Seeing an African Paradise Flycatcher in the garden always brings me joy. They are not only beautiful, but to the human ear their chirruping call is most cheering.
They are very active birds, appearing either alone or in pairs, rapidly flitting from branch to branch. Because these small and busy birds are difficult to photograph, if I am able to catch them in a photo at all, it brings a smile to my face. I am yet to get a photo of one dramatically plunge-bathing in the pond.
Perhaps this photo of a female African Paradise Flycatcher, perching momentarily on a garden gate, conveys a hint of their rather out-there personality
A male African Paradise Flycatcher revealing something of his long tail feathers and showing how tiny these birds are
P.S. I feel I should explain that because of ongoing illness in my family I have not been able to engage either with my blog or visit other blogs as much as usual
Posted in response to the Weekly Photo Challenge that invites us to show something that makes us smile or brings a moment of joy. For other images that make us smile see here
Posted by Carol
May 3, 2018 at 8:51 am
Lovely chirpy photos and I do trust all the family members will be chirpy fit soon
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April 19, 2018 at 2:18 pm
What amazing tail feathers for such a small bird!
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May 11, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Yes – very showy especially in flight.
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April 13, 2018 at 4:35 am
That’s a very cute bird with an edgy hairdo!
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May 10, 2018 at 8:12 pm
Thanks! Cute and edgy – great combination 🙂
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April 6, 2018 at 5:01 pm
Glad the flycatcher was able to cheer you up, as it did me! Thanks for taking the time to share a glimpse of your spot of paradise, and hoping things improve in your family.
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April 6, 2018 at 9:05 am
This bird is new to me – and your photos of it bring me joy too, Carol. I have missed your blogs. Take good care. I trust that the present challenges will resolve positively and that all will be well with you and your family.
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April 5, 2018 at 6:26 pm
Such a strikingly beautiful bird. Love the male’s blue eye.
Sorry to hear that you are facing challenges right now, Carol. Sending good wishes your way.
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April 5, 2018 at 5:37 pm
Such a colorful and beautiful bird.
I hope things improve for your family soon! Take care, Carol.
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April 5, 2018 at 2:39 pm
Gorgeous! I hope things get better for you.
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April 5, 2018 at 1:49 pm
Beautiful photos Carol! Best wishes.
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April 5, 2018 at 10:33 am
They are so cute! We often see them in the Milkwood trees here in Onrus. Never been able to take a photo though! Hope the illness in the family is not too serious Carol……
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April 5, 2018 at 8:49 am
Never seen one of these beautiful birds up here in Joeys, and I agree whole/hardheartedly, that such encounters do indeed bring a smile. I often end up grinning like a loon for hours telling anyone in the vicinity: ”Guess what I saw today!”
Sympathies with the illness. Never nice when a member of the family is having such problems. Hope things return to normal for you ASAP.
Regards.
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April 5, 2018 at 8:42 am
Lovely catch
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April 5, 2018 at 7:03 am
I’ve been missing your posts too, and am sorry for your reason for not having the time to devote to them. All best wishes to you and your family. This set of photos certainly brings a smile to my face though. Wonderful!
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April 5, 2018 at 6:05 am
I have missed your blogs Carol and am sorry to hear about the reason for it. African Paradise Flycatchers are a favourite of mine: in our forested garden we tend to catch only glimpses of them. They flit about so quickly that I am impressed that you have managed to capture them on film, and so beautifully too! They tend to migrate away from the Eastern Cape with the onset of winter, so I shall have to wait several more months before seeing them again. Sterkte.
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April 5, 2018 at 6:07 am
Thanks so much for your kind comment and good wishes Anne.
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