It has been quite some time
since my last birding excursion. Heavy schedule at work and the absence of tour
bookings were some of the contributing factors. A last minute booking for a
half-day trip was accepted with much enthusiasm. My guest this time is originally
from Australia but now based in Hong Kong as an insect researcher. The predawn
thunderstorm was some cause for concern. Gloomy skies greeted us as we arrived
at the mangroves of Sungai Batu in Kedah state but at least the rains had
stopped by then. For that, we were truly grateful. A flash of colours darted
through the undergrowth of the swamp forest as soon as we stepped into this
muddy domain. It was the resident Mangrove Pitta and after all this time, the mere
sight of this pitta still makes my heart skip a beat. The radiance of the sun
may be absent but in its stead, the vibrant beauty of this terrestrial denizen.
The White-breasted Waterhen
is probably the most encountered rail in Malaysia due to its confiding nature and
common status but it is still fascinating to observe. The striking colouration
also made it one of the highlights of the trip for my guest.
While we are at the subject
of colouration, the resident pair of Mangrove Blue-Flycatchers flaunted their
way into this birding excursion and their presence certainly did not go
unnoticed.
Beauty is not the only trait
that makes birds such remarkable creatures. Sometimes, it is talent and
ability. The Mangrove Whistler, as the name applies, is an accomplished
vocalist. The distinct whip lash note of its song can be heard not only in
mangroves but other suitable habitats as well. It is a species I seldom see but
to be totally honest, there is nothing much there to see. Its dull colouration
may help it blend in with its surroundings but it is its powerful song that
makes it exceptional.
The confiding nature of this
individual resulted in one of my best images of this species to date. It is
also the first time I have recorded the Mangrove Whistler at this location
despite countless visits in the past. The mangroves are a vital ecosystem and on
this day, it provided immensely for a couple of birders on a quest to observe
the alluring bird life here.
A lone Dollarbird decided to
use this dead tree as a vantage point to launch its aerial assaults for winged
morsels. Shooting against a gloomy sky will hardly bring out the true colours
of the subject. However, nothing much can conceal that conspicuous red bill
though.
Red Collared-Doves are regulars
at this locality and a small flock foraging along the edge of the access road
had our attention – naturally. The shooting conditions were again challenging
and my images did no justice to the sultry splendour of these doves.
There are always exceptions
to the rules of the animal kingdom. Among birds, a few species have their
females more strikingly coloured than their male counterparts and even their
roles are reversed. The Barred Buttonquail is one such bird. Anyway typical of
small gamebirds, the Barred Buttonquail can be difficult to encounter despite
being a common species. And a striking female standing right out in the open
deserves to be posted regardless of the quality of the image.
My Australian guest enjoying
the antics of a pair of Common Flamebacks...
The next and final
destination of the trip was the swamp forest of Air Hitam Dalam. Bird-wise, the
locality did not meet expectations and it was a relatively slow visit. Some of
the regular residents were on hand to ensure we do leave empty handed. A female
Common Iora resting among the foliage offered one of the few photographic
opportunities during our visit here. The varied and pleasant song of her mate
was what caught our attention initially but he remained hidden throughout the
observation.
Most foreign birders are fond
of kingfishers here in Malaysia because of the birds’ character and appeal. The
Collared Kingfisher is the commonest one at this birding spot and one pair of was
in the process of increasing the local population. Crabs form a major part of
their diet and this parent bird was bringing food back to the nest located
somewhere within the swamp forest. I certainly have had better birding days at
this local patch but it still felt great to be able to get out into the field
again.
The acquisition of a new
motorcycle helped eased my suffering during the non-birding period. Bikes have
always been an integral part of my life. They are to me more than just a means
of transport. My new bike may not be top of the line automobile technology but
it is sufficient to inject a dose of excitement to my daily commuting and
weekend escapes. It also serves as a good subject for a genre of photography
that I am now beginning to explore.
