First, the obvious – Hamerkop means ‘hammer-head’ in Africaans. Don’t think I need to explain why!
Second – the Hamerkop is only a medium sized bird, but it builds huge nests, often 6-8 feet across, made of thousands of sticks usually wedged between the branches of a large tree.
Third – the Hamerkop nest has walls, a roof and a tunnel, plastered with mud, that leads to a sheltered inner chamber where the female lays her eggs.
There you have it – the weird and wonderful Hamerkop. The photos are by my husband, Nigel Nicholls ©2015. I particularly love the trailing feet in the water!
Until next time…
Alison
www.ArtInspiredByAfrica.com