The day of the marten

I was back at the forest of Sungai Sedim in Kedah state after a considerable lapse. My guests this time are from America and the birds that call this recreational forest home gave them a warm welcome. However, photographic opportunities were almost missing. Good thing was this father and son team are birders by nature and the lack of photos did not seem to damper their spirits. Red-naped Trogons, Grey-headed Babblers and Maroon Woodpeckers teased the group of birders from the dense foliage of this fertile environment. Bird waves brought in fascinating species like Spotted Fantails, Flycatcher-Shrikes and the Great Iora. I guess it would be unfair to the birds here if I call this a slow morning just because my photography gear remained slung over my shoulder most of the time.

The characteristic territorial calls of the Red-bearded Bee-eater rarely go unnoticed. It took some time to locate this gem of a bird but it was worth the effort. Perched at the highest level of the forest canopy, it was unfortunately a little far for any decent images. But the prolonged encounter and the way the Red-bearded Bee-eater showed off every bit of its feathery splendour was certainly one of the highlights of the day.

When it comes to birding, there is no sure thing. The mangroves of Sungai Batu is where my guests will usually put their cameras to good use especially in the presence of the star bird. But I was dealt an agonizing blow when the usually confiding Mangrove Pittas were no where to be seen. I had to put my game face on to hide my disappointment. The Abbott’s Babblers eventually gave my clients something to cheer about but it will take more to have the same effect on me.

The resident pair of Mangrove Blue Flycatchers was looking far from their best probably due to a recent conclusion of nesting duties. Their part in today’s itinerary was not unappreciated and the pair added much needed colours to our visit here.

Asian Openbills are now a part of the birding landscape here in the northern part of the peninsular and due to their size and tendency to congregate in numbers, these storks are hard to miss when present. They are usually found in paddy fields where their food source lurks. The sea of green with the occasional speckle of colours courtesy of wild flowers, often provide soothing backdrops for photographic efforts.

For my following birding excursion, the jungle of Bukit Wang was the decided destination. As with my last outing, this birding site was alive with bird calls. White-bellied and Maroon Woodpeckers, Banded and Rufous-collared Kingfishers and the Chestnut-necklaced Partridge filled the vicinity with their distinctive calls and momentarily transported me into a world of utter birding bliss. But only teasing glimpses were offered today which brought me back to the harsh reality of forest birding. I would be insane for constantly spending time in the forest if glimpses are all there is to it. Every now and then, a forest denizen reveals itself in its full splendour and these are the moments that makes forest birding so fulfilling. The penetrating territorial call was the first thing to catch my attention. Shortly later, I had a handsome male Orange-breasted Trogon in my viewfinder. I could not help but to find myself struggling to regain my composure as trogons are one of the most fascinating and spectacular birds that one can hope to encounter in the wild.

Ever since the discovery of the Olive Bulbul here in Malaysia, every Buff-vented Bulbul will be scrutinized especially here in the north. Well, on with the next...

Black-headed Bulbuls were the most conspicuous of this family of birds and today, I enjoyed a few good photographic opportunities. Common throughout suitable habitats, the Black-headed Bulbul is a regular in this forest reserve as well and its presence can still brightened up a birding day. It is a striking bird after all.

Even in the shadows of the forest understorey, the radiance of the Black-headed Bulbul cannot be denied.

To describe the Black-and-yellow Broadbill as adorable would be an understatement. Few birds comes close to the level of cuteness exhibited by this small but colourful feathered gem of the tropical rainforest. I came across a rather confiding pair foraging next to the access road and the male, told by his complete breast band, was the bolder of the two.

His mate is no less appealing which is not always the case when it comes to birds. Females often have to play fiddle when it comes to outer appearances. But not this girl and both birds received equal amount of attention and affection. Despite the harsh lighting at the time, the encounter was undoubtedly the main highlight of the day – for birds that is.

The lush landscape here does not only house members of the avian family. Mammals also find sanctuary here and this isolated road surprisingly provided a non-birding moment that overshadowed every other significant sightings today.

Wild Boars can still be considered common here in Malaysia. In fact, it is the only large mammal that can be seen with regularity in this country. Normally, there is not much to be feared in the presence of this mammal. But an adult with young must be given its due respect. It was alone this time and the distance between us, gave it no reason to not to take its sweet time in crossing the road.

Bukit Wang was not quite done yet and it had one last surprise in store for me – the Yellow-throated Marten. This beautiful but elusive member of the weasel family was happily crossing the road when something stopped it in its track. It turned and stared straight at me. And I, slowly raised my camera for this record shot.

Do not be fooled by the adorable outlook of the Yellow-throated Marten for it is a ruthless and accomplished killer in its own right. However, it knows it is no match for the malevolent nature of the upright gaiting primate known as Man and evolution has taught it to be fearful of the mere sight of this species. The marten naturally bolted away leaving me no chance of an improvement shot.

But not before giving me one last look. Then a second Yellow-throated Marten scooted across the road and I think it is safe to assume that she was his mate. This trip to Bukit Wang was exceptional not because of the birding but the fact that a pair of mammals managed to outshine my beloved birds.