I have probably birded in the forest of Kedah's Sungai Sedim more often than any other forest birding site. The main reason is its close distance from Penang Island and of course the most obvious one, birding is good there most of the time. It started out relatively slow this morning with most of the birds sticking to the cover of the canopy. Pin-tailed Parrotfinches, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Red-bearded Bee-eater and Rhinoceros Hornbills were among the teasers today.
Things started to turn around when I bumped into Hor Kee, James Neoh and a few others near the Tree Top Walk. Hor Kee pointed out a rather obliging Striped Tit-Babbler and two of us were quite impressed with its fine performance.
This species is relatively common in suitable habitats throughout the country. Due to its active nature and preference for dense undergrowth and middle storey, prolonged good views are somewhat of a luxury but apparently, not today.
A confiding Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker was next in turn to keep us entertained. Another common resident of the forest here which I have not being able to capture good shots - until today that is.
Even from day one, I found that this site houses quite a rich variety of babblers - ranging from terrestrial babblers like the Black-capped Babbler; to mid-storey babblers like the White-necked Babbler; to canopy-loving babblers like the Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler. However, most babblers are better enjoyed through one's binos than camera. It is a real challenge to capture reasonable images and sometimes, it is downright impossible. They are either too fast, stay too hidden, shun well-lighted areas or just enjoy frustrating birders. A Moustached Babbler doing what a babbler does best…
The Grey-headed Babbler is not common anywhere in Malaysia but they are regularly recorded here in Sungai Sedim. I am posting this awful image just to prove my point about babblers...
The Finsch's Bulbul seems to be commoner here in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Or maybe it is because I spend more time birding in the north. Anyway, it looks like the local population is doing just fine.
This juvenile looks almost like an adult bird and I guess pretty soon it will not be receiving anymore handouts from the parents. But for now, life is still easy and beautiful for the youngster. Enjoy it while it lasts, bud…
3 comments:
Striped Tit-babbler may be common, but it's quite attractive, too.
However, any photographer will sympathize with what you say about those other babblers in the gloom….
When I looked at that first photo I thought you'd see nothing. And then you show a whole series of fine babbler pictures. You have a great understanding of each species habitat niche and have explained it so well. I think your pictures of the Striped Tit-Babbler are exceptionally good Choy.
Yup, babblers are a nightmare to my setup, John.
Thanks, Phil. I was lucky this time.
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