The banded king of the forest

Fruiting trees are aplenty up here in northern Peninsular Malaysia at this time of the year. The breeding season has also commenced for some of the forest dwelling species of birds as well. In short, it is an absolutely great time to be out birding in the forest. It then comes as no surprise that I started out my 2-day photographic expedition with an Indian guest in the wild interiors of Pedu Lake. I had a tip-off from Dave that there was an exceptionally active fruiting tree at the abandoned resort of Desa Utara. In the past, I am sure this venue has seen its fair share of banquets. Nowadays, the banquets still take place but the difference is the patrons are all feathered denizens. The Streaked Bulbul may lack the vivid colourations of some of the other bulbuls but it is uncommon enough to have our undivided attention.

The male Greater Green Leafbird, on the other hand, has a green plumage so vivid that he certainly lives up to his namesake. A few other species were also present at this fruiting tree but the dense vegetation made photography truly challenging.

Since we are on the topic of vivid colourations, few species can meet the splendid colouration of some of the male flowerpeckers like the Orange-bellied Flowerpecker. Not uncommon in suitable habitats throughout the country, this little bundle of feathers and colours can be encountered quite regularly. A lone male was seen resting at eye level but the lighting plays a huge role in forest photography and this time, it hindered our efforts despite the confiding nature of the bird.

Kingfishers are loud and spectacular birds. A few species are confined to forested habitats and they have evolved to be elusive. However, that trait only amplifies their appeal. A Banded Kingfisher was heard calling and no effort was spared in our attempt to locate it. Some determination and a stroke of good luck later, both guest and guide were ogling at a handsome male perched unobtrusively in the middle storey of the forest.

His majesty was kind enough to show how the species got its name and this forest kingfisher is certainly one of those birds that look better from behind. Strikingly marked and with the colour intensity to match, the Banded Kingfisher is a true jewel of the jungle.

I do not come across Banded Kingfishers as often as I would like to and a prolonged encounter like this one made my day. When he shifted position, he alighted on a slightly closer perch but the lighting again was my nemesis. However, the banded king has made his mark today and no element from this world and beyond can change that fact. Come to think of it this male Banded Kingfisher performed his way to bird of the day for me and this should be my best encounter to date.

The diagnostic call of the Raffles’s Malkoha echoed through the vicinity later in the morning as we trekked along the main access road skirting Pedu Lake. It did not take long to locate this beautiful cuckoo and as expected, it was scurrying along the topmost canopy level of the forest. But the lighting was great on this occasion and when this female Raffles’s Malkoha took a breather out in the open, reasonably good images were still possible.

Not all forest birds are colourful and the Asian Brown Flycatcher is one very good example. Although it is a common migrant, it was scrutinized to avoid any misidentification as all brown flycatchers can be notoriously difficult at times.

The mangroves of Sungai Batu beckoned later in the afternoon and we found ourselves staring into the muddy domain of the birds that call this site home. There is one resident that has made quite a name for itself and it is the enigmatic Mangrove Pitta. A real showstopper.

Is this the best place in the world to photograph this habitat-restricted terrestrial species? At the present time, I bet it is...

The Mangrove Blue Flycatcher is another alluring species that can be regularly enjoyed here. I have noticed that of late the female was unaccompanied by her mate and I can only fear for the worst. The natural world is both delicate and brutal. Further compounded by the destructive nature of Man, wildlife as a whole live at the edge on a daily basis.

I am glad to say the resident pair of Abbott’s Babblers is doing just fine...

The migratory Forest Wagtails should be making their way back north soon to breed and today, they put on a superb performance. This common migrant wrapped things up for Day 1 and it was a good excursion as expected. Tomorrow, we will be heading to a few other sites around Penang and that will be covered in my next post.