Editor's Den

Raghul Patteri

Editor

I remember that balmy October day, in Kerala, Southern India. The district of Palakkad is known as the granary of the state, with vast expanses of paddy fields covering the landscape. It is also one of the districts which have some pristine green cover, the Silent Valley National Park being a pristine example. While I was out for a stroll on the village road, I was startled by what appeared to be a barking sound, but most unusually coming from the sky above. Looking up, my mouth fell open in disbelief at the sight of a big, majestic bird flying with purposeful strokes of its powerful wings. I watched on in awe as it slowed down to a glide, landing atop a fishtail palm tree. That, there was my first sight of a Great hornbill in the wild. A sight that left such a powerful imprint that I still get goosebumps when I think back.

To me, to this day, that experience encapsulates the power of nature – a majestic creature in a semi-rural area, still finding a way to survive the onslaughts of human encroachments.

To say the least, I was overjoyed when Peter finally said yes to doing an edition on the Great Hornbill. Because, this bird is not just special for its beauty and amazing biology, but it is special to me personally as well.

Join us in this edition of PT Aware and learn about the intriguing lives of these majestic birds in Dr. Peter Hudson’s compelling narrative. Their biology, especially breeding, is so fascinating that a few of you will be left wondering if Peter’s ‘tall tales’ are for real – but they are. Unbelievable, yet real!

For the PT Aware team, it is a pleasure to bring you the wonderous stories of different species from around the world. We debate, brainstorm, and go through the process of shortlisting and finalizing the species chronicle in each edition. PT Aware brings you the best of both worlds, the latest scientific perspective on the lives and conservation status, combined with breathtaking images by gifted photographers. We thank all the wonderful photographers from around the world for contributing Hornbill images in this edition. They are simply mind-blowing.

Our next edition will focus on the Indian elephants, and we await your wonderful photographs of these majestic jumbos. Selected photographs will be published in the next edition.

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