The falconet way

 The carnivorous in the Black-thighed Falconets belies one of its most distinct traits, that they're as affectionate as they're predacious.

They're always seen in pairs, whether male and female, adult and young, most seen cosying up to one another, nuzzling and grooming each other.

As these birds like to sit on exposed dead branches and frequently return to the same spots, they're easy to sight and observe.  

This pair was seen to perch for more than 10 minutes, and taking turns to groom each other.

They too will spot you if you stop to observe, but they're hardly distracted when they're being demonstrative.

Then it's the smaller, or younger one's turn.

And back and forth they go.

And then it's my way, and ...

and your way... till we meet again!

Prologue: The Coppersmith Barbets story

 Sometimes it's all about the wings, especially when these belong to a little dynamite of a beauty like these Coppersmith Barbets.

With another record low and open cavity nest, and neat flights, and exemplary industry and patience, these birds led me on, by their brilliant red 'headlight'.

So riding on the craze of the 'wing-wagon', I attempted to do justice to its flights, coming in, landing and taking off, despite BIF not on my platter of feathers.

Delivering into impatient target ...

Taking off ....

Times when elegance was discarded ....

Time when I lost the plot, outwitted by the bird!

When the wings beckon, follow freely and it's thrills and awes all the way, the addiction of birding!