With news of a couple
of bird photographers being robbed of their gear at one of my regular haunts,
Air Hitam Dalam, I thought it was best not to tempt faith and will be giving
this site a miss for while. One thing is for sure - the criminals are bound to
be back for more. This is bad news because half the time I do my birding alone
and to be totally honest, I sometimes do get overly distracted by the birds and
let my guard down. It is sad but it looks like the ugly side of the real world
has crept into the birding world and like the birds, birders and photographers
alike will just have to adapt and change in order to carry on.
Anyway, I decided to
go for the slightly strenuous trail up Gunung Bintang in Sungai Sedim, Kedah.
We have now entered into the month of the Hungry Ghost. A time when my better
half is not too thrilled whenever I go out into field. But supernatural
elements are the least of my worries when I came across fresh elephant dung
along the trail. Luckily, no tuskers or elements crossed my path today. Only
the birds and a pair of confiding Black-headed Bulbuls was the highlight of the
trip.
This species is quite strikingly
coloured and despite being common in forested areas, secondary growths and
orchards, I do not have many images of it. Being a relatively vocal, it is not
easily overlooked but its tendency to keep to the canopy levels can sometimes
hinder photographic attempts. So, today's performance was much obliged.
The Asian
Fairy-bluebird, like the Black-headed Bulbul, is another common but strikingly
coloured species. However, there is one difference. The former is found in
montane forests as well. The Asian Fairy-bluebird is an apt name and the male
is truly a feast for the eyes. Whenever he decides to show himself completely that
is.
It can be tricky to
identify forest bulbuls at times. Being one of the most regularly encountered
birds in the forest, one will usually get their skills in bulbul identification
tested in every visit to the forest. The Spectacled Bulbul usually needs a
longer look to be identified.
The Hairy-backed
Bulbul behaves more like a babbler than a bulbul and this factor, as well as
its characteristic calls, makes this species slightly easier to identify.
However, the hair of its namesake is barely visible in the field and does not
provide any aid in the identification process.
The White-rumped Munia
is certainly the most widely distributed of all the munias. It occurs from the
paddy fields of the lowlands to the high altitudes of montane forests. There is
a healthy population of these munias here in Sungai Sedim and this individual
collecting nesting material is doing its part in maintaining the population.
As I was about to call
it a day, some movement among the undergrowth caught my immediate attention. It
did not take long for me to spot the party responsible. My godfather always
says to me that there is more to wildlife than just birds. Still, I cannot help
but to feel a little disappointed when it turned out be a foraging Green
Crested Lizard (thanks to Muin for the identification).
Anyway, it was not
wary of my presence. In fact, it seemed to be much in a mood for photography. I
may not have much experience shooting reptiles in the wild but I think it is
easier than shooting birds. At least they do not fly away and never to be seen
again for the rest of your life. A little herping to wrap up the day is perhaps
a little different but still an enjoyable end.
8 comments:
Sorry to hear about the robbery. Like you, I'm not thinking of the "Real World" when I'm trying to photograph birds.
Nice Lizard shots to close with !
Hi Mun, bad news indeed on the robbery, I think if birders regularly go to a certain birding spot, he/she will inevitably be a target of the bandits.
Some time ago, a bird photographer was robbed of his 4WD at knife point while he was engrossed in photographing birds from inside his car, he failed to notice the robber who sneaked in from behind.
Some wonderful birds, Choy, and I must say that green lizard is a beauty. Glad you took notice of it and achieved these splendid pictures. Take care of everything when you're out and about.
I too bird alone. I do ready myself with a pepper spray handy against wild animals if I am in the bushes.....but robbers????
I have been warned about drug addicts robbers at Sedim area also, so be careful there also.
Choo Eng.
Thank you all for your comments. Bottom line is I guess we all just have to be extra caution nowadays.
I will just go there with more SBs or UTKs. BTW nice cicak.
Thanks, Ronnie.
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