Ending the year with some Christmas cheer

 

Christmas - that special time of the year when anything is possible or so they say. And what better time to set out for not one but two lifers than on Christmas Day itself. It has been nearly 15 months since I last increase my life list. Undoubtedly, this is the longest I have ever gone without a lifer and it is courtesy of the ongoing pandemic and all the travel restrictions. I had a little appetizer before the main course which was slated for the afternoon. Unfortunately, the Black Bittern that was showing well for others at the Penang Botanic Gardens was no where to be seen. It was not a good sign especially before a major twitching trip and a striking Blue-tailed Bee-eater did not possess enough finesse to lift my spirits. So much for the magic of Christmas so far.

The Pied Stilt looks very much like some variances of the Black-winged Stilt and this graceful wader was my first twitch of the trip. It is a recent colonizer from the south to Peninsular Malaysia and a few finally made their way up to Penang state as predicted. The paddy planting district of mainland Penang houses hundreds of wintering Black-winged Stilts. Relying on the information others have provided and faith, I scanned through the flocks looking for the odd ones out. Luckily, I had James’s help for this tedious task as he accompanied me on this excursion. It was a hot and sunny day and the heatwave was almost unbearable. And then among a flock of 50 or so, I noticed one sporting a distinctive black mane. It was far and the paddy stalks, tall. Upon further strenuous scrutiny, it was beyond doubt I was squinting at my first Pied Stilt.

I carefully trod onto the muddy bund with the hope of obtaining better images. The paddy field is not a place where one can easily sneak up to a bird and the magic of Christmas, like everything else in life, has its limits.

Time was of the essence on this occasion and as I was about to leave for my next destination, the Pied Stilt strolled into full view. It was still a dreadful effort but then again, I could have just as easily missed the bird among the sea of stilts and stalks. Thus, always be grateful of what you have being given.

We arrived at the jetty along the Penaga River just in time to join the rest to search for Malaysia’s second Black-faced Spoonbill by boat. There is not much I can add that Google cannot provide about this unique and globally endangered species except that it presses all the right buttons for me – a water bird that is big, beautiful and rare.

We found the Black-faced Spoonbill at the river mouth where it frequents. However, all the excitement and anticipation built up to this moment drowned away because the distinguished visitor was foraging at a spot where the possibility of reducing the distance was non-existence.

The only thing left to do was to wait and hope for the Black-faced Spoonbill to wander closer and it was a long and taxing wait. A juvenile White-bellied Sea-Eagle gilded in and momentarily distracted us from the depressing situation we were in. It may sound like I am contradicting myself. I got my double lifers, didn’t I? It really should not matter that I only managed record shots for this lifer as well. But I was really looking forward to a memorable experience with the spoonbill and a distant observation is not exactly what I had in mind.

Anyway, back to the eagle. A sudden change of pace caught everyone by surprise and I almost missed the opportunity of capturing this majestic raptor dive successfully for what appeared to be a snake. On any other given day, this would have left me on cloud nine. But the disappointment with the spoonbill could not be that easily forgotten.

Even the appearance of a juvenile Brahminy Kite soaring effortlessly in the clear blue sky did very little to brightened up the trip. Not when now that the Black-faced Spoonbill had gone hidden from sight as it rested behind a line of mangrove trees.

At that point in time, we decided to venture elsewhere and to return here again before the day is over. A Collared Kingfisher was also taking shelter from the scorching heat and perched among the foliage of the mangroves.

The Black-capped Kingfisher is one difficult bird to photograph because of its shy nature. I found out today that it is more tolerant to approach by boat than car and this individual continued to rest in the shade despite our intrusion. This common but striking migrant did reposition itself during our observation and the encounter gave us to courage to hope for better things to come before the end of the day.

It was the moment of truth and the boat circled back for one more attempt with the Black-faced Spoonbill. On a wing and a prayer, we are hoping that the receding tide will draw it out from hiding and forage along the water’s edge. Just like this Great Egret.

Even from a distance, there is no mistaking the foraging technique of the spoonbill as it sweeps for aquatic invertebrates. We cautiously approach and now at least, we can truly admire the unique and enigmatic Black-faced Spoonbill.

