Monday, May 17, 2010

My Guests, A Tailor bird Family (Part II)

When I was surprised in the morning of 09-May, I then knew this incubation period is equal to about 14 days. Two weeks may be short, but it is enough to transform the eggs with a golden-heart into something that talk, that fly, and that have passion.

(09-May)

The Tailorbird was always too cautious, and the quick "cheup, cheup, cheup" was loud and sharp to drop the preys in the beak repeatedly. I thus decided to hide myself behind my car for our mutual benefits: it could feed the chicks and I could take pictures.

Every time it came back, it took time to keep a lookout from a distance, and then got nearer, and nearer, before perching in front of the nest. The feeding was as fast as one to two seconds, and the cycle repeated.

The chicks might think that I could provide them some food, instead it was they who provided me with more excitement. They raised their mouth so high until the tiny neck was fully stretched. Their eyes were opened so big as to start learning who was good and who was bad at this very first moment.

The hatching success rate was three out of four, and the young birds would be in full-fledged in about 14 days. They would not check-out or return any key to me. I merely needed to pay more attention to every single progress daily.

24 comments:

George said...

These are wonderful pictures. I'm glad you found a way to get the pictures without interrupting the feeding. Very well done!

Heather Dugan Creative / Footsteps said...

Terrific photos! Yes, "checkout" may come at any time. Get those photos while you can!

Diane AZ said...

How marvelous to be able to watch the parent Tailor bird bring food for the babies and you could also take a peek at the chicks! Great pictures. :)

ruthinian said...

OMG... this is so cool! I love these photos. You are good in capturing things and moments that never happen everyday. Another great one.

Anonymous said...

You're so lucky to be able to record their progress like these.

Beautiful photos, rainfield!

VanillaSeven said...

I think the chicks thinks that you are their mother...

rainfield, please don't missed my game! :)

Kirigalpoththa said...

They are very hungry guests! Lovely captures!

Cheryl said...

Great photos. I have enjoyed the past two posts with the birds, they are so cute. Thanks for sharing with us!

Rick (Ratty) said...

You are privileged to witness such an amazing event. Thank you very much for sharing it with the rest of us. It gave me a big smile when I saw these pictures and read both of your last two posts.

Joanne Olivieri said...

Rainfield, you have captured the essence of life, right there. AMAZING photos!!!

Willie a.k.a Reptoz said...

A new beginning of life for these birds.

Redzlan said...

Great pics of "Tukang Jahit" chicks
I have seen Tailor bird almost every day at my backyard, but never see the nest.

Mike said...

Rainfield, great shots. I currently have a Tailorbird frequenting my garden so I hope he gets a mate and builds a nest.

rainfield61 said...

George:
I'm gald I am offered the opportunity to host the guests.

Footsteps:
I should not not miss the golden opportunity. My camera was always ready.

Diane:
There are more to come. I peek at them, and you peek at my harvest.

Ruthi/Icy:
I still wonder how they choose the place for their nest. I am very lucky.


VanillaSeven:
Thank you for your tag, but time is too tight for me to join your game. Really sorry.

Kirigalpoththa:
How is your kid? All the best to your family.

Cheryl/Ratty:
I am excited to share all the discoveries with you, but these will come in a few parts. Be patient and enjoy yourselves.

Poetic Shutterbug/Willie:
The essence of life has been reflected. I am so glad to have done this.

Tabib:
You are a good birder. You will see one very soon.

Mike:
If you try to talk to him, or help to find a mate, you will see a nest real soon. But please hurry up, the breeding season will be over.

CH said...

Glad to see the cuties. A late present to the Mother's Day.

Anonymous said...

I see the birdies with their mouths wide open waiting for food! :)

Loshini said...

The last shot is wonderful!

eileeninmd said...

Awesome photos! Loved seeing their cute little faces waiting to be fed.

AVCr8teur said...

Great close up pictures! Maybe the babies think you will provide room service.

The Retired One said...

These baby bird photos are AWESOME!!!! Thanks so much for sharing them with us.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

How did you take those perfect photo? Did you dress up as a mother bird?

Harshi said...

Wow! you're so lucky to see them that close. I never got the chance for a close up with the bulbul kids last time.

These are the best pics I've seen Rain! The lil chicks are full of life, with such sparkling hungry eyes. ^__^

Sharkbytes said...

OH, they are so adorable. Glad you let them park in your car port.

RNSANE said...

What a thrill to observe all this. Mama must have to work pretty hard to feed three little tummies, plus herself. Your photographs are so good, rainfield.