It was a wet and gloomy New
Year morning and the rain had just subsided as I made my way to the mangroves
at Sungai Burung in Penang
Island. A female Asian
Koel was eagerly waiting for the first rays of the morning sun as she dried
herself on a dead tree. However with no signs of the conditions improving
anytime soon, her wait may well end up in vain.
A Black-naped Oriole
joined the cuckoo momentarily. This species is one of the first few
exotic-looking birds I could remember seeing during my childhood days.
Nowadays, it is still an attractive species to me but it is also one of my jinx
birds because despite of its common status, I still do not have any images I
can be truly proud of. The lighting conditions
this morning literally squashes any hope of improvement shots.
Wandering out onto the
coastline, I came across a rather confiding Brahminy Kite calling persistently
from a low perch. The call of this beautiful raptor is easily recognizable
because it sounds like the mewing of a house cat. Brahminy Kites happen to be
one of the commonest raptors on the island and the population is thriving due
to their highly adaptive behaviour.
The Japanese
Sparrowhawks may be recorded in the thousands during migration but birds
actually wintering in Penang are not a common
sight. I just had a few seconds to photograph this handsome male resting on the
edge of the mangroves before he had enough of my intrusion and flew away.
Although the encounter was brief one, it was probably the highlight of the
trip.
It is almost impossible
to overlook a Stork-billed Kingfisher especially if perched right out in the
open. I guess its massive size gives it all the confidence it needs to face the
challenges of everyday life.
Don't even think about it, squirrel boy!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and may the year 2013 be filled with lifers and memorable birding experiences.
8 comments:
Wow! Some super photographs to start the new year, Choy. I think the light added to the impact of the Orioles and love the Brahminy and spectacular kingfisher. I'm stuck inside on my holidays due to blizzards and am grateful to see your pics. Have great 2013!
Fantastic shots there Choy. I remember Koels as beinbg especially shy and I reckon the get that shot is pretty good, likewise to get a picture of the oriole - impossible to get anywhere near over here. Superb shot of the Brahminy Kite too and as soon as you mentioned the call it came flooding back from when I saw loads in India. The kingfisher portrait is just brilliant. Happy New Year to you.
Thanks, Russell. Hope the weather there will clear up soon.
Thanks, Phil.
What a nice selection of photos here! Love the colour of the Black-naped Oriole against the grey sky. Happy new year and wish you all the best for the whole 2013!
Thank you, Ayuwat.
Happy New Year.John.
Some excellent images there, well done.
Thank you, Wong.
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