My
iron steed finally got to stretch her legs with her first interstate journey in
more than two years. Almost all COVID-19 restrictions in the country have been
lifted this month and hopefully, life will return to be what it used to be. As
for me, it is back to the wilds of northern Peninsular Malaysia to make up for
all the lost birding time.
Although
not much has changed here at the Sungai Batu mangroves, there was one
significant difference. The resident Mangrove Pittas, as reported by my fellow
birders, have vanished deeper into their swampy domains. This remarkable animal
is the star bird of this location and their absence is excruciating difficult
to accept. On the other hand, the Mangrove Blue Flycatchers still serenade the
vicinity with their beauty and song.
The
boisterous Abbott’s Babblers were as prominent as before at the stakeout. The
lighting condition was unpredictable today. Passing clouds blocked out the sun intermittently.
And I occasionally struggled with my photographic efforts despite the close
proximity of the birds.
Rapid
movement is one of the main causes for this complication. The Malaysian
Pied-Fantail with its signature erratic movements, truly tested my modest
setup. A lucky shot during one of the few rare moments when the bird was still
provided some extra material for this blog post.
Just
because you are out in open spaces does not mean photographing wild birds will
be a walk in the park. There will be times when your subject simply refuses to
cooperate despite the ideal shooting conditions. Anyway, there is no mistaking a
Green-billed Malkoha at this range. And life, goes on.
The
resident Crested Serpent-Eagle exhibited its full majesty from the edge of the swamp
forest. And this time, it was the distance that prevented better images to be
obtained.
Barbets
are undeniably vocal and this trait is present in every species including the
small and adorable Coppersmith Barbet. The name itself derives from the
persistent single note territorial call of the species which is not unlike the sound
of a coppersmith at work. I traced the call to a tiny speck at the very top of
a dead tree which is typical of the species.
It
is not an uncommon bird occurring even in residential areas but good
photographic opportunities are hard to come by. That is a shame for the
Coppersmith Barbet is a cracking bird. From its lofty perch, it continued to proclaim
its territory despite my presence and the encounter turned out to be the
highlight of the trip.
The
Blue-throated Bee-eaters are back for the summer replacing the wintering
Blue-tailed Bee-eaters. Just as spectacular or perhaps even more, a moment is
taken to appreciate their return. The electrical cables here certainly make
good vantage points for the Blue-throated Bee-eater to launch its aerial
assaults.
It
is the breeding season for most birds now and the Baya Weaver colonies were
buzzing with activities. The males are busy building their astonishing nests
and this labour of love is anything but easy. As for the females, life is easy
for time being as they linger about waiting to be wooed.
I
concluded my feeble Global Big Day effort for this year around mid morning. Other
commitments in life seemed to have increased of late. Either that or age have
somewhat altered my priorities. But my passion for birding still burns
especially when there are birds like the Black-winged Kite to fuel the flames.
This poised and efficient hunter wrapped things for the day by resting in full
view on an electrical pole along the access road leading out of the site.
