A Manchurian for Christmas

 

It is common knowledge that our forests are under threat but the devastation does not end there. Wetland habitats suffer a similar fate. In my home state of Penang, I am running out of wetlands to visit. And for someone with a soft spot for water birds, it is utterly depressing. The marshlands at Batu Kawan would have been my saviour if it has not been slated for development in the near future. At the break dawn, my companions and I plodded along the soft laterite access road cutting through a construction site. It may not sound much like a birding trip but that is what one has to endure in order to reach the said wetlands. Sad but true...

I may not speak for everyone but the sight of a congregation of large water birds never ceases to amaze. Flock by flock of water birds arrive at this feeding ground from their roosts in the surrounding vicinity. For the record, this location probably has the highest density of Purple Herons and Grey Herons in Penang and the numbers are incredible. I opted to observe rather than photograph because that is where the true value lies and this image of a lone Grey Heron may not be able to fully convey the moment.

The advancement in digital cameras of late is undeniable but they do not come cheap. So, for the time being I still rely on pressing the shutter and pray for at least one frame to turn out decent. However, there is a limit to how much one can achieve through prayers especially for a flight shot in dim lighting like this taunting Cinnamon Bittern making its way to breakfast.

One has to be observant to pick out the small but adorable Long-toed Stint from all the blobs of mud, debris and vegetation present in the wetlands. The distance may have robbed me of some of the joy but the Long-toed Stints have their way to gain my affections.

A trio of drabber looking stints dashed across our field of view haphazardly and alighted on a distant sandbank. Our initial guess was spot on when they turned out to be Temminck’s Stints in the end. This species is an uncommon winter visitor to our land and more than capable to excite even the most seasoned birder.

My encounter with the rare Common Ringed Plover here last season left much to be desired. Naturally, all Little Ringed Plovers were scrutinized for a possible re-occurrence of the former but I could not attain the closure I seek.

The Black-winged Stilts graced the location in good numbers with their elegant presence. The new generation of birders and bird photographers may not be aware that this bird was once a rarity in Malaysia but I certainly do. Decades may have passed. Exhilaration may have been reduced. One of my all-time favourites, the bird remains.

They are conspicuous not only because of their contrasting colouration but vocal nature as well. More often than not, they drown out most other species that share their watery domain. This temporary sanctuary will host the Black-winged Stilts and the rest for at least one more season. I am no soothsayer but unless a miracle takes place, the demise of this locality is just a matter of time.

It is safe to say it is no longer unusual to record Little Cormorants in the northern half of the peninsular. A big flock resting together after a morning’s hunt is an impressive sight. One that I am still trying to get used to.

Garganeys, on the other hand, are unusual with sporadic winter records throughout the years. And to have four individuals together at a single spot close to home should be my early Christmas judging on how slow things have been for this year.

Apparently, the Lesser Whistling Ducks have had enough of the overwhelming stench and toxic at the marshland next to the Pulau Burung landfill and are now taking refuge here. I wish there was a way I could warn them not to get too comfortable because the good life they are now enjoying is not going to last.

There is a good reason behind the name of the Greater Painted-Snipe. The female bird (yes, female bird) is vibrantly coloured and stunning. There is also a reason why she seldom reveals her true beauty for evolution has made her particularly elusive.

Wetland habitats are not without their dangers. Raptors are always on the lookout for prey and today, a male Eastern Marsh Harrier was on the hunt. Harriers are generally uncommon at this location but this individual seemed to have decided on his wintering ground this season. His malicious presence will not be welcomed by other wildlife but it certainly added value to our excursion.

Executing a mid-flight scratch to get rid of an annoying itch…

The Zebra Dove is about bite-size for the Eastern Marsh Harrier and its tendency to perch in the open can be hazardous to its health.

The Long-tailed Shrike is predatory as well but on a smaller scale. This is one of the few places in Penang where this beautiful species resides and has been recorded regularly.

It is normally a shy bird despite occurring in scrub and open country habitats. Today, a pair was being more confiding than usual perhaps due to the approaching breeding season. Whatever the reason may be, I do not come across the Long-tailed Shrike often enough not be thrilled by their performance.

