The nest was made in a deep cavity on the main trunk of an old Angsana tree (Pterocarpus indicus) on Changi Village Road. This tree is approximately 3 metres from the road, and some 15 metres from a 4-storey block of Housing Development Board (HDB) flats. The cavity was located some 12-15 metres above pavement level. Extensive renovation of the HDB flats on both sides of Changi Village Road were being conducted during the nesting period, with pavement improvement works also being carried out directly beneath the nesting tree. The tree is some 50 metres from a very busy road intersection, and some 120 metres from a popular Hindu temple.

The ambient noise level at this spot is significant. There is almost constant traffic noise from buses, trucks, delivery vehicles and cars. The site is almost directly under the landing path of Changi Airport when planes are landing from over the Johor Straits (and take-offs from the opposite direction). At any time of day (and, we assume, night), amplified chanting and musical instruments may be blaring from the temple. And, finally, there is the incessant screeching of the many Tanimbar Corellas and Red-breasted Parakeets that make Changi Village their home.

While hornbills are originally forest birds, it would appear from these observations that a noisy, busy urban environment is no barrier to the selection of a nesting site and to successful breeding. Far more problematic for the OPH would be the availability of a suitable and large enough tree cavity in which to nest.