Nesting Yellow-bellied Prinias

While observing a flock of White-browed Crakes foraging among long grass at the edge of the marshland in Pulau Burung (Penang), I noticed a Yellow-bellied Warbler carrying food as it moved along the vicinity. As I was in my car at that time, I just sat still and observe the bird as it made its way back to the nest. The nest was very well hidden in a small bush at the edge of the marsh. I can barely make out the outline of the nest made from interwoven dried grass and other vegetation.

Although this species is a common resident of open country and scrub vegetation, it is not always a easy subject to photograph because it tends hide among the vegetation. Its distinctive call is usually the tell-tale sign of its present. Once I was sure that my presence was not a deterrence for the parents to perform their parental duties, I decided to take full advantage of this opportunity to capture some images of this common but striking bird.

Gradually, I managed to observe both parents making frequent trips back to the nest with food. The plumage of the second parent was slightly different from the first one. It had an almost completely grey face with only the slightest trace of a white eyebrow. I am not sure if the plumage of this species is this variable because according to the books, both sexes are supposed to be identical and it does not have a specific breeding plumage. Maybe the colours of the plumage are enhanced during the breeding season.

Insects like flies and grasshoppers are the main prey brought back by the parents. Well, there certainly plenty of that around here. The marshlands are infested with insects and is all thanks to the adjacent landfill. Good to know that at least one human activity is helping out Mother Nature - even if it is indirectly.

A few more images of one of the parent birds before I wrapped things up. Although this is common species, it is no doubt a memorable experience. Since I started bird photography, it seems like my birding trips have been given new life. Although through the years I have already achieved a healthy life list, it's almost like I just started birding again as there are still lots of species I have not photographed or need improvement shots. I have always been a birder and I always will. The only difference is that now my camera is just as essential as my binoculars.

01/08/2009: Pulau Burung (Penang)

It has been more than 2 months since my last visit to this vicinity. However, the weather was rather gloomy and it was drizzling upon my arrival.

As the migrants are not back in full force yet, I had plenty of time to give the commoner residents their due attention. The Pacific Swallows were rather in the mood for photography. Or perhaps they just to lazy to hunt due to the weather.

This pair seems to be just watching life go by...

I came across this White-breasted Waterhen preening right in the middle of the access road. It did not pay much attention to my approaching vehicle which was just fine with me. Although this is only rail that is not reluctant to forage in the open, it can still sometimes be a difficult subject to photograph.

The White-browed Crakes on the other hand were rather shy this morning. I could hear their persistent calls from the long grass at the edge of the marsh most of the morning but they remained partly hidden.

I decided to wait in my car, hoping that one of them will move to a more exposed perch. After some time, one finally did...

For a few minutes anyway...

My birding gear and antics received the usual stares from the locals...

This Monitor Lizard decided that evolution is still lagging behind and took matters into its own hands by dressing up in a camouflage suit during the morning hunt...

The distinct call of the Lesser Whistling-ducks caught my attention as they flew quite high over the marshland.

There were a few juveniles foraging about today like this young Jungle Myna...

And this Paddyfield Pipit...

Although the breeding season is coming to an end, this Striated Heron is still sporting its full breeding plumage.

The Wood Sandpipers are usually the first to come back from their breeding grounds up north. Welcome back, buddies...

The Red-wattled Lapwings were belting away their alarm calls at the sight of my approaching vehicle. Quite a big number of them were present this morning.

One of them was foraging near a group of 3 Little Ringed Plovers in a flooded patch of the access road.

Although the 2 species look nothing alike, their foraging habits are identical. After all, the 2 of them are plovers anyway.

It is not easy to approach the Grey Herons here as they are easily spooked. Today, is not any different with these distant shots...

The resident Little Grebes were also up and about...

I don't feel like gettin' me head wet today. I'll just have to jump over this dumb log that's blockin' my way. Nothin' to it...

The Black-winged Stilts were sorely missed this trip. I only managed to see a family of 4 birds foraging at a far distance. However, any feelings of disappointment quickly vanished when the "King Bird" himself decided to alight on a nearby perch to survey his domain. I have come across Changeable Hawk-eagles here on numerous occassions but this is the closest encounter so far with this impressive raptor.

This is one of my favourite raptors due to its appearance and capability of taking large prey. With a stare like this, Boy am I glad I am not part of its diet...