It
has been a while since I last wandered into the wild interiors of Pedu Lake in
Kedah state and my second day of birding with Bob gave me the opportunity to do
so. The lone access road that cuts through the forest here is isolated and can
spring a surprise or two – especially at this hour. A distant gamebird foraging
along the edge of the road got our pulses racing. But when it finally revealed
itself, there was no mistaking its identity. Naturally, I was hoping for it to
be one of the uncommon species but I have be contented with this common but handsome
male Red Junglefowl for this time.
Brownish
flycatchers can be tricky to identify but the majority of them usually turned
out to be Asian Brown Flycatchers. After all it is the commonest flycatcher despite
being only winter visitors. This one had our attention until we were certain of
its identity and I obtained yet another image of the Asian Brown Flycatcher for
my digital archive.
It
did not take long for the temperature to soar and from the look of things, it was
going to be another sweltering day. The condition now was perfect for a soaring
raptor and true enough, an Oriental Honey-Buzzard glided into view.
The
magic of birding in the forest, despite all the challenges, is that you can
never expect what you might come across. A red trogon was perched significantly
low and one species naturally came to mind – the elusive Cinnamon-rumped
Trogon. But I cannot identify a bird based on habits alone. The trogon was exceptionally
confiding and we patiently waited for him to reveal his rump in order to eliminate
the possibility of the much commoner Scarlet-rumped Trogon.
I
do not have enough field experience to confidently identify a Cinnamon-rumped Trogon
from the front. Due to the close proximity, my images of the trogon were commendable.
A quick check with my mates online left no room for doubts and it was a
Scarlet-rumped Trogon. Posterior view was not required. Bob was exhilarated
with the find but I could not share his joy. And I am not proud of it.
Our
next destination of the day was another forest site and it was the Bukit Wang
Forest Reserve. This migratory season, a couple of uncommon flycatchers have
been performing well. The male Chinese Blue Flycatcher continued to awe birders
from his shadowy domain. Apart from the lighting, his performance was flawless.
Today,
the Green-backed Flycatcher was just amazing. This is the closest I have ever
been to this uncommon migrant and needless to say, the encounter left me
breathless.
Just
when I thought nothing could better that, the Short-tailed Babbler refused to
be outdone. I have a soft spot for this adorable bird despite its dull
colouration. Looks can be deceiving and the Short-tailed Babbler can be quite
feisty at times and its behaviour is the thing that earn my affections.
Like
the flycatcher, it was literally fearless today. For a bird of the forest
undergrowth, open and intimate views like these do not come often and spending
time at a stakeout is probably the only way where you can have that
opportunity.
How
can you not love a face like this?
One
of the reasons why this site is such an alluring site is because it is one of
the few places where you have a chance to encounter the beautiful Chestnut-necklaced
Partridge. I have my fair share of encounters with this game bird but to lay
eyes on one moving about the forest floor still does it for me.
The
last destination of the tour was the mangroves of Sungai Batu. We came across
another confiding babbler and the Abbott’s Babblers maintained our momentum
with this family of birds.
When
it comes to common birds, very few species can beat the Yellow-vented Bulbul
here in Malaysia. However, we cannot hold that against the bird and an
occasional recognition of its presence is only right.
However,
for the striking Forest Wagtail, its presence will always receive my recognition…
The
Mangrove Pitta again proved difficult and despite all my efforts, refuse to
reveal itself from the depths of the mangrove forest. For the second time today,
the feeling of disappointment crept in. A confiding male Mangrove Blue
Flycatcher eased the episode with the pitta and his radiant blue plumage and
charm was good enough to wrap things up for the day.
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