tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87566574923385246862024-03-14T08:57:44.877-07:00Only the 2-legged feathered kindwondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-51167491988916316312010-04-30T02:53:00.000-07:002010-04-30T02:54:03.053-07:00The Old Pump House RoadFriday 30th April, 2010<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-39763065887341072332010-04-28T07:58:00.000-07:002010-04-28T17:03:20.439-07:002 lovely chicks for the morningWednesday 28th April, 2010<br />
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.<br />
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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."<br />
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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.<br />
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Then came Part II of the day!<br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Blog site went "Cuckoo" last night. Would not allow me to post the picture</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-79668697976538134022010-04-26T04:37:00.000-07:002010-04-26T04:44:35.272-07:00Flying carrot draws large daily crowd26th April, 2010<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_yx0PkbZ2H-32wBIg__M0eS3JzOvIB8iZiU2nZz_KKzHZ03SqP55gvGG559yhKcFJPIp4MSiZqJOaguRNbX4N3T7_-5s4LLfC__44QP9MRBT-umVZJT5xqxKnqo1Vvy3PAj8p9vDcsE/s1600/Tiger_Shrike-sub-adult.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_yx0PkbZ2H-32wBIg__M0eS3JzOvIB8iZiU2nZz_KKzHZ03SqP55gvGG559yhKcFJPIp4MSiZqJOaguRNbX4N3T7_-5s4LLfC__44QP9MRBT-umVZJT5xqxKnqo1Vvy3PAj8p9vDcsE/s320/Tiger_Shrike-sub-adult.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-91370823886164821102010-03-31T06:18:00.000-07:002010-03-31T06:18:47.302-07:003 nestings in Rimba Kiara27th March 2010<br />
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I was caught with the urge to learn more about videos. Recalling that I started my birding many years ago doing video. Those were the days, I used the video to bring the scene back home for ID. Now I need not ID birds but rather interested in getting meaningful images for posting in U-Tube.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbUcg0blL2sk-hHCzOpTQi_Nd2czzv19q4n_WCCzjH6yAEuT-ZxPtwiiI8n4fDDhaF6GENaIx464PP2k0u2WQGH8EEd2ScHnyW1Zw3RzxOd_7kZpMKLgwmgvzuGxI2EYZKU5eMCpyv58/s1600/new-1-beeeater-v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbUcg0blL2sk-hHCzOpTQi_Nd2czzv19q4n_WCCzjH6yAEuT-ZxPtwiiI8n4fDDhaF6GENaIx464PP2k0u2WQGH8EEd2ScHnyW1Zw3RzxOd_7kZpMKLgwmgvzuGxI2EYZKU5eMCpyv58/s320/new-1-beeeater-v.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
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Whether it is Video or not, opportunity comes in various form. <br />
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When you least needed it, like this day the Blue-throated choose to perched rather low to me.<br />
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Oh! I still need to go through my rituals of checking on the chicks. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBYHA9hPm2bMnBGTq75ACvCQE0C2XC21COyxFe0RK2mVVYV9jAcLCcIi2r0wqaqu7BFE2pFH7U5fA1b-QfCaF6tWkftuTHdtz3GqeUOlB_5pwZn4WzqD-vnQPPLCV5HK2D65D7Cfnhnk/s1600/new-2-brahminyseat-hn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBYHA9hPm2bMnBGTq75ACvCQE0C2XC21COyxFe0RK2mVVYV9jAcLCcIi2r0wqaqu7BFE2pFH7U5fA1b-QfCaF6tWkftuTHdtz3GqeUOlB_5pwZn4WzqD-vnQPPLCV5HK2D65D7Cfnhnk/s320/new-2-brahminyseat-hn.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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There was not much action in the Brahminy nest! <br />
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I could see a white head, most probably that of the parent seating on the eggs<br />
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Then there was this newly found Oriole's nest. I could see 2 chicks. But on second thought, I better transfer the going -on back to my own web sites to monitor the progress. If you interested, you could see it here http://malaysianbirds.myphotos.cc/nesting-birds/oriole2010.htm <br />
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I only hope I am given the chance to se its fledging.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj4np83n0ti3bvC4sRLA52ni0fQAzjVgBJlE_alRoLpx78hMVsZao8A1wCCVF6KV241qQ9JFe9kmlnLhp6xxU6dKivOuUZk-wNE-JmFVE_SR2P5uw7oBjBiWtFKC4j73vLFkszD7-4iY/s1600/new-3-chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj4np83n0ti3bvC4sRLA52ni0fQAzjVgBJlE_alRoLpx78hMVsZao8A1wCCVF6KV241qQ9JFe9kmlnLhp6xxU6dKivOuUZk-wNE-JmFVE_SR2P5uw7oBjBiWtFKC4j73vLFkszD7-4iY/s320/new-3-chick.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Goshawk chicks still remain mysterious. I could make out 2 chicks, so far to date I have not seen them in action, merely lying low in the nest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2u4zyjEjxRE5nwNZu_JGEXvZ2bdrN-dR_R3FU4NhAA3_1qwIMe3e4F48hyphenhyphen45veNVnEAJKwWPCzCd0enZiCOlgE5ep-Wvp-3xe2kbVLGIcOWk5zDAOWrW67t7_J9-RbcIWOcL-z8d-J4/s1600/new-45-chickgoshawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2u4zyjEjxRE5nwNZu_JGEXvZ2bdrN-dR_R3FU4NhAA3_1qwIMe3e4F48hyphenhyphen45veNVnEAJKwWPCzCd0enZiCOlgE5ep-Wvp-3xe2kbVLGIcOWk5zDAOWrW67t7_J9-RbcIWOcL-z8d-J4/s320/new-45-chickgoshawk.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I am glad that the park is so near to my house. I could be there to make daily checkwondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-40340785649879070252010-03-23T06:57:00.000-07:002010-03-23T07:03:07.189-07:00Two active nests21st March 2010<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It's a Sunday and I have not a place in mind where I could be doing some productive birding. Then its time to check on the Kite's nesting nearby. Into the park I went and started with the video. First to come to me were the a pair of Ioras. That's the spot where Tan joined me. We updated each other on the going-ons, and like Park Rangers, we inspected the various points of interest. First stop the Kites. Just then, a pair of Bazas dropped by. Some 300 meters away with the Sun as back drop.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHbS9vxP3pJBfOj8tIIJU18NqNVUxkxlKB7sT0wDGcvajdpDJ9JvOQ1VFYYu8tvbHAIs0PyKb9x-YkN-SeuNlYRNigiDc821i18Slv51WB6QJnzhyuFCA3GJjG8inB97Qn66YMkmy14c/s1600-h/01baza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHbS9vxP3pJBfOj8tIIJU18NqNVUxkxlKB7sT0wDGcvajdpDJ9JvOQ1VFYYu8tvbHAIs0PyKb9x-YkN-SeuNlYRNigiDc821i18Slv51WB6QJnzhyuFCA3GJjG8inB97Qn66YMkmy14c/s320/01baza.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>Bazas normally played the role of "Back-sweepers" during the north bound migration period as I had monitored them in previous years. This time was no exception, they showed but didn't get that close for a picture. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgxnu6wIEjY_PV4cjOn8Hno6wM5plLnLWO1ZQqoKa8vpze0KLWjyux5wrvvw-aCQFz6hzlO-A-V7t0J3OtlDqpQ42G4f-eExznhyDPAzXSLmP9N3HePnMdXr81e0cInfhRQ_XG5CDR2Q/s1600-h/02iora.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgxnu6wIEjY_PV4cjOn8Hno6wM5plLnLWO1ZQqoKa8vpze0KLWjyux5wrvvw-aCQFz6hzlO-A-V7t0J3OtlDqpQ42G4f-eExznhyDPAzXSLmP9N3HePnMdXr81e0cInfhRQ_XG5CDR2Q/s320/02iora.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div>Oh! Before that one picture for the Ioras that I was toying with. The same mistake happened this morning. I did not get a picture of those Ioras too. <br />
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Tried getting a still from the video clip. Here is one to show. Just a recognizable picture but nothing of quality. So for the record! <br />
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On Saturday, we surprised by the calls of the Collared. Even more shocked to spot a pair of them. This bird like winter's visitors had been sighted and remained in the Rimba Park for a long period last year. Then that one bird was gone. This year, a pair. Good that we have taken note of its appearance. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIKHwzzy90pkpjSpoQkaWmL8McitgtZAmW_9zZ2MQ0jU6dItU7LxZs5xE7taC_94vXmn_RcVR1vj1zwkMDNcTiTq5BAqdr1BAeaDw67_OU-tnRAZYLTmpMxw4np4BS1QzEUk3wTriDhM/s1600-h/03collared.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIKHwzzy90pkpjSpoQkaWmL8McitgtZAmW_9zZ2MQ0jU6dItU7LxZs5xE7taC_94vXmn_RcVR1vj1zwkMDNcTiTq5BAqdr1BAeaDw67_OU-tnRAZYLTmpMxw4np4BS1QzEUk3wTriDhM/s320/03collared.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picture I made on Saturday. This day, we did not look for them, neither did we hear any call.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coming back to my chore for the day, here is one shot of the Brahminy seating in the nest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MMncUXWb8ECTAHR0HFDf_sa2zzOrYcW4beGCzmzsj0jpNaV_WNkQCVsxUpHfXpbJBf5pIpeQxEQEKmkXLcMHfXgJSQ8OyCy55OyNTZJWIjiCsf1pI9_VH04_kVtdP2RCs1CYuGJJGns/s1600-h/04brahminy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MMncUXWb8ECTAHR0HFDf_sa2zzOrYcW4beGCzmzsj0jpNaV_WNkQCVsxUpHfXpbJBf5pIpeQxEQEKmkXLcMHfXgJSQ8OyCy55OyNTZJWIjiCsf1pI9_VH04_kVtdP2RCs1CYuGJJGns/s320/04brahminy.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The picture below is supposed to show glimpses of the 2 Goshawk's chicks. Still in downs, their heads occassionally raised above the edges of the nest. Don't strain your eyes, they were not seen here. For me, I could only detect their tiny movement through the variations while flipping through a series of the same pictures in this series. Next report, hope to show you clear view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp1FJgV_u5nalGTKMTxtzxyjQzqVRqL8grTlZN7WZpA6IfFE-uYyFPi2kB2NTtit65gMmH0U9zjKjLGxGHtpnYWv5EF4rnZPzAZSYzclUKpF5JoBdbXC6XMf-Ieibxg4Z-8pE-jQYrSo/s1600-h/05goshawk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp1FJgV_u5nalGTKMTxtzxyjQzqVRqL8grTlZN7WZpA6IfFE-uYyFPi2kB2NTtit65gMmH0U9zjKjLGxGHtpnYWv5EF4rnZPzAZSYzclUKpF5JoBdbXC6XMf-Ieibxg4Z-8pE-jQYrSo/s320/05goshawk.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While showing Loi the Asian-brown on Saturday, I caught a glimpse of a different bird dropping by. Caught you this time!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a female. The male dropped by too but higher up in the canopy level and blocked by twigs. All Tan could say was "It is a very beautiful yellow bird!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavTkoCBE7ddid7T7ZbEH6rO4BLRqRRk3r2DJL88qnInlLM7q-FWb1dC2pu0OQddx2qjQ3bm-8QJ2M8OEvCfsE6oiaFkyzvsx6Y-Oef5iG1zCOLwdOvmAlvhie1Wa-9fGVL3ouj8QTBbE/s1600-h/06yellow-rumped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavTkoCBE7ddid7T7ZbEH6rO4BLRqRRk3r2DJL88qnInlLM7q-FWb1dC2pu0OQddx2qjQ3bm-8QJ2M8OEvCfsE6oiaFkyzvsx6Y-Oef5iG1zCOLwdOvmAlvhie1Wa-9fGVL3ouj8QTBbE/s320/06yellow-rumped.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">But after hours of watching the Asian-brown, I was getting disillusioned that from the colors at its wing tip, this could be a different Flycatcher. Thank goodness, there were a few other Asian-brown around. That's the reason I had made a joint picture to confirm the similarity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFz1xxrtSc1zW6mFk3N17vli4v9EgbMhvo7_Huhp77E8xH7VunVNEtshKqgrBAb_MRn7-3XFTsZ9LpnuHZOxAEqwZE_-hfimXfMYjYo9sXCGasJuvEkYhyphenhyphenQOIbHOic9l3wfZH8d1IcBw/s1600-h/07asian-brown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFz1xxrtSc1zW6mFk3N17vli4v9EgbMhvo7_Huhp77E8xH7VunVNEtshKqgrBAb_MRn7-3XFTsZ9LpnuHZOxAEqwZE_-hfimXfMYjYo9sXCGasJuvEkYhyphenhyphenQOIbHOic9l3wfZH8d1IcBw/s320/07asian-brown.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had plenty of time to split hairs. An example! Nice question asked was "why did this Kingfisher wears such fade off colors?" </div><div style="text-align: center;">Is this an old bird with fading colors. An interesting point to do some research.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1YyNe8lY3eRdcZ5dmEh0giW1NJRyhyphenhyphenpRR2r1jsiqHyoZWLS_E_V4Kovs17c9akQUY2PySc9AOUbutZp-k0k3-fp9BRe0zArllhpoWr7n-DaWvwqebqRsRBDXT0axZZmhTwAOU-_nSZU/s1600-h/08oldkingfisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1YyNe8lY3eRdcZ5dmEh0giW1NJRyhyphenhyphenpRR2r1jsiqHyoZWLS_E_V4Kovs17c9akQUY2PySc9AOUbutZp-k0k3-fp9BRe0zArllhpoWr7n-DaWvwqebqRsRBDXT0axZZmhTwAOU-_nSZU/s320/08oldkingfisher.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Same spot, same species but different happening. Not for comparison of colors. A pair were perched in the on the rail again. I got this wonderful shot when large Raptor flew by. Could not make out what this light grey Raptor was but it gone behind the trees. I didn't miss the Kingfishers who were also keeping their fixed on the new intruder.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApnQFl11BA4jQkYEJq8RZzkvX-kcfs03ebIoSSpIAZXm2qMnYJHT593x99Yh3VAIfU3mWjX0N1iAqKoAz1YR0venWSZx7KdtDdzG-TljoqFLldBowsppWVt4CfytLCjNDywEZaTCcuKI/s1600-h/09kingfisher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApnQFl11BA4jQkYEJq8RZzkvX-kcfs03ebIoSSpIAZXm2qMnYJHT593x99Yh3VAIfU3mWjX0N1iAqKoAz1YR0venWSZx7KdtDdzG-TljoqFLldBowsppWVt4CfytLCjNDywEZaTCcuKI/s320/09kingfisher.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An interesting morning, with good company and plenty of bird talks. Of course the harvest for the day was not bad too. Back home, the quality of video I got for this second batch were disastrous after I set my camera to have them captured in 15:9 format. I have them posted up as well to show the trend of my progress. That's life. Not all action of mine were flawless and not all pictures taken ideal.</div><br />
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</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-45339038612479049202010-03-22T03:37:00.000-07:002010-03-22T04:25:15.792-07:00Another routine trip to Jeram18th March 2010<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was searching in my archive for pictures of the Javan Myna to complete my line-up of Mynas. There were many in the store but none of them to my satisfaction. I could see that my standard for judging the quality of pictures invariably has improved. At the back of my mind, another assignment, I was itching to go out for some videos. Which better place was there for chioces but to pick Jeram. Upon arrival, the place by the beach was swamped with this nasty birds - Javan Mynas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3sFn3lCojciHc7vsCUmftjmtF2NDsordWQEXUJoxNtipDcMOyExpDH5OPVe4NV5oCwjsYGP-icFUZdB5yLyRWUtPdMZhCZozS00pJbIUifxdJGADnyBHrbauDKXJLuyiE9l-jL80WYY/s1600-h/01myna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3sFn3lCojciHc7vsCUmftjmtF2NDsordWQEXUJoxNtipDcMOyExpDH5OPVe4NV5oCwjsYGP-icFUZdB5yLyRWUtPdMZhCZozS00pJbIUifxdJGADnyBHrbauDKXJLuyiE9l-jL80WYY/s320/01myna.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div></div><br />
Got a couple fo shots. There were not much details of the bird in this picture either. Now I know, the little respect given to this bird also influenced the dedication I put in for a good picture.<br />
