This
migratory season has thus far produced some truly outstanding records which
included two first records for Malaysia.
When Dave recorded one of these “firsts” again in one my regular birding spots
in mainland Penang, the paddy fields at
Permatang Pauh, I took advantage of a free morning to search for this
distinguished guest. I thought I was up to a great start when I spotted a
medium-sized raptor resting on a low wooden stake. But the possibilities of it
being the Himalayan Buzzard recorded by Dave earlier evaporated into thin air
when I got close enough to it. I took a record shot of it anyways maybe just as
a reminder that I let a juvenile Brahminy Kite got the better of me.
The
mighty Aquila eagles are back from their
breeding grounds up north. Here, the Eastern Imperial Eagle looks over its
winter domain.
It
is always good to see Grey-headed Lapwings. But fortunately, the numbers seen
today are nothing compared to the high numbers recorded on previous seasons.
With
the marshlands at Pulau Burung still recovering from all the “beautification”
works, I will just have to live with shy Common Moorhens like this one for the
time being and hope the former will once again be able to provide sanctuary to
the water birds there.
On
the other hand, some water birds like the Pond-heron is usually quite confiding
most of the time.
Now,
the reason for my visit here is to look for a little brown job called the
Manchurian Reed-warbler. I am truly grateful for Dave’s comprehensive account
of his encounter with this rarity in his blog and on how to differentiate this
species from the commoner Black-browed Reed-warbler (thanks, Dave!). Typical of
all Reed-warblers, it was a nightmare to observe and look for the field ids on
the bird as it was foraging among the dense reeds. And I am not even going to
elaborate how I spend almost an hour shooting at reeds – just reeds. In the
end, it was still a great lifer. In fact, a much-needed lifer.
A
rather confiding Oriental Reed-warbler nearby kind of lifted my spirits as I managed
to obtain my best images of this species to date. Compared to the smaller
Manchurian, photographing this fellow was a walk in the park!
Merry Christmas to you too…
Despite
missing out on photographing the Manchurian Reed-warbler, this morning’s birding
was quite a good one. I guess this flock of low-flying Black Bazas had
something to do with it as well.
To everyone who is celebrating Christmas,
may your and your family have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
