I had the opportunity to observe a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbills nesting earlier in the year thanks to Choo Eng. Hornbills are certainly one of the most magnificent of our forest birds. Sadly, their numbers are declining and even more so at places like Bukit Larut in Perak where in the past, it was very likely to see hornbills in every visit. It was at this locality that I saw my first wild hornbill. I can still recall hearing the "locomotive" flight of these impressive birds for the first time. The moment is embedded permanently in my memory. Anyway over a period of 2 months, I managed to make a few trips to observe the nesting rhinos. Here's the proud father at the nest...
The feeding intervals was about an hour and berries were the main food source. This is how the male regurgitates the food...
During my first visit, the female was still sealed up in the nest together with the single chick. In my later visits, only the chick was left in the nest.
Both parents shoulder the responsibility of feeding the chicks. On a few occasions, I was lucky enough to capture both parents at the nest together. All the effort by both the parents paid off in the end because successfully brought another hornbill into this fragile world they call home.
6 comments:
The whooshing sound that you describe as "locomotive" is unforgettable. I first heard the Pied Hornbill at my backyard two years ago, and a pair of Wreathed Hornbill flew over at Bukit Rengit early this year.
Beautiful feeding series. Thanks for sharing this.
What a wonderful series of photos, Mun!
You dont get to see this everyday, what a rare sight. Well done
Nice one Mun,
I was thinking of going back to the SAME place for birding again but never able to find the time to do so.
it finally surfaced (I have been waiting...when I was informed by Choo Eng during my last visit)
...good thing that the nest was kept a secret.
And very nice photos and follow thru.
Well done.
Thank all for your compliments.
Yen, once bitten twice shy. I have learned my lesson.
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