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Friday, April 30, 2010

The Old Pump House Road

Friday 30th April, 2010

One of the best birding destinations was the Old Pump House Road. At its height, I would even rate the place to be far better than the whole area of Frasers Hills in total. But that was history, today, the place is a little like 50/50 chance with many a times meeting up with little or no birds at all.

But when the place was closed to the public in December last year, I was at a lost as to where can I go? After all the waiting, the road was once again open to the public as from last Sunday.

They have installed a new power station and some finishing touches are still being carried out. So, if you are there, just expect some vehicular traffic.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

2 lovely chicks for the morning

Wednesday 28th April, 2010
On Monday I wrote about being to Rimba to check on the chicks. I said, Brahminy chicks and didn't mention about the Coppersmith Barbet. The bough where the nest was situated was way too high about 30 feet high and having the sky as background.

Don't expect any nice pictures. This morning, Wednesday, thought I better behave myself before I get kicked out of the house for out birding daily. Then there was a frantic call from Henry, he has gone "searching for food for the babies and I am suppose to figure out a way to care for the 2 drop-outs."

I went to site and understood that the bough holding the Barbet's nest broke. Down came the nest and babies. The event fortunately seen by Loi at the nick of time. I was there and saw the 2 babies happily standing on the ground at the foot of the tree. Fairly matured and could be fledging soon. But knowing Coppersmith, if left alone, the babies may take another week or so before they are ready to fly. Lifted them up to a low fig tree with dense foliage. The parent called and the chicks responded. Seeing them connected, the 3 of us left the place and the chicks to look after themselves.

Then came Part II of the day!

I was satisfied and also I wanted to share with these 2 kind Samaritans the Flying Carrot scene as a reward. So the three of us went for a ride after collecting my gears from the house.

Upon arrival, the place was deserted. Good, we could all take positions. All ready the first feeding came. Very impressive and the 2 gentlemen were overwhelmed by such wonderful display. The bright red little bird with a frog in her mouth. Explained to them why I had to show them the place. On Monday, 2 carloads of Singaporean. On Tuesday, I was briefed by a Frenchman who was there since the morning, that this hot spot is of international knowledge. The daily crowd is not surprising at all. For example he commented that seeing the peak of 12 photographers appearing here last Wednesday is nothing when compared to the crowd of 50 in Lower Pierce Reservoir for the Oriental-Dwarf.

Before I could finish my story, one van load of Taiwanese arrived, heavily armed and together with packed lunch. They too settled down. Soon, came the first round of firing by them. The sound of their actvities recorded on my video. Such huge crowd I felt unconfortable and so thought that it was time to leave. My 2 companions pleaded with me to allow them seeing one more round of feeding.

Yes, I waited. It was another 40 minutes, they too happily left their stalking spot and came looking for me as I was far away from the hives of action. Took the oportunity to show them the Blue-eared but we took left the place soon afterwards as Blue-eared are very shy birds. Allowed the visiting crowd the priviledge of taking charge of the place.

The Blog site went "Cuckoo" last night. Would not allow me to post the picture

Monday, April 26, 2010

Flying carrot draws large daily crowd

26th April, 2010

My posting had suddenly disappeared at end March from the Blog sites scene and nothing is heard of my actvities except for Madi & Yen who met up with me in Kemensah in mid-April. Yes, I was busy bringing out my old Video clips shot around 2002. The quality of the clips that suffice my needs then are of little use to anyone now. I couldn't throw them down the drain! So I came up with a plan to make them the core for my web page. Having positioned them, the progresses? I aim to replaced them with clips of contemporary quality as I get them in the future. That the main reason for me lying low as I've blocked my time in getting the task completed. For relaxation I went to check on the Brahminy Kites periodically. Whew! All that special assignment is over now and I was ready to relax concentration a couple of weeks. First -where to? That explain the priority, I checked on the hot Kemensah spots, now 3 trips through no reports.


Today, prompted by that latest report on the Flying Carrots I thought it time for me to be updated. Monday afternoon is a good time. Arrived there just after 2.00 pm. There were 2 car loads of Singaporeans. The area around the nest tramped smooth. The parents were still feeding regularly. The cameras forming a ring around the nest - believe me it's only a 10 foot diameter. Across and in front of the nest a 3 feet long slender bare branch, just 3 feet from the nest. The parent came, calmly perched on the branch and inside for feeding. These were the most domesticated nesting parents I have seen. Then a short while later, my friend came and then another came. Now 4 cars plus mine, 5th in the jungle on a Monday afternoon. Hate to do a roll cal for last weekend attendance. I got my video of the birds "full frame", but were out of focus. I still do not know how to focus my newly acquired toy manually.

I left the nesting spot and tested my luck. As reward I got a beautiful bird. A common bird but look at that yellow on the under part. I was attracted by the yellow below the throat. The last time I shot this bird was in Rengit. Today, I got my fill. What a satisfying trip! All because of a common bird.