I have
not been out in the field as often as I would like to of late due to my working
schedule and other commitments. However with the migratory season now in full
swing, I just have to make the time – one way or the other. So, it was off to
one of my favourite haunts – the marshlands of Pulau Burung, Penang.
This locality has undergone a major make-over since the last migratory season
and from the looks of things, all the effort was not for the better in terms of
birding. Previously, during the migratory seasons this place would be teeming
with birds - both residents and migrants. But today, it looks partly deserted.
Even the commoners were few and far. This rather confiding Paddyfield Pipit did
its best to try and restore my faith in this birding locality and it worked to
a certain extent.
I can
take comfort in the fact that the resident Purple Herons still call this place
home and this lone adult was foraging among the long grass by the edge of the
river. Generally shy by nature, it is often difficult to get close to this
graceful waterbird even when using the one’s car as a mobile hide.
The
Collared Kingfishers are regularly encountered among the vicinity of the
mangroves. With their raucous calls and bright colouration, it is in fact
rather difficult to miss them if they are around. And with three resting on the
same perch, it is downright impossible.
Pulau
Burung used to be the best place to observe and photograph Wood Sandpipers.
Although this species is quite common throughout the country during the migratory
season but it is only here that the birds come just short of letting you giving
it a pat on the head. Today, not even a mediocre performance was given. The
birds were absent from their usual spots and whenever I did come across one, it
kept its distance. However, all was not lost. This Common Sandpiper reminded me
why this birding hotspot holds a very special place in my heart.
The
resident waders were seen at their usual spots and that certainly brightened up
a slightly overcast morning. The vocal Red-wattled Lapwings were still in good
numbers along the drier grasslands…
And as
for the Black-winged Stilts, well these graceful waders have seen much better
days. Only a handful was present today at the edge of the river.
The
Chestnut-winged Cuckoo is a undoubtedly a very stunning bird, gracing us with
its presence for only a few months each year as it avoids the cold, harsh
winter up north. But it is also a very shy bird. I guess this photo, taken from
a distance as this is as close as I was allowed today, says it all.
Yellow
Wagtails come in all sorts of colours, races, sub-races, seasonal moults, etc,
etc. To keep life simple and my sanity intact I just call them as they are, Yellow
Wagtails - period.
The
highlight of the day, surprisingly, turned out to be a mammal - a Wild Boar
foraging in the open in bright daylight. The foraging must be good along this
section of the access road next to the mangroves because the boar was so
preoccupied I was able to drive rather close to it. But the clicks from my camera
reminded it how dangerous humans can be and it bolted hastily into the
safety of the mangroves.
A ruckus
along the river attracted my attention and it turned out to be two male Monitor
Lizards fighting for the affections of a female. Boys will be boys, I guess…
While I
was making my way back, I came across a fine-looking Crested Serpent-eagle
resting on a lamp post along the busy main road. This species is quite
accustomed to human presence and it is not unusual to see it resting
comfortably on such perches.
And a
handsome Brown Shrike back from his northern breeding grounds wrapped things up
for the day.