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By coincidence, the contrast in mood came very quickly. Can see the difference now with this Little Bronze Cuckoo, perched further away and both my feet standing on inch deep mud. I am happier with the take. Unfortunately, no matter how I tried, the face of this bird don't seem right. After consultation with Tou, I dismissed that idea this could be a Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lf0k2bnEQS7Oh9uIOdQSJF4wYvlcxihGdx2ab8qS29RChKVESFjIf1grScqrHbgo_7dkdBKE7OX7u51evl7U7m8yHjo1Jd5OzC9UpJxXNuodmgA-A4_iOCdOXuTLn1q4ffymC5usMBg/s1600-h/02cuckoo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lf0k2bnEQS7Oh9uIOdQSJF4wYvlcxihGdx2ab8qS29RChKVESFjIf1grScqrHbgo_7dkdBKE7OX7u51evl7U7m8yHjo1Jd5OzC9UpJxXNuodmgA-A4_iOCdOXuTLn1q4ffymC5usMBg/s320/02cuckoo.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My next prize for the day was waiting for me to be done with the Cuckoo. Perched patiently, the pictures I landed also were the answer to my query from the last trip. With better details and careful consideration, this bird is now ID as the sub-adult of the white-bellied.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE8IS-rKfSWfHDz7l5Il0J8vhO5Ac7qoCltJofq0Jl2eK-djiPfXFXAjOWlpXAevQ1BDOTL9PLDIC9F5YTwfEcPIe3teQ2UGVqki54zX_ybT3HXlJCPmBc9_To6m9x6EiLKzL1Y7zNCI/s1600-h/03eagle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE8IS-rKfSWfHDz7l5Il0J8vhO5Ac7qoCltJofq0Jl2eK-djiPfXFXAjOWlpXAevQ1BDOTL9PLDIC9F5YTwfEcPIe3teQ2UGVqki54zX_ybT3HXlJCPmBc9_To6m9x6EiLKzL1Y7zNCI/s320/03eagle.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To fill my day's wishes, this very co-operative Koel stood by to have my video skills tested.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcRJQCF0Mx-5afAhMdNWZoUzV-wHqnBle9iySgNOMwF2SUhBW6oXttE3LYo21YcUuaJqIQQzjLHC1-akwIVZEM3JDR0t_4sntJFk1qFT0QTB3Memdfp_PMHmaXXTvied9O-2FkC9PJSU/s1600-h/04koel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcRJQCF0Mx-5afAhMdNWZoUzV-wHqnBle9iySgNOMwF2SUhBW6oXttE3LYo21YcUuaJqIQQzjLHC1-akwIVZEM3JDR0t_4sntJFk1qFT0QTB3Memdfp_PMHmaXXTvied9O-2FkC9PJSU/s320/04koel.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, the best video I accomplished for the day was not that of this Koel who perched motionless for a long time, but a lone Otter who unknowing became my subject. Moving dramatically from one act to the other. But sorry, no still.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For picture, I found this Heron extraordinary. Perched on the crown of the mangrove forest and with such an unnatural pose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh-vYUeVn1iVQUMiAwmjHQxe7A38vLfV4ac4svdN2nTZ3bC43QxcSrGsBHIxxm45ECIIynDdLOhIdgBv6sZhWfQjVt8Y1bc5rQhbuNHKZFejEGTZNsX1naysNNvi_ah-OKtcDLEtPx8o/s1600-h/06heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh-vYUeVn1iVQUMiAwmjHQxe7A38vLfV4ac4svdN2nTZ3bC43QxcSrGsBHIxxm45ECIIynDdLOhIdgBv6sZhWfQjVt8Y1bc5rQhbuNHKZFejEGTZNsX1naysNNvi_ah-OKtcDLEtPx8o/s320/06heron.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At my age, almost certain now that I just couldn't remember to do such a wide array of tasks. That day , with the priority of seeking for opportunity to get video, many moments which I would normally spent clicking away were wasted and now ended up without the much needed pictures. The most obvious incident was the time with the Black-capped. No pictures! One possible fact I know now, it would appear that one bird was leaving late or may not be returning home. I saw the same bird at the same vicinity during the last visit. This time around, the same lone Black capped.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Overall Jeram did not disappoint me for that day. </div><br />
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</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-70683004074386798042010-03-19T01:24:00.000-07:002010-03-19T01:24:06.252-07:002 Pigeons in Rengit14th March 2010<br />
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Since they started constructing that Bio-diversity complex, the whole stretch of road for Rengit has turned for the worst. The ambience of birding there was slowly eroded when the road with its sides cleared of bushes and undergrowth. This once upon a time, forest trail now is like any other country side road. Gone are the feelings that we get when walking inside a jungle. Rengit is deep shit? Very true, results we got after many visits reflected that sentiments. Much less birds encountered and little chance of meeting up with quality birds. This was how I felt when we had to check up the place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zY8cIzHFFzmqT6TkltDFYRb7rT25dKt4yopploftH83Aadjzkf3xfVAavQDAVrNZMasOouzmS-N7DrKtLRZDM2B4SP_Dvd2YrlMABiykaDkgLBf6lrv8bTKIQ_ov6G_JQJPUtgiAUMY/s1600-h/01falconet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zY8cIzHFFzmqT6TkltDFYRb7rT25dKt4yopploftH83Aadjzkf3xfVAavQDAVrNZMasOouzmS-N7DrKtLRZDM2B4SP_Dvd2YrlMABiykaDkgLBf6lrv8bTKIQ_ov6G_JQJPUtgiAUMY/s320/01falconet.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>Upon arrival near the Deer Farm, plenty of birds call at 8.30 am. The Drongos, a pair of them provided the background music. <br />
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On this lone bare tree, the Falconet was having its breakfast<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdor4UxSmqKfJvOPpekprUZ4kyO8Q38YuxbeR-nx446L1mTuM6RMWIfIR2xFiofgJivvblk4FazRTx49CQ-idmP5Hs8iEJGaLVzzKJ9kL9WvZP_02BYuSQmF_T8aqdVhSq0xcgGQsxTHU/s1600-h/02thick-billed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdor4UxSmqKfJvOPpekprUZ4kyO8Q38YuxbeR-nx446L1mTuM6RMWIfIR2xFiofgJivvblk4FazRTx49CQ-idmP5Hs8iEJGaLVzzKJ9kL9WvZP_02BYuSQmF_T8aqdVhSq0xcgGQsxTHU/s320/02thick-billed.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div> <br />
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The Thick-billed on another trunk was waiting and surveying. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WT_Tajcy005Yj4sFlHYbcB6b2kpt9amHfhGVlBtpfNtz5tjqya_QZn-XNqERhZb09zTEZWwcnC8GjGdOYNkJ7NhEwMPY2nD5ZhRsaZrM9M_ZOADNO_C4rF7oapQFsqdXUxQZZcHkwPU/s1600-h/03woody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WT_Tajcy005Yj4sFlHYbcB6b2kpt9amHfhGVlBtpfNtz5tjqya_QZn-XNqERhZb09zTEZWwcnC8GjGdOYNkJ7NhEwMPY2nD5ZhRsaZrM9M_ZOADNO_C4rF7oapQFsqdXUxQZZcHkwPU/s320/03woody.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>Also on the same tree, the woody was making itself heard. <br />
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After spending some time watching all these birds on a single tree, we counted there were actually 3 Drongos, 3 Woodpeckers, a Pigeon and a Falconet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The action seen in this morning appeared to have started us on the right footing. Well, no quality picture was harvested. After a while, this one single tree did not spell bonus, the birds gone and we moved on. This time till the end of the road</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVvmQvPe5cpMF2WrfcuL8EnFERPWaCUHugdzqlXIhjSiWJakZRwknASQ62HHP-1AqGHosDZcLWtPmcLbVzUCHXyOd_Usl-dN13n5F5T2cOdKoTpN_CnilbyqXEZcACnGbJ6V1QHUoUDk/s1600-h/04woody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVvmQvPe5cpMF2WrfcuL8EnFERPWaCUHugdzqlXIhjSiWJakZRwknASQ62HHP-1AqGHosDZcLWtPmcLbVzUCHXyOd_Usl-dN13n5F5T2cOdKoTpN_CnilbyqXEZcACnGbJ6V1QHUoUDk/s320/04woody.jpg" vt="true" /></a> <br />
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I met up with another pair of Woody again. This time - picking off stuff on the crown of each Marcaranga stock. This season, only woody and all the same species? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1MVyNp5ibTwslog6Sy1MEfStpEQ08qDAXuqTGElITiM3couatjXq2Qdc87xt-39iO31DqDL6tMjEkqhPTOisQzYOFS7c5Nbte7laf7EAMMPmyC0whVsFWoNl2PgvjNhqwG0Zklyr1iE/s1600-h/06minivet-f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1MVyNp5ibTwslog6Sy1MEfStpEQ08qDAXuqTGElITiM3couatjXq2Qdc87xt-39iO31DqDL6tMjEkqhPTOisQzYOFS7c5Nbte7laf7EAMMPmyC0whVsFWoNl2PgvjNhqwG0Zklyr1iE/s320/06minivet-f.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div> <br />
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Gilbert & Yoke Sim picked up a bird at eye level. No! This type of yellow bird seldom seen foraging in the lower storey. <br />
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Of course after seeing our arrival retreated back to their usual canopy level to continue their business. <br />
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<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVDkw0foreToIw5USmwcdcEtjg7yGmQmVDvmBOaMbk4_Bx79_fkYvP0nBhOl8DW02v_JBRT-j9QUX1JAB1CdJlFri3yFU10w_HT3dpq3WPRBJybK66hXGG2iIYLB7HcYnyJXmpm5KpF4/s1600-h/05minvet-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVDkw0foreToIw5USmwcdcEtjg7yGmQmVDvmBOaMbk4_Bx79_fkYvP0nBhOl8DW02v_JBRT-j9QUX1JAB1CdJlFri3yFU10w_HT3dpq3WPRBJybK66hXGG2iIYLB7HcYnyJXmpm5KpF4/s320/05minvet-m.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The level of bird life improved at the area around the guard house. The trees there were over 100 feet tall and the birds happily doing their routine at the canopy level.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqatSJPklfqvSGrywLb-QfX24nv3414lOpKueaQJejWNmFIFB6oPkusnV32MIu4XZPCA_nhBJb29yrKBaar_h8EMOUfPNniDfAzDF8OAergCiVmk0E6mqZonBiOQdxOSFIoseCBfAM4EY/s1600-h/07pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqatSJPklfqvSGrywLb-QfX24nv3414lOpKueaQJejWNmFIFB6oPkusnV32MIu4XZPCA_nhBJb29yrKBaar_h8EMOUfPNniDfAzDF8OAergCiVmk0E6mqZonBiOQdxOSFIoseCBfAM4EY/s320/07pigeon.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
A pair of Pigeon were busy collecting nesting materials and did not mind getting down lower where we could get some meaningful images.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The day started with a Pigeon and ended with another Pigeon. Imagine driving all the way there with no dramatic result.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-50599186755523467332010-03-18T04:26:00.000-07:002010-03-18T04:34:44.207-07:00Gunong Ulu Kali14th March 2010<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I have lost confidence in birding on this montane road. That was years now since they kept roadside free of scrubs and ferns. This was the normal setting of forest edges. Birds emerged to feed on insects that had gathered and they spent time foraging. For some now, with that type of habitats gone, the birds in smaller numbers still come to this vicinity but no reason to stay by the roadside. They just dashed across the road to the other patch of forested area. Hardly any chance to seeing them close.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This day, the proposal came from Stephen to check out the montane road and I veto-ed that proposal. After his constant nagging, I gave in that we would give it a try, since I needed the Minla. Upon arrival, I selected the spot to park and the stretch to bird.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We waited! But hold it! Holy cows, the whole area crawling with Crickets! Hundreds upon hundreds of them in this angled road curve of 7 feet by 15 feet edge. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62Hh4rCpJOcRG6aFHG8KxBmN0f3d2-SI9eshbVAFuEoyqtKnPzlyd53nxKdbveGzuUXl0W8Q7kTMzsSFNtsysKPMcpbsF82r22-GWN4Jx2nvJic6dhZ33fEsPw48Izf1waSCtd-JcnHg/s1600-h/01cricket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62Hh4rCpJOcRG6aFHG8KxBmN0f3d2-SI9eshbVAFuEoyqtKnPzlyd53nxKdbveGzuUXl0W8Q7kTMzsSFNtsysKPMcpbsF82r22-GWN4Jx2nvJic6dhZ33fEsPw48Izf1waSCtd-JcnHg/s320/01cricket.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pet shop operators would strike bonanza here. All that was needed was a hard thump on the ground and the whole area came alive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamUnNobCa1umkwEVJAnOkvyE7mQv3XtXdtnHKCxP3LJb_uC0XrQocDky9SCuExmlAvuNIMrtX9HN_nq44fgxkLnvlW75Z8RizgRuxNSN_y-0QjHGQkccvsmuqHAgm0ouF3gfdFO_1qB4/s1600-h/02cricket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamUnNobCa1umkwEVJAnOkvyE7mQv3XtXdtnHKCxP3LJb_uC0XrQocDky9SCuExmlAvuNIMrtX9HN_nq44fgxkLnvlW75Z8RizgRuxNSN_y-0QjHGQkccvsmuqHAgm0ouF3gfdFO_1qB4/s320/02cricket.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But rather strange. Since there was so much food, there was no hungry hordes waiting nor any signs that we disrupt any bird's lunch.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD1Ng49mRgiGsN13LX2uY8Jk2DOGA0uRNQEAlSdJKy0Z0ylJTLlaUNb1AvRh1-dLDKAM8zwQQJRr-M3X96nKWrhTyakruqIxn4-gJop5c1jHzB_HwNLX3aeMilybiX4ZBRBqDTsB-P_Y/s1600-h/03beetle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD1Ng49mRgiGsN13LX2uY8Jk2DOGA0uRNQEAlSdJKy0Z0ylJTLlaUNb1AvRh1-dLDKAM8zwQQJRr-M3X96nKWrhTyakruqIxn4-gJop5c1jHzB_HwNLX3aeMilybiX4ZBRBqDTsB-P_Y/s320/03beetle.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
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How we wished that the crickets would do the trick of luring a concentration of forest dwellers.<br />
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All we could find was this luminous beetle <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0NJ2zvFjz_swUP3g02IHQ1kwp1Ydpn-BNl-hYEyC2xefGyoExMygBy3vwammPyQE-l4y8RWVLwdQvYmDWITFYncN0uUACzb2X6LjSCRj0GMhZr9XSGWaUw3b4ogLZ0MyCDVaeQOJMik/s1600-h/04bulbul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0NJ2zvFjz_swUP3g02IHQ1kwp1Ydpn-BNl-hYEyC2xefGyoExMygBy3vwammPyQE-l4y8RWVLwdQvYmDWITFYncN0uUACzb2X6LjSCRj0GMhZr9XSGWaUw3b4ogLZ0MyCDVaeQOJMik/s320/04bulbul.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At about 4.30 pm, the bird wave ritual started, the entrance led by a flock of 6 Mountain Bulbuls. They were there but no signs of them going after the crickets. They were leeching off the branches of trees,on close inspection, minute fruits. There were fruiting trees.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4FBieFmtkpJBJkcRuJ7BWkHeE2UprxR-Fu08v2jHs83Qm_1tLuDyguFWTLaZvwogyuoMSaNpkOGZDef_dvgubmXcM_aq3RLyA8XFn6QW6vY-3IneFXOUsx4HGnZad98FCLuMlxG4z_k/s1600-h/05fruitbulbul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4FBieFmtkpJBJkcRuJ7BWkHeE2UprxR-Fu08v2jHs83Qm_1tLuDyguFWTLaZvwogyuoMSaNpkOGZDef_dvgubmXcM_aq3RLyA8XFn6QW6vY-3IneFXOUsx4HGnZad98FCLuMlxG4z_k/s320/05fruitbulbul.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Minla, the bird that I was targeting, only a pair did not want to miss the feeding, appeared momentarily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KSaeUflDSoyYTOv77lp4AnoOpZb2vv-CUwvCGMJQ5cSWw4yy_WsYcs-ovw-z2VxINYSuZxxfbT7U44YUCMA2iO3Tj5Ar8YgzjGa_abg9-rgb-CHbSUcsbTjxatacTdWC1TOa7VlxZ4M/s1600-h/05minla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KSaeUflDSoyYTOv77lp4AnoOpZb2vv-CUwvCGMJQ5cSWw4yy_WsYcs-ovw-z2VxINYSuZxxfbT7U44YUCMA2iO3Tj5Ar8YgzjGa_abg9-rgb-CHbSUcsbTjxatacTdWC1TOa7VlxZ4M/s320/05minla.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another uncommon scene, instead of a flock, only one Sibia, turned up. This bird did not join the bird wave but came alone much later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUv9oEMRXd3Oz-rM0EKJ2X5Hg2pZ6UuvxeOJRB7kf1lKs4N4B9mNHANl7T8_UTad83yfbu6xoAXMaU1knxrvBtCMMkdNa75LFv0ew928YimIeKV22-oz8PUnZObDaQBuxTA8wAAY9goA/s1600-h/06sibia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUv9oEMRXd3Oz-rM0EKJ2X5Hg2pZ6UuvxeOJRB7kf1lKs4N4B9mNHANl7T8_UTad83yfbu6xoAXMaU1knxrvBtCMMkdNa75LFv0ew928YimIeKV22-oz8PUnZObDaQBuxTA8wAAY9goA/s320/06sibia.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bird wave here was unlike those in Frasers Hills. The birds came by themselves by species. It all happened within that narrow corridor of time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFx5J5j61Ihm8NJqil0ALRW2YsLADwgl8HiOzxENmYrnvGt9MxO4Gk9M4OxXkEeJFFXzXQV9_jmZ2aL0Wiq-79htiREXPcqGZQ9YoMlXLviFAkdOiLCx2XScl9d3R-1v8Q5UTe1KQMts/s1600-h/07mesia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFx5J5j61Ihm8NJqil0ALRW2YsLADwgl8HiOzxENmYrnvGt9MxO4Gk9M4OxXkEeJFFXzXQV9_jmZ2aL0Wiq-79htiREXPcqGZQ9YoMlXLviFAkdOiLCx2XScl9d3R-1v8Q5UTe1KQMts/s320/07mesia.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