There was a significant change to the taxonomy of birds recently. More splits and renaming – as usual. Inevitably, I try my best to keep myself updated for Malaysian species. Among the changes, the Intermediate Egret is now called the Medium Egret which I cannot help but to chuckle when I first found out. I do not know how to put it but it just sounds odd. Will the Little Egret and Great Egret be renamed as to go with the flow?  Anyway here is the bird, with no regards that it is now probably the most joked-about bird wherever it occurs, looking all so poised at our second location of the day which is the Permatang Pauh paddy fields.

Searching for a little brown job in dense vegetation is not every one’s cup of tea. I will usually give it a pass but my companions convinced me otherwise. A lot of thought and strategy was put into the approach this time and we managed to persuade two Manchurian Reed-warblers to settle into a small clump of reeds. In fact, the smallest clump in the vicinity and just next to the access road. I could almost taste success when these globally vulnerable migrants put the human observers in their place and reminded them just how difficult reed-warblers can be if they choose to be.

When the vegetation finally gave way to a less obstructed view, it was the lighting’s turn to dampened our photographic efforts. Murphy's Law at work again.

However, birders can be exceedingly stubborn and determine especially with failure looming. An unexpected turn of luck eventually had the Manchurian Reed-warbler alighting on a relatively open perch with decent lighting. If this is not proof of the existence of a higher being, I do not know what is. As we were enjoying our moment of triumph, the reed-loving warblers gradually made their way out of sight but not out of memory. A fitting end to a rewarding outing and I am relieve there is no negative conclusion to this posting for a change. Perhaps, it is the magic of Christmas at work.

Speaking of which, MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

Pied lifers...

 

Birders share a common passion which is of course the birds. However, everyone has their own preferences and tastes. For me, it has always been water birds. I find it difficult to explain how a dull water bird is able to complete with a dazzling forest bird but that is how I am built. Anyway, not all water birds are boring. Some are unique and striking like the Pied Avocet. Even before the first Malaysian record was discovered a few years back in Borneo, it has been one of my dream birds. When Peninsular Malaysia’s first Pied Avocet popped up in Batu Kawan, my home state was back in the limelight again.

I managed to squeeze out thirty minutes on the eve of Chinese New Year to tick this mega lifer but a second trip was inevitable because a few seconds of watching this elegant wader in flight left much to be desired. For my second attempt, I had the luxury of time and was greeted by the ever-conspicuous flocks of Black-winged Stilts. It did not take long to locate the distinguished guest but the early morning light and distance was far from ideal for photography.

The Pied Avocet appeared to have settled in well at this wintering ground. It sported a plumage colouration that lack the intensity of a typical adult bird and I can only assume it is a youngster. The lighting gradually improved but unfortunately, not the distance. However, it did not deter me from relishing this encounter. It is a remarkable bird despite its common status elsewhere in the world. And the record shots obtained today will just have to do.

Feeding alongside the Pied Avocet was another rarity but unlike the former, the Pied Stilt is gradually becoming commoner.

I have had relatively few encounters with this species and this individual was given its due attention despite the presence of a much rarer bird.

Sounds unbelievable but there is a third rarity in the vicinity. The Common Ringed Plover is a rare migrant to our shores but caution is needed to distinguish it from the commoner Little Ringed Plover which were present in good numbers. When I finally had the target in my binoculars, both bird and birder were flushed by an over-zealous lorry driver. And there are still those who find it hard to understand why I am not much of a people person. This birding hotspot is slated for development and we actually have to go through an active construction site to reach the locality. Anyway, here is an image of a Little Ringed Plover probably thinking serve me right for ignoring it in the first place.

The Pied Avocet remained in view throughout my time here but not once reducing the distance between us. And I started paying attention to the other commoner birds that were present like this Wood Sandpiper before calling it a day.

Up in the north western tip of Peninsular Malaysia, there is yet another rare water bird waiting to be added into my Malaysian life list. The Eurasian Coot was discovered last year around Christmas and like the Pied Avocet, has found Malaysian hospitality very accommodating. Exactly one week after my Pied Avocet chapter, I found myself at the agricultural lands of Chuping scanning the aquatic vegetation of a big pond for any signs of my would-be lifer. I have recorded the Eurasian Coot before elsewhere in Asia where it is common but nothing is comparable to home soil experience.

It has been showing relatively well since its discovery. I tried to convince myself there should not be any complications and the chances of dipping out is low. But one thing I have learned from my years of birding is never to count your lifers before they are twitched. I searched this pond and the other two adjacent ones as well and all I could find were Eurasian Moorhens and Little Grebes. I guess this pair of Little Grebes was just as surprised as I was that I took the time to capture this mediocre image instead of continuing my search for the Eurasian Coot.

