giants of the African skies in quiet mode. They are more usually seen striding across the veld in search of food, and they really do cover a large area of ground quickly.

However here at Amohela ho Spitskop Country Retreat & Conservancy it is a special privilege to share some of these moments, against a background of the sun they present such wonderful silhouettes. These huge birds carry such grace and agility even when standing on very slender branches, their great sails of wings assist them to perform spectacular tree top gymnastics. Standing 1.2 metres tall with a 2 metres plus wingspan and weighing in at 3-4 kg, the hours spent photographing these birds of Africa, for they occur nowhere else, has been a special time for me, what a joy.  

Photographs and text: Allen Jones.

 

Further Reading

At Amohela ho Spitskop Country Retreat - This extraordinary beautiful phenomena of a Fogbow - over the EarthStone Cottages - in the Eastern Highlands of the Free State.
This extraordinary beautiful experience - Have you seen a Fogbow? Mon June 3, 2024

When successfully captured, fogbow images can evoke a sense of awe and mystery. The ethereal white bow, surrounded by a misty backdrop, creates a hauntingly beautiful scene that showcases the wonders of nature.

Read This Article
WildFields Apothecary @ Amohela ho Spitskop Country Retreat in the Eastern Free State - Where we now forage and wild harvest plants to make healing soothing products - for sale and online.
WildFields Product Listing & Price 14.3 2024 Thu March 14, 2024

The Apothecary lies within the 164 hectare Amohela ho Spitskop Country Retreat & Conservancy – known locally as Spitskop – or in Sotho – Petsana ( The Small Foal). And here you step into the enchanting world of WildFields, where 20 years of dedicated REWILDING has transformed a once neglected landscape into a thriving haven for nature and humans alike.

Read This Article
A rare and stunning aardvark emerging from its huge burrow here at Amohela ho Spiyskop Country Retreat in the Eastern Free State - a magical tourism venture -Rewilded for 20 years.
Tourism Venture & Regenerative Farm - Eastern Free State Highlands. Fri March 8, 2024

Responsible Sustainable TOURISM – all about animals and Other Stuff - We Walk Lightly on the Earth. The central portion of the property is made up of some 66 hectares of Green Mountain Reserve plus some 16.60 hectares of grassland which surrounds the 5 self catering cottages. There are three family self catering cottages and 2 romantic cottages for just two people.

Read This Article