Monday 24 May 2010

22/05/2010: Air Hitam Dalam (Penang)

It was supposed to be my second pelagic trip off the coast of Tanjung Dawai, Kedah but we had to cut the trip short due to the weather. It was raining when Dave, Hakim and I arrived at the pier before dawn. Despite the rain, the boat crew still decided to go out and try their luck. The rough sea conditions prevented them from reaping anything this time and they decided to turn back by lunch time. As for us, standing upright can be a little challenging at times let alone photographing seabirds. Anyway, Hakim and I were glad to be able to see one of our target birds, the Short-tailed Shearwater on two brief occasions. This lifer helped to ease our disappointment. I guess I have to leave the Brown Noddy, Bulwer’s Petrel and the rest of the rarities for another trip.

On the way to Penang, we made a little detour to Air Hitam Dalam to see if anything is about as the breeding season should be in full swing by now. We were greeted by a male Asian Koel upon our arrival at the car park. Although this is a common species, I still do not have any images that I’m really satisfied with. This time, a branch was in the way…

A resting Spotted Wood-owl provided some excitement to the trip…

Malkohas have a tendency to move like squirrels among the foliage of the canopy. This foraging Green-billed Malkoha was pretty restless making it quite difficult for us to follow it in order to obtain some images.

However, our patience did pay off I the end when it perched slightly in the open before flying to the next tree. Thanks, buddy…

6 comments:

Terence Ang said...

Nice shot of the malkoha.

Madibirder said...

Not many people understand nor appreciate the difficulty of landing a good shot of a bird, but then that what makes it the more challenging & satisfying.
Great shot of the Owl.

WS said...

Great shot of the malkoha and owl.

Agree with you on the malkoha being difficult to shoot. Had a shot of the bird myself over the weekend....

Choy Wai Mun said...

Thanks all your for compliments

Redzlan aka Tabib said...

There always another trip.
Love that Spotted Owl.

Anonymous said...

Yea! Love the Spotted Wood Owl.
Choo Eng.