Not so ordinary garden birds...

 

My birding endeavours take me to all kinds of locations ranging from spectacular mountain tops and lush tropical rainforests to bleak coastal mudflats. However, there is one type of habitat that I will try to avoid and that is habitats with humans. Wherever there are humans, there will usually be situations. Situations that I can do without when I am enjoying my birding. I guess there is some truth when some consider me to be somewhat anti-social but I will not be losing any sleep over that. Before I carried away with this, I better get back to the birds. That is what this blog is all about after all. A quiet neighbourhood in the outskirts of Taiping became the centre of attention when the presence of Common Hoopoes was discovered. This enigmatic species is still considered rare here in Peninsular Malaysia with irregular records throughout the years. I have personally recorded this species as far back as 2003 and it is not new to me. But at this particular location, it appears to be thriving and that is good enough a reason for a visit.

With my companions Hor Kee and Rodney, we arrived at our destination just after dawn. The first bird that caught my attention was a Crested Goshawk surveying its domain from a lofty perch. This stunning raptor was a great way to start off the day and I began to develop a good feeling about this modest location.

A pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills compounded the feeling as they wandered about the housing area. No matter how many times I have recorded this species living alongside humans, it still evokes the same amount of excitement.

I guess the same can be said about Lineated Barbets but on a lesser scale. Well, very few things in life can rival the awe of hornbills and that is the brutal truth. From the look of things, the barbets have also found sanctuary here and the population is set to increase.

A lone Asian Openbill casually foraging within a house compound certainly took me by surprise. There is no doubt this species has come a long way since when they first started to colonize Peninsular Malaysia back in 2010. But this cool fellow is taking it to a whole new level.

Pink-necked Pigeons occur even in my own home compound and I would find it odd if I do not come across them here. Here is a male feeling a little dismay that the lighting condition and my photographic effort did not do much justice to his true appeal.

Another common species of built-up areas is the Asian Glossy Starlings. Electrical cables are predominant in any housing area and birds have a tendency to use them as perches. For birders, this behaviour eases our main mission in life which is to find and observe.

For a bird photographer, these man-made perches hold little value for their photographic effort. This applies to even a striking species like the Blue-throated Bee-eater. In my eyes (and the bird’s), the cable is a strategic point for it to launch aerial assaults on flying insects. If it good enough for the bird, it is good enough for my camera.

The Red-whiskered Bulbul is a species you do not get to see in a lot of neighbourhoods. So, it was heartening to see one here. There is a possibility of escapees for the beautiful bird as it is a popular cage bird. Either way it will not cause any major scientific impact if I get the status wrong for this individual.

I stated earlier birds on cables are more conspicuous and to proof my point, that is how we got our first Common Hoopoe of the day. This may be normal sight in neighbouring countries like Thailand but in my own, it will take some getting used to.

Eventually, we managed to locate a flock of at least five birds consisting of adults and sub-adults as feeding still took place within the flock. During my documentation of the birds, I could not really tell any differences between the birds. All of them were striking and charismatic.

When I scrutinized my photographs back home, I noticed that all the birds I shot had slightly shorter bills. Only then did I realize that maybe both the adult birds managed to evade my photographic efforts.  

The discomfort of a “human-habitat” started to take its toll and we shifted to the second destination of the trip which is the foothills of Bukit Larut. Soon after our arrival, we were greeted by the diagnostic territorial call of the Banded Broadbill. It took a little effort but the result was rewarding. Often hidden by the cover of the forest canopy, a good view like this is a real godsend to me.

I could not believe it when another broadbill species decided to show well after the first encounter. The Black-and-yellow Broadbill can be confiding at times but the individual today has surpassed that point.

The full black collar indicated that it was a male bird and that feature is only the difference between the sexes. He is a truly exquisite creature of the forest.

A few fruiting trees in the vicinity were in season and they attracted the usual groups of bulbuls. Among them was a female Blue-winged Leafbird and she was the only that managed to find her way into my memory card.