This pair of Mesia, moved about the branches not seeking for food. The way I saw their movements, obviously in mating mode. Typical of Mesia, they would not stop for a moment. Even this frame captured is blurr on some part of the body. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwioN67zPZVEhg_HHetqsEl5tcKZLE__Sh1QoXevx6JRK51pm_OuSXUzdBjOTPLjjU_D6nrhgk6ORUYb7WANhge6ZRUXPPuhsIo6trdEId5AP6vp8zpk-Uf-gETaD7Z4DNdascSGdr6Bc/s1600-h/08spiderhunter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwioN67zPZVEhg_HHetqsEl5tcKZLE__Sh1QoXevx6JRK51pm_OuSXUzdBjOTPLjjU_D6nrhgk6ORUYb7WANhge6ZRUXPPuhsIo6trdEId5AP6vp8zpk-Uf-gETaD7Z4DNdascSGdr6Bc/s320/08spiderhunter.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div> <br />
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The Spiderhunter came. Waited on the open branch -then dived into the bush near to us and we thought that it got a cricket. With the long legs seen - a large spider. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8YwyNC9Ig2XY9Jv8h6zextNalrsKuHHLUtBLlHaAXrksZvlVVrX-s8shVBxvrRzHN6xCCR3PWUIgjPD9S7KEcT6BwkwNrxz0rCVc2lMtB5jJ2VHC7ZC36DUgfBjbCFStwTrVHbkelGg/s1600-h/09lizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8YwyNC9Ig2XY9Jv8h6zextNalrsKuHHLUtBLlHaAXrksZvlVVrX-s8shVBxvrRzHN6xCCR3PWUIgjPD9S7KEcT6BwkwNrxz0rCVc2lMtB5jJ2VHC7ZC36DUgfBjbCFStwTrVHbkelGg/s320/09lizard.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moving away from that corner full of crickets, caught this beautiful species of Scrub Lizard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqvkfcwWVpr0H7FRUfxXWZ3NfWMF6H_yECazSQeweR3oNye9zZ_N4ckyKM5j4bhpVt0hlMR2qcuxWG7mOBYD8v2Ege24QMhm88kPljOZU2e3Y0YJN5BzEpTpBsvDJtZLECF6O6CFjee4/s1600-h/10cuckooshrike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqvkfcwWVpr0H7FRUfxXWZ3NfWMF6H_yECazSQeweR3oNye9zZ_N4ckyKM5j4bhpVt0hlMR2qcuxWG7mOBYD8v2Ege24QMhm88kPljOZU2e3Y0YJN5BzEpTpBsvDJtZLECF6O6CFjee4/s320/10cuckooshrike.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
The Javan Cuckooshrike much associated with the peak of Gunong Ulu Kali remained on trees near to the area of the Radar Station. <br />
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When every other birds has done their rounds, the Laughingthrush came. They were the birds feeding on the Crickets. The Chestnut-capped was not among thegroup.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTi29UwPF_PVZ7Rsg3o14YOSbAeqc9rnTn6Mc01ZIUM-AtFc-jylVijYsslperlv5KvhIRSzlIXawRcSGthG8xTx6DCe4QIVKXcWEFLiadyJcOz8LZ73Mzoj9651uBiaIMJ7mI3Y-63U/s1600-h/11laughingthrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTi29UwPF_PVZ7Rsg3o14YOSbAeqc9rnTn6Mc01ZIUM-AtFc-jylVijYsslperlv5KvhIRSzlIXawRcSGthG8xTx6DCe4QIVKXcWEFLiadyJcOz8LZ73Mzoj9651uBiaIMJ7mI3Y-63U/s320/11laughingthrush.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The species that turned up this day was beyond expectation and in good numbers too. Not shown here were the few that we wanted as well, especially the Peregrine Falcon, another Thrush with eye brow and the Flycatchers.</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-77356705293758060992010-03-17T05:16:00.000-07:002010-03-17T05:16:07.800-07:00The Old Pump House Road14th March 2010<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We were In Gohtong Jaya around the Christmas seasons of 2009, we were shocked that the Old Pump House Road was sealed off to facilitate construction and no admittance to outsider. There was no notice posted but the guard on the newly erected guard station was kind enough to give to us an estimate - should be ready and open to the public after the Chinese New Year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We waited for that CNY to be over plus a couple of weeks buffer. This day, we were there to check out. Situation did not changed a bit. Construction was still going on inside. This time, the guard gave us more details. An electric fence was being installed together with guard station and sort of warehouse. He took a safer stance saying that he presumed that the work could be over by May or June this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Satisfied, we mentally register our mind when comes to future planning. So without that route, we went for the fall-back -The Awana Trail.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Weather was less than ideal. No mist and no rain but the air was still and the place shrouded in darkness like that before a heavy downpour. Hardly any call.</div><div style="text-align: center;">First and only bird we met was a Orange-bellied Leafbird. Then, the mono-tone calls from Hornbill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignMZTVFf0eNsox8OfRN4-IztJ9b3pQMF5a5QEstomRM-wBejvqkNvAz9eLVWqoULuDgek9_z1GinCS4UxGHlkyl6XJeE75aMCLQQRohxVEvCixGlqwpuOMO8n-MR1bR9osZYwj7GFP3I/s1600-h/01perch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignMZTVFf0eNsox8OfRN4-IztJ9b3pQMF5a5QEstomRM-wBejvqkNvAz9eLVWqoULuDgek9_z1GinCS4UxGHlkyl6XJeE75aMCLQQRohxVEvCixGlqwpuOMO8n-MR1bR9osZYwj7GFP3I/s320/01perch1.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Not long to wait, the big bird appeared on the higher part of the slope across a valley.<br />
The picture -when it landed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuTR8-x5EdxdkxMLQKY3g7Q55CLyQsyNYcl6851Qq4Fv7khEHbEZuyzJvjDWspY8DKHrNJTj-elVZpy0OkS09pk7Ht5AY5I0HYanOmOjbs9E0oCk5btG_qQpji3v6dT2Y5Hdxw8y77T8/s1600-h/02flying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuTR8-x5EdxdkxMLQKY3g7Q55CLyQsyNYcl6851Qq4Fv7khEHbEZuyzJvjDWspY8DKHrNJTj-elVZpy0OkS09pk7Ht5AY5I0HYanOmOjbs9E0oCk5btG_qQpji3v6dT2Y5Hdxw8y77T8/s320/02flying.jpg" vt="true" /></a><br />
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Another one moment later, the Hornbill dashing off.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa4s-Zl82pYwkG0VlJGSPZka329lKKggrKh39kqdC6v7aAzIoZPEdigNFJt6WxmkLiPJiYRzeQyBndO_IiV5Z-JAikbpGlgICZWcqcF37AOtJY-iKkwmpqmivULNVB8X6LlFipHYBRhM/s1600-h/03faraway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa4s-Zl82pYwkG0VlJGSPZka329lKKggrKh39kqdC6v7aAzIoZPEdigNFJt6WxmkLiPJiYRzeQyBndO_IiV5Z-JAikbpGlgICZWcqcF37AOtJY-iKkwmpqmivULNVB8X6LlFipHYBRhM/s320/03faraway.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>There were chances of we getting flying shots of the bird gliding away. But the pictures would be low grade due to the poor lighting and long distances away.<br />
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Then it stopped and perched. Nice grandstand view across an open valley.<br />
About a kilometer away.<br />
Such glimpses of one bird that broke the monotony of a otherwise dull day in our birding record.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-9556476107821317582010-03-16T01:12:00.000-07:002010-03-16T01:12:59.175-07:00The Rufous-collared Kingfisher13th March, 2010<br />
Had a fruitful visit to the Blue-eared and this day's turn for the Rufous-collared Kingfisher.<br />
This Saturday as with other mornings of the week started as a gloomy mood. I waited until 8.30 am for my electrical shop to open to get my missing link. Normally I would be in Perdik by 8.00 am but there was no need to rush this morning, I had specifically target the Kingfisher, I think they are not early birds.<br />
While on the main road in Ulu Langat, the weather turned good and the sun was shinning. Made my turn into the tiny country road, I was greeted by a long line of trainees. They were heading for the waterfall. Somehow they would be out there plus support group loitering in the area. My dream of quiet birding session just vanished?<br />
Wait! a bigger shock I got when I reached the T junction. The place where I used to park my car, the road with the broken bridge, where I do my walk-about for birding, completely filled with cars. And people! Oh! My birding ground turned into the stage for the film set. Quick thinking and no investigation, I took the left turn fork into the jungle park. Third surprise for the day. Right at the bend, there was a group of guys already in the midst of their business with their bazookas. Cornered with limited choice, I parked car next to where they were "perched".<br />
I told them that I was there for Rufous-collared Kingfisher. Expressed surprise? <br />
They went into action and a batteries of calls brought the whole forest awake. There were Rufous-collared, Dusky and Hill Mynas. <br />
Within minutes -someone shouted "One on top". A few more hops within the next the 15 minutes, it came to the tree and a branch overhead. Here this is, I got my first proper picture of the bird, with their "help".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAFkVxx3VoWzonR1KqSUXMK4j25b5QEdG_iULDUbNkGhIlixibLbEPUNjU3N0W5liSlSmkWrkxKC0_3vsSu9WUWQZVeJ5yNjkyDOC3QH7wS2ci41-5Qcm3pskCrg7Uk4_OesidkxFARY/s1600-h/kingfisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAFkVxx3VoWzonR1KqSUXMK4j25b5QEdG_iULDUbNkGhIlixibLbEPUNjU3N0W5liSlSmkWrkxKC0_3vsSu9WUWQZVeJ5yNjkyDOC3QH7wS2ci41-5Qcm3pskCrg7Uk4_OesidkxFARY/s320/kingfisher.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At last, I completed my assignment of getting that much needed picture. A start for me as I wish to get better pictures. But with crowd, the bird would not come to the lower storey. You can be sure that I will be back on a non working day with more hope. Right now, this period would be a week of school holiday and Perdik is one of the "No No" places.</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-15250043160264198822010-03-16T00:57:00.000-07:002010-03-16T01:01:55.232-07:00The Blue-eared fledged12th March 2010<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I won't say that I didn't purposely went into hibernation waiting for my luck to change but I was really below par after that dinner. So the body needed the rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Been few days down and time to be out.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This time arriving on the spot beside the T junction for the Blue-eared once more. The materials I used for seating and waiting in my last visit were all intact. Could see that the place did not attract much visitor nor fisherman. Of course for the day, no more hindrances and no more excuses for not getting my pictures. Settled down and waited one hour. Again no show.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A White-throated came to occupy that perch. Even made a couple of dives into the river, right in front of my eyes. Yet, no Blue-eared!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Would the larger Kingfisher had taken over its tuft? Very likely, but still I should wait for a while. The break came when I saw a dark brown shadow of a small bird that darted across the T junction skimming over the water surface towards the Bamboo clump upstream. So the bird was around and possibly up in the Bamboo clump again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Squatting and crawling with my hide over me and camera, low profile eh! I approached that clump of Bamboo. Couldn't see much but shadows of 2 birds making exchanges. Shoot first, through the network of twigs, sorry nothing of quality came out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Then one bird off, leaving behind this. On closer look - a fledgling!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOA-fWnoNwq6nbFSf2aWkzvoQBGc_-g8W7HR_woMJosigAc5RPuDaaDiv3j2Ex7zSASKRqhprhNIiKIQFiH-cfNFVvRBBckfH1ng4RYmO1ZiKq2S8bbc_Dwn-DbLCqG0qRiUpXRaQlK0/s1600-h/chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOA-fWnoNwq6nbFSf2aWkzvoQBGc_-g8W7HR_woMJosigAc5RPuDaaDiv3j2Ex7zSASKRqhprhNIiKIQFiH-cfNFVvRBBckfH1ng4RYmO1ZiKq2S8bbc_Dwn-DbLCqG0qRiUpXRaQlK0/s320/chick.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Yes, the Blue-eared's chick fledged! Stood exposed unable to move very much but quietly chirping away. I was too close for comfort. Both parent came. Exposed themselves to me in a brave attempt to lure my attention away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCucTpWiGxLjPQtSSHKwAMoRDYVpp0ll0NzEr1lCZmZ69-JMyKweeg2yqcoKb4a6CXioaB4EhGrGc_ZwjWHQ8XYICCcATJ2zE-tKu_oHM7ZDJDUG4CcU7MwDFN1g-Kap4XzFKM3KuKG-Y/s1600-h/pair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCucTpWiGxLjPQtSSHKwAMoRDYVpp0ll0NzEr1lCZmZ69-JMyKweeg2yqcoKb4a6CXioaB4EhGrGc_ZwjWHQ8XYICCcATJ2zE-tKu_oHM7ZDJDUG4CcU7MwDFN1g-Kap4XzFKM3KuKG-Y/s320/pair.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This picture is typical of the result I get from the hazard I faced. Putting the camera on manual focus I still could not make much out of the scene. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This day, I accidentally stumbled into the fledgling and I could not capitalize on the situation. I am happy that I was given the opportunity, time to leave the family alone. Now that one nesting is over, I cannot say whether the Blue-eared would continue spending that much of time in that favorite perch.</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-2252850786297490602010-03-16T00:27:00.000-07:002010-03-16T00:29:28.893-07:00Blue-eared - Here I come!3rd March, 2010<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">That elusive Blue-eared! Dodged me from one place to another. This time I've got the best fix on it. After the tip off by Madi, made a recce earlier to the place, saw the bird flying past 3 times and no perching.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning I hoped that my luck would not be that low. Upon arrival, I saw 3 fishermen hanging around the T junction. Oh No! Not again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Still I waited, the Little Heron hunting in the stream flew up the "bridge" to check on me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjuHwt0rZ1bPky4HlXGo2_hbB_yLqCLPiWBdMmRYMoG02yBVjxxsT3r930y86a21M63pyn7rtGqHur3NxV4irGM-l2069rK900UZxNTQ_KiKJ0_-lb8vVhQD7uQOvh8UEjhgsMT0Q4X8/s1600-h/heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjuHwt0rZ1bPky4HlXGo2_hbB_yLqCLPiWBdMmRYMoG02yBVjxxsT3r930y86a21M63pyn7rtGqHur3NxV4irGM-l2069rK900UZxNTQ_KiKJ0_-lb8vVhQD7uQOvh8UEjhgsMT0Q4X8/s320/heron.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Chi! Chi! Chi! The bird stopped. Not on the bough overlooking the stream but within the Bamboo clump opposite. Just long enough for me to run a few shots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige03eBtD-29aANXK63WmxtX6I0R71iKkgduTWM9u4SoGMEBj3m8Ph42C03ijxRKMGPPMesS6ijjwpxpD1PZdeNBqjj8ba5VHfYAb3Tdifevv2s4JCaVoCRPD7zMTRsp4kTN30K2I_XOU/s1600-h/blue-eared.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige03eBtD-29aANXK63WmxtX6I0R71iKkgduTWM9u4SoGMEBj3m8Ph42C03ijxRKMGPPMesS6ijjwpxpD1PZdeNBqjj8ba5VHfYAb3Tdifevv2s4JCaVoCRPD7zMTRsp4kTN30K2I_XOU/s320/blue-eared.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very quickly it was over and never to return, so long as I was there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF50i0MK-HEAdGDw9QozirN0U8CQ0fiMWPIAFw07EHPaijP0apF0Ub1wlq7HCYYPEjU8th1tkynqUhSoSRCG8s0vt6mmEGBtO7bTFTWiOrTzBRRCBYSLgM8lLbxuk4hYeuw4doSFQHyrE/s1600-h/wagtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF50i0MK-HEAdGDw9QozirN0U8CQ0fiMWPIAFw07EHPaijP0apF0Ub1wlq7HCYYPEjU8th1tkynqUhSoSRCG8s0vt6mmEGBtO7bTFTWiOrTzBRRCBYSLgM8lLbxuk4hYeuw4doSFQHyrE/s320/wagtail.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
