The raw end of nature

Several months back I was following the nesting of a pair of Coppersmith barbets. They are the smallest of the Barbets and nest in tree holes. They have a distinctive dok--dok---dok call that was reminiscent of a coppersmith beating metal.. They are fastidious housekeepers and during nesting will go into the nest cavity many times to remove any detritus. Dumping material well away from the nest minimises disease and gives less clues to predators as to where there is an active nest and a free meal. There were originally two chicks in this nest (the average) but one succumbed and represented a problem in the restrictive cavity and a warm tropical climate. I was somewhat surprised one morning to see the dead chick manipulated through the entrance hole and the parent then flew off with it ti dispose of it.

It is not a 'warm and fuzzy shot' but it is behaviour and is relatively rare to see.

Canon EOS1DX, 500mm f4, 1.4x extender, f8, 1/1250, ISO 2000, tripod.


Cheers
Graeme