We entered one of the
logging trails within the Gunung Bintang Forest Reserve in Gerik, Perak just as
it started to get bright. The first
birds to welcome our group of three to one of the wildest regions in Peninsular
Malaysia were a flock of extremely vocal Dusky Broadbills. Although not as
brilliantly coloured as the others in its family but what it lacks in colour,
it sure makes it up in personality and size.
We had the good fortune
to glimpse into the courtship ritual of a pair of Red-bearded Bee-eaters.
Perched next to each other among the foliage of the highest canopy, the loving
pair was quite oblivious of all the attention they had attracted from all their
sensual swaying and tail extensions. Yup, love is certainly in the air.
The melodious calls of
the Dark-throated Orioles echoed through the vicinity during our visit.
However, there were no close encounters and all my images were taken from a
distance. That is a real shame because the male is truly handsome.
We came across quite a
number of bird waves today and as usual, I had to face the dilemma of deciding
whether to use my bins or my camera. Most of the time, I will opt for the
former because you risk missing out on quite a few species if you focus too
much on photography. Secondly, good photographic opportunities are far and few
during bird waves. But once in a blue moon it does happen - just like this
Brown Fulvetta that decided to take a breather from the feeding frenzy right in
front of me.
The Bar-winged
Flycatcher-shrikes stood out from most of the other species that were
participating in the waves due to their striking plumage. This is, of course,
the duller female. It would have been too good to be true if the male was to be
so obliging.
The range of species in
a bird wave can be quite varied and not only small birds are involved.
Sometimes, you will get giants like the Chestnut-breasted Malkoha following the
waves. Apparently, this big fellow is a little camera-shy.
Off-road enthusiasts
enjoying the spills and thrills of the logging trail. Not my cup of tea but I
guess to each, his own. I mean who am I to judge? Trekking along a soggy trail infested
with leeches and God knows what else for hours in the middle of a tropical rain
forest to observe birds is certainly not most folks’ cup of tea either. And as
much as I love water birds, I have to admit that the forest is still where you
will find the most fascinating and dazzling of bird species.
On the way back, we
decided to make a detour to the paddy fields at Permatang Nibong, Penang. It was decision based on two important reasons.
Earlier this week, there was a large influx of Asian Openbills migrating into Malaysia with
about 1,000 seen in Kuala Gula, Perak and 200 in Batang Tiga, Melaka. Back in Penang, Graeme saw about 300 passing through our home
state and I initially thought none will be wintering here this season. With so
many passing through, I am pretty sure that those wintering in this particular
locality in Penang for the past few seasons
would surely do so again. Penang may be a tiny
state but you once you get to know her, she is not so easily forgettable but we
still had to be sure. The other reason for the detour is because this enigmatic
stork will be a lifer for James, one of my companions on this trip. If ever he
is to see his first Asian Openbill in Malaysia, it would be now. When we
finally reached their favourite roosting site, we discovered that the storks
were indeed back for the fourth consecutive season. Not only that, they managed
to convince and brought along about 40 other compatriots. Looks like Penang has not lost her charm yet. And James got his
lifer.
The reason for the
sudden influx is yet to be determined. But whatever the reason, it was a
certainly a sight to behold. It was simply fantastic. Welcome back, guys!
11 comments:
Hi Choy..lovely series..i m still waiting for my first shot of dusky BB...happy birding
I'm always amazed by the sheer variety of birds you have there. Stunning.
I love those Red-bearded Bee-eaters.
Wow, nice Asian Openbills! Have not seen one yet. Even Dusky Broadbill is not that common here.
Seems you had another good trip into the wilds! Beautiful shots and great to find the open bills continuing to winter in your state.
Thanks all for your compliments!
Wonderful series. Haven't see that beautiful Dark-throated Orioles here in Raub
Thanks, Tabib. I'm pretty sure the oriole occurs in the forests there too.
Love the colourful birds there! Enjoy your photos very much too.
Thank you, friend!
Another great series, the Red-bearded Bee-eaters are my favourites...
Thank you, John.
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