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Display and mating of a pair of Merops apiaster (Bee-eater)

...a day of may
The male arrives and approaches the female
he starts the display hopeing that the female will accept the mating. To be noted the horizontal position of the female that suggests a further acceptation.
After a brief hunting tour the male is back with an insect in his bill.
First mating attempt is accepted by the female.
The male is getting closer again.
Approach failed....
Again the male approaches the female with more determination.
The mating finally takes place.
.....
Mating ended.
The female arranges her "dress".
The pair is now formed.
Half an hour later the male is back again with a butterfly
that offers to the partner without esitation.
Food exchange...
Soon we will have the chance to see some new fellows of this beautiful and coloured species fliyng in the sky.
riccardo gessa web designer 2008