Shortly after, what appeared to be a Eurasian Moorhen with a pale frontal shield smugly swam into view and my life list gets another nudge in the right direction.

Unfortunately, distance again prevented me from obtaining any improvement shots despite the star bird showing long and well for the birder in me.

Chuping is now a pale shadow of its former self. It could be due to a number of reasons but I can bet my bottom dollar it is all caused by humans. A female Pied Harrier floating above the fields was a solemn reminder of the good old days. Another thing birding has taught me is to enjoy whatever it is while it lasts. Sad to say, I have now grown numb to losing good birding locations.

Having said that, this locality remains to be one of the best places to see the beautiful male Red Collared Dove and it has been quite a long time since my last encounter. There will be no reason for this species to stop thriving here as it can readily adapt to living alongside man.

Another species that will not be affected by all the human activities is the migratory Blue-tailed Bee-eater. It is common in open country habitat throughout the length of the peninsular and it is no different here in the vast open landscape of Chuping.

It has been an exhilarating couple of weeks for me and hopefully all this will get me back into the field more frequently. As a conclusion to this post, here is an image of my new ride taken at the Coot Pond and my maiden interstate travel with this beast of a bike was quite an experience as well. I guess motorcycles and the sense of freedom and thrill they provide are a close second to my birding adventures.

Jewels of the marshlands

 

In a time when checklists are being reduced, the Bronze-winged Jacana added itself to Penang’s when it started breeding in the marshlands of Batu Kawan earlier this year. For now, this locality is a wildlife haven especially for water birds. Earmarked for development, there is no is telling when this site will join the rest of the birding hotspots that has diminished in my lifetime. The COVID-19 restrictions for the past six months prevented me from giving these new residents the welcome they truly deserve. Finding myself with some time to kill last Saturday morning, I set out on this long overdue quest.

I was surprised to find a number of Grey-backed Swamphens foraging out in the open. Although I drove as slowly as I could, my approach made them retreat back to the edge of the reed beds. Luckily, they were still in close proximity and their stunning appearance momentarily distracted me from my search for the distinguished lily trotters.

I made myself comfortable in my stationary vehicle and observe these sizeable birds go about their routine. I cannot recall the Grey-headed Swamphen to be so confiding. But then human presence is undeniable here. May it be construction workers, anglers or birders. I guess the birds have grown accustomed to all the commotion. Anyway they are undeniably beautiful and as the morning sun gradually rose above the horizon, the colours of the Grey-headed Swamphen start radiate with utter brilliance.

A pair of White-breasted Waterhen were sneaking about quietly near the vicinity of my car hoping not to get detected. But it will be difficult to overlook the contrasting plumage coloration of this common rail even with the distracting Grey-headed Swamphens in the near distance.

When I regained my composure, emotion of another nature began to set in. Anxiety has now pushed aside my feelings of exhilaration because there was no sign of the Bronze-winged Jacanas. It was then that I noticed another stationary vehicle close by. I casually drove over as I could tell it belonged to another birder and was immediately pointed to a foraging Bronze-winged Jacana. And the rest, as they say, is history...

The jacanas tend to move about the locality and I think there are two adults present as they were seen together at one time. They seemed to be constantly foraging as well. Photography was a little more challenging than I had anticipated. Images with motion blur or subject’s head stuck between the marsh vegetation are not exactly appealing images. But the lighting was beautiful today and this photographic woe is thankfully not something a little perseverance cannot overcome.  

The first time I saw the Bronze-winged Jacanas on Malaysian soil was along the banks of Timah Tasoh Lake in Perlis. Back then, they were miles away. In the more recent past, small numbers of this scarce resident were discovered at Chuping which is also located in this tiny state. Though the observation distance was a major improvement, much was still left to be desired. And now, here in one of my local patches, I am ogling at Bronze-winged Jacanas in all their splendour at close range. Surreal is definitely the word that comes to mind. Birders usually associate radiance and beauty with forest birds. If you have ever seen the Bronze-winged Jacana in good light, you know that it is far from the truth. Come to think of it, a few of the residents of this vast marshland are indeed no less spectacular than their forest counterparts.

