Hartbeespoort resident Werner Nagel witnessed one of the most remarkable defensive displays he has ever seen during a recent visit to the Pilanesberg National Park and Game Reserve.

Over the years, Nagel has spotted leopard, cheetah and lion kills, a serval hunting rats, and his favourite: Two caracal kittens. But last Wednesday, he saw something entirely different, sparked by a sudden burst of noise.

Birds of a feather flock together

“We were driving past Mankwe Hide when we suddenly heard a lot of birds making noise and running around. Their behaviour immediately stood out, and that’s what drew our attention to the scene,” he tells Caxton Network News.

Birds from various species were giving a distress call. “Only then did we realise a puff adder was the cause of the commotion.”

The stand-off

What unfolded was a 15-minute stand-off between the birds, led by a spotted thick-knee (Burhinus capensis), also known as the spotted dikkop, and the venomous viper. The birds repeatedly blocked the snake’s path, forcing it in a different direction from its intended route.

“The thick-knee made a lot of noise, with a very clear distress call. It positioned itself directly in the snake’s way, spread its wings and stayed persistent in redirecting the puff adder,” Nagel says.

The puff adder eventually ended up exposed in the open. “It was clear it was trying to reach cover. Every time it attempted to move toward shelter, the birds blocked its way.”

Victory for the birds

Ultimately, the thick-knee prevailed, with the snake pushed off course and disappearing into the bush in an unplanned direction. Even after the snake had moved, the bird stayed alert for about 10 more minutes, calling loudly before finally settling.

Nagel notes there were no eggs in the nest, just two very small baby thick-knees, unharmed.

“What amazed me was how effectively the birds chased the snake away. I honestly didn’t think the outcome would favour the birds,” he shares.

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