Before the trip, I gawked at some of the images that were posted on social media. Although my own efforts do not even come close but I am happy. Two lifers in one day is a rare feat for me and given the unprecedented period I had to endure without lifers, this is one of my best Christmas Days in a long time. I suppose every birder wishes for easily attained lifers. However, sometimes the drawbacks and drama in a way add value to the experience. There was certainly no shortage of that today.

Little did I know the Black-faced Spoonbill saved the best for last. As the last light of day gradually slid back into the horizon, we found our main target of this boat trip basking in the golden light of the setting sun. And I, just took a deep breath and soak in the view. From utter disappointment to total bliss. The magic of Christmas? You bet it is. At the time of writing, this vagrant has not been seen in two days. All the more reason to be grateful.

When we returned to the jetty, a few Black-crowned Night-Herons have emerged from their roost. As our day comes to a close, theirs have just only begun. These common nocturnal water birds wrapped things up for the day and what a day it has been. The Pied Stilt will most probably get commoner here in Malaysia but for now, it is certainly a significant record. The Black-faced Spoonbill was just amazing and I may not have another chance to see this rarity again in my homeland. 2021 may not have been an eventful year but the appearance of these two species in the final weeks of the year has now made it otherwise.

Island Life

Though not a true tropical paradise island, Penang Island has always been home for me. The traffic congestion and unbelievable rate of development is part of the norm here. On the other hand, so is the delectable food and colourful culture. In terms of birding, the Pearl of the Orient usually provides only mediocre affairs. However, once in a long while, something significant will pop up and restores my faith. And this time, that something significant popped up outside one of the busiest malls in Penang – the renowned Gurney Plaza.

Among the species of pigeons that occur here in Malaysia, a few are only found on islands. The Pied Imperial-Pigeon is one of them. Although this elegant bird is not new to me, it has been years since I last saw one. For the past days, a few have been regularly sighted on the trees outside the mall and showed little fear of human presence. With an hour to kill on a beautiful Saturday morning, I decided to try luck. By the time I arrived it was mid-morning. It was no surprise to find other birders present as the Pied Imperial-Pigeon is not commonly encountered in Malaysia. And they pointed out to me one of the three birds present today. It was resting in a shady spot among the foliage of one of the trees. Looking absolutely comfortable, the pigeon was unlikely to shift position anytime soon and I had to settle for this less than ideal image.

Catching up with my fellow birders helped to pass the time as we waited for a better photographic opportunity. The commoner birds present also played their part to keep me occupied like this ragged looking Collared Kingfisher.

A few Little Egrets were present as well and one was just enjoying the cool sea breeze while soaking up the warm rays of the morning sun. This, ladies and gentlemen, is island life.

However, the egrets are outnumbered by the Striated Herons here as the latter are doing well in coastal vicinities throughout the island.

When one of the Pied Imperial-Pigeons shifted position, it was the moment everyone was waiting for including yours truly. And the timing could not have been better. The lighting condition grew harsher by the moment and the weekend crowd have started to throng to the mall. Our presence with our gear and all, drew the usual stares and that is one of the things that irritates me when birding in a crowded area. But the pigeon drown out all of that by alighting on some dead branches to reveal its true appeal. And it was certainly a beautiful bird. And my faith in birding on the island was definitely restored...

It remained there for a few minutes before joining a second bird in flight and disappeared among some tall trees in a distance. I got the shot that I wanted and with the noon hour approaching, there was little point to linger here anymore.

The shoreline of Gurney Drive is a known stronghold of the Black-crowned Night-Heron for as long as I could remember. Despite all the destruction of habitat in the vicinity, the population endured. As I made my way home, it was nice to see such a beautiful water bird along a popular coastal boulevard like this in full view of everyone. However, exactly how many actually realise the existence of this bird in their proximity is anyone’s guess.

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas - Part II

We arrived at the car park of Air Hitam Dalam slightly earlier than expected. As my guests, brothers Nigel and Jimmy geared up for day two of their birding adventure around Penang, a Spotted Wood-Owl swooped in on silent wings like a phantom in the dark. There was just enough illumination to see it has got a rat in its deadly talons and the presence of food brought its mate out of hiding. Both birds eventually alighted among the dense foliage of the swamp forest canopy and it was one hell of a way to start off the day. Little did I know then that it was a sign of things to come. Anyway despite all our efforts, we could not relocate the owls when it finally got bright but we did manage to spot a Crested Serpent-Eagle getting for the day ahead.

