A partridge in a pear tree - Year 3

This is the third consecutive year that we have been able to observe Chestnut-necklaced Partridges in the wild interiors of Kedah. I am, however, running out of things to write about this game bird. It does not mean the presence of these rare and elusive forest denizens are any less significant now. The most important thing is that these partridges continue to survive here and that their far-carrying territorial calls will continue to echo through the vicinity during the breeding season.

Whenever I have the chance, I will capture their images with immeasurable enthusiasm. One thing I have learned in birding (and in life) is that nothing last forever. I hate to be so negative but I have seen entire birding sites wiped out by logging, a pristine marshland turned into an almost bird-less body of water and species that I used to enjoy driven to the brink of local extinction. The forest surrounding partridges are under siege. Both legal and illegal logging are threatening the livelihood of not only the partridges but every other living thing. So whatever it may be, enjoy it while it lasts. 

However, this is a post about one of the most intriguing birds that have entered my life and I should not let negativity influence it too much. The shooting conditions here may not always be easy but the images that do turned out good make all the effort worth the while. The striking and intricate plumage colouration of the Chestnut-necklaced Partridge still mesmerizes my senses just like how it did three years ago. Here are a few more images that I managed to obtain so far this year.

I usually only make use of my tripod for photography when I am in a hide which is not very often. As a result, I rarely take videos. Anyway, due to the confiding nature of the partridges and the availability of my tripod’s support, I managed to record a few reasonably good clips of the partridge this season as well. Nothing beats the feelings you get when you observe them in the flesh but these clips, I supposed, are the next best thing.

My better half is not the type that fancies sitting in some God-forsaken jungle and exposed to all the elements of Mother Nature in order to have a chance to observe some of the more elusive birdlife. These clips are one of the very few ways that I can share my passionate hobby with her and perhaps help her to comprehend this peculiar obsession of mine with birding. And what better way than to use my memorable experiences with the Chestnut-necklaced Partridge. At the time of writing, she has followed me to enjoy the experience first hand. I guess the videos clips must have been captivating enough for her to finally give birding a try.