There is by no means an abundance of colour at this time of year, drab browns and tawny grass dominate the landscape, although there are a few exceptions.
Impala lilies have made an appearance in recent blogs, adding colour to the bush but they are not the only bit of colour around.
Aloes of all sorts burst into flower at this time of year and attract an array of sugar loving birds and bees to their sweet colourful flowers.
The timing of the different pollinators is slightly staggered but it makes for an incredible spectacle over a few weeks in the winter months.
The male Scarlet-chested sunbird stretches to reach an open flower. Simon Smit
This male White-bellied sunbird had to work really hard, both trying to feed and flee from the competitive Scarlet-chested sunbird. Simon Smit
Bees feasting. Trevor McCall-Peat
The amount of pollen around was clearly visible on the hind legs of this bee. Trevor McCall-Peat
The microscopic hairs on the bees were full of pollen. Trevor McCall-Peat
The female Scarlet-chested sunbird as well as most of the other individuals of the fairer sex in the sunbird family lack the spectacular colour of the males. Simon Smit
A Collared sunbird also cashes in. Simon Smit
Bees decorate the burnt reds and oranges of the long stems of flowers. Trevor McCall-Peat
Colour that is so closely associated with the aloes is almost dominated by the striking beauty of the Scarlet-chested sunbird. Simon Smit
What other colour jumps out at you at this time of year in the bush?
Written by Simon Smit
Photographed by: Simon Smit and Trevor McCall-Peat
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Awesome pics. Love the aloes in winter.
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful aloe flowers with us, together with the stunning sunbirds & bees that enjoy them! The Malachite is another sunbird that loves Aloes, do you get it there?
Wonderful photos Simon and Trevor, thank you for sharing!
Stunning photos – thanks guys.
Excellent theme Simon and incredible photographs. The sunbird pics are incredible.
Beautiful shots of flowers and pollinators. I enjoy this blog not only for big 5 and big cats (which are awesome), but for the other wildlife and topics encountered. So please keep those photos of flowers and birds and bees and other interesting creatures coming (along with the bigger animals).
Especially love the last shot – beautiful!
stunning photos.