There have been quite a few vagrants popping up in my home state of Penang recently like the Pied Cuckoo and Asian Openbill. The latest celebrity visitor is the Red-throated Thrush - photographed at Pulau Burung (a new record for Malaysia ). I have the rest of the week to bird as part of my Chinese New Year break and the thrush was a very good reason for me to visit this locality.
I managed to photograph, most probably the same bird, at the same location again later in the morning and the lighting was much better this time.
I searched extensively for the thrush but without any success. However, the other birds put on quite a show for me and I had quite a great time observing and photographing the commoner species like this stunning Common Kingfisher. Pulau Burung weaves its magic once again...
I can always count on the Blue-tailed Bee-eaters here to cheer me up even after dipping out on a mega rarity….
And talking about the marshlands, it was teeming with birds this beautiful morning. A pair of Lesser Whistling-ducks was foraging quite close to the water’s edge and provided me with ample opportunity to capture their images.
This Little Grebe in non-breeding plumage particularly ignored my presence and went about its daily routine.
I was quite surprised to find this juvenile Common Moorhen so tolerant of my presence and this is certainly the closest I have ever been to this species.
White-browed Crakes are usually shy and elusive creatures...but not here. This individual was foraging right out in the open just next to my stationery vehicle.
Anyway, I followed the trail of the rail and waited patiently for it to show itself again. Gradually it did…for a second or so anyway.
I also managed to pick out a White-winged Tern from the usual Whiskered Terns. For some reason the former is greatly outnumbered by the latter at this locality.
Here’s a Whiskered Tern for comparison and in non-breeding plumage, the differences between their plumages are quite subtle.
That is quite a large and stunning series of birds you showed us in this post. They all performed very well for you. I really like the attitude that snipe has in the second photo. I was particularly struck by the feet on the crake; it looks like he borrowed his father's shoes! And the slaty-breasted rail is really special. Wonderful post!
ReplyDeletecheers,
Wilma
Thanks, Wilma
ReplyDeleteHi Mun,
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series yet again. Love the last shot of the Water Rail in particular,
Thanks, Madi
ReplyDelete