A pair of Bulbuls [Red-Vented. Pycnonotus cafer bengalensis] had made a nest in a Ficus shrub, 3 chicks hatched just over a week ago and today for the first time they were hopping on the branches of the big Mahogany tree and in a short while had learned to fly! The mother had brought something in her beak, but would not go to the nest to feed the chicks. She sat on a branch about 15 feet away and keep chirping loudly, encouraging the chicks to come get their breakfast. First one then the second were brave enough to attempt the jump out of the nest and into the high branches. I've been watching out for the third, but there is no sign of it. Wonder what happened?

Mother Bulbul gets very agitated as she spotted me on the balcony [even though I did my best to hide behind some shrubs] and was screeching and hopping around trying to get the chicks to go back quickly to the safety of their nest. The chicks followed her a bit, but finally stayed put on the branch. Then one of them made a great big attempt, flapped its tiny wings and managed a short flight. The 2 chicks were later back on the branch, huddled together and content sunning themselves!

Because she had spotted me, I had to abandon the stability of the tripod I'd setup and my only option was to try steady myself against the wall of the balcony and shoot hand-held [300mm f/4 EDIF lens]. Not the best shots, therefore. But it was great to see the chicks finally up and about out of their nest.