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| The bird feeder with two sections, into which we placed the two different seeds. So far, no birds. But as they say with bird feeders, one must be patient. |
“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”
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| We visited Gail and Mark on Sunday to discuss a story we’ll be posting later this Friday about the stunning and heartwarming book Gail wrote, “Her Name is Missy,” of their time in Liberia during the worst of the Ebola epidemic and her heroic rescue of a chimpanzee named Missy. Please check back on Friday for the story. We loved seeing the birds they feed at their home and holiday lodges across a small river road. The visit prompted us to purchase a bird feeder and seeds.
Yesterday afternoon, we decided to purchase a bird feeder after our Sunday afternoon visit to Gail and Mark Fox at their holiday lodge and a lovely home overlooking the Crocodile River in Marloth Park, as we flipped over all the birds that visited their property.
After our exceptional experience with birds at our holiday home in Costa Rica many months ago, we were thrilled with the idea of attracting birds to our Marloth Park holiday home.
Once Josiah arrived to wash the veranda and clean the pool, during which we always get out of the way, it was a good time to hop in the little car to head to Daisy’s Den, where Mark and Gail purchase their seeds and supplies.
Our lives aren’t always about the “big things.” We often find great interest and joy in the “small things,” such as in our visit to Daisy’s Den. Tucked away at the end of one of a few shopping areas in Marloth Park, we remembered this shop from four years ago where we purchased pellets during our three-month stay, which at the time had different owners.
Now with Mark (not Mark Fox) having purchased the property a few years ago, we were delighted to make purchases in the well-stocked and organized shop in an attempt to support local businesses. This is always very important to us.
Sure, at times, prices may be higher in local shops than those in the bigger cities and towns. Still, when considering time, fuel and convenience is often a priority to us to play whatever small role we can in not only buying products from local shops but also in writing a little about them in the process, as in today’s story.
Marloth Park is a small town, a Conservancy, distinct in its wildlife, people, and politics. We chatted with owner Mark and his son John, both of whom we’d met at the snake handling course on March 10th. At the time, we had no idea they owned Daisy’s Den and were delighted to see them again.
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| Daisy’s Den also carried handmade crafts, many made by locals. We spotted Gail’s book, “Her Name in Missy,” also for sale in the charming shop. |
Yes, even in this remote natural setting, politics becomes a factor among many of the locals. Opinions vary on how this unique environment should be managed and handled, and at times, like most townships, not everyone agrees.
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| The shop carries a few items found in a pharmacy (including a few souvenirs) since it’s a long drive to the pharmacy in Komatipoort. |
However, during our overall year in the park, we choose to stay out of local government and its highly charged politics. We’re here to learn about the wildlife, enjoy the companionship of the local people and immerse ourselves in other areas of Africa we’ll visit from time to time.
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| There are household goods and a variety of lawn and garden chemicals and products. |
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Daisy’s Den but w we were anxious to get back to our holiday home to hang the bird feeder. Although there’s a ladder here, I discouraged Tom from using it. Instead, he used a long pole he’s been using to scare off the baboons and gingerly placed the feeder on a branch, as shown in the above photo.
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| We purchased two types of seeds hoping to attract a variety of birds. |
In no time at all, the feeder was situated on a tree close to the veranda with easy viewing from our usual spots at the big table. We won’t miss a thing. Hopefully, soon, we’ll be able to enjoy more bird visitors than we’ve seen flying through the bush thus far. We’ll see how it goes.
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| We purchased the wooden bird feeder and two bags of seed at the cost of ZAR 215 (US $17.94). We couldn’t wait to get back to set it up. |
Sharing our stories and photos along with way enhances our experiences in a way no words can describe. We only hope our readers continue to enjoy the less-than-astounding aspects of life in the bush, the small stories, and the simple pleasures that we encounter almost every day.
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| Located immediately next door to Daisy’s Den is Mark’s wife Tracy’s sewing and embroidery shop. |
May your day’s simple pleasures bring you much joy.
Photo from one year ago today, March 20, 2017:
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| Painted performers at Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia. For more photos, please click here. |