Africa Wild

Richprins wrote:

mposthumus wrote:
Like a good husband Toko provided Kate with enough food on a daily basis.

You see that, Toko!?

Ja -O Tokos are lovely and caring

magnificent to see a Gymnogene
glad nothing happens to the Tokos

is a Gymnogene strong enough to open the nest of Tokos

As the day for our Balule trip crept closer so did the 43 -49 days for the chicks to leave the safety of the nest

At 2 O’clock in the morning of December 26, as we left for KNP I looked up at the barely visible slit in the Palm tree with mixed feelings

Unfortunately I had to cut my vacation short three days later and return home. My niece's husband of 31 years old was shot on December 13 during an armed robbery at their butchery near Brits. Initially our vacation was put on hold but as the doctors assured us that he’s condition was no longer critical, we decided to precede with our holiday plans. On the morning of December 28 we received news of his passing and thus decided that I would travel home by bus the following morning to be with my family.

As my friend dropped me off at home after collecting me from the bus stop, and as I got into my car to travel to Brits, my eyes for a moment went to the slit in the Palm tree. All seemed as the day we left for KNP

Travelling home five days later, I was secretly hoping that the nest would still be intact.

But there . . . . in the tree trunk was a small hole . . . . the nest was empty.


As I sat on my porch, and for the second time in a few days, experienced a feeling utter loss

One week later, as I walked to the garage

sat Toko in almost the same spot where I saw him for the very first time






and Kate her usual spot in the White Stinkwood tree


I scanned the area with my eyes and “true as Bob”

I was overjoyed as I saw first one chick


then another


And then from the top of the tree and what sounded like music to my ears, Kate started calling . . . . . pee-o, pee-o, pee-o



Toko spread his wings and as he sat on the window sill I am almost certain he proclaimed "this is my home"


I had not seen Toko, Kate and the “kids” since but who knows maybe, just maybe, I will one day feel like a rich woman in a wealthy suburb as they hopefully once again choose my average home in an average suburb to raise their next offspring.

a fairy tale

thank you for this beautiful story

but... very sad about the other story, this one of your niece's husband

I was covered in goosebumps seeing your Tokolinos....and I cried... what joy after your sad period of time.

Here's hoping they choose your home to have their next offspring.

It was very special you sharing with us.... thanks.

nan wrote:
is a Gymnogene strong enough to open the nest of Tokos

No, nana! They may try and stick their flexible legs in, though! The chicks were probably far too big to be nabbed by that stage?

Otherwise the hornbills are pretty safe, hence the elaborate breeding system!

In the wild I think leguaans may be able to break open the nests, with some nifty footwork, but that is about it?



Brilliant again, 'possie! Goose-pimple stuff!




(Toko...I don't care if I'm the husband or wife, just want food! )

thanks RP for the explanations

a lovely endindg in a safe garden



well done to your new family..

Great news!!!

So sorry for your niece's loss!

Sorry for the late response

Thank you all for the positive feedback I appreciate it