However when it comes to vocal abilities, the marshland denizens are no match for the songsters of the forest. Despite all its aesthetic appeal, the call of the Bronze-winged Jacana is nothing more than nasal notes.

Bright sunlight will supposedly bring out the best of the plumage colouration and it does, to a certain degree. But for me, the Bronze-winged Jacanas are dazzling birds regardless of what lighting condition they may be dancing under.

In the duration of my visit to the Batu Kawan marshlands, a rather determined female Yellow Bittern hunted for breakfast and did not budge from one particular spot. I could not be sure if she has been very successful there or the opposite. 

It has been a long time since I last enjoyed a memorable encounter with a Common Greenshank. One was wading along a shallow canal and provided a commendable performance. Although it is a stark contrast from the colourful Bronze-winged Jacana, this common but elegant wader provided one of the main highlights of the trip.

I cannot blame the Common Greenshank for a being a bit narcissistic as it admired the reflection of its own sleek form.

Unlike the Common Greenshank, the Wood Sandpiper is a pure freshwater species. You are unlikely to find one plodding along a coastal mudflat somewhere but you can definitely find one in a marsh like this.

Although water birds held the limelight for this trip, a few other species of birds did manage to momentarily have my attention. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is always a treat to come across in the field. The striking colouration and graceful sallies are near impossible to ignore.

I almost tripped over this overly confiding Zebra Dove that was resting along the pavement next to the vast reed beds. There may be a little exaggeration in my statement but this adorable little bird was barely an arm’s length away and showed very little intention of taking flight from my approach.

For my next destination, I decided to swing by the paddy fields of Permatang Pauh and what greeted upon arrival took my breath away. Surprisingly, it was not an extraordinary bird. It was not even an animal. But a surprisingly beautiful scenery.

Unfortunately, the birding could not provide the same sense of astonishment. It was not to say a poor excursion but I was hoping to catch up with something uncommon rather than just the regular species. Large birds are usually the first ones to be sighted for obvious reasons. And the Asian Openbill is a big and common bird.

Flocks of these peculiar storks was encountered throughout the paddy fields and the confiding ones reminded me just how much I miss birding during the government’s partial lockdown to curb the pandemic.

The angelic egrets are a regular feature here and like the storks, they are rather conspicuous in this open landscape. The Cattle Egret is the smallest but commonest one of them all.

On the other hand, the Intermediate Egret will usually occur in smaller numbers. Furthermore, it is often mistaken for the commoner Great Egret as both species bear some resemblance to each other.

And talk about the Great Egret, here is one providing a ‘reflections of wings and inspiration’ moment as the stately water fowl stalks a flooded patch for prey.

As I wandered further into the paddy fields, I came across even more impressive and large water birds. This Purple Heron looked uncomfortably out of place standing in the middle of this recently planted field.

The Grey Heron is not quite a regular occurrence here and the big fellow’s presence did not go unappreciated despite the harsh lighting.

Although not quite in the same league, Pond-Herons have their own appeal nevertheless. However, one has to wait for the right time of the year when these migrants don their respective breeding plumages to appreciate their true beauty and ascertain their identity.

Flocks of migratory Black-winged Stilts were also back here as expected for the winter. They are not large birds but their sheer numbers, vocal nature and distinctive appearance make them rather conspicuous. Set against the natural backdrop of paddy fields, it is always a delight to observe these graceful waders.

A Stilt with blackish nape is a just cause for getting excited. Pied Stilts, after all, have made their way into the Peninsular Malaysian checklist. But this individual is not going to increase my dormant life list.

Where there are Black-winged Stilts there will usually be Grey-headed Lapwings and they took no effort to hide their disapproval of my intrusion. A lone individual was a little more tolerable and for that I am most grateful.

A careful scan along the muddy stretches did not yield much except for this Little Ringed Plover in non-breeding plumage.

There was one particular patch that was bustling with bird activities and naturally, I decided to have a better look. It turned out to be a flock of Eurasian Tree Sparrows having a feast at the expense of the farmers. Recently germinated paddy seeds were easy pickings and as these raiders continued with their onslaught, the heat of midday started to take its toll on me. I am not sure if the days are getting warmer or my heat tolerance level has dropped due to spending too much time indoors of late. As I made way home, my thoughts inevitably wandered back to the mesmerizing encounter with the Bronze-winged Jacanas and their shimmering plumage.