Jacana & the egg thief

While on a photo expedition in the Richtersveld National Park with my brother Peter, we were watching one particular African Jacana on the Gariep River.

- DAVE DOOLEY

I noticed it was pecking away at the plants floating on the surface, but every few minutes it would return to the same spot. I was fascinated and moved to see if I could get a closer view.

To my delight, through my camera lens I could make out next to some reeds four eggs that were so well camouflaged they were almost invisible to the naked eye (above). I took photos despite the poor light, marking the spot for a return during the ‘golden hour’ for photography.

Back at Tattasberg Reed Cabins where we were staying, I learned that female African Jacanas, which are larger than the males, have multiple mates. Once the female has laid her eggs, she leaves the males to guard and incubate them until they hatch.