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Wait for 2 hours and no sign. A pathetic wagtail came to the river kept me company for a while. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Time for the fishermen to leave too. Both went out and another went upstream to continue his quest. Couldn't understand why he overflew the usual perch, I left only to find out that the bird was all the while waiting in the lone Bamboo clump. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">For me, it is a day to confirm that the bird followed a pattern. Not on the bough but flew to that lone bamboo clump some 50 feet upstream.</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-91167935366306886972010-03-15T05:05:00.000-07:002010-03-15T05:10:34.338-07:00Close encounter with the "Flying Carrot"28th February 2010<br />
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There were postings on the Multiply about the Rufous-collared being spotted in Perdik. Those pieces of news also coincided with my long absence from that destination. So it was time for me to make that habitual trip. Rather unusual was, this time the trip fell on a Saturday, when holiday makers would be around.<br />
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Once at the spot, the place looked very quiet and the leaves thatched "resort" was deserted but looked well kept. Walked into the compound. The family of Banded Broadbills were enticing me with endless calls from a few directions.<br />
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Drongo Cuckoo were common bird in the area. Perched low and looking sedated. It is a matter of having good eye sight and easy to see them on each trip, they should be around most time. This one an acquaintance Yee alerted me to its perch. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ile7BhtjBgaz4sb3fbh0KhJbqh-mIT_feYdFf4LAm-8CqNd2evmUT1Glh3VC1om5-rhDb3glsg3mOm_10zOfLeC5x9k6XF6vZi5VA5Tr9hosK4X70PMsnhshQD91ENbEaQob4BPjgG4/s1600-h/drongo-cuckoo-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ile7BhtjBgaz4sb3fbh0KhJbqh-mIT_feYdFf4LAm-8CqNd2evmUT1Glh3VC1om5-rhDb3glsg3mOm_10zOfLeC5x9k6XF6vZi5VA5Tr9hosK4X70PMsnhshQD91ENbEaQob4BPjgG4/s320/drongo-cuckoo-b.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we had enough and wishing that we could get the front view, the bird obliged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGctt2Nc__Lcm8-eDgemnclEEKKB62kRd2OqNjvsJdCT7CB4CMZSuoZgLhEuVEXc3V__wx5j-z7ofKcQ3enBjWGtz09MXsa7R5qLF-_Jj8LYzi6qc4J3QDWYgnHD670QMIoFc5InD6Mc/s1600-h/drongo-cuckoo-f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGctt2Nc__Lcm8-eDgemnclEEKKB62kRd2OqNjvsJdCT7CB4CMZSuoZgLhEuVEXc3V__wx5j-z7ofKcQ3enBjWGtz09MXsa7R5qLF-_Jj8LYzi6qc4J3QDWYgnHD670QMIoFc5InD6Mc/s320/drongo-cuckoo-f.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next pix was the highlight of the day. The Rufous-winged aka Flying Carrot as known in our circle had settled down in a secluded area and using it as their place of normal residence. Knowing it now I need not wait for it at the bridge, but just stalk it around its normal hang-out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcs9a52eM-kpsz3Xqhy288w6n1i7bD4GOgBfwrHMBHoH6heM0EMdtCvXGG9mwp5yLiJC-ipKV2PPRL9qowKpKg1wRX1XCVzGyquXig7Y-kvLRgUsufqMvaE6-CWmV0ouHdSTUC6hFRr8/s1600-h/flying-carrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcs9a52eM-kpsz3Xqhy288w6n1i7bD4GOgBfwrHMBHoH6heM0EMdtCvXGG9mwp5yLiJC-ipKV2PPRL9qowKpKg1wRX1XCVzGyquXig7Y-kvLRgUsufqMvaE6-CWmV0ouHdSTUC6hFRr8/s320/flying-carrot.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An event not within my routine, this forest Lizard just popped out from a decaying trunk. Beautiful specimen.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeYHnZ3lilIBi-5RPS-ti8fFRpAqK18mf2-ojPTyZOKDfaW8FA5EPWnHD6YGc9M-od9_poqyB3pZX5YEHE7PsWZGEEOacc5I4MLT1S7LLMC1At918RluIKjHeIBiuwYxJ3hufZCyu2gI/s1600-h/iguana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeYHnZ3lilIBi-5RPS-ti8fFRpAqK18mf2-ojPTyZOKDfaW8FA5EPWnHD6YGc9M-od9_poqyB3pZX5YEHE7PsWZGEEOacc5I4MLT1S7LLMC1At918RluIKjHeIBiuwYxJ3hufZCyu2gI/s320/iguana.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, I saw this big bird flying in. Stayed high, nerviously exchanged a few perches. Without warning it came down to the road and I was about 30 meters away in full view. I could not verify whether the bird was feeding on seeds dropped to the ground or grains left by some one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxiIeM74lmkxHSSdFbZ8zOfZDJ8XAtHj2_g6s2o0Hs9mjaKRre0OKD2rij6NkQz_7gvHOgbZ0NI9kuWpoNU9E9RQI-55GeZkxiSuIi7NInDsuCqpgtiJCrk8m568uuI-6bluI6YbUqvY/s1600-h/indian-cuckoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxiIeM74lmkxHSSdFbZ8zOfZDJ8XAtHj2_g6s2o0Hs9mjaKRre0OKD2rij6NkQz_7gvHOgbZ0NI9kuWpoNU9E9RQI-55GeZkxiSuIi7NInDsuCqpgtiJCrk8m568uuI-6bluI6YbUqvY/s320/indian-cuckoo.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another short visit for me as I had not taken my breakfast. Very fulfilling trip too as I got most birds in close quarters.</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-91658764124756793922010-03-14T23:35:00.000-07:002010-03-14T23:41:38.321-07:00The Erawan Natyional Park25th February 2010<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I always think that my travel blog should detail interesting points of our travel. For this trip to Thailand and the 5 relating write ups that I have posted up, I've talk of nothing but birds. Really give an wrong impression that I am head over heals about birds. Never mind, I am just writing about what came to my mind. A bit long winded perhaps, bear with me, this should be the last of the series.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beside the Bridge Over the River Kwai, there is another famous name that is also an icon for Kanchanaburi province - Erawan. Don't know what that word means in Thai, we were landed in the National Park of the Erawan. Our driver too was unfamiliar with the place. For me, they had made minor alteration to the entrance which also threw off my sense of recognition. Anyway we parked and started walking before the main throng arrived.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rqws1rWO8ulwLtpdpojd5go76Ye8MDGoNEHfdu29RJluUHn7zvj1Eogfui_TWl7cSuA0psrI6zZhEs8wPqayiy-UdezjHZ5QYaBTeT0DIOn2ICADEVgSPrzkoVp2aD5v7vKxQfFurJ4/s1600-h/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rqws1rWO8ulwLtpdpojd5go76Ye8MDGoNEHfdu29RJluUHn7zvj1Eogfui_TWl7cSuA0psrI6zZhEs8wPqayiy-UdezjHZ5QYaBTeT0DIOn2ICADEVgSPrzkoVp2aD5v7vKxQfFurJ4/s320/01.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
There was a bird wave at the car park but happening too high at the canopy level. <br />
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We were there early at 8.00 am and the crowd fair, the starting stretch of track was one making us walk over broken stone. Here, calls stopped us and got our day going. Common but good to know that they were in abundance. This was where the Bulbuls and Tit-babbler were active. Hungry for pictures in the morning, we hope to get a good start.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oJX7XoQYczyaGoXuevkXTf8fulWj5Zwq5sXmtU6Dv8WA6T-NdQ1mFwgwBp8aIEShq3l6GYs4ziu9axQ1qpiZZqVkoqSiUbvRwqpRfAwSDlaIqGXZdj6vVOYN0D4vxdM5wn6YWiAzNB0/s1600-h/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oJX7XoQYczyaGoXuevkXTf8fulWj5Zwq5sXmtU6Dv8WA6T-NdQ1mFwgwBp8aIEShq3l6GYs4ziu9axQ1qpiZZqVkoqSiUbvRwqpRfAwSDlaIqGXZdj6vVOYN0D4vxdM5wn6YWiAzNB0/s320/02.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
Next, after a short distance of 100 meters, we returned to paved road, scene changed to one of a heavily forested portion with the river proper running beside. There the tiny bird wave was monopolized by the Monarch.<br />
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Moving on to the first waterfall, right at the spot with lots of tourist, this resident was confidently perched , waiting for us to pick him up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J-_vbf-GtuMQNPcfMY2-ViLoubLO2CmEwD0GNdQqW0rWxSNRHjrH3wXlupF3ydM_eTmkAd0tdxrox2cW_onhNi-Ka8hbOsQT8KD9_cnrYPXPL2WAhs1ohJnhe7VsjRmok5pjWJjxxzs/s1600-h/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J-_vbf-GtuMQNPcfMY2-ViLoubLO2CmEwD0GNdQqW0rWxSNRHjrH3wXlupF3ydM_eTmkAd0tdxrox2cW_onhNi-Ka8hbOsQT8KD9_cnrYPXPL2WAhs1ohJnhe7VsjRmok5pjWJjxxzs/s320/03.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM1U-21OdU__2YpJ_f_Ld9VWnscSo-cQ5tMgrv0vro2ZeQGk8lx8Yll0xSMCupYTqhACIGEDoB76DxsiXzJDsB0oubAOM3k6vwhypUgCUpn21SwnfgubJjyFxMcy6BMB1nBT5bewJqqA/s1600-h/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM1U-21OdU__2YpJ_f_Ld9VWnscSo-cQ5tMgrv0vro2ZeQGk8lx8Yll0xSMCupYTqhACIGEDoB76DxsiXzJDsB0oubAOM3k6vwhypUgCUpn21SwnfgubJjyFxMcy6BMB1nBT5bewJqqA/s320/04.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div>While we were busy clicking away for better and better close-ups, the mate joined him at the opposite bank. She had her own agenda which we later fund out was - needing a morning bath. If you can make out the dark image against that of the rock.<br />
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The rest of my time was spent chasing after Flycatchers. There was this one with heavily mottled face.<br />
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There were other Flycatchers that I encountered that were in a more advance stage of development. And with light rufous appearing over its breast. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Soon it was time to leave the waterfall area and back into the car park. That's the time we met this black-hooded Oriole in full view and spending some time with us. Perched high and against the bright afternoon sky, photography was a tricky business.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizS2D27ibGhZZl9n39B-HThoo7-Yn0RM7EsnKgmqDTENnwvUa1MDwRe6UEEJIBHrGXwGrFi1dd0L2iL_9LCd08lQKIpdZZwlNELXUd7JGpuxmkZm9xH1mwEGuy4CSDQoht8N8prPXp8I/s1600-h/07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizS2D27ibGhZZl9n39B-HThoo7-Yn0RM7EsnKgmqDTENnwvUa1MDwRe6UEEJIBHrGXwGrFi1dd0L2iL_9LCd08lQKIpdZZwlNELXUd7JGpuxmkZm9xH1mwEGuy4CSDQoht8N8prPXp8I/s320/07.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg191KkRS7B9oAzhH3JRYx0owyzWVPWRe82ZZ7xZLJBfhiqdbw9ZB4Q6WTfkUd7wIK6kHlFvmRcKdmaVGnC1Oymhsxvkm0XZNEXVpUloOaLDSonbdFaxcBqFkgiUN-yvhJPUmGpgPERA7I/s1600-h/08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg191KkRS7B9oAzhH3JRYx0owyzWVPWRe82ZZ7xZLJBfhiqdbw9ZB4Q6WTfkUd7wIK6kHlFvmRcKdmaVGnC1Oymhsxvkm0XZNEXVpUloOaLDSonbdFaxcBqFkgiUN-yvhJPUmGpgPERA7I/s320/08.JPG" vt="true" /></a>Along the way out, the countryside scene on both sides of the road appeared to be well stocked with birds. Here are some of the birds that we stopped the car to record. A Wood swallow that looked familiar but with a shade on its breast. </div> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL48gjhL-40XyYe1tGZvEHe8TzjzWu3tdvJ4KR6tbetudyeoyVQjLOaQXBNQMsKGdRvb7NJ6cV7-PZM8It2PoHjGhHftjdUHXeDLhyFtHJiPvO2k61BbK_3-J3eH40WZRfUswdX2diHPs/s1600-h/09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL48gjhL-40XyYe1tGZvEHe8TzjzWu3tdvJ4KR6tbetudyeoyVQjLOaQXBNQMsKGdRvb7NJ6cV7-PZM8It2PoHjGhHftjdUHXeDLhyFtHJiPvO2k61BbK_3-J3eH40WZRfUswdX2diHPs/s320/09.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmD3Fxjnb_TLXsmY01aYPraUlFgp1rdsuSBa75qMnno7BI_VN8RP7owIeuLdVn0x_gGe7Jkl-SQu8mJJ6WvqAUOUoZtLUEyo-wi-_MiP0gbw-9nOyCIuJTTBkrazj1wbG7buL_zXpYeU/s1600-h/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmD3Fxjnb_TLXsmY01aYPraUlFgp1rdsuSBa75qMnno7BI_VN8RP7owIeuLdVn0x_gGe7Jkl-SQu8mJJ6WvqAUOUoZtLUEyo-wi-_MiP0gbw-9nOyCIuJTTBkrazj1wbG7buL_zXpYeU/s320/10.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div>I was disappointed that this turned out to be a Crested Treeswift and not the Grey-rumped that I was hoping for. <br />
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Green Ioras were abound among the road side scrubs. Typical of all Ioras, lots of calls and scattered in the small confine giving a false impression of the area having good bird life.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we passed an small area of padifields, I saw a flock of birds foraging among the new crop. About 15 birds, I shouted Ibis.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDQHzox_y_WL0FdpNhHI30hssJ_oVhopELunqCn1UH1mf6EMR7QgisENXvIK7w1DkhYTw5vH1uJdWuE3HHVIDGKq1v4_GchLAK41GVFTwX1VBgMU4DH_zagY_s7ff8BTEJVgi8hcuGek/s1600-h/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDQHzox_y_WL0FdpNhHI30hssJ_oVhopELunqCn1UH1mf6EMR7QgisENXvIK7w1DkhYTw5vH1uJdWuE3HHVIDGKq1v4_GchLAK41GVFTwX1VBgMU4DH_zagY_s7ff8BTEJVgi8hcuGek/s320/11.JPG" vt="true" /></a> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The van shot passed that spot and we turned the van around for closer inspection, the birds that we had earlier spot and a quick glimpse turned out to be Stork and not Ibis. Rather odd looking Stork, we opened the door and got out of the car for our picture. That was the time the whole flock took flight.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_wtvZmXbAbCyVxNYpHrIOl8VjIxf69TmK8Tdh0iJH-RPyxifEmGQn0lis57g6nhDBEsoM_70xZdF0l7NwBY7dJTxZ79rElMTPf93mG4BfmlCB_W9v7IpHiN5VUR61Y_IDNP9VdoYlZA/s1600-h/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_wtvZmXbAbCyVxNYpHrIOl8VjIxf69TmK8Tdh0iJH-RPyxifEmGQn0lis57g6nhDBEsoM_70xZdF0l7NwBY7dJTxZ79rElMTPf93mG4BfmlCB_W9v7IpHiN5VUR61Y_IDNP9VdoYlZA/s320/12.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was only after checking the bird guide that we confirmed these were Openbill. A lifer for all of us.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was our lack of knowledge that threw away our chances of getting good and proper pictures for the Openbills.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Overall I personally was taken by surprise that this forest route which was much greener than all the routes taken during our trip was so productive. I take back my words that they are few birds seen in our drive through the Thai country side</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-71626888516074220472010-03-10T06:47:00.000-08:002010-03-10T07:09:59.534-08:00Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park24th February 2010<br />