The Verditer Flycatcher is a species that I have not seen for a long while now. When one decided to hawk for insects nearby, I was elated. It may be the duller female but the prolonged encounter was fair compensation.

I know I always lament how frustrating forest birding can be but apparently, not today. Another female bird provided a memorable encounter and she was a Raffles’s Malkoha. Initially she played hard to get, typical of most desirable ladies. On a more serious note, malkohas are usually difficult subject for photography and the Raffles’s Malkoha is no different. But the good girl performed unexpectedly well in the end and made every birder present fell head over heels for her.

Here is one final image of the alluring Raffles’s Malkoha to wrap things up this time. The foothills of a colonial hill station and a surprisingly birdy neighbourhood certainly rose up to the occasion and provided ample material for another entry to my birding blog.

The Bird Hide Part 1: Never say never

 

I never thought the day would come when I will spend an entire day sitting in a hide. I also never thought that I could exhaust both my memory card and camera battery during one single sitting. Never say never, I guess. I always carry spare cards with me but for the other problem, thankfully Nigel had one to spare. Just beyond the borders of Kaeng Krachan National Park, there is a hide owned by a man that goes by the name of Mr. Bird. His hide is called, none other than, The Bird Hide. A simple name but an apt one indeed. How else could I, a birder by nature, spend almost ten hours straight in a permanent hide. Lunch and drinks were delivered and the only time we actually took breaks were to answer the call of nature.

Like what I mentioned in one of my earlier post, there is also a watering hole here to entice feathered gems out of hiding. The weather condition plays a major role and it was another sweltering day which made it perfect. The flood gates opened when a flock of Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes swarmed in like paratroopers. Beautiful and boisterous, this lifer immediately increased the level of exhilaration within the hide.

I am no stranger to the antics of Laughingthrushes as this family of birds also occur in Malaysia. Even back home, I have not grown tired of observing them. Now imagine a new species with tons of personalities. Enough said.

Before we could regained our composure, a flock of Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes decided to join in. I usually do some homework before I visit another country for birding and so, I am aware of the existence of two Necklaced Laughinghthrushes. However, it still took a while before I could comfortably differentiate the two species. And here are plainer-faced and shorter-billed Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes.

Behaviour-wise, I think both species are identical. What the Greaters do, the Lessers did it too. And the result is not unlike observing a fiesta. Initially I had my camera mounted on a tripod. That is the usual practice for hide photography. But I could not cope with the level of bird activity in front of my eyes. Once unrestrained, it evened the playing field and I slipped into a hidden world filled with awe and wonders.

I ended up shooting more the Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes. It was not because I had favouritism but simply because they were more photogenic.

Because of the unprecedented number of images obtained during our time in the hide, much thought was given as to how to blog about this divine experience. In the end, I decided to go with covering one species at a time. And made it into two parts instead of cramping all into one. Hence, you will notice that images of a single species will have different lighting conditions as they were taken throughout the day. The third species of Laughingthrush recorded, the White-crested Laughingthrush, makes a fine example of that.

At least three birds were present in the vicinity and they started appearing around midday. They were also one of the last birds we photograph before calling it a day.

However, their contrasting plumage colourations made it difficult to get the right exposure. These active birds’ preference for the forest floor did not make it any easier. What was easy though was being amused by all their garrulous chatters and quirky personalities.

At the Cafe De Camp Hide a few days back, I was intrigued by the captivating Racket-tailed Treepie. Here, I was overwhelmed.

Lighting is of utmost importance when it comes to capturing the true beauty of the Treepies. I could ogle at that greenish plumage and blue eyes all day long. Come to think of it, I actually did.

I reckon the Racket-tailed Treepies were one of the main reasons I exhausted my memory card. I just could not help myself and I think their visitation frequency outnumbered every other species present.

Everything at The Bird Hide seemed to be amplified and the Racket-tailed Treepies at times show up in flocks of up to three individuals. When they lined up on the same vine, it was simply adorable.

There will be birds in your birding life that will not cease to amaze and excite no matter how many times you have observe them before. The Common Green Magpie certainly lives up to this statement. On this hot and sunny day, it made several appearances and is one of the main highlights of the day.

