Something beautiful is happening in our part of the world. Just as the Thai Government sends a directive on social distancing with a request to stay home, we find we have a couple of interlopers who have moved into our Bangkok nest.
A ROOM WITH A VIEW:
They have done the right thing however and they have self-isolated to stop the coronavirus virus spreading. They are building themselves a beautiful home on our balcony. It seems they too know a good view when they find it!
They arrived a few weeks back and set about with such zealous enthusiasm to build their own pad that we sit here full of admiration for their home-building skills.
OUR THAI SUNBIRDS:
We are so happy that two of the cutest little Thai sunbirds have joined us for the nesting season. We believe these birds are either Fire-Tailed or Olive-backed Sunbirds, they certainly have the standard yellow bellies. They dart around with quick movements and are not unlike hummingbirds with an enormous beak.
Sunbirds are not uncommon here in Thailand, although are a protected species. More information can be found here
Talk about the happiest bird watch ever!
BUILDING THEIR NEST
This is the second year we have enjoyed the sunbirds. We removed last years nest after the fledgelings hatched and flew, as we are always ultra-cautious of anything that might harbour bugs around here.
Whether this is the same pair of industrious sunbirds as before or new birds, it is no mean feat as we live way up high, above the 30th floor. All construction either needs to be foraged from on high, or these little cuties have to take a long haul flight with their precious cargo to build their dream home.
It appears as if both the male and the female assist in building the nest. Their flask-shaped home is quite a work of art.
I have tried not to get too close, but I do need to nip out when they are off foraging, to water the tree. They have constructed an overhanging porch – this is quite some architectural design with a trail of hanging material at the bottom.
You can see the baby sunbird mouth open waiting for a feed
Isn’t life blooming amazing?
DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: PLANET EARTH
Your little Wren is confined to the home and outside on my balcony is the best David Attenborough Planet Earth documentary ever. It is such a beautiful way to spend the day. I couldn’t be closer to this nest and I can watch these beautiful little birds constructing, nesting and now tending their young morning, noon and night.
“The natural world is the greatest source of excitement. The greatest source of visual beauty. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
David Attenborough
As we ponder weeks of social distancing in our Bangkok apartment we decided to claim back our right to have a sundowner drink on our balcony. At first, we gave them all the space in the world to come and go as they pleased and we were thrilled to know there were two eggs.
One of these eggs has hatched and as I sit here writing this there is much chirping coming from the nest. The female returns regularly to feed her young.
HEARING THE LITTLE BIRDS SING
Let’s go back a bit and remind you about my Bangkok life. I’ve arrived in this great city from suburban Melbourne Australia. Here we have a garden where we can hear all manner of exotic birds sing.
It’s been a stressful week. We’ve been watching COVID-19 developments and knowing that we will be locked down away from family and friends in Australia and Europe. Our world has been closing in on us and city apartment living in one of the world’s most exciting, crazy cities without the ability to fly free is a daunting prospect.
I knew we could cope if we could hear the little birds sing. Just put it out there, and the universe will respond!
Thank you world!
18 comments
Hello, it is cool to have the nest and birds so close. I love to hear the birds singing, it is a happy sound. Stay safe, healthy and happy. Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you Eileen – I knew you’d appreciate this! Stay safe too!
Wren x
It’s a real treat that the songbirds have returned to entertain and keep you company while you wait for the virus to pass. Take care x
Hi Karen – haven’t we been lucky to have these guests? The brilliant (and sad for us!) news is that the baby has now flown!
Take care in the UK – sending lots of love!
Wren x
How wonderful to have your own little family to watch grow! Especially during this difficult time. I must say, your view is absolutely stunning, Wren! How nice to be able to watch the world go by from your tree-top world. The nest is amazing and so are the sun-birds. Hoping you and loved ones stay safe and sane. x
It wasn’t that easy to find an apartment that wasn’t over looked in Bangkok, there is a massive amount of building everywhere. Now as we can’t get out this view has become priceless and to have the sunbirds is the icing on the cake. We are really grateful to them for choosing our balcony!
Wren x
Wonderful to have your own feathered chorus!
I love this our own feathered chorus, it’s a perfect description ! As the nest is now empty I’m wondering how to attract some new birds into my orchestra. One free to good home nest 🙂 xx
I didn’t realize you’d come back to The Big Mango! Welcome back! 🙂
Thank you – yes I have been back on and off between trips here in Thailand. It has been an amazing time to travel. We have really enjoyed seeing a more peaceful Thailand. We’ve had some great trips – Hua Hin, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Pai, Phuket. Happy to bunker down now here in Bangkok!
It’s good you have a little balcony nature entertainment. And aren’t we all grateful for the technology that allows us to stay in contact with people all over the world when we’re locked down in our little homes?
Hi Liz – hope you are doing ok. I see school is out with you too. Yes we love having these little birds to delight and entertain us! Wren x
Hello Wren, I wanted to stop back and say thank you for linking up your bird post. They are cool birds to see on your balcony. Thanks again! Take care, stay well. Wishing you a happy and healthy new week!
Thank Eileen – thank you for hosting too!
Wren x
Oh my goodness! This would be a spot I would not want to leave! Watching & listening from dawn to dusk. How so very exciting! Yes, I do see the wee little open mouth she I enlarged the image. I am excited…and hope the future is bright for the little ones. (And you, too.)
Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us birders at I’d Rather B Birdin. Keep us up to date if you can.
Hi Anni – all is good in our world of nesting birds. The chick (is that the right word?) has flown and interestingly enough the male can back to the empty nest yesterday for a right final performance. All is very quiet today! Thank you for hosting!
Wren x
Aren’t birds amazing, so lovely to hear bird song.
Take care
All the best Jan
I love seeing the birds and the photos are terrific. It has to be hard, being away from your tribe at a time like this. I’m glad you have bird song.