This is the 86th article in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article is on the Little Bee-eater.
This beautiful bird is an infrequent visitor to Pigeon Valley; it avoids the forested area and prefers shrubs or trees overlooking the grassland. You can imagine my delight when, two days after the burning of the reservoir grassland, I witnessed three Little Bee-eaters perching on the burnt-out shrubs. They provided a splash of brilliant colour against the backdrop of the brown soil and ash.
Typically, the birds sit on a perch until they see a insect to catch, often flying back to the same point. This species is part of large family; South Africa has up to eight Bee-eater species, and they add such richness to our bird life.
ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Thorny Elm
From the interaction, I judged there was some courtship behaviour. However, it is unlikely that they will breed in the area at present – they need a bank where they can make nesting holes, and they are unlikely to find that in the area. For some time, I have been pushing to have a bank created that would meet their needs, and am presently in discussion with the contractor working on the new stormwater system in Pigeon Valley about the possibility of building up a bank next to the new walkway, so that Pygmy-Kingfishers, Brown-hooded Kingfishers and Little Bee-eaters can make nesting holes.
The prospect of their having a permanent home in the area is one that will gladden the hearts of local residents.
Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.
The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.
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