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The ostentatious objective of the trip was to pay a visit to Thailand largest National Park - Kaeng Krachan, also a known birders' paradise. Privately Stephen and myself were looking forward to harvesting Hoopoe pictures. It was way back in 2005, that I accidentally ran into a family of 3 birds, extremely friendly and flying in and out to another point on ruin No.2. At that time, though I was not interested in birds seen elsewhere outside Malaysia and having a home model of Sony videocam, I cannot disregard the Hoopoe. They are unique looking birds. Years later in 2008, the craze in Juru showed me that regretfully I don't have camera for that type of job then.<br />
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That was the background to our visit to this little known tourist spot. <br />
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On this visit with the group, as expected, we were the only people to the place. After getting the ticket and entering the park's compound, a beautiful, bright blue bird, was perched at 12 o'clock on the tree beside the road. 30 feet up with gorgeous colors. As Malaysian, someone shouted "Dollarbird". No lah! It was a "Thai Baht bird" Got down the van and of course the bird, shocked to see so many people in this otherwise quiet park, took flight.<br />
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Disappointed in not getting the first big bird we saw we headed for the car park. It's hot, then earlier in the trip, we could not find lunch at the Temple of the Tigers. We stopped, the ladies headed for the Loo & Canteen. I led Stephen to the spot where the Hoopoe were last seen perched, some 5 years ago. Of course, they were no where to be seen. Hung around the spot to wait for a while but gave up and we too had lunch. At the canteen, our meals were interrupted by Bulbuls and Flycatchers luring us away.<br />
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After having our stomach filled, we went back to the same spot to wait for miracles to happen. But this time we saw some activities. Saw large birds chasing big birds. Actually, couple of hundreds meters away, were the pair of Indian Rollers dispersing a flock of Drongos. We too joined in their kind of chase but the Rollers decided not to have their pictures taken.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Typical of bird scene, 2 trees later, huge compound of the park and where were the birds? We were lured from a point at the back portion of the ruins to the front entrance area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA16Z7WOc1ERCaMEyb04w_hmW_cDBzHGFweTOAIYdwHNbheu54qLzrwgLfI2u75jbjrVkShNrLGlHKk84laD7a5weeecuM9NoMq7ONI4CeG3u28lUnq3ROKzO7TdmBaOJvXHEtDujAIs/s1600-h/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA16Z7WOc1ERCaMEyb04w_hmW_cDBzHGFweTOAIYdwHNbheu54qLzrwgLfI2u75jbjrVkShNrLGlHKk84laD7a5weeecuM9NoMq7ONI4CeG3u28lUnq3ROKzO7TdmBaOJvXHEtDujAIs/s320/01.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
Simultanously, the distance between us and the Rollers got further apart. These Rollers, they are not powerful flyers, seeing them needing frequent rest stops. So at great distances, I started collecting my souvenir. This one, for example, easily 300 meters away, canopy level. <br />
With the Rollers high up and far away, the compound had Egret in the Lily pond and Drongos in the nearby trees. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskQwitkyRPDUT922lybBP0WTI4o3ni2qtPFOw9VW1usvnfNIG5NjdAar6xT2MCLadK8GsMQgjsIoby9-36h1SSk6WpfSZG6681kvQ-CuakoSdGP_7cZ7ZuRLGguKuKn8ciXlR6F5rBvc/s1600-h/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskQwitkyRPDUT922lybBP0WTI4o3ni2qtPFOw9VW1usvnfNIG5NjdAar6xT2MCLadK8GsMQgjsIoby9-36h1SSk6WpfSZG6681kvQ-CuakoSdGP_7cZ7ZuRLGguKuKn8ciXlR6F5rBvc/s320/02.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div>A long hour's wait, no birds but Drongos in the area. So frustrated that I was contended having Drongos for souvenirs. Then I saw a pair of birds on the ground. Hoopoe! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXafaSjC2-Up5N1CuYRzxnnsG0GaveK3RQAgo_ASu9Y-Du7Oss-ysHVn_tR2ZJhlr-UtbTroMCuTcE5yGc4DKxv43evRCy7zKZkAbIL-zDGVhtATzI36UZzmNJuwjKmT6bvuiUudHp_o/s1600-h/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXafaSjC2-Up5N1CuYRzxnnsG0GaveK3RQAgo_ASu9Y-Du7Oss-ysHVn_tR2ZJhlr-UtbTroMCuTcE5yGc4DKxv43evRCy7zKZkAbIL-zDGVhtATzI36UZzmNJuwjKmT6bvuiUudHp_o/s320/03.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
Excited, I had to bring the rest to the place quickly. While I was calling, the pair just flew up to disappear within the clump of low trees of Drongos overhead. <br />
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The whole group waited. Recollecting my action, as apart for the shouting, we had not make any action to spook the birds. 30 minutes passed and the Hoopoes not descending to the ground to continue their foraging. Unknown to us, that clump of trees had a motorcycle lane passing through in the center. Quite disturbing when we waited. Murphys Law, a motorcyclist just passed under the trees and 10 minutes later, on return leg. Since the disturbances had set the pace, we decided that's enough of waiting and slowly inched in, spread out in one line to flush the birds out. Yes! 8 Drongos made their way out to the nearby tree, but no Hoopoe. We then splitted and searched all around - None! Suddenly Gilbert spotted them landing on branch overhead. Real stubborn or fearless birds <br />
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Taken by surprise, the bird too immediately retreated to the ruin. That was the first short hop, at that spot, all of us had our fill of souvenir shots. Just for 3 minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Second hop, this time flew to the rear of the ruin, same side - left. Then it perched for good 20 minutes allowing us to try our position and angles. Not so good for us, the afternoon sun was right into our eyes. That was one reason why we needed to keep shifting our position to shoot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnqo-HBXUS6nkMNK3cRd-cTi8hjTGdaHFcvDsLQb5BU-Oq6h79M0cwQnpQ8-7nV1tACHMZ4t_ZCqRC-vPD5jNUAAmGqUw6MmKNOXymdJx5nPZ_cTFxjK1cj2RTMzbGfnU5PIW0mBsOFk/s1600-h/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnqo-HBXUS6nkMNK3cRd-cTi8hjTGdaHFcvDsLQb5BU-Oq6h79M0cwQnpQ8-7nV1tACHMZ4t_ZCqRC-vPD5jNUAAmGqUw6MmKNOXymdJx5nPZ_cTFxjK1cj2RTMzbGfnU5PIW0mBsOFk/s320/06.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yes, the Hoopoe stayed that long. We had mixed feelings when the birds decided we had enough of shots. Happy that bird was near and remained still enough for good pictures but the lighting compromised the final quality of the shots we collected.<br />
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Then it flew into a heavily foliaged tree on the right of the ruin. Gone forever! We were happy that all of us, got our pictures. <br />
Still discussing, reviewing our performances and slowly making our way back to the van. We passed the ruin, there one bird was in full view on a 9 o'clock branch of that thickly foliaged tree. The exact spot where I saw the birds 5 years ago. Another 30 minutes of shooting, then the mate came in for the shoot as well.<br />
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This time the sun was at our back and the bird just 12 feet up. Where else cam we find such cooperative models.<br />
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For me especially exhilarating was the fact that the telephoto pictures that I should have taken 5 years ago, finally landed on my hand. More important too, the birds or descendants of the ones I met, chose the same spot to pose.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-90260922921998204202010-03-09T05:18:00.000-08:002010-03-09T05:29:12.614-08:00Ban Krang of Kaeng Krachan Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
23rd February 2010<br />
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Before reaching Kaeng Krachan my impression of a National Park is that it is an designated area of conservation filled with pristine forest. That idea was thrown out when we saw the Visitor's Center. We were told to purchase the park entrance fee in advance as we would be entering the Park at about 7.00 am - well before the opening time of 9.00 am. Odd -We did. The next morning, we passed the visitor centre and continued our journey following the edge of the lake. Then an improper scene struck us, the terrain changed from forest to farm and then wasteland. After 15 kilometers later, we came to "T" junction, meeting a principal road. From there another 10 kilometers through farms and settlements, we reached a guard house. There we produced our tickets for entry. This time, after the gate, the terrain on both sides were hilly slopes of authentic jungle, very dry. There were elephant dungs and water holes on the road side. We could not get oursleves away from these birds. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hrGeGRborlHiqGY0Zs3LGbKTn9Zq1ufflh_TBkszonSxk4LEnFeumYWSpBO0BfTzgx-DMRT2TdFyvxj0kKRdSqySIjhu9aIoawkY6Q-hG0nRPIDYaha8r5muFUlXGCGNuyfRiqDaZEk/s1600-h/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hrGeGRborlHiqGY0Zs3LGbKTn9Zq1ufflh_TBkszonSxk4LEnFeumYWSpBO0BfTzgx-DMRT2TdFyvxj0kKRdSqySIjhu9aIoawkY6Q-hG0nRPIDYaha8r5muFUlXGCGNuyfRiqDaZEk/s320/01.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It was then we understood that the Kaeng Krachan Park could be divided into 2 special zones. </div><br />
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The first zone, a scenic Lake with tourist and camping facilities. The Park office was one of the many facilities along its shores. Then there were jungle walks on the islands opposite the office. Beyond the shores, the land returned to that of waste lands and orchards.<br />
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That morning's ride was into the second zone, the conserved forest. In it, were the important Ban krang Campsite area on the 16th kilometers marker and the Thanon Thung Campsite on the 29th kilometers marker.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGfLIo6IGKY-8W8SbVD5rEiDylTAMgBk7Lr4voXbIe0b_L2ksTNbJV_nOIR_RcFQRmigzIBI4ekm1NNrtqUs8cIDdj3T8bapbRdVIpkGxutPWI6pl6j_16PTrqhyLz6mL7DwnXQsna7s/s1600-h/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGfLIo6IGKY-8W8SbVD5rEiDylTAMgBk7Lr4voXbIe0b_L2ksTNbJV_nOIR_RcFQRmigzIBI4ekm1NNrtqUs8cIDdj3T8bapbRdVIpkGxutPWI6pl6j_16PTrqhyLz6mL7DwnXQsna7s/s320/02.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div>We taken by surprise. On entry by a pair of Silver Pheasants peacefully, scavenging in another one of such "pond". We were too slow and we continued. After a short ride, the surrounding turned green and around a bend, we were in an open compound of Ban Krang. Very new with modern ammenities a visitors centre, canteen and resorts. On the vacant field, plenty of space for camps. The altitude of the place was approximately 850 feet.<br />
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We had Pond-Heron on the ground, Flycatchers and Barbets on the tree.<br />
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Then this parent feeding this juvenile Blue-eared put up quite a show for us. <br />
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Though rather high and far away, the good weather and bright sunshine helped in getting fairly decent images.<br />
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There was this inescapable Asian-brown who was every where that we went. <br />
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On a tree across the valley, we caught one section of a tree that was filled with birds. Hill Mynas and Barbets. Reminding me of our trees that was with Starlings. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6OAGi80LOYE33-3nuQ-eb6Nm7o1bufVLj7cGRTIHTIjHlR5wco3KKSnf3N5VgRVsfOHLgAD5av7-oD0oxJ-P94xj17H2Z0gwvVSA8DVqyi1hAypuKtFsyuBMW1sp8X_6kiFGR0asNtc/s1600-h/07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6OAGi80LOYE33-3nuQ-eb6Nm7o1bufVLj7cGRTIHTIjHlR5wco3KKSnf3N5VgRVsfOHLgAD5av7-oD0oxJ-P94xj17H2Z0gwvVSA8DVqyi1hAypuKtFsyuBMW1sp8X_6kiFGR0asNtc/s320/07.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div> Then this bird that I cannot ID. Looks like a female Flycatcher with a mystic tinge of blue on its breast. The speckles on its face show that it was still a juvenile or almost a sub-adult. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR6cxsDGth8f8IpcnAz9quoVhorqQ48bHK-NAGd4jXXTuyxRg9z5fUp39LEzt7T1dhzBy9OgvL7ae_sqO4OCG-h-8HiHNo9oBV55h1NC2Sq-rYjvJM9H-PACk7DUReAd4eN_7IBy8k6Q/s1600-h/08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR6cxsDGth8f8IpcnAz9quoVhorqQ48bHK-NAGd4jXXTuyxRg9z5fUp39LEzt7T1dhzBy9OgvL7ae_sqO4OCG-h-8HiHNo9oBV55h1NC2Sq-rYjvJM9H-PACk7DUReAd4eN_7IBy8k6Q/s320/08.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div> <br />
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Bird life at the Ban Krang Campsite was interesting, but it was best that we spend most of our time at "the spot."<br />
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The famed birding zone is between the stretch of road labeled as 16.5-18 kilometers. A birding stretch marked by the crossing of 3 streams. In this stretch, the track paved, shaded by canopy and running parallel to a stream. Very conducive indeed. The common montane birds that we see back home. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The tall ficus tree over 100 feet with a crown wide enough to allow 4 Brown Hornbills and one Great Hornbill feeding simultaneously. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaiygEgBKOt7uZFmahEhm96fme1rItsJgKu7f9VWp9BmeBnIUblYHIJHezW-PmyvFqW7RgpIU8tEFuUTs2WoghSDo6J15oF_DLl8lVOWEXTjjbl08lyOdwg0hmOZbTCn7q2mVFn_Tjog/s1600-h/09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaiygEgBKOt7uZFmahEhm96fme1rItsJgKu7f9VWp9BmeBnIUblYHIJHezW-PmyvFqW7RgpIU8tEFuUTs2WoghSDo6J15oF_DLl8lVOWEXTjjbl08lyOdwg0hmOZbTCn7q2mVFn_Tjog/s320/09.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That was a good half hour of excitement for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGeiRFMhdq4FYWAT29xgYFCcXcc_OaqracjjyuBnX4GJSHofOgAGAw94usSpAaxB83zC83EzRY5rvYHHJPwz-JO1B0xIHnDdfDl_Y_OM4vEILlgRBq1ItPY-4AXz7X7X43_EIRH63oVg/s1600-h/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGeiRFMhdq4FYWAT29xgYFCcXcc_OaqracjjyuBnX4GJSHofOgAGAw94usSpAaxB83zC83EzRY5rvYHHJPwz-JO1B0xIHnDdfDl_Y_OM4vEILlgRBq1ItPY-4AXz7X7X43_EIRH63oVg/s320/10.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div> <br />
Stephen who wandered away, on meeting up, we found out that he drawn there by the Babblers in the Bamboo bush after parting company at the Trogon shoot. Not sure whether we met the same Trogon but it was on 3 occasions along the stretch that we met up with the bird. Trogon normally glide away but cannot say that they went ahead of us to re-appear. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcu4_xxZZM-GofQ7iSXGOLkbaNQmfnBaIsDf9UnilBOxZ_RwizAFOUm8pMblpcoXkILcBqbB23MgjXq7BnkXiOU6OjkGTOFg9413MMaaHRt5zGD1CSZYXTQHRhBCd81-3Btb0aiYwqwY/s1600-h/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcu4_xxZZM-GofQ7iSXGOLkbaNQmfnBaIsDf9UnilBOxZ_RwizAFOUm8pMblpcoXkILcBqbB23MgjXq7BnkXiOU6OjkGTOFg9413MMaaHRt5zGD1CSZYXTQHRhBCd81-3Btb0aiYwqwY/s320/11.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div> <br />
