Looking more like something out of The Lorax than what you would find
in Africa's Kalahari Desert, these fantastically decorated telephone
poles are home to the aptly named Sociable Weaver bird.
The communist little soarers don't just build massive homes for their
own kind-they even allow other species of birds to settle down in the
nests, which could very well hold up to 100 birds at a time.
According to the San Diego Zoo, the South African pygmy falcon
Polihierax semitorquatus (otherwise known in layman's terms as
good-for-nothing squatters) "relies completely on the sociable
weavers' nest for its own home, often nesting side by side with the
sociable weavers."
"The sociable weavers' nest sees plenty of guests - a regular Kalahari
Desert inn! Besides the South African pygmy falcon; the pied barbet,
familiar chat, red-headed finch, ashy tit, and rosy-faced lovebird often
find comfort in the cozy nesting chambers."
"Vultures, owls, and eagles will often roost on the elaborate weaver nests' broad roof."
"Why are weavers willing to share the huge nest they worked so hard to make?
More residents mean more eyes keeping a watch for danger."
"The weavers often learn from their other bird guests where new sources of food
can be found."
Photographer Dillon Marsh has an entire series on these whimsical bird colonies
called Assimilation. A few of the nests even look big enough for a human to
crawl into, although its hard to imagine we'd be greeted with quite the same
open wings as their feathered brethren.
"The San Diego Zoo is home to the only colony of sociable weavers in the
United States. These busy builders are supplied with dry grasses each day
so that they may tirelessly grow their nests. Always in motion, always together,
the sociable weavers are an inspiration to see."
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-To SHANGRALA-
