I think this pair have been nesting at Merapoh year on year. Early April 2017 I saw their first nest been abandoned after some inclement weather or the spot was too exposed and busy. They started building an alternative nest away from people which is in a ravine just like last year. Hopefully it will be successful this time round. There is no Drongo nesting in sight nearby..............
Both the Male and Female take part in making up the nest. The female tends to bring in white fungi or cobweb which it camo the external while the male bring in the green moss and twigs. The birds were seen pushing their belly deep into the hollow to compact the wall. The female can expect to start laying eggs once the dry weather kick in May. Usually within 7-10 days of eggs will hatch. The feeding and fending the nest will last another 2.5 weeks.
The first weekend of May I heard of the good news that 3 hatchlings were sighted. Later in late 2nd week of May it was reported there was only one hatchling left. Worse the nest perch was found to be trimmed barren of leaves and branches. It is sad to says these selfish attitude and unethical behaviour of fellow bird photogs never end. Don't you think the barren nest looks so unnatural. Just wanting the perfect full frame shot to boost about; "you" photog do not care for the welfare of the birds is really sickening to many including me.
As of 18th May news arrived from a fellow birder the last chick has gone missing. Whether it was abandoned by the parent because of the over-exposed nest and or bird-photogs "harrassment" or taken as prey by another predatory bird like barbet or owl; I still blame the bird photog who trim the tree down and expose the nest in the first place.
Bad karma to you!!!!
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