Blue-throated Bee-eater nesting in Penang
Blue-throated Bee-eater pair (male on the left) One of my best images some years ago was of a Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) with a dragonfly in it’s bill. I developed a love for these birds and the other members of the Bee-eater family. They are magnificent fliers and hunters, are elegant and with a nice blend of colors. Late last year I took up residence upon retirement on Penang island with more time to pursue my photographic passion. As soon as the Bee-eaters arrived to nest I was in my element. First it was the Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters, which will be the subject of a separate article. The Blue-throated Bee-eaters suddenly appeared in a flock of about 12-15 in mid February. There were not many Chestnut-headed Bee-eater nesting, possibly about 12-15 nests so there was no major territorial disputes. Male and female Blue-throated Bee-eaters look the same and only when they are adjacent can differences be seen; the male (left, below) is slightly bigger, has long...