THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

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mposthumus
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by mposthumus »

Before leaving for KNP I have to first share my good fortune with everyone. 0/* Toko and Kate are back and the breeding process is already in an advanced stage. O/\

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. 0-
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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. O\/ O\/
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Kate must have left the nest very early in the morning since it was still sealed by sunset the previous evening.
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Just to give you an idea of how high the nest is. :O^
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The nest was neatly resealed.
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Daily feeding routine
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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. O**
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It primarily consists of manure, feathers, small seeds and leaves, beetle remains and hair. ;-)
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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. -O- Although I regularly see Toko and Kate I have never again seen last year’s brood. :-(


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Mel
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by Mel »

Oh, how romantic! The love story continues! Very happy for you and Toko and Kate. O\/
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. \O

Holding thumbs that the little ones will still be around when you get back and for now wishing you
a wonderful holiday in Kruger. ^Q^

Thanks for sharing this with us, M. O0


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nan
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by nan »

nice picture and story O/\ ^Q^
better not going to Kruger 0'


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Toko
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by Toko »

O\/ O\/ O\/ They did it again in your palm tree ^Q^ Great couple O:V


pooky
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by pooky »

Great story mposthumus and pics \O ^Q^ O/\ O\/

I am so glad to hear that Toko and Kate have chosen your tree again to raise the brood \O \O


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Amoli
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by Amoli »

^Q^ ^Q^ ^Q^

Toko and Kate is adding to their family.... yeah ^Q^ ^Q^

I also hope the babies will still be around on your return. \O

Have fun. O0


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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by Twigga »

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh - this is such a heart warming thread

O0 For sharing - Beautiful birds!

Enjoy Kruger!


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Flutterby
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by Flutterby »

Great pics possie!! \O \O

Enjoy your trip! O/\ O/\


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mposthumus
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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by mposthumus »

Thank you Mel, nan, Toko, pooky, Amoli, Twigga & Flutts 0/0

Latest developments this morning 0/* The right side of the seal is no more :O^ and I have collected three pieces from under the tree O**
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The babies are very active seemingly cleaning the nest before their departure O:V 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 ;-)
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Through the larger opening I could clearly observe two bills and got a lucky shot of this O/\
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O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/ O\/


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Re: THE TALE OF TOKO AND KATE

Post by Sprocky »

Thanks for the update possie, this is good news!!! \O


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