Happily ever after does exist for these Overberg birds

Did you know – there are a number of Overberg birds that believe in true love? So this Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing four love stories from the Overberg landscapes.

Blue Cranes

Photograph by Sharon Brink

The Blue Crane  

As one of the most recognisable icons of the Overberg (and South Africa’s national bird), the beautiful Blue Crane chooses to mate for life. The male bird chooses his female; and in order to attract her attention, flings objects into the air with his beak. If the female is impressed, she joins in by jumping and flinging. Their mating ritual sounds like a romcom musical!

Cape Vulture in flight

Photograph by Sharon Brink

The Cape Vulture

This amazing bird is the only vulture that occurs in the Western Cape. But that does not affect their love story in any way. Cape Vultures live in large groups, as they are colonial birds. But don’t get the wrong idea: the male bird still finds his soulmate in between all the female birds. Talk about love at first sight.

Black Oystercatchers at Bettys Bay

Photograph by LoveGreen Communications

The Black Oystercatcher

Before mating between September and April, the Black Oystercatchers find their mate and stay monogamous for the rest of their lives. So while there may be many fish in the sea – that’s not the case for this ocean bird. Surely that shows us that true love does exist?

Barn owls

Photograph by LoveGreen Communications

The Barn Owl

The Barn Owl, a majestic and gorgeous bird, mates for life; and even becomes emotionally attached to its partner. It has been found that they even cuddle together, and mate without trying to breed. A story that makes your heart melt.