Before leaving for KNP I have to first share my good fortune with everyone. Toko and Kate are back and the breeding process is already in an advanced stage.
While Kate was safely sealed in the nest Toko kept himself busy by admiring himself in my car- and kitchen window, and since he got no response from his "partner" it lead to fierce fighting accompanied by a lot of noise.
Sunday morning at 5:00 I heard the well known call coming from nearby. I soon realised that it was both Toko and Kate calling and just as quickly as I jumped from bed, I grabbed my camera. This is the picture that greeted me as I peeped through my bedroom window.
Kate must have left the nest very early in the morning since it was still sealed by sunset the previous evening.
Just to give you an idea of how high the nest is.
The nest was neatly resealed.
Daily feeding routine
This morning I collected something near the tree that I initially thought to be a piece of pressed wood. On closer inspection I realized that it was a piece of the original seal from the entrance to the nest.
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I also found the remains of some bugs. I have on occasion witnessed food dropping to the ground too big to fit through the small slit.
It primarily consists of manure, feathers, small seeds and leaves, beetle remains and hair.
According to my calculations, the young will leave the nest whilst I am still in KNP, but I hope to see them on my return before they leave the area. Although I regularly see Toko and Kate I have never again seen last year’s brood.
THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE
- mposthumus
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- Mel
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE
Oh, how romantic! The love story continues! Very happy for you and Toko and Kate.
And thanks so much for sharing this with us. Heard so much about the breeding habits of hornbills
but never seen a lot of photos of it. So, this is not only very heart-warming but also interesting.
Holding thumbs that the little ones will still be around when you get back and for now wishing you
a wonderful holiday in Kruger.
Thanks for sharing this with us, M.
And thanks so much for sharing this with us. Heard so much about the breeding habits of hornbills
but never seen a lot of photos of it. So, this is not only very heart-warming but also interesting.
Holding thumbs that the little ones will still be around when you get back and for now wishing you
a wonderful holiday in Kruger.
Thanks for sharing this with us, M.
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain amount of things. Right now I'm so far behind that I'll never die.
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE
nice picture and story
better not going to Kruger
better not going to Kruger
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE
Great story mposthumus and pics
I am so glad to hear that Toko and Kate have chosen your tree again to raise the brood
I am so glad to hear that Toko and Kate have chosen your tree again to raise the brood
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE
Toko and Kate is adding to their family.... yeah
I also hope the babies will still be around on your return.
Have fun.
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE
Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh - this is such a heart warming thread
For sharing - Beautiful birds!
Enjoy Kruger!
For sharing - Beautiful birds!
Enjoy Kruger!
Somewhere in Kruger
- mposthumus
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE
Thank you Mel, nan, Toko, pooky, Amoli, Twigga & Flutts
Latest developments this morning The right side of the seal is no more and I have collected three pieces from under the tree
The babies are very active seemingly cleaning the nest before their departure In less than an hour I have collected a dead gecko macadamia nuts, more bug remains, tail feathers, a sea shell various piece of wood and a piece of braai pap
Through the larger opening I could clearly observe two bills and got a lucky shot of this
Latest developments this morning The right side of the seal is no more and I have collected three pieces from under the tree
The babies are very active seemingly cleaning the nest before their departure In less than an hour I have collected a dead gecko macadamia nuts, more bug remains, tail feathers, a sea shell various piece of wood and a piece of braai pap
Through the larger opening I could clearly observe two bills and got a lucky shot of this
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE
Thanks for the update possie, this is good news!!!
Sometimes it’s not until you don’t see what you want to see, that you truly open your eyes.