Even at a distance, there was no mistaking a Red-whiskered Bulbul. I do not come across this species often despite the fact that it is a northern species. I guess the bird trade has a lot to answer for their decline in numbers. Cursed with remarkable vocal abilities and striking appeal, the Red-whiskered Bulbul is much sought-after as a pet bird. 

Migratory Indian Cuckoos are usually silent at their wintering grounds and this one would have gone unnoticed had I not see it flew in.

I do not see the Black-crowned Night-Heron roosting in the swamp forest here often and the sighting of a young adult is very promising indeed.

The Taiga Flycatcher that we discovered here a month ago is settling in very well and performing for all those who take the effort to appreciate its subtle beauty. Today, I managed to obtain some reasonably good images of this rare migrant.

We were off to the paddy fields of Permatang Pauh next and one of the first birds to capture our attention was a big flock of Grey-headed Lapwings. This birding site is one of the few places in the country where this migratory wader is found in good numbers annually. Unfortunately, it is naturally shy and good photographic opportunities are often rare.

The Black-winged Stilt also winters here annually and the numbers today is just as impressive as the lapwings. It has been a long time since I last ogled at the long legs of this graceful and sultry wader. The birds were exceptionally confiding today and with the favourable lighting conditions, the encounter was like a breath of fresh air. And for seasoned birder like me, I could sure use some rejuvenation.

Open country birds tend to be more obliging and with the aid of your vehicle, you can experience some truly intimate encounters. The Brown Shrike is one of the commonest migrants here. I always have a soft spot for this predatory bird and its temperamental personality. This individual was so confiding that I could reach out and pat it on the head. Naturally, it had our attention while it hunted from the perimeter fencing of the paddy fields.

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is just as common a migrant as the shrike. It is an accomplished predator in its own right. It may lack the brute strength of the shrike but it has the aerial agilities few can master. Sleek and graceful, the Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a pure delight to observe and photograph from a close proximity.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. A time of joy, hope and miracles. And sometimes, Christmas comes early and we were the three fortunate souls to receive this blessing today. A bird perched at the top of an opened boom gate miraculously turned out to be a Barn Owl. Yup, it is certainly feeling a lot like Christmas now…

This species is not uncommon as it adapts well to living alongside humans. I have seen it during the day on a couple of occasions in the past but only it flight. But this one was perched and right out in the open. Using our vehicle as a hide, we managed to creep quite close to this elegant nocturnal hunter.

It is unknown for Barn Owls to hunt in the daytime. This individual may not be in hunt mode – not full heartedly anyway. But it was alert of its surroundings. Every now and then, something from the undergrowth will have it staring intently. And each time, we will our breath hoping for the raptor to plunge. But it never did. I guess there is a limit to the magic of Christmas.

Despite our presence, it was completely at ease. Yawning and preening, the owl continued to have us mesmerized by its bewitching beauty. Surprisingly, even the marauding House Crows left it alone. Life can be beautiful at times.

So it was just us, the owl and the clear blue sky. There is no such thing as just another daytime owl sighting. A few species that quite often provide daytime encounters at my local patches and they are just as exhilarating even after all these years. With the Barn Owl, a species I rarely get to photograph, this encounter was simply amazing and will go down as one of the highlights of my birding life.

My Christmas angel up close and personal...

We awoke from this dream-like state when the owl suddenly glided to a clump of Banana trees. We took a few more shots of the owl before parting ways. Merry Christmas, bud...

On a lesser scale, we came across a young Purple Heron that was not resting partially hidden among the paddy stalks like this species often does. The heatwave was quite apparent now and that is bad news for photography.

Common Sandpipers are common everywhere in winter. But that does not mean it will not have my attention occasionally.

For me, one of the beauties of birding is that sometimes even the commoner species can provide a spark to your birding excursion. The White-throated Kingfisher is a regular feature paddy fields everywhere but an accommodating individual like this is still good enough to provide a memorable end to an incredible trip.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all those celebrating a Merry Christmas and to everyone, a Happy New Year.