The day after we read Eeks sad tale of the demise of a young zebra pigeon, I started watching a pair of beautiful red whiskered bulbuls building a nest in my small tree outside.

It took them about two days; but it became a home and on the 3^rd day I noticed 3 small purple eggs had been laid..(everyone say “aaawww”)

At night one of the birds seems to sit on the eggs but inadvertently I scared it off a few days ago and was perhaps unjustly worried they wouldn’t return to keep those eggs warm.

However they keep coming back, but are very shy birds so I have been unable to get some good photos- only of the nest.

I find it fascinating watching them taking turns to return to sit, but I suspect here with these temperatures, the birds don’t have to sit on them all the time like in the cooler western climes.

I read on wiki that are likely to hatch within 11 days so I hope they survive until next week when I can get some good photos. Their nest is only about 1.5m from the ground so even the eggs are potentially within reach of geckos, cats, rats, or even those annoying minah starlings.

The circle of life in the animal kingdom goes on with all of us oblivious to it; but when we get a sneak peak; we are quite protective of them.

I am hoping this story has a more pleasant outcome.

Nice story. Well it beats slouching over a beer bar at 10 am animately discussing nothing of interest to anyone.

Anyone know what this noisy bugger is?

Red wattled lapwing, I think, Winnie.

Those red whiskered bulbuls are stunning birds; always have them chirping through here. Hate to see em caged; the locals prize them for their singing.

Anyone know what this noisy bugger is?

P1160436s.jpg

Judging by the length of the legs it's a fast runner whatever it is. I suspect some sort of shore bird that works the edges of ponds, lakes or the seashore.

Someone put a cage trap up near our previous house to catch them which I wasn't too pleased about.

Those red whiskered bulbuls are stunning birds; always have them chirping through here. Hate to see em caged; the locals prize them for their singing.

When I was a kid, we use to catch Linnets and keep them in a cage. Lovely songbirds. They could also be crossed with Canaries.

Does anyone know what goes 'droooooot droooot drooooooot droooot Drooooooooooooooooo' every morning?

While we are on the does anyone know. What is that bird brown in colour that sounds like it's an air compressor pressure relief valve blowing off.

It was always around my wife's place out in the sticks. Never came too close. Afraid of getting eaten no doubt.

Does anyone know what goes 'droooooot droooot drooooooot droooot Drooooooooooooooooo' every morning?

this...

Greater Coucal ..

Does anyone know what goes 'droooooot droooot drooooooot droooot Drooooooooooooooooo' every morning?

this...

Greater Coucal ..

....& as a footnote, be very thankful it isn't this :-

....or this :-

because these 2 particularly high volume monotonous chirpsters will do their very best to drive you totally every morning ...

Does anyone know what goes 'droooooot droooot drooooooot droooot Drooooooooooooooooo' every morning?

this...

Greater Coucal ..

....& as a footnote, be very thankful it isn't this :-

....or this :-

because these 2 particularly high volume monotonous chirpsters will do their very best to drive you totally every morning ...

If they are singing, call the music police......... typical , never around when you need them...

Does anyone know what goes 'droooooot droooot drooooooot droooot Drooooooooooooooooo' every morning?

this...

Greater Coucal ..

I have always been too lazy to look that bird up, but yes they are very noisy but quite stunning; and I read in wiki that I need to be aware of these birds as they eat other birds eggs.....another predator on the list.......if these eggs hatch chances are I will knock the tree over with excitement.

Does anyone know what goes 'droooooot droooot drooooooot droooot Drooooooooooooooooo' every morning?

The Rapid #109 from Bkk, or perhaps your neighbourly karaoke?

Does anyone know what goes 'droooooot droooot drooooooot droooot Drooooooooooooooooo' every morning?

Heavy Drinker, by any chance is that sound coming from your morning toilet?????

Yes, eye-catcher, saw a Coucal pick up all four Bulbul nestlings from a nest just by our window and carry them off to eat once. I tried to scare it off, but no use. At least they eat snakes too though.

Happy to report good news.

Yesterday the 3 eggs laid by our bulbul pair, started to hatch. The first to break out was around 9am, followed by the next around 2pm and then this morning the third chick was out.

Mum and dad (or is it grandma/grandpa….as is the norm here) are on round the clock excursions for food and I hope by tonight they have enough strength to lift their heads for a group photo.

Anyone know what this noisy bugger is?

That's an aging nok iang, a myna, who's rented elevator shoes for the mating season.

~o:37;

Without wanting to tempt fate; I think we are now in the final happy chapter of this 21 day adventure. My little birds have developed from egg to flying in only 10 days. Today the first of the 3 birds took a flight with “mummy” and no doubt the final two are now waiting for their first flying lesson.

How we have enjoyed following the development of these birds at such close quarters; I just hope in their adulthood they will return to our garden and go through the same process again.

Does anyone know what goes 'droooooot droooot drooooooot droooot Drooooooooooooooooo' every morning?

A Scot in the dry season.