Hamerkop
(Scopus umbretta)
The hamerkop is an unusual looking bird always found in and around water. It constructs huge nests, normally in the fork of a tree overhanging water, as big as 1.5m in width and strong enough to hold a man. When fishing the bird moves its feet creating ripples in the water. Zulu’s believe this is the bird looking into the future. It is also known as the lightning bird as anyone who robbed the birds nest would be struck by lightning.
