From: John Dawson <johndawson.jd@gmail.com>
Date: 2015-04-07 11:39
Subject: Re: [KENYABIRDSNET] “Oh, it’s just a Hadada.”
Great photo Brian, and on the subject of Hadadas ... !!!

I have always been intrigued by how quickly the Hadadas patrolling my garden shy away as soon as they catch sight of me in the window - even though I may be on the other side of the room, and there is considerable glare from the sun on the window, when viewed from outside. 

Is there something in their vision that enables them to cut through such glare? I'm not sure how ability to detect polarised light works, but I suspect it may be something to do with that? 

Do other birds have such ability? I would imagine that ability to counteract the glare of the sun and the reflection off water surfaces would be very advantageous to waders. 

Anyone know anything about this?

All best, John Dawson

On 7 April 2015 at 09:49, 'Don Reid' donreid@africaonline.co.ke [kenyabirdsnet] <kenyabirdsnet-noreply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 



As we always do our birding in the late afternoon when the sun is setting we often see the light reflected in the Hadada and have always thought it is really one of Kenya's most beautiful birds.  As someone remarked pity about the 'voice'.  Especially at about 5 a.m. in my garden!
 
Marlene Reid
Mombasa
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2015 8:57 PM
Subject: Re: [KENYABIRDSNET] “Oh, it’s just a Hadada.”

 

Ah, the contempt bred by familiarity. Human frailty it is. The Hadada is indeed a beautiful bird. As to its ranking among the topmost attractive birds in Africa, all I can say is 
the competition up there is cut-throat but I guess there is always room at the top. 



On Saturday, April 4, 2015 5:35 PM, "'Wiegert de Leeuw (y)' wiegert@yahoo.com [kenyabirdsnet]" <kenyabirdsnet-noreply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


 
Hi,
 
Very true and depending on the sun you can make astonishing pictures of them. It is only a pity that they don’t sing, but make noise.
 
Wiegert
 
 
Wiegert
Sent: Friday, April 03, 2015 6:22 PM
Subject: [KENYABIRDSNET] “Oh, it’s just a Hadada.” [1 Attachment]
 
 
Dear All,
“Oh, it’s just a Hadada.” How often we hear that, given with a voice
reflecting both scorn and disappointment. I am guilty myself.

Now look at the image of a bird I took this evening in the garden, the
sun is low but fully illuminating it, and the bird is also perched up
on a small stack of hay, just slightly lower than the camera. Take a
look at the image in fine detail, from tail to shoulders and tell me
if this underated and such familiar bird is not in fact worthy of
ranking amongst the top most attractive birds in Africa!

Best for now
Brian