Gotta have faith...(01/03/2014)

A fruiting tree to birders is like striking the jackpot because you are pretty much ensured that you are in for a great time. Together with Choo Eng and James, we made our way to Sungai Sedim in Kedah as there is now such a tree within the boundaries of this recreational forest. Unfortunately, upon our arrival we discovered that there are no longer any fruits left and the tree was nothing but another ordinary forest tree. The expression of this Dusky Leaf-monkey about sums it all up. So much for our jackpot or so I thought...

As we birded along one of our usual jungle trails, we just could not believe our luck because right in front of us was another fruiting tree. And there were plenty of birds as well. I guess sometimes all we need is a little faith and that not all things are as bad as they appear to be. 

Right, now back to the birds. When face to face with such phenomenon like a fruiting tree or a bird wave in full swing, I have to deal with an all-too-familiar dilemma - camera or binoculars? Anyway, Lady Luck seemed to be smiling at us today and I decided to try and do both equally. We recorded about 25 different species and that is a very good haul indeed. As for my photography, I will let you be the judge. Bulbuls were the majority of the patrons to this fruiting tree and here are the ones that I managed to photograph.

The Grey-bellied Bulbul is undoubtedly the most colourful of the bulbuls here today. 

The Ashy Bulbul is not as common as some of the other species present here and was given its due attention and admiration. 

Buff-vented Bulbul

Cream-vented Bulbul

Finsch’s Bulbul

Hairy-backed Bulbul

A male Checker-throated Woodpecker also joined in the foray and stayed long enough for me to obtain a few shots. 

The Purple-naped Sunbird, of the other hand, was simply too active for any good shots. 

While we were observing the activities at the fruiting tree, we also enjoyed a couple of bonuses from the sky above. A pair of Wreathed Hornbills flew by first. Typical of hornbills, the pair's "locomotive" wing beats echoed through the vicinity. 

And later, it was a lone Rhinoceros Hornbill. The shot, however, was overly exposed and the big fellow did not even give me the time and privilege to press the shutter again.