Secrets: Hornbills are famous for their
unusual nesting habits. When Mr. and Mrs. decide its time for baby
hornbills, the mother chooses a natural nesting cavity and then is
sealed inside with a mixture mud and water, leaving a small slit for
air and food. Dad’s job is to keep mom happy and well fed and his
mate and chicks are completely dependent upon him at this time - if he
is hunted or dies, the entire family will most likely not survive.
This private couple tacked up a “Do not disturb” sign on their
tree. In case of pregnancy cravings, bags of crisps and chocolate bars
abound. “Cotswold Wildlife Park” inscribed on a branch refers to a
park where Great Indian Hornbills live. “Cuckoo 17.4.02” refers to
the date that Peter Calvesbert observed a cuckoo, back in England
after migrating. The artist’s signature mouse checks out the view
from the nesting cavity. The Version One interior shows the gear used
by a keeper to retrieve a feather (which now has a place of pride in
Peter Calvesbert’s studio). The infinity version interior shows
hatching eggs.
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