When it 's time for trees to go

It's always heart-breaking to see age-old trees being felled, as if part of a history or heritage is lost.  The taman rightly boasts a diverse range of trees that are almost 40 years old, which is precisely why this matured taman is so special.  In particular, the tall and stately casuarina trees lend the taman a distinct air, and because of its height, are favourite perch and nest location of birds.
However, practical sense does argue that that these trees are also becoming increasingly frail by virtue of their age and height, and with the current daily stormy weather, pose extreme danger should branches get torn off by the violent winds and rain.  In fact when the trunk of this felled tree was sawed in pieces, the hollow inner core of the trunk affirmed the potential danger.

Nevertheless it was still heart-rending to see this tree go, all the more so as I suspect that this was also home to the coppersmith barbets.  It's certainly the most favoured tree for all sorts of birds to 'watch the world go by'!
So this is the first tree to go.

I spied a nest and by virtue of its size and shape suspected that it could be that of a squirrel.  Anyway I did hurry to check out the nest when the tree was felled and was greatly relieved to find it empty.

The last portion of a high branch to fall.

As I scanned the surrounding to see if any birds were close by,  I chanced upon this Coppersmith Barbet high up cutting a lone figure across the scene.  Well, it could actually be watching its home brought down.  And I had witnessed many times the family of birds perching there.

This casuarina tree is next to the felled one and could be the next to go.

It would be most distressing and painful when the time comes for these remaining ones to go especially the tallest which has hosted the brahminy kites.

Even now the present pair of Brahminy Kites have been seen to visit this nest and look like it may be reusing the nest.