The
recent sighting of a Zappey’s Flycatcher (a recent split from Blue-And-White Flycatcher) and a Black-headed Gull, both of which
I have seen only once before in the past but without any successful
photographic attempts, at the northern parts of mainland Penang helped me to
decide for this week's birding excursion. My first destination was the swamp
forest of Air Hitam Dalam for a scarce but stunning migratory flycatcher.
After
a thorough sweep of the area, I had to come to terms that the Zappey’s
Flycatcher may not be around anymore. Another blue flycatcher that was
certainly around was the resident Mangrove Blue Flycatcher. Along a more
secluded part of the elevated boardwalk, I came across at least 3 individuals. This
was the first male that crossed my path.
This
confiding fellow was the second male sporting a more typical extended range of orange
underparts.
A
lone female that has been following the males could be the mate of one of them…
A
possible third male was seen among the undergrowth about a few feet away from
where I observed the first batch of flycatchers earlier on.
A
small fruiting tree just outside the Management Office provided one of the
highlights of the trip. Surprisingly, the fruits only attracted two species and
apart from a few Olive-winged Bulbuls, there were Lineated Barbets. This barbet
is more of a scrubland and mangrove species rather than a true forest dweller
and this locality, is one of its strongholds. I have longed to photograph this
barbet for quite some time now but without much success as it prefers the
canopy levels. But today, the tempting fruits got the better of its security
senses and I was presented with the opportunity for a most rewarding photo
session.
In
the absence of other species at the fruiting tree, it became the star bird and
that held my undivided attention for a good half an hour. And just like that,
every bird suddenly took off and it was only me and the fruiting tree left.
Thank goodness I have obtained more than enough photos of the barbet before its
abrupt departure.
The
Green-billed Malkoha is the largest Malkoha in Malaysia and should be named the Long-tailed
Malkoha instead. Like any other malkoha, it does not make an easy subject for
photography. Despite its size, it is extremely agile and active. It scurries
about the canopy levels like a giant squirrel. I almost lost it when all my
efforts so far to capture a few shots were futile as it was always and somehow
blocked by the vegetation. Even when it was stationery, it made sure I had
something to curse about by resting in a partially hidden position.
But
like the words immortalized by Guns N' Roses in their song, Patience -
"...take it slow. It’ll work itself
out fine. All we need is just a little patience..." And finally, the
Green-billed Malkoha decided to hop onto an open perch for more than 30 seconds
with the lighting just about right. I can still recall the first time I saw
this species. There was a pair of them and they flew right across the path of a
teenage birder on one of his very first MNS organized field trips. Those
gravity-defying tails certainly made an impact on his retinal receptors then.
The
swamp forest here is a haven for winter visitors and passage migrants alike.
This season itself a few rarer migrants have found their way to this locality
and today, I came across a confiding juvenile Crow-billed Drongo. Not really
rare but I have yet to obtain any good images until today that is.
It
was following a pair of foraging Plaintain Squirrels - much like the Greater
Racket-tailed Drongo's obsession with foraging Long-tailed Macaques. The
principles are the same - the foraging mammals will unintentionally flush out
prey for the Drongo. And supposedly, the Drongo will keep a lookout for harm in
return. However, it seemed quite oblivious to my presence. Or perhaps it knew
that this human with the telephoto lens pose no threat to either of them.
At
the mudflats of Bagan Belat, my next destination, a flock of Brown-headed Gulls
resting reasonably close to shore was exactly what I was wishing for. Sure
enough, I picked out a smaller individual from the lot through my bins. Hor
Kee's Black-headed Gull was still around. Unfortunately, the gulls suddenly
took flight and alighted on the far end of the mudflats. I am not sure if it
was because of my over-zealousness to get closer for a shot or something else
but the celebrity gull was now well beyond the reach of my gear. Worse of all,
I could not picked it out from the crowd again.
While
contemplating of a way to get to the gulls, a passing military helicopter spooked
everything present into flight. Well, almost everything. The gulls remained
where they were - as expected.
A
flock of Pacific Golden Plovers showing their displeasure towards the big iron
bird's intruding and inconsiderate presence. Not that I blame them - the
plovers, that is...
A
reptile slithering along the exposed mud at a far distance got me all excited.
Will this finally be my first wild crocodile? Nah, it was just a monitor lizard
doing its best impersonation of a crocodile. I guess spending too much time
under the hot sun will eventually get to you. I took this as my cue to leave -
before I start seeing Pied Avocets (a dream Peninsula Malaysia's first record for yours truly) foraging at a distance.
My
final destination of the trip was the paddy fields at Kubang Semang. One of
the best ways to go round the vast networks of gravel trails is by bike and I
was on my faithful iron steed today. She does not only help me weave through
the horrendous traffic of Penang Island with ease but takes me places where
four wheels simply cannot. Well, you know it was a slow day at the paddy fields
when I had the time to photograph my ride instead of birds.
6 comments:
Looks like a great day with wonderful birds. I really enjoy your stories.
Many very beautiful pictures, Choy. Your patience was well rewarded. I love all those flycatcher pics and the barbet and drongo are really cool...
Will definate go when the Ruddy return!
Thank you, Wilma and Russell. I really appreciate your comments.
Mike, the Ruddy is a resident here but no signs of it for the past few months.
A pity the Zappey's had moved on, but the Mangrove Blue Flycatchers are very nice.
Pied Avocet ? I'm sure Malaysia will get one sooner or later.
Thanks, John. Pied Avocets would certainly made it a Xmas to be remembered...
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