Since I started bird photography I have heard a lot about the fascinating mating and nesting practices of various birds. One of the birds that fascinated me was the hornbill, from the selection of the mate, to the female entering a nest and closing herself in for a couple of months, to her coming out and the chicks following suit. Everthing perfectly timed by nature.
This lockdown I was humbled to see part of the process of the Indian grey hornbill, happening in my own lawn, and I have followed them for 2 months. I hope to put together the complete story one day soon. For now one of the most amazing thing was the last chick leaving the nest, his struggle and constant encouragement from parents who were always around, the chicks leap of faith, and finally him being fascinated with the world around him, that he was seeing for the first time.
Since he had been in the nest for the longest time, he hobbled around instead of flying, and even once outside, was fed by his dad.
Amazing amazing world of nature!
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