We grabbed a picture of Silver-breasted as souvenir confirming that we did encounter Broadbill. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0YrJbt-BwUcO80yVhpafTKxliIHGuvnuAVpPCS7YuBW_dDdSkAvqnPJt5wKLWqor33JM4rdzc1q77QKpsWHbYmlgud7eEYO9pxOsBi4U8b8q95ut_g_sBR-0_LREVwzrEGb4QidiGx0/s1600-h/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0YrJbt-BwUcO80yVhpafTKxliIHGuvnuAVpPCS7YuBW_dDdSkAvqnPJt5wKLWqor33JM4rdzc1q77QKpsWHbYmlgud7eEYO9pxOsBi4U8b8q95ut_g_sBR-0_LREVwzrEGb4QidiGx0/s320/12.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div>Cannot miss out the more common birds, but just a photographic record of what we met and caught on camera. <br />
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Malkohas were often seen in many places. Rather longish bird, but this one we caught is a Green-billed. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Not our choice, the pair of mating birds stopped us in our track. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D28npZ4DLTWkBXtnO8o0-h-Cqm4xTTGYk5521rUZcFhF42yUFAWuE43CBFi3Hn4z_iBavQKeF90VoYOGonD00R_fFdZz0xLUquWhIlKI5DISgYKtTivsJ2_DwdGw4Xy5yWhZqEitYS0/s1600-h/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D28npZ4DLTWkBXtnO8o0-h-Cqm4xTTGYk5521rUZcFhF42yUFAWuE43CBFi3Hn4z_iBavQKeF90VoYOGonD00R_fFdZz0xLUquWhIlKI5DISgYKtTivsJ2_DwdGw4Xy5yWhZqEitYS0/s320/13.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For Gilbert who was doing Video, he was rewarded with the courting dance sequel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtvd2ftgGIhXRLuNEl65YKgqzl-mFVxNuK72-f7lVTPObbGSaMxelW_6mh8OX8F8Ba9q50zU3Mh7OyizOF2hV5LNR3_YqmizSrifpHys5fy_15jxV0Rt-QWm-JMlSik1D8vanvY_Z3oo/s1600-h/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtvd2ftgGIhXRLuNEl65YKgqzl-mFVxNuK72-f7lVTPObbGSaMxelW_6mh8OX8F8Ba9q50zU3Mh7OyizOF2hV5LNR3_YqmizSrifpHys5fy_15jxV0Rt-QWm-JMlSik1D8vanvY_Z3oo/s320/14.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many articles were written on the net about Kaeng Krachan Park filled with Butterflies in the month of February.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkAV4HhdrGZtfe7y9YkvRTnGNOlPpN1HPNlCYTTypSp6nzq7S1MR6PYEH1ncJi-ai2ZtJAT5mLHjGxiSuLzJ29KgoThS6Ha-fjk4_z7aW9QIq-u70ng55j9EozQcV6m3OJBd1ttQpDMs/s1600-h/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkAV4HhdrGZtfe7y9YkvRTnGNOlPpN1HPNlCYTTypSp6nzq7S1MR6PYEH1ncJi-ai2ZtJAT5mLHjGxiSuLzJ29KgoThS6Ha-fjk4_z7aW9QIq-u70ng55j9EozQcV6m3OJBd1ttQpDMs/s320/15.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were there just after mid-February. The meaning of the word "filled" lived up to expectation. I have never seen a whole stretch of road having so many Butterflies at the same time. On both sides of the road, on and on as we walked our birding pace. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then near the river banks there groups of congregations. Not an expert on Butterlies but can tell of different species from their patterns.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The experiences of having bird in Ban Krang? A definite thumbs-up. Much better than many forest trails that we had been. Although many of the rare ground birds were not sighted, we were more interested in birding rather than seeking out rare birds.</div>wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-10533792054275851602010-03-06T04:46:00.000-08:002010-03-06T04:52:32.435-08:00Hell Fire Pass23rd February, 2010<br />
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This is an old tourist spot within an army camp and the entrance, needed to get through the camp compound to reach it. The place, I had seen it now with the new tidy looks. I would rate the place as the best organized destination should top the list of destination for Kanchanaburi i.e. for those seeking unusual places to visit and do not mind hiking.<br />
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From the writing I read in the internet, we were prepared for mosquitoes bite and contended with low birds life. Once there, what struck us as a surprise - far from what we had in mind, a first class walkways and stairs. The place absolutely clean and tidy. The forest was dry and there were plenty of trees but with little leaves, interspersed with Bamboo clumps. The trail started behind Park museum which situated at the top of the Pass. For the leg of the path, where we walked, we were virtually looking at the canopy of trees growing on the slopes. Birds were seen flying everywhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjZSOpNv4SmdfQzYqZ2mdVsI-Ff07C5IpTdrQlt6h2Xa3rflXgqR9gu7ECAkCSPRcmjStJGVMB_0XiH16Xx1Aq-SYXeGBy1a4Y4uGZRKv-pygvZ8-hHhMGioeGNfDE0steBX_kROt8FI/s1600-h/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjZSOpNv4SmdfQzYqZ2mdVsI-Ff07C5IpTdrQlt6h2Xa3rflXgqR9gu7ECAkCSPRcmjStJGVMB_0XiH16Xx1Aq-SYXeGBy1a4Y4uGZRKv-pygvZ8-hHhMGioeGNfDE0steBX_kROt8FI/s320/01.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were lots of Drongos, Ashy as well as Black Drongo. Then one larger one flew in, we shouted that it looked like a Crested Jay. The gloss from the bird's colours played tricks to our eyes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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On a flowering bamboo clump, the few birds were busy picking out the flowers. Against the sunlight could not ID them. Only the camera could. <br />
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It was a good 7 kilometers walk, a loop that led down into the valley with steep slope and up again. In the hot blazing sun, <br />
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The first Bulbul, that didn't look familiar since we left the National Park. Brown-breasted. <br />
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Though the surrounding was very dry, there was no shortage of birds. Only the heat slowed us down and stopped us from doing any enthusiastic hunt. <br />
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There were those Flycatchers that I am familiar with and also this one that I cannot make out. Very prominent white crescent band on its breast. <br />
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This one behaved exactly like Flycatcher, while Gilbert & Stephen got what appeared like a Hill-blue, I won't rule out this to be Niltava. But I know it is not. <br />
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The features are very clear. Pity we do not have a local to help us in a quick ID. Until some one tells me I am quite contended to have it named as the female of White-tailed Flycatcher. <br />
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The special attraction here was suppose to be the Limestone Wren-Babbler. We saw the limestone hills but the place and the walk was terribly hot without the shade. Unlikely that this bird would show itself. Also missed was the Spangled Drongo. We could have met up with one without knowing as there were so many of them flying in and out.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-10134113745216760542010-03-05T22:49:00.000-08:002010-03-05T22:49:07.511-08:00Kaeng Krachan Visitors Center22nd February 2010<br />
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Up till now I am still trying to get clarification as to which location is the Park HQ and whether the one we landed in as Visitor Center is another name for it. <br />
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The Visitor's Center is a complex on an open ground by the shore of the Lake. There were well manned information counters and inside maps, details as the places visitors can go birding. The principal spots, the Ban Krang camps and Thannon Thung camps. Then there was a separate counter for booking of tours and accommodations. Well, Thai style, every details well organized for tourism.<br />
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We were there at the Center, too late to make a run into the far way part of Park, so had time to kill and to avoid paying the day's park entrance fee. As recommended, we could bird around the visitor center. Here was - a complex of 2 buildings, toilet an annex some 50 meters away. Lavish car park with provision for buses too. The compound ornamented with a few tall trees in front and a couple more lower trees around the building. There was a small hill opposite the building, on top of which I could see some buildings. I suspect that would be the HQ but the reception told me "no hiking as that is a military complex". The hinterland otherwise, all bare and parched. While I was still trying to get my orientation, I saw Stephen & Gilbert chasing after Crested Bulbuls, Coppersmith and a couple more fair size birds. I went on my own to the low trees on the left of the building that was continuously filled with signs of birds creeping. There was calls. No no! I was not looking for exotic birds to fill our list but rather curious as to what we could get as common birds. Remembering that saying we heard in Malaysia that in Thailand we could get Red-whiskered flowing out of our ears! Let's see what I have collected.<br />
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Streaked-eared Bulbul, most common Bulbul as well as most common bird. Then Sunbird - the same Olive-backed. Must be a prolific bird who survived anywhere easily. <br />
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There was a cluster of a few fruit trees, lots of twigs and little leaves. Could see the birds among the maze of twigs but not in full exposed views. <br />
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This is suppose to be a Dark-sided Flycatcher but with strangely marked breast. <br />
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One of my shot have this Black-throated, usually a sub-montane bird in our country.<br />
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Monarch here were very much part of the pack. First time I see Sunbird, Monarch, Flycatchers and Flowerpeckers all together. <br />
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Time passed very quickly and just at dusk, more birds came to this sanctuary of trees. They did not gather at the fruiting trees but find perches on branches of the taller trees next to this group of lower trees. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwLdBAlhfDowO5To2M_CVxm3MlOESRhDcqu_uhcEyHgMQ1I7BsLXJiAP-C1RzSNbNfj-gZv2Q097RFB36gZ8E9nnpHSatBj_5APh9LjcZWF3AXnmxGes1Ak49a-SOCMGMtXpuP_ueiw8/s1600-h/06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwLdBAlhfDowO5To2M_CVxm3MlOESRhDcqu_uhcEyHgMQ1I7BsLXJiAP-C1RzSNbNfj-gZv2Q097RFB36gZ8E9nnpHSatBj_5APh9LjcZWF3AXnmxGes1Ak49a-SOCMGMtXpuP_ueiw8/s320/06.JPG" /></a> <br />
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The Asian-brown Flycatcher came out and showed itself prominently. <br />
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Common Iora which was also not among the group of small birds seen earlier, made its appearances at dusk. <br />
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The Lesser-racquet-tailed led the way, followed by the Ashy Drongo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So was the larger Black Drongo</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulfjqo9XxBeOHm0rhyulZZK_oDPseF9_yJJXXIec-iARgjZan023O_xgAb3PABRHvf6DgedDv81UMvbIZ17hpH944kcTReH3pBm1XR4vRJCfX7uPewR5jQoqmVH-LEtReBQ4Ur5E3WkE/s1600-h/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulfjqo9XxBeOHm0rhyulZZK_oDPseF9_yJJXXIec-iARgjZan023O_xgAb3PABRHvf6DgedDv81UMvbIZ17hpH944kcTReH3pBm1XR4vRJCfX7uPewR5jQoqmVH-LEtReBQ4Ur5E3WkE/s320/10.JPG" /></a></div>Another Sunbird with very bright yellow underpart that I would not speculate which species it would be.<br />
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</div>The highlight for the afternoon was watching the Streaked-eared in its nest. There were 2 nests on the tree.<br />
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The level of bird life seen in the visitor's center was impressive. Under identical forested environment when compared to travel in Malaysia, we saw less birds along the Thai roads. But in this park area, the level of bird life was remarkable. Perhaps that happening could have resulted from the fact the whole district do not have much trees or forest. The wooded area will attracts birds of the area to concentrate and gather. More over there could be linkage to the type of trees specially planted here, that drew the crowd.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-81030533416736600242010-03-04T05:42:00.000-08:002010-03-04T05:42:28.299-08:00Ban Aobfha Resort- Kaeng Krachan22nd February 2010<br />
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The Ban Aobfha Resort (Baan Fah Resort embrace). <br />
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633 Moo1, Tambon Kaeng Krachan, Phetchaburi 76130<br />
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We tried our best to learn as much as possible all about the Kaeng Krachan Park before our arrival but with little success. Faint impression that the park was in deep jungle far away from civilization. The driver we had, he too was unfamiliar with the park. Could gauge this fact when he took a traditional route in the direction to the Park, This old way, the only from the start, began the route from a point south of Petchaburi. New experiences for us, the way passed through irrigated rice fields and barren waste land. The journey after 35 kilometers ended with what appeared to be a small market square and a gate way. We thought that was the entrance to the park. So that's it, the hinterland to the park was not an area of deep forest but agriculture land scattered with wasteland. At the time of visit, the whole area was parched and looked desolate. <br />
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So we picked this resort at the park boundary and near "a" gateway of the park. After familiarizing ourselves with the "park". Big shock! There were much more resorts and restaurants inside the park compound itself. The Park as it is, a water retention lake for irrigation and drinking. The south-east shore with its HQ and visitor center has camping grounds and high end restaurants. A playground for the urban folks of Bangkok.<br />
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Then the resort that we chose. Rooms were not cheap at Rgt 100-120 per room. New to the place and little time to vet, we settled down. The decision when view with hind sight was good. The compound of this resort was in a spot most forested, it had a rapid flowing river used for white water and lots of green surroundings. More details of the resort would appear in the write-up on Multiply. In this blog, I highlight the birds that I photographed.<br />
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Bamboo forest lined the river banks. Myriads little birds filled the bushes and bamboo clumps, among those, this Flycatcher. <br />
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The bird that we are most familiar with was common in that area as well. <br />
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So was this species of Shama. <br />
