Spring at Londolozi has a way of bringing new life to every corner of the bush. The air feels lighter, the days stretch a little longer, and the sounds of the bush shift from the quiet rhythm of winter to a steady hum of activity. For me, one of the clearest signs that spring has truly arrived is the sudden appearance of the weavers at the waterholes.
Almost overnight, these small, energetic birds seem to take over. Branches that were still and quiet a week before are now covered in the beginnings of nests, each one the work of a determined male. After the stillness of winter, they return to the spotlight, busier than ever. The transformation is remarkable, it’s as if every male knows time is short, and the competition is fierce.
The building process itself is fascinating. Each male selects a branch, usually overhanging water, and begins to weave fresh green strands of grass into a tightly bound structure. The quality of his work and the speed at which he completes it are everything. The moment his chosen material starts to fade or dry out, he has to start again. There’s no room for shortcuts when a female’s approval decides it all.
At the height of the season, entire colonies can be found around the waterholes and river. It’s loud, chaotic and captivating all at once. Males call and flutter continuously, each trying to outshine the next. What makes it even more entertaining is how one female’s arrival can send an entire colony into overdrive, every male suddenly hanging upside down, wings flicking, desperate to be noticed.
I often find myself pausing on drives to watch them. Between the calls of Fish Eagles and the soft rustle of wind through the reeds, the weavers’ chatter seems to dominate. It’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of their routine, build, display, inspect, rebuild. It’s relentless, but it’s also a clear reminder of how much effort even the smallest creatures put into survival and success.
A Red-headed Weaver, not as common as the other weavers we see.
There’s something about watching the weavers that feels grounding. It’s a small part of the larger seasonal shift, yet it captures the very essence of life returning to the bush. While many focus on the arrival of young impalas or the return of migrant birds, for me, it’s the weavers that truly mark the start of summer. Their presence brings energy, sound, and movement to the waterholes and rivers, turning them into lively hubs once more.
As the temperatures rise and the landscape transforms, I’ll continue to keep an eye at the bodies of water. Not just for the big game they attract, but for the little yellow birds that remind me that hard work and persistence are as much a part of the wild as anything else. The weavers may be small, but their dedication and the spectacle they create always turns heads.
I think weavers are totally spectacular. Their dedication to build these nests in no time, how they manage to weave these grasses together so that a solid little “house” comes into existence and how they then try to impress the ladies, is so fascinating. I could watch them for hours. Thanks for this beautiful article on these dedicated little birds, Patrick
Remarkable! Thank you Patrick.
Patrick, We are always amazed at what these birds can do! Thanks for the great photos!
There were little weavers outside the dining room of our resort in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda…as you said something so grounding to watch them working away…they are fascinatingly adorable!
Hi, I’m always in awe in front of such amazing birds, I wonder human beings when knitting or doing something alike it’s a real job, how clever and able are those little creatures with their beaks only… they haven’t monkeys or chimpanzees’ paws and nonetheless such wonderful architect… to be admired.
Hi Patrick, the weavers are little magic makers building their nests along the waters edge. It is quite fascinating to sit watch them build their nests, I always just hope the female will except his nest. Their chatter is like music to my ears.
Thanks for your wonderful story about the weavers and their amazing nest building – truly an architectural treasure. I have been entranced watching these birds since I first observed them several years ago, flying to and from the beginning of their nests. But this past April in the Kalahari, I was truly blessed as I watched a single weaver build his nest from the first piece of grass until it was completed less than 24 hours later. I took countless photos and videos to document his work, and even captured the female inspecting and selecting his nest. But what truly amazed me is how sturdy this nest was, as after the most intensive thunder, lightning and rainstorm that raged for hours, the nest was totally intact the next day. So while I admire so many of the South African birds I spot on a drive, I will spend as much time as I can to watch the weavers and their nest building.