Tajo Internacional (Natalio/M and Zica/F)

[marika.solo]

- 10:05:20 Natalio up again
- 10:06:19 he starts preening, only shortly

- observing the surrounding and resting, preening

- using the uropygial gland, informally known as the preen gland or the oil gland

(The uropygial gland secretes a thick, transparent, complex oil (preening oil) that consists of diester waxes (uropygiols), fats, and fatty acids. The oil secreted by the uropygial gland performs many functions, including waterproofing and maintaining the suppleness of the skin, feathers, and bill. The oil may have an antibacterial function. During preening, a bird transfers this oil to its feathers by rubbing its head and bill against the oil gland and then spreading the oil over the rest of its feathers.)




waiting, waiting ... and resting

[marika.solo]

- 10:52:48 male Nataliou flew away

[marika.solo]

- 11:07:11 male NATALIO is back, calling, fanned tail feathers
- he seems to be very upset
- 11:08:21 female ZICA is landing

and the greetings ritual continues

[marika.solo]

- Zica starts preening herself
- 11:11:30 Natalio up
- both are preening their feathers

- 11:13:30 mating (I am not sure if successful)

- Zica is resting in the sunshine, Natalio continues preening himself

continuation

- 11:23:20 next mating - maybe successful this time
- preening (both)

[marika.solo]

- some tenderness / helping with preening


-11:37 next approaching - Zica is not ready yet
- Zica is resting, later preening (both)

[marika.solo]

- this way it really dont work


- Zica moves and Natalio slips

[marika.solo]

- female Zica enjoy the sun and the nest



- male NATALIO arrives back in big hurry at 11:47: 22 (touching her back)



- 11:48:02 Zica up, 11:48:49 pooping a little

- tired Natalio

[marika.solo]

- 12:08:24 next unsuccessful attempt (wrong direction again)

- preening, resting in the sun

- Zica ruffles her feathers and at 12:25:44 she flew away

continutaion

- some nest work
- Natalio is guarding the nest (resting and enjoying the sunny day)

[marika.solo]

reserved for some shots - there is hard fight

14:07:51 Natalio starts singing, fanned tail feathers
14:07:53 settled down - 14:08:17 up, calling, ...
14:08:18 Zica arrived
preening (both)
14:11:48 mating (maybe succesfully)
Natalio preening
14.16.49 ZICA out

Natalio nest work to 14:22:44
obseving the area - guarding the nest and resting
14:28:43 he starts calling, fanned tail feathers
14:29:00 and next Natalio slowly calmed down
14:29:54 NATALIO out too
14:39:39 he is landing calling - it seems someone unwanted is here
strange stork is landing, fight

hard fight, both down

[marika.solo]

reserved for some shots - there is hard fight

14:42:42 sillent arrival - ZICA



the enemy must be very nearby (defending posture)