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The Bee-eater that we could only see in northern Peninsula was a lifer for Stephen & Gilbert. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNPyLMFUOS05Iri9m5B_CzbVOl5UpnhjsJlZLa9GZcfcYdwUIkM0HP56tIzexDAaEi_ANqBILo9urEW7kmFV8_HEk17a6u6hGYNoZQHRhf0jSLrNwEPmircJ6fuJ9wfwqYk7ABKqHG3I/s1600-h/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNPyLMFUOS05Iri9m5B_CzbVOl5UpnhjsJlZLa9GZcfcYdwUIkM0HP56tIzexDAaEi_ANqBILo9urEW7kmFV8_HEk17a6u6hGYNoZQHRhf0jSLrNwEPmircJ6fuJ9wfwqYk7ABKqHG3I/s320/05.JPG" /></a></div> <br />
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Drongos [ all types] over took from the Mynas in number 1 position as the most common birds in Kaeng Krachan. And as for Myna, they were sighted. Only 1species - Common Myna. <br />
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A large bird flew in. Looked like a raptor. Back home with plenty of "photoshoped" -A Green Imperial Pigeon. <br />
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The dense mango tree just beside our room? In daylight hours, we saw it had 3 bird nests. No wonder we even had this guy snoozing there at night. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JKJPeS_CFqMPAo0ZoAhYS2W5Bjw0pZUvGpevGakptks8PfNPrczXCCi4fx8fJxdUs5EpWKiVvAgIv_w-NZJujJoO9PQ0FLa9qNvtxycv5kmt1iM8KlJ0Sn9b_dPwmKw_RmGuCSnx8fs/s1600-h/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JKJPeS_CFqMPAo0ZoAhYS2W5Bjw0pZUvGpevGakptks8PfNPrczXCCi4fx8fJxdUs5EpWKiVvAgIv_w-NZJujJoO9PQ0FLa9qNvtxycv5kmt1iM8KlJ0Sn9b_dPwmKw_RmGuCSnx8fs/s320/08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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Across the river there was the barren field. The whole day long, there were calls from the Lapwings. <br />
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We took time to explore the potentials of this place. By the end of the second day, we began to appreciate the vast amount of birds stopping by here. That was also the time that we have to leave this place. There you are, from the little amount of pictures that we harvested in a short time, the actual number spotted far exceeded that number.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-62805771809248192482010-03-04T04:14:00.000-08:002010-03-04T04:14:26.430-08:00Jeram -for the Black-capped19th February, 2010<br />
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After the last trip, I was reminded I had not got my fill of Black-capped for 2010. So this visit was more or less one trip to fill up the void in the schedule for the year.<br />
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This morning, no breakfast and no time for fellowship with Ah Tee but headed straight for the mangrove forest. I knew that in the early hours, many rare birds including Nightjars would be out sun basking. First "scenic" sight, I reached the beach by 7.30am. Happy to note that there were no Dollarbirds or Common Kingfisher to disrupt my continuation. But still, I must make a cursory visit to check on the mudflats. Beautiful morning, the water just started receding with the water line just 50 meters off shore. But there was no waders other than the few Little Herons. Suited me fine, I could focus on my run into the mangrove forest as I planned. <br />
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Now that's the intro for this trip. Next, right at the start of the Mangrove forest trail, I encountered a scene that influenced me to narrate the going-on as if I was came from Bagan Sungei Buloh!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWGLVRPEgKP5aiwvKgH4pR4knMdIHvSl74O34BH2af4dlNimhRSyU9F1P775lDWCC1mORoOhIVHw9rgh5C22XjEUuoCT0P-kILaFzCG3GMZla5J8zzLOtb0v99LSkSQADhSoYsduXASQ/s1600-h/Brahminy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWGLVRPEgKP5aiwvKgH4pR4knMdIHvSl74O34BH2af4dlNimhRSyU9F1P775lDWCC1mORoOhIVHw9rgh5C22XjEUuoCT0P-kILaFzCG3GMZla5J8zzLOtb0v99LSkSQADhSoYsduXASQ/s320/Brahminy.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The Brahminy was hunting in the morning. I needed a shot of the bird. Taking no chances, as soon as the Brahminy came to a rest, got this shot from a distance. <br />
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The bird watching ride from the car went on. No surprises, the usual birds that we had seen in the last trip, reappeared. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO9dq42rDHpq_wz2pkSC44_1O9QoGb_lCkwkI2OWkdxfODPqYDXlFgt1KZKUqGomgEdtFz0o-RNl1aa4UCRUg6sAozxBKTJ7KvZ8sptmKaARu-IJIZGPfF4rzSA7Lh29kqftx591Y2Ek/s1600-h/white-headed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO9dq42rDHpq_wz2pkSC44_1O9QoGb_lCkwkI2OWkdxfODPqYDXlFgt1KZKUqGomgEdtFz0o-RNl1aa4UCRUg6sAozxBKTJ7KvZ8sptmKaARu-IJIZGPfF4rzSA7Lh29kqftx591Y2Ek/s320/white-headed.JPG" /></a></div><br />
High on the wanted list, was this White-headed that I missed in the last trip. <br />
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Others on the wanted list, the efforts put in did not go well for me. For example - spent time waiting for the Prina that appeared briefly and there was this Great Tit which calling but just would not show. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2agLdnr2u5u_mv8ITDUfeJDHCT0t2FpELkmlKiaNPlOpnZ6xiGQo_LSsBzB-LDX_AWesAY2lmiBdafe_H_GUDcx2JIjnQuuR7_uWOCClE2L7mE41HPf7q9Fr2uwzEvJVXrK5l8aKwHRM/s1600-h/Cisticola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2agLdnr2u5u_mv8ITDUfeJDHCT0t2FpELkmlKiaNPlOpnZ6xiGQo_LSsBzB-LDX_AWesAY2lmiBdafe_H_GUDcx2JIjnQuuR7_uWOCClE2L7mE41HPf7q9Fr2uwzEvJVXrK5l8aKwHRM/s320/Cisticola.JPG" /></a></div> <br />
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A consolation was this Zitting Cisticola who was oblivious to my intention. A shy bird but stood there stunted. <br />
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One Black-capped was basking in the sun some distance away. Got my shot for the day even though the quality of pictures were below par. Then, while I on the verge of giving up hope of getting another good model, this good guy came to my rescue. Perched there for a good 10 minutes until I left. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mVDO58mDZFUNwqH5TzSys55eS71SyK2dmjyi4vyJRoli3p6iYr0YSEh07lkUpMqPJCakF1rL3Dvtrt7NKHitzHrhiFh2ocp9Qh90Z2_1YepnPpKPpVq-ZRXv-ZsyOMiV-j9lfeOCvH8/s1600-h/Black-capped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mVDO58mDZFUNwqH5TzSys55eS71SyK2dmjyi4vyJRoli3p6iYr0YSEh07lkUpMqPJCakF1rL3Dvtrt7NKHitzHrhiFh2ocp9Qh90Z2_1YepnPpKPpVq-ZRXv-ZsyOMiV-j9lfeOCvH8/s320/Black-capped.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lastly, the highlight for the day. <br />
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As I entered the forest, I was alerted by lot of calls from large birds -crows! Then spotted this pair of huge bird, immediately I could ID them as Sea-Eagles. One flew and chased by a whole flock of Crows. It returned to its perched where I got a few shots of their presence. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAA6yzdeQtIv79p6qCZ9m2LtWvrWJzdBXX0crVQ3NrPK5N1-lPHYwnl-M8JfZJ1Q_tlKS1U0-UHz2lnXyFA7Xl-OkqJcm3-MzwcJTmkYzIykqF48Xucy20M3M4iNGwe0Up-h-Qd6K5t4/s1600-h/Fish-eagle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAA6yzdeQtIv79p6qCZ9m2LtWvrWJzdBXX0crVQ3NrPK5N1-lPHYwnl-M8JfZJ1Q_tlKS1U0-UHz2lnXyFA7Xl-OkqJcm3-MzwcJTmkYzIykqF48Xucy20M3M4iNGwe0Up-h-Qd6K5t4/s320/Fish-eagle.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Watch them moved and turned about. Typical and confirming my ID. At last uncomfortable with my presence, both birds took off. One after another, trailed closely with the Crows.<br />
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Back home, I looked at the pictures, they had brown wings instead of the grey for the White-bellied.<br />
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The pair displayed all the habits of Sea-Eagles and the action of the Crows showed that the birds were not local. I consider these pixs as an important record. Unable to ID the birds positively, I will archived this batch of pixs for future reference.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-85746753804233968322010-03-04T03:50:00.000-08:002010-03-04T03:50:27.047-08:00Kemensah - Outran by 2 Kingfishers18th February, 2010<br />
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The Barbet were making their nest and also a pair of Grey faced Fish-Eagles spotted - such news enticed me to be in Kemensah. I made a special attempt to be there early. Arriving on the main road before 8.00 am. The place was very quiet and the weather the dullest. No other option but sat in the car and was a look out for signals. What signals?<br />
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Signs of birds flying about, then gauging from the level of birds activities, I could plan my moves for the morning. Fat hopes! An hour ticked by, not a single bird, very unusual indeed. No point searching other place beside that where I had parked, as "that" would be the mood for the area for that time. It was not until 9.30 am when the first bird, a pair of Striped throated flew across the "valley". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThXNZk3EDQjVaJx-WexQcr4MHhTPd2LU9qIvhSrVtoNmPhl1ilJSHmFmgJ-kRbCJsR6O-d_BLLgJEmLzy1iXv9uSxUzdp3lQYkIBG-3F1vGUd90a5fY7C4dsXMS1OEDwLbZsxzJbcJTY/s1600-h/wagtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThXNZk3EDQjVaJx-WexQcr4MHhTPd2LU9qIvhSrVtoNmPhl1ilJSHmFmgJ-kRbCJsR6O-d_BLLgJEmLzy1iXv9uSxUzdp3lQYkIBG-3F1vGUd90a5fY7C4dsXMS1OEDwLbZsxzJbcJTY/s320/wagtail.jpg" /></a></div>The day had begun. After such a poor start, cannot blame me for having no confidence to hike, I drove in towards the end of the road. Passing by the fish pond, this fellow momentarily stood at the fencing. I moved in for my first shot for the day -at the dried bed of the pond.<br />
Continued my hunt till the road ended, Bulbuls and Robin magpies and Flowerpeckers. Time to hike! Once at the bend, there were bird waves, made up of little tiny fellows at the canopy level. Jumping about and not wanting to be recognized. I waited for some to get lower but they won't, sensing a human present down on the ground level.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSOjEUhSHvJuZLUPYwGKkqUhElsH86vMthBZVPqFbUjuF4mE1gxZ-4qzMxgJC9NKUQZNbQj7H1YLhU0V18gRsKWz-DX9ndjIyvITUFOIWebwe8CejA-30LUzJbUdP3LlXLd6gFyBalEo/s1600-h/tailorbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSOjEUhSHvJuZLUPYwGKkqUhElsH86vMthBZVPqFbUjuF4mE1gxZ-4qzMxgJC9NKUQZNbQj7H1YLhU0V18gRsKWz-DX9ndjIyvITUFOIWebwe8CejA-30LUzJbUdP3LlXLd6gFyBalEo/s320/tailorbird.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not exactly true, one among the pair was wondering, thought I was not watching, emerged momentarily from the bush. Ah ha! I was ready. Fired 3 shots and harvested one respectable view. Time was getting late nearing 11.00 am, the weather turning brighter. Went down the slope for my patrol. This time, while driving passed the other pond, a Black-capped stood. Not to miss this unique chance, proceeded that spot as a normal passer-by. Got my camera mounted inside the car and drove back on the return leg. The bird left! Disappointed, I continued, then turn around, back trekked for another round. </div><br />
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Hey! How did I missed this little guy on the way out? On the way in, saw the little Blue-eared about 100 meters away. This time, with the camera still in position I would shot without creeping there. But first I must stop the car. Yes, I stop and it flew! He! He! He! So 2 Kingfishers in one day.<br />
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That the story of my life! Time for me to lie low, wait for my luck to change for the better. I waited in the area towards the end of the road for about 30 minutes, hoping and giving time for the birds to return to their perch.<br />
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I came back and sure enough, there was a huge bird. From a distance of 200 meters through my front windscreen I shot for my insurance.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrnWyMbR3-n7kTVS8wjyz8fUA3yhZzsv4lCZlDQLbS7OpBlT1iVqQHWzjJb7Vg0B7Qcgbs6crRKM2tMRkNS5UmZFPc9cAFuuvJ-KCNqrxLYOK33F_c3kQmhNr9heOjnEa3PiYqrpILc4/s1600-h/fisheagle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrnWyMbR3-n7kTVS8wjyz8fUA3yhZzsv4lCZlDQLbS7OpBlT1iVqQHWzjJb7Vg0B7Qcgbs6crRKM2tMRkNS5UmZFPc9cAFuuvJ-KCNqrxLYOK33F_c3kQmhNr9heOjnEa3PiYqrpILc4/s320/fisheagle1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then forward the car to a spot nearer for the real shot. I didn't even have the chance to bring my car to a halt, the bird flew when the car came uncomfortably close, meaning some 50 meters away. Not a sign of being frightened off by me but a safer distance and up in the Coconut tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>No false move, shot free hand from the car and luckily a couple of those hit the target before our friend left the scene.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-29169116867481099592010-02-28T07:09:00.000-08:002010-02-28T07:11:33.949-08:00Still looking for my Mangrove-blue Flycatcher16th February 2010<br />
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For this trip north, I have ample time to spare, fitted in my driving schedule handy and just nice for me to check out whether I could have my pictures for the Mangrove-blue Flycatcher and the Greater Flameback. So into this Sepetang Boardwalk I came.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMizPQKodlfD6qjZC40nVrKe6OlNXCrjXOeaCD9Japh5_-401iM4B-kRVvTA02PHrd5oLnNHw22A_aM9AwSZrKWvZc3vKUSFbi0GTKjcSZUHx-NbvdH6kjSlTqXwDvpZg4UlwRDwByB7A/s1600-h/drongo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMizPQKodlfD6qjZC40nVrKe6OlNXCrjXOeaCD9Japh5_-401iM4B-kRVvTA02PHrd5oLnNHw22A_aM9AwSZrKWvZc3vKUSFbi0GTKjcSZUHx-NbvdH6kjSlTqXwDvpZg4UlwRDwByB7A/s320/drongo.jpg" /></a></div>Was about 8.15 am when I walked into a bird wave at the first platform. Rather strange to have bird wave scenario in this place as I cannot remember meeting up with one during my other visit . The pack was led by a lone Drongo. It perched - with the bright morning sun as background. <br />
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No matter how I tried cannot say for sure that it's a Black Drongo even though looks like one. The rest of the birds that made up the packs were Flycatchers, Tailorbirds, Flowerpeckers, Sunbirds etc. <br />
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All of a sudden, my wife pointed out that quietly perched less than 2 meters away from where I stood. <br />
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What a gift in the morning, can see from the picture that I have to look downwards to the bird. A short while later it flew and I followed in hot pursuit to get it in other angles <br />
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I was granted that privilege and here one of the angles. <br />
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The bird kept its position well hindered with twigs and leaves. I could not harvest that many clear shot as I had wished to but here is one. After that following through with the Flycatcher was over and it moved away from me, the whole place just quiet down.<br />
