Author Archives: 23thorns

Marula

Posted on April 16, 2014 by 23thorns

A while back, I wrote a post about a magic tree. A magic penis tree. It was, of course, not really magic at all. It just had such strange, unlikely fruit that it some odd beliefs got attached to it. … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, humor, long reads, nature, plants, South Africa, trees, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Owls. Again. For the last time. I promise.

Posted on April 15, 2014 by 23thorns

If you’ve been following this blog, you will know that I have, of late, been writing about owls. Lowveld owls. Lots of them. I like owls. But I must confess to being just about over writing about them. I’m sure you all … Continue reading →

Posted in birding, birds, humor, long reads, nature, South Africa, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged | 1 Comment

More owls.

Posted on March 9, 2014 by 23thorns

I’ve never seen a Bushpig. I have loved wildlife for as long as I can remember, and wherever I go, I keep an eye open for things that creep and crawl and growl and bustle about in the undergrowth. I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, birding, birds, long reads, nature, South Africa, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged | 9 Comments

Some owls. Or owlets. Or Scops-Owls. Some birds.

Posted on February 25, 2014 by 23thorns

When most people think of owls, they tend to picture the sorts of birds that flapped around in the Harry Potter movies; large, powerful birds that would have no problem carrying obscure magical packages around. These are not those sorts … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, birding, birds, humor, long reads, South Africa, wildlife | Tagged , | 3 Comments

The Leadwood.

Posted on February 24, 2014 by 23thorns

I threatened you with an avalanche of owls. They’re coming. But not quite yet. They don’t have anywhere to sit. Fear not. I’m on it. They can sit in one of these, in a few centuries time; That, good people, … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, long reads, nature, plants, South Africa, trees, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

A leprechaun with eyes on the back of his head.

Posted on February 21, 2014 by 23thorns

I had threatened you with an avalanche of owls. It starts today. But it is to be a brief start. I’ve been called away on an emergency. I have to go the bush for a night. There I will be … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, birding, birds, humor, long reads, nature, South Africa, wildlife | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Not owls.

Posted on February 13, 2014 by 23thorns

Prepare yourselves for an avalanche of owls. The Lowveld has an unusual number of owls. It has seven of them, while most ecosystems have room for one or two. And I like owls, so instead of picking one or two, … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, birding, birds, long reads, nature, South Africa, wildlife | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Dog-faced monkeys.

Posted on February 10, 2014 by 23thorns

Picture the scene. You’re in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s tourist hotspots. It’s a beautiful sunny day, perfect for a daytrip. So you decide to go here; That’s Cape Point, Africa’s southernmost point. It’s a dramatic finger of rock … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, humor, long reads, mammals, nature, South Africa, wildlife | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Blue

Posted on January 31, 2014 by 23thorns

If I say the word “monkey” to you, a whole bunch of associations are sure to be triggered. First of all, you will picture a cheeky little scamp, a charming, miniature man-beast who lives to laugh and play, swinging through … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, humor, long reads, mammals, nature, South Africa, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Poison tree.

Posted on January 28, 2014 by 23thorns

It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. You’re sitting in the dappled shade of a bushveld tree on a hot summer’s day, contemplating the view, beetles and bees buzzing lazily through the canopy above you, when … Continue reading →

Posted in African Wildlife, humor, long reads, nature, plants, South Africa, trees, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged , | 3 Comments