Hapless Hangman 1

The request by Gregor Woods about the Jackie Hangman (Nov/dec 2020) refers. On numerous occasions as a boy roaming farm and veld during the 1980s, hunting birds with my faithful Diana Mod. 24 air rifle, I came across the ‘Laksman larder’ or ‘spens’.

They impaled various insects, small lizards, frogs and sometimes small adult birds, mostly sparrows. Common too were juvenile birds from several species. I have also seen tiny newly hatched tortoises and small snakes so impaled. These ‘larders’ were often close to a fiscal shrike nest.

Interestingly they fed only on the heads of impaled adult birds, even tearing it completely from the body. I have also witnessed how they chase down birds, always catching them by the head.

The Laksman preys on bird species that are smaller than itself.

Over the years, Mr Woods and all the other Magnum contributors have helped form and entertain my hunter’s soul and enriched me with vast knowledge. Keep up the good work, it is much appreciated among us hunter/shooter/fishing types. – Jan Meyburgh, Northern Cape