Ruddy Kingfisher, アカショウビン 2

Continued from the previous post

Driving by again. Wow, the Kingfisher offers a good view! This time I just get out of the car quickly to take a few shots. Then moved on.

Ruddy Kingfisher, アカショウビン

Some more small stuff. Widelip Orchid, aka Sphinx Orchid, クモキリソウ

Some buffs after the morning rain. Large Skipper, キマダラセセリ

Short-tailed Blue, ツバメシジミ

Large Skipper, キマダラセセリ again and Chinese Tropical Fritillary, ツマグロヒョウモン

sheltering for the night

Ruddy Kingfisher, アカショウビン 1

You go for one bird and meet another. That happens often. The target bird was there, but would not show itself. 5Meters away, hiding, no view. I passed the point for Ruddy Kingfisher. There was the bird, but where are the crowds? There must be something better around

Ruddy Kingfisher, アカショウビン

There is a lot of small stuff to see on the mountain. Like mushroom beetles on a mushroom

An unknown flower. Brush Gentian, フデリンドウ?

Big frogs in the night

And the Lilacine Bushbrown, コジャノメ

The Wren at the shrine finished building its nest. I want to see the chicks!

Ruddy Kingfisher, アカショウビン July 27th

Continued from the previous day.

When I arrived around 9:30, a bill could be seen protruding a little, just like yesterday. Then the bill stuck out more and a face appeared! It was the first time I clearly saw a chick's face.

It came out even further and.... it flew!

After a short clumsy flight it landed on a tree branch in front of us.

For a few long seconds it stayed there, offering me a perfect view. What a cuty!

Then it took off, fluttering through the foliage, landing somewhere out of sight.

Fortunately Mr Y. with his young sharp eyes located it on the ground in the valley below.

For the rest of the morning I could watch it moving around, getting used to the outside world, stretching its wings, preening.

Just after midday number 2 flew out.

Younger by a day or so

Parents are going to be very busy now. There were a few awkward moments when someone with an insect net entered the river bed under the nest, when crows came too close and a group of hunters got ready for their thing.

However, the most distressing thing was when the mother brought food to the nest for a 3rd chick, but the food was not accepted. She tried and tried, but the chick had probably died.

😪

Last photo of the hopeful mother

Despite the sad ending, I tell myself to be happy with such a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The treasured memory will live forever 💓

Ruddy Kingfisher, アカショウビン July 26th

According to our calculations, the chicks should be ready to leave the nest soon. Time to check.

The 2 parents were around the nest all day long.

Down near the stream, looking for frogs

The female was watching the nest more than anything

At the other observation point from where the nest can be seen.

Ohhh! A bill!

2 Bills!

It won't be long anymore...

Looking forward to the next day 💗