An Ancient Nest of Namibia

SOCIABLE WEAVER NEST - Annalize Ferreira . Various materials are utilised for specific reasons when building the nest. Twigs and sticks are strategically placed to form both the structure and as a kind of protective 'fence' against predators like wild cats and reptiles. . The rest of the nest is stuffed with dry grass, which perfectly insulates the nest; cooling it down in the extreme Namibian mid-day heat and retains warmth once temperatures drop at night. Inside, consists of 25cm long and 7cm wide tunnels leading to various breeding chambers 10cm in diameter, which has been layered with soft hair, feathers and fur. . Captured by: Danie Ferreira

www.danieferreira.com

Sociable Weaver or Brilliant Architect

SOCIABLE WEAVER - philetairus socius

The sociable, social or common-social weaver is centrally located in the Northern Cape of South Africa and spread across the border into Botswana, Namibia and other parts of South Africa. These birds live in colonies from as small as ten birds up until 500 and build spectacular structures for nests not only seasonally but throughout the whole year. These grassy nests often fill an entire trees branch configuration and can reach a height of 4m. There has been documented evidence showing some of the existing nest to be 100 years old. -Annalize Ferreira . Captured by: Danie Ferreira

www.danieferreira.com

The Desert Squirrel Underground

AFRICAN GROUND SQUIRREL - xerus inauris

They live in underground warrens in a colony of approximately 30 ground squirrels. Adults grow up to 45cm high and weigh around 600g. Feeding on grass stems and seeds, they mostly emerge from their homes early in the morning and during sunset but will hastily scurry back once it gets dark.

Captured by: DANIE FERREIRA

www.danieferrreira.com