Woody woodpecker

I noticed this striking bird the other day (another member of the menagerie in my new garden) and after watching it for a while saw that it kept going back to a fig tree next to the house. On closer inspection, it turns out that there is a perfectly round hole in the trunk and a nest, complete with youngster, inside.

Is this a woodpecker?  Its the only bird I know that makes a nest in a tree trunk.

Woody woodpecker

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SA prof best in invasion biology

South African Professor David Richardson has been rated the world’s most influential and productive scientist on matters relating to invasion biology.

This emerged after a bibliometric study conducted by scientists of the Laboratory of Biological Invasion and Adaptive Evolution of the Chinese Academy of Science.

Bibliometrics refers to the measuring of texts and information using a defined set of methods. It has various uses, for instance in analysing frequency of citation, the impact of a researcher or group of researchers, or the impact of a particular paper.

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Bats in the Belfry

I’ve moved into a new house with a new garden (more on that later).  It is a more established garden than my old one, with large trees and a jungly feel.  It also has many more insects and animals, including these super bats who take off each evening at dusk and can be watched from the comfort of the balcony, drink in hand.

In the third photograph, it looks as if the bat is holding a youngster on its belly.  Any idea if it is common for a bat to fly around with its young?  Also, please post any more information on these fascinating creatures in the comment section.

Bats in the Belfry

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Green Landscaping Guide

The eThekwini Municipality has put together a series of green guidelines, including one on green landscaping, as part of their Greening Durban 2010 Programme.  This is an initiative aimed at ensuring that the 2010 Fifa World Cup is hosted in an environmentally sustainable way, and that a positive environmental legacy is achieved from hosting the event in Durban.

Topics include ‘Why Creating Greener Landscapes is Beneficial’, ‘The Principles of Green Landscaping’, ‘Green Landscape Design Approaches’, ‘Green Landscaping Guide’ and ‘Maintenance’.

Download the Green Landscaping Guide.

Happy Bloggity Birthday!

Sprig is 1 year, 196 posts, 212 tags and 716 comments old today – happy birthday!

Thanks to all who contributed, commented and read this blog in the past year.

Photograph by Amber S. Wallace