A Mumbai-based father-daughter duo have observed and recorded three complete breeding cycles of a pair of Indian hornbill birds on the same tree in Mumbai in what can be termed as an important documentation. It may be noted that Indian grey hornbills are typically shy birds of wooded habitats and the documentation shows that these birds have adapted to the urban landscape.

The unique phenomenon has been closely documented by wildlife enthusiast Ajay Nadkarni and his eight-year-old daughter Ananya — a Std III student at Parle Tilak Vidyalaya (ICSE ). Ajay and Ananya patiently observed and recorded three complete breeding cycles of the hornbill pair on the same tree for three years. Speaking with mid-day, Ajay said, “It’s been a privilege to witness such intimate moments of wildlife right in the middle of the city. Each season reveals something new about the resilience and intelligence of these birds.”

The male hornbill seen feeding the female an eggshell while she’s sealed inside the tree cavity