The
weather here in northern Peninsular Malaysia has been unforgiving of late. With
the Chinese New Year just around the corner, this hot spell is pretty much
expected. I take comfort in the fact that for a birder like me, it is rain that
I dread for the heat never really bother me anyway. My first destination for
this 2-day birding adventure with an American guest started off at the foothill
of Bukit Larut. However here at Rain Town, the sun rises later than usual even
when a scorching day is in expectation.
There
is no better way to start off a tour than with a pitta. The sun had barely
pierced through the lush vegetation of the rain forest when a migratory Hooded
Pitta hopped into view. Typical of pittas, it was an absolute stunner. Vibrantly
coloured and full of character, the Hooded Pitta set the pace for our visit
here and my guest was in for one hell of a ride.
The
male Chestnut-naped Forktail floated into the trip with such poise, it was
impossible to ignore his presence. Another terrestrial bird but with a preference
for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, this striking forest gem is usually shy. And for
the time being, this stakeout is the best spot in the country to appreciate the
true splendour of the Chestnut-naped Forktail.
When
the king finally arrived, all eyes were on him. There is no denying that the Rufous-collared
Kingfisher is a spectacular species of the lowland forest. Forest kingfishers
are in a class of its own and those species that occur in more open habitats
just simply lack the X factor.
This
is not Bob’s first visit to Malaysia and I have hosted him before. Inevitably,
lifers do not come that easily to him now and the Rufous-collared Kingfisher
appeared to be the most exhilarating one for him here. I do not blame him for when
the sun illuminated both locality and bird, we were momentarily transported to
a secret birding wonderland and enjoying every second of it.
I
cannot help but to feel sorry for the Green-backed Flycatcher. Size does matter
at this birding hotspot and the little guy only made brief appearances to avoid
confrontations with the bigger birds.
Today,
the Orange-headed Thrush appeared somewhat restless. And it was aggressive
towards one of the birds present. High speed chases was a regular feature and
gradually, I realized the reason for the exceptional aggression.
It
was another male Orange-headed Thrush and clearly, the two were not good
bedfellows. There is a difference in the facial plumage of the birds. Clear
enough for an amateur like me to tell them apart. The thrush is another
striking species at this spot and both guest and guide were well contented.
We
took a leisurely walk later around the foothill and managed to obtain a few more
species. A pair of Scarlet Minivets frolicking about the highest canopy levels
had our undivided attention. The male, with his contrasting black and red
colouration, was mesmerizing especially when the sunlight catches him in
mid-flight. Unfortunately, he did not wander close enough for anything more
than record shots.
A
deserted Indian Shrine now houses wildlife and a pair of Zebra Doves have
certainly made themselves right at home...
I
had mixed feelings when I saw a troop of Pig-tailed Macaques gorging on what
appears to be handouts. Somehow when the alpha male was stuffing his face with
human food, he loses his usual imposing stature in my eyes. At the end of the
day, it is all about survival and I should not pass judgement on him.
I
am not sure if these young ones were waiting for their turn at the ‘table’ or
they have had their fill…
Migratory
ducks are scarce here in Peninsular Malaysia but recently 3 species were seen
together at the marshlands surrounding the Pulau Burung Landfill. And that is
almost an unbelievable occurrence. We swung by the locality on the way back
north but to my dismay, only the pair of Garganeys were present and they were resting
miles away (or seemed that way to me). I did one last desperate sweep at the
flocks of Lesser Whistling Ducks just make sure I did not overlook the Tufted
Duck or, God forgive me, the Eurasian Wigeon which would have been a Malaysian lifer for
me.
The
common resident Lesser Whistling Ducks provided ample photographic opportunities.
And I would not expect anything less. Birding will always go according to plan
– said no birder ever.
At
the paddy fields of Permatang Pauh, our luck did not improve much. With the
phenomenal influx of Asian Openbills to the country this season, inevitably it
was the only species worth photographing here today.
The
last destination of the day was the Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest. Once
again, the Asian Openbill prevailed and provided some photographic
opportunities.
Along
coastal areas like these, the Collared Kingfisher is the predominant species. A
confiding individual gave a good reason for us to halt our search for birds.
Often taken for granted due to its common status, the Collared Kingfisher is nevertheless
loud and beautiful.
Odd
enough, there was a brief shower as we entered the borders of the park but it
did not last long enough to have any impact on the surroundings. So, this
drenched Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo found relief from the heat via another source.
Normally
after a day of birding, I look forward to the comforts of home. Today,
something held me back from this simple pleasure in life. As soon as I stepped
out of my parked vehicle, a pair of White-bellied Sea-eagles greeted my arrival
home by circling in the sky above. Upon further scrutiny, one of the eagles was
an immature bird. The plot thickened when I noticed that the other bird, an
adult, had a fish in its grasp.
I
do not consider myself to be an expert. I am just a bloke with a thing for
birds. In my humble opinion, I would presume that the immature was trying to
obtain a free meal. Anyway as soon as the majestic raptors disappeared from
sight, I hastened my walk home to a much anticipated shower and rest. For
another day of birding awaits tomorrow and that will be covered in my next
post.
2 comments:
Another post of great variety and quality birding photos, even extending to the white bellied sea eagles watching you reach home. I'll be in touch in the new year re a trip with you. Until then Xin nian kuai le to you and your family.
Thank you, Kieron. Yes, the eagles were a real treat. Gong Xi Fa Cai
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