The start of a new story.

After 9 Southern Ground Hornbill chicks successfully fledged this breeding season, including from this very nest, the team has moved into maintenance mode. While the birds aren't breeding, they leave the boxes empty, giving Kyle and Carrie the window they need for replacements, repairs, and upgrades.

This time, Christina joined the team, along with July and Robbie from Monwana Game Lodge, to swap out one of the older composite nest boxes for a newer design with better ventilation. Research has shown that heat inside the nest directly affects chick development. The new nest boxes are designed specifically to keep the temperatures inside the nest, cooler.

With July and Robbie's hands on deck, the research vehicle's winch (sponsored by Ironman 4x4 SA), and Kyle and Carrie's experience from more than 50 previous replacements, the whole thing went without a hitch.

The Yankee Dam group will return to this nest when breeding season begins. We're hoping they take to it quickly and pick up where they left off.

Would you want to be part of something like this? You can support the project by making a donation here, or contact us to join the team in the field yourself!