Olive-backed Sunbird feeding their 2 x 11 day old chicks.

[marc]

This is a follow up to a submission I posted a few weeks ago here:

We're proud parents to 2 baby Olive-backed Sunbirds.

Pleased as punch to host 2 newly hatched Olive-backed Sunbirds in our Palm Cove backyard. It was 15 days incubation and now another 15 days till they fly the nest. In around 6-8 days we'll get to see their tiny faces. They become highly susceptible to attack from the local Butcher birds, so I...

bcgforums.com

Sadly on that 3rd attempt to start a family, the 2 chicks died on the 5th and 6th day respectively.

Here mum has dragged out the lifeless body of the first chick (@5 days) to eradicate it from the nest.

Nikon D5
Nikkor 180-400E FL PF f/4
f/5.6
1/1000s
ISO5600 @280mm.

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Happy to report their 4th attempt to raise a family has been progressing far better.
The 2 chicks are now 11 days old and within 4/6 days of fledging the nest.
My backyard, Palm Cove Far Nth Qld, Australia.


The male delivering a juicy spider.

Nikon D5
Nikkor 180-400E FL PF VR f/4
f/10
1/1000s
ISO2500 @400mm.

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The female's turn to deliver breakfast.

Nikon D5
Nikkor 180-400E FL PF VR f/4
f/10
1/1000s
ISO2000@ 400mm.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

Nikon D5
Nikkor 180-400E FL PF VR f/4
f/10
1/1000s
ISO2000@ 400mm.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

Cheers
Marc

 

[Kathy G]

Amazing series Marc. Happy to hear the current attempt is working out well so far

 

[Callie]

Just super sighting, Marc. Yes, live is hard in nature...

 

[Yezdi]

What a cracker series Marc....

 

[Icarus]

Very nice series. Such lovely birds.

 

[nokk]

a great series of photos. glad this round of chicks is doing well.

 

[marc]

Many thanks for the positive comments folks, much appreciated.

 

[Arci]

A great series, well done!

 

[gordon_g]

Stupendous Marc... Sorry to hear the first attempts didn't work out but it seems like they are getting the Hang of it now!

 

[marc]

Thanks
@gordon_g
@Arci

Stupendous Marc... Sorry to hear the first attempts didn't work out but it seems like they are getting the Hang of it now!

@ 14 days now and going strong, it won't be long before Mum hands them their eviction notice.

 

[Gongster]

After your initial post I'd been wondering about them, pleased to see these photos.

 

[Berry Black]

Dear Marc, it is 2024 April, 3 years from your posted. A sunbird couple came to my yard to nest. After 3 days after hatched, the chick was removed by female sunbird. I am so sad and desperately to find any reference. Your post is the only one I could find, telling what's happened. Thx for sharing this experience. If you see the massage, could you let me know whether the sunbird couple re-use their nest? Thank you.

 

[K9Kirk]

Some very nice captures!