Attack of Dollarbirds’ nest by starlings II

On 16th September 2006 we posted an account of the attack by a small flock of Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis) on an open Dollarbirds’ (Eurystomus orientalis) nest in Lim Chu Kang. Unfortunately the account was not accompanied by images. The photographer has since found and forwarded these images to me. Captured on film, the attack of the starlings and the panic defense of the dollarbird pair make for awsome viewing.6.38 pm: One of the Dollarbirds was by the nesting hole while its mate was on a branch nearby. The former noticed the arrival of the starlings and gave alarm. 6.39 pm: The bird on the nearby branch immediately flew to join its mate by the nesting hole.6.39 pm: Both birds were aggressively defending their nest, screaming loudly. One starling approached...
6.39 pm: Then there were two starlings...
6.40 pm: One of the Dollarbirds lunged an attack...
6.40 pm: ...to chase off the arriving starlings.

The second Dollarbird joined in the attack. The nesting hole was left undefended. The rest, as they say, is history...

Thanks Meng and Melinda Chan for making available these dramatic images.