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The Woody that I wanted was calling from some distance away. To kill my time waiting, recorded this Kite. They, a pair, were busy collecting nesting materials. <br />
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Among the many little birds that I met up with earlier, found this half hidden juvenile Flycatcher-shrike. <br />
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A visit to the mangrove forest would never be complete without getting this fellow into the picture. <br />
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It was a short but satisfying trip in getting enough pictures for the Mangrove-blue. Have to wait for another opportunity for the Woodywondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-49594020618674312182010-02-27T23:35:00.000-08:002010-02-27T23:41:07.117-08:00Air Itam Dalam in Penang15th February 2010<br />
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Of all the birding destinations that I know in Penang, there are 2 places that I would not miss. The Air Itam Dam and the Air Itam Dalam "Education Park". The former, is next to my house while the latter on the mainland side is easy to reach and relatively productive. Furthermore when it comes to heading for Air Itam Dalam, more salient considerations. First the upside - during this time in February, Pond Heron should be in breeding plumage I love to have more pictures. On the down side, the place had deteriorated over the last few years. I suppose I am still keen is to be there to check on its "existence" - the purpose hence is more to satisfying a question mark rather than a birding trip.<br />
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For this years visit, after reading reports of vandalism I got my wife to accompanying me as "jaga kereta".<br />
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Upon arrival, I was greeted by the boardwalk who has lost some of its planks. Very disappointing, at this rate of neglect, next year I may not able to walk through this tiny forest anymore. But after having taken just a few steps into the bridge and spending that few moments, my impression of the place changed.<br />
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First, with little outsiders to the place and the locals could not intrude what meagre amount of land left, the forested area was left to grow. No littering, no signs of willful destruction - ahh I got a good feeling that the ambience around boardwalk was like long before. It is regaining its previous glory. Imagine the scene - birds gathered in numbers and chirping away continuously as if I was in the midst of a bird wave. There were constant calls of the Lineated plus interjection by the Gold-whiskered and Coppersmith. [none of them seen]. The "Yellow-faced" left its perch for a short flight and an un-ID Raptors stayed hidden at the canopy.<br />
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What I had physically saw in terms of bird life were signs of those of the "little" fellows hoping about among the twigs.<br />
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Slowly I followed through the foliages. First fellow, the easiest perhaps largest among the lot, to spot was this Green Iora. <br />
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There must be a few of them located by their calls, here and there. <br />
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While waiting for the Ashy Tailorbird to stop hopping and the Malkoha to show its face, this pair of Drongo flew in to generate distraction. <br />
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These 2 Drongos in contrast with the rest, perched still, busy monitoring my movements, made no attempt to take off when I approached them. Meaning they having nothing in mind beside watching me.<br />
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Being many years now now that I have not sighted the Ruddy. This morning the Stork-billed marked its attendance. <br />
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No picture of the Stork-billed, so I got one ever-ready Kingfisher to be representative.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4G4GJT7fxa8UoHcRaewaKbd1yveyNeiC-XlfPzzVTcAKSnO7N5C6SBsV_2Po6vHD6cVBvPOPICU2tf0HoqtXJSveUGaPEH1qAfuuP_jKgLY3aujOYfPNEnXJO3SuYh7LgGHsBXUe2rc/s1600-h/4flycatcher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4G4GJT7fxa8UoHcRaewaKbd1yveyNeiC-XlfPzzVTcAKSnO7N5C6SBsV_2Po6vHD6cVBvPOPICU2tf0HoqtXJSveUGaPEH1qAfuuP_jKgLY3aujOYfPNEnXJO3SuYh7LgGHsBXUe2rc/s320/4flycatcher.JPG" /></a> <br />
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I was surprised by a pair of bold Tit-babblers who for a change were foraging in the open. Suddenly this objective for my visit appeared. <br />
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This Mangrove-blue is one Flycatcher that I still need more pictures of. Flew out perched very briefly and back into the darkness of the Nipah tree. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPz0IY1qusG086kXn3iiT_BzMSym_lhyphenhyphenY2jU_GHpEVdKat3PcTZLOguHw_Ai-8cqGwuGXb1txhG9GpcDf7vaH2KBt4mVaMBMQql7K1pE4sISNrnF3Jo_iKrx6EfbSX-rETvL_bqOAfmQ/s1600-h/5fantail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPz0IY1qusG086kXn3iiT_BzMSym_lhyphenhyphenY2jU_GHpEVdKat3PcTZLOguHw_Ai-8cqGwuGXb1txhG9GpcDf7vaH2KBt4mVaMBMQql7K1pE4sISNrnF3Jo_iKrx6EfbSX-rETvL_bqOAfmQ/s320/5fantail.JPG" /></a>The largest bird and one that created constant diversion was inevitably the Fantail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, that's the few types of birds that I have decent pictures of. The balance of the pictures, the Barbet was too far away and the Babbler was shifting too fast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQT_8Yq8tUmsmaVp5SxPtyYhjO7iMKmv2M9mn8IGO0D0DCHIANyo8FqctuW4aI4NOP8bk3ZsOGYPXW3prAVNpkv4QqSbWmQWQXZ1CHL34O-qFgZ-DLszA2la_9mFIT8DpGhIp7wnvrAw/s1600-h/6barbet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQT_8Yq8tUmsmaVp5SxPtyYhjO7iMKmv2M9mn8IGO0D0DCHIANyo8FqctuW4aI4NOP8bk3ZsOGYPXW3prAVNpkv4QqSbWmQWQXZ1CHL34O-qFgZ-DLszA2la_9mFIT8DpGhIp7wnvrAw/s320/6barbet.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Just before I close this page, I got the Lineated though very high up at the canopy level. <br />
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The Abbott also showed up in the open. <br />
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What remained of the forest area of Air Itam Dalam is very confined but compact I must say. I regained a good feeling about the place now after 4/5 years of disappointment. All the "old friends" who should be there, like the 4 types of Kingfishers, excluding the Ruddy already and the 3 types of Woody were there. I think the Mangrove Pitta should still be somewhere hiding. I am not sure whether we will get to see the Broadbill again. Yes, it a park with a short bird list and consistently the same birds seen. Since there is no large forest for miles within sight, it is unlikely other visiting birds, not sighted by me in this park during other previous visit, would drop by.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-23647500872113428252010-02-26T22:51:00.000-08:002010-02-26T22:56:01.877-08:00Bird Park- my parent's house14th February 2010<br />
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Recently I was toying with the idea of starting a bird feeding tray or bird house in my backyard, with the intention of attracting more birds to my garden and also enticing them to stay around with me. For the birds, there is an assurance of constant food supply and fresh water, they should not be bothered to go elsewhere. Not a new idea but one borrowed the idea from the hoteliers in Frasers Hills. <br />
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Before I have the chance to materialise that dream, I saw the reality when I was back in my old house in Air Itam. The happening there, I realized that our garden has the sort of environment where human virtually lived with birds. Without effort I could see the routine of a few birds. The scene knocked some sense into me as to type of ambience that makes birds stay or choose their resting place.<br />
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The 1st incident was with this Dollarbird. Punctually each dawn and twilight, he would perched there for a while - calling. <br />
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His stay was longer in the morning about 5 minutes and a brief one in the evening, the action done when there was no daylight. I can't help but thinking that the bird was roosting among the trees in my garden - that perch was his first and last place of call. <br />
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Next bird - Last year we decided in chopping down the Durian tree just beside the house. On which the Coppersmith had a few seasons of successful nesting. <br />
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This year, without its old nest, they found a replacement. A low horizontal bough on the nearby rambutan tree. Watching their behavioral pattern for CNY time, I would say that the eggs were being hatched. All day long I got Coppersmiths just 15 feet away from the front door of the house. By the second day of CNY, feeding started! Signs of the chicks hatched! Too bad, I don't live not in Penang. Nothing lost for me I've got another nest in Rimba to follow through. <br />
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Next, the most obvious example of birds behavior was shown by this pair of Mynas. <br />
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Each time when they needed rest or seen preening their feathers, they would return to the same bough. That pattern was repeated virtually at hourly interval. <br />
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The Tailorbird whose habit was spending their time among the bushes. That was the perimeter fencing. Here it felt comfortable to strayed onto the sandy patches to forage, spending considerable time. <br />
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A scene that I almost forget. Tree Sparrow who did get water for their bath had made use of the sands instead. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqC67AkC_hLp4D9aJhvwDVP185G-amPsVApq41Ujk6Q6ky8sRGauY0EzfOKMfUzPVv7OlJEDhuSAQo2_T7ShBGNhNusFGovVd9NKB9VN_VBB-wgbnZ_4v1neMffW7r9-r3pKszXJg-LY/s1600-h/6heron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqC67AkC_hLp4D9aJhvwDVP185G-amPsVApq41Ujk6Q6ky8sRGauY0EzfOKMfUzPVv7OlJEDhuSAQo2_T7ShBGNhNusFGovVd9NKB9VN_VBB-wgbnZ_4v1neMffW7r9-r3pKszXJg-LY/s320/6heron.JPG" /></a> <br />
The birds were so calm and unbothered in going about their routine. <br />
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At every couple of hours interval, this Little Heron would dropped by to his favorite perch. In the morning and evening, spent a long time on the perch. <br />
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I suspect that this one pair of Fantails were sharing a nest in a tree beside the house. For playing and resting, I saw them emerging from that tree and seen on another tree where most other birds would perch. <br />
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On a few occasions, they seen chasing away the Oriole who had stayed into the favored tree. <br />
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My house was no where near forest edge but right in the heart of the built up area. With that fact we cannot omit the Yellow-vented. <br />
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Though the Bulbuls were noisy birds at dawn and twilight, in their routine, they were not involved in any dramatic display. Typical of this species, they were the most seen bird and always being around the whole day. <br />
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"Naked" tree with birds. I would expect this to be a typical scene in Rimba Kiara especially in the morning hours, thinning off as the surrounding heats up. At the compound of my house, the place restricted to a small confine and sighting of the birds a natural reflex, such scene struck me as a common sight the whole day. Endlessly, different birds taking the stage at various time. I suppose the main difference - birds in Rimba were constantly moving around in much wider area for various activities, but the birds on the trees in my house were actually "at home" in their rest places. <br />
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Though most of the birds mentioned are "trash" birds by most people definition, I enjoy seating on the verandah and watching the going-ons. A true interpretation of backyard birding.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756657492338524686.post-51913224731610275652010-02-20T05:36:00.000-08:002010-02-20T05:36:24.557-08:00What's new in Rimba?10th February 2010<br />
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The Kites were seen mating and the nest for the Coppersmith freshly prepared, these were the couple of reasons I invented to get myself for a short visit to my playground. It's time that I follow through on the progress. I could also check on the favorite perch of Common Kingfisher and the status of the fruiting tree. So whether I was going to see any new birds or not, I had a full agenda on hand. <br />
On arrival, the amount of fruits thinned noticeably but some remnants. This fruiting time of this tree was a good gauge to tell which are the birds frequenting the Rimba Park area. Disappointed, I could only summaries the pathetic list that contains the Yellow-vented and the Common Iora. Even the starlings have no preference for its fruits. <br />
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This morning, there was a small fellow sighted. Some sort of Flycatcher. After a few flights to/fro its feeding spots, I could make out that it was an Asian Brown - quite a common visitors to Kiara Hills, now in Rimba as well. <br />
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Other than having counted this Flycatcher and the few Bulbuls, bird life was comparatively low. The Brahminy was no where to be seen, unlike those morning when they were watching the nest noted in all my previous trips. What happened? Is there any term like "failed mating?" <br />
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Even though I was mentally prepared, I cannot say that I was not disappointed - not until I see this fellow! Slim lanky fellow - looked like a Minivet. <br />
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There you are! A male Minivet. Alone and hunting within a tight circle. Spent half an hour watching it until I ran out of battery.<br />
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The Ashy Minivet on my previous encounters in the Kiara Hills foraged in packs of a few birds. Likewise, I too had previously seen the Minivet in Rimba, but those few occassions they were grouped in pair. As far as I remember, this could be the first time, I saw a lone bird.wondersfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793576654741505966noreply@blogger.com2