I came across this species quite regularly during my birding in the mountains of my homeland. But they are a pale comparison to what we experienced here during our ten hours at this basic but effective gateway to an amazing world I rarely have been given the privilege to witness.

Big, bold and beautiful there is nothing not to love about this forest denizen. The vibrance of its plumage colourations border the surreal at times and we are more than happy to be in this dream-like state.

It would take something spectacular to distract my attention while I was shooting the Common Green Magpie at the watering hole. And a Large Scimitar Babbler will absolutely do. Unlike the former which it shares its habitat with back in Peninsular Malaysia, I have seen it only once in all my life and a few heard records. This photo captured the moment I realized that today may well be one of the best birding experiences ever. Hallelujah…

It was unfortunate the Large Scimitar Babbler only appeared during the hottest part of the day when the lighting is at its worst. However, it could be for this reason it decided to show up at all. After quenching its thirst, it hastily hopped back into the forest leaving only an encounter that is forever etched into memory.

A definite thumbs up for our day at The Bird Hide...

It is second nature to have my bins with me whenever I am out birding. However, the close proximities of the birds here rarely require the extra magnification for identification. But a little brown job skulking about the shadows of the undergrowth immediately put my bins to use. Eventually the juvenile Siberian Blue Robin left no doubts about its identity and it was back to photography (on a tripod) again.

A Taiga Flycatcher also frequented the vicinity but its distinct undertail made it rather recognizable.

The novelty of the Brown-cheeked Fulvetta has yet to expire and this dull-looking species still has my attention when it was present.

One species that is certainly not a little brown job was the Black-naped Monarch. The male sports a vivid blue plumage and his arrival brought additional colours and splendour to The Bird Hide.

His mate may not be his equal in terms of beauty but she still deserves some recognition.

I did not spend too much time on Bulbuls as most species are relatively familiar to me like the Black-crested Bulbul.

Inevitably, the Stripe-throated Bulbul received similar attention. It is just human nature at work. In the presence of so many amazing species and a number of them being new to me, the commoner species will be taken for granted.

The Blue-winged Leafbird may not be new to me but it will take a heart of stone to ignore the brilliant plumage and song of the male. We shared the hide with another group in the morning. When this species made an appearance, I understood every word they said despite not speaking their language. Their body language and sense of excitement said it all.

It is heartening to see the White-rumped Shama finding sanctuary within and around Kaeng Krachan National Park. Although, this male did show off his vocal talents, his aesthetic appeal was undeniable.

Unbelievably, a male Oriental Pied Hornbill decided to join in the fun and its sheer size sent most of the patrons scattering for safety. I am just grateful I have a zoom lens. Otherwise, I will only have head shots to show.

It is always a pleasure to obtain long and good views of the Asian Emerald Dove. Generally skittish by nature, it is often seen flying for cover more than anything else.

When it stepped into the sunlight, you can see how its name was derived. A true feathered jewel regardless of its common status.

Common but striking. That would be how I will describe a male Common Flameback. I am guessing it is as common here as it is in Peninsular Malaysia but opportunities to increase my field experience with this woodpecker is always welcomed. Especially close encounters like these.

The female lacks the flaming red crest of the male bird but she can still hold her own in terms of attraction.

A little degree of scrutiny is required to differentiate the larger but similar-looking Greater Flameback. I do not come across the species as often as the former and this prolonged encounter did not go unappreciated. I guess hoping for a male to come along was pushing it a little far.

The sleek and shiny form of a Bronze Drongo grace the vicinity for a short period of time. Too short if you asked me. After taking a sip, it retreated back into the forest and did not return again.

Honestly, I could not complain. It faired so much better than the Hair-crested Drongo. For the second consecutive hide experience, a Drongo species remained sceptical and kept its distance from the refreshments being offered. 

I have left out a fascinating group of birds that made our visit to The Bird Hide so phenomenal. In fact, they were the main targets for this birding location and it was a blessing that the poor show of the Drongo in the previous paragraph was an isolated incident. Stay tuned for the second part of this post.