ML438096321

Behaketaren xehetasunak

There were many birds, some paired while others were searching for a prospective mate, some had already established territory around a tree hollow. There were three pairs having claimed a hollow within the one tree I took photographs and although there were more hollows suitable for this species; those birds present were seen to drive off other prospecting birds. It still amazes me the number of times a pair might copulate and the short interval between,so much so that I think there must be something more to this than just fertilizing eggs. I witnessed no extra paternal mating and the male would see off any prospecting rivals. photos show the male feeding the female at the entrance to her chosen nest hollow, one of their mating bouts and the dismount.