The Copper-smith Barbets’ nest came crushing down!!!

The original nest – a finely crafted hole in a tree.

Mommy and Daddy Barbets were observed feeding chicks through the hole in the tree.

Alas, the branch holding the nest came crashing down!. The nest was made in a ‘dead’ branch. Recent rain and strong winds took it’s toll and the branch broke away from the main tree sending the soon to fledge chicks crashing 30ft to  the ground. The up-side is both chicks were not hurt. Just badly shocked by the high drama experience.

Smaller of the two, this chick stay perched on  the main branch which broke into a few pieces on the ground. It is smaller and a weaker of the two siblings.

This one is  bigger and stronger of the two and found the strength to wander a short distance from where the branch had crashed. It found comfort under a large tree about 8 ft away. All this while both chicks were ‘calling’ to their parents which either perched or hovered nearby - with ripened berries in mouth ready to feed them.

Another picture showing a very healthy chick.

Papa Barbet waited in a branch above for the right timing to descend and feed the chicks. It was observed that the adult Barbets were successful feed the chicks. It is a positive sign which will increase the chances of survival of the chicks. The chicks are with days to fledging and be able to fly and take care of themselves.

The above drama unfolded with a call from Loi to yours truly. I followed-up with a call to Mr. Khong, who dropped his assignment and rerouted to the scene. He then gingerly picked up the two chicks and placed both of them on to another tree branch nearby – broken branch, nest and all. We are confident the chicks have a better than good chance of surviving their ordeal and look forward to seeing them add to the dwindling population of Copper-smith Barbets, especially in our city parks. Keeping our fingers crossed. 

Cheers!!!