While on my African safari at Maasai Mara National Reserve, we came across varied groups of animals. One sighting that became familiar among large mammals were nature’s hitchhikers, birds! Oxpeckers, like the ones below, settled on the back of cape buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and other large mammals. I wondered if they were an annoyance to these animals.

At first, I thought the hitchhikers must be an irritation to the animals. I have since found out that these birds, also contribute a valuable service. They remove parasites such as ticks and other uninvited guests.

I am all for avoiding ticks, mosquitoes, etc., but I’d rather not have a bird pecking at me either. How about you? What is your method of escaping annoying little pests?

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All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.

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Here are two links to posts from my African Safari, Into the Wild and By Any Means