Nhomphu Endzeni
NHOMPHU ENDZENI
NHOMPHU SERIES COLLECTIONLike a little explorer, the Oxpecker inserts its head into the buffalo nostril, examining the breathing space for ticks or insects.
Nhomphu Endzeni means "nose in" or "nose inside" in Tsonga.
The heat had come. The buffalo herd, 200 strong, had come to a brief halt alongside the beaten tracks and settled down in the dusty grass and bushes nearby to rest a while. With occasional bellows, a few individuals moved closer to us as a fling of Oxpeckers followed along. Their moment had come, and they swarmed around, picking off individuals to search for their feed. While some of the birds moved up and down the buffalo’s backs, others looked for more moist opportunities. Jumping from the head, one Oxpecker paused on its host’s tasselled ear before hopping in a zigzag fashion up to its nose. Briefly, it eyed the furless piece and then turned downward. Positioned alongside the buffalo's flaring nostril, it used the bright sunlight to spot any parasites. Then, a moment later, it inserted its head deep into the cavernous hole, finding success.
The Oxpecker is a little bird with a big impact, and it holds a special place in my heart. It was during an encounter with this herd of buffalo that I first became enchanted by its presence. The way it accompanied and thrived alongside those massive creatures was fascinating. What intrigued me even more were the Oxpecker's remarkable adaptations. Despite its small size, it manages to cling onto the buffalo's back, using its short legs and sharp claws to hold on. Its uniquely designed tail feathers act like a tripod, providing stability as it delicately forages for parasites.
This bird, a resident of the vast landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa, finds its niche in various open environments. Yet its survival is intricately tied to the presence of specific ticks and the animals carrying them. It faces challenges, and while it is not endangered, its population is noticeably dwindling in number and range. The thought of these (and many other) creatures disappearing from our world weighs on my mind. Even though they aren't part of the famed Big Five, their humble size and their role in maintaining nature's balance is undeniable. Each time I see an Oxpecker in the wild, I can't help but feel a deep appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life it represents.
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Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.
Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe; their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.
