The similarities between the Bee-eaters of Botswana (BOB) and the Pink Farm Chick (PFC) are many and very varied. They include, but are not limited, to:
Bee-eaters (BOB) are instantly recognisable by their rich, bright and colourful plumage. Getting it right and looking so together and confident in their colours, whereas the PFC tries and loves the colours but often puts them together “not quite right”. Often looking out of place (where is the travelling circus?) and exposed… Their colours add to their flamboyant and gregarious natures, complementing the landscape and bringing a welcome “pop” of colour, like a bright pink cushion on a beige sofa. In contrast, I sometimes feel like a lighthouse – for all the wrong reasons or an unwelcome traffic cone on a misty evening rushing up the N3 (our National highway) …
BOB’s have slender elongated bodies with longer tail feathers, making them look all the more graceful. On the other hand, …. have you seen a photo of the PFC …. related to SpongeBob SquarePants …. very closely related (like siblings!)
BOB’s are very gregarious birds, living in colonies. OK, I love people, have been known to talk “the hind leg off a donkey” and besides with my MIL (Mother-in-law), could maybe live in a colony. Actually that is a joke – love my MIL (she lives in Cape Town and flies up on her broom only once a year!) …
But when it comes to food, it is all gloves off. BOB’s are known to be fast and fierce with regards to meals. Hangry is the PFC’s middle name ….
BOB’s have been so admired that they have been named in mythological stories and ancient writers have often revered them. OK the PFC has yet to be targeted in this regard …
And although BOB’s are not migratory birds, they have been known to make long and dramatic journeys. Please read a few of PFC articles and you will see …. LOVE a road trip!
Pink Farm Chick 