Fred and Don - also many thanks.
Don - I still owe you (and others) the Hoopoe/King Solomon story. Coming when I have the time to write it up!
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Meanwhile, a last hoopoe snippet for those interested.....
- One unique thing about the Hoopoe, is that to defend themselves against predators when nesting, the mothers and chicks both produce a foul-smelling liquid from their glands.
- This secretion is very sticky, and they smear it on themselves and the nest access.
- The secretions smell similar to rotting meat and this is why they are said to “foul” their nests.
- Hoopoes can also squirt the secretions to deter people and animals – cats particularly are often targets and as result leave Hoopoe nests well alone once they have learnt!