The Kingfisher and Fallen Acacia
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 
We have to clear land about three hectares for planting Moringa. The old trees have to stay but the secondary ones and undergrowth need to be removed. Thick smoke bellowed from the bushfires. I was having trouble deciding whether to remove a fallen Acacia since most of its branches are rotting on the ground, and only a quarter of its roots is keeping the tree alive. But it has one long sinewy branch, like a lone standing soldier of a once mighty army. Compounding the situation is a blue bird perched on top. It has a white breast, royal blue plumage and a long and pointed black beak. He is obviously keeping his ground amidst the burning. My heart fell for the bird and I brought the melodramatic story to the group, who within split seconds of each other, blurted “Ah the Kingfisher. It attacks small animals especially chicks with its beak, and blinds them!”
Needless to say, we cut the tree.
