Today
was the slated October Big Day but weather of late here in my home state of
Penang has not been favourable for this global birding event. As I made my way
across the narrow Straits of Malacca, I could see alarming thunder clouds
starting to form in the horizon. I have not participated full-heartedly for past
few Big Days due to time constraints and this time, it looked like Mother
Nature will be the one determining the duration of my endeavour. The swamp
forest of Air Hitam Dalam was the selected location. Being a major birding site
closest to home was the main reason for this selection.
The
harsh vocalizations of Brown Shrikes were prominent on this cold and gloomy
morning. Autumn migration is well on its way and the presence of these common
migrants was not unexpected.
I
also came across a juvenile Tiger Shrike in the vicinity and this species is
more of a passage migrant than a winter visitor to this site.
A
pair of Olive-winged Bulbuls decided to join in the chorus and their calls are
definitely easier to the ears.
Intermittent
sunshine brought hope to my cause and it also brought out a pair of Greater
Coucals to sunbathe and preen. The pair was tolerant to my presence which is
not always the case. I took the time to appreciate their good deed with the Nipah
fronds provided an interesting backdrop for my captures.
As
the weather improved, I could hear the calls of Blue-tailed Bee-eaters overhead.
It did not take long to locate these graceful species as they were out hunting
for flying insects.
Flocks
of Asian Openbills soared across the sky as they move from one location to
another in search of their favourite morsel – snails.
Common
as it might be, the call of the Yellow-vented Bulbul is still bubbly and sweet.
As scrublands is one of its preferred habitats, a healthy population resides in
this area.
Another
vocal species that was out and about was the Common Iora. A pair was causing a
real ruckus among the low bushes and with a little perseverance (and luck), I
managed to obtain what should be the photo of the day for me. In non-breeding
plumage, both sexes are very similar to each other and I would assume the paler
individual on the right is the female.
One
of the most striking species you can find living nearby or even within human
settlements is the male Pink-necked Pigeon. And to have two in a single frame had
me trekking along the muddy riverbank for a better image.
The
male Common Flameback that occurs in similar habitats, is a worthy rival to the
former in terms of aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, today he was hesitant to
reveal his true beauty.
Like
an oversized feather squirrel, a Green-billed Malkoha scurried along the canopy
level with much haste leaving me with nothing more than images of empty
branches. However a second bird, presumably its mate, stayed put just long
enough for a couple of shutter clicks and the images turned out better than I
had anticipated.
I
see Brahminy Kites on wings more often than at rest. Despite the less-than-ideal
shooting condition, this encounter with one of the resident kites perched on a
lofty tree crown was rather enjoyable.
Going
into the fourth hour of my Big Day, the weather started to turn for the worse.
The sky darkened and the winds started to pick up momentum. Retreat was the
only logical solution as I really did not fancy riding across the Penang Bridge
during a thunderstorm. A Water Monitor Lizard made me delay my journey home.
Although this massive reptile does not alter the outcome of my Big Day, it was
impressive enough to conclude my blog post for this time.
