I D E A L S

Blue Winged Minla

2011-08-17T00:00:00.000+08:00

Blue Winged Minla

Collared Owlet with prey

2011-08-14T20:17:00.005+08:00

A Collared Owlet with its prey, shot made at about 4pm @ entrance to Maxwell trail. It is the smallest owl in Asia.

Napping tree frog

2011-08-06T20:02:00.005+08:00

Caught this napping tree frog on a palm leaf, not sure of its ID though. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Flying_Frog

Yellow

2011-07-09T20:21:00.002+08:00

Indian Cuckoo

2011-07-09T16:29:00.001+08:00

Indian Cuckoo @ Old Pump House Trail.

Woodpeckers Day Out

2011-06-22T10:49:00.000+08:00

I had a Woodpecker day at Old Pump House trail starting with this Orange Backed Woodpecker.

Not far from where this Orange Backed was sighted there were two Maroon Woodpeckers heard and seen pecking away on some dead bamboo trees. No chance for a clean shot.

And I supposed all that "kek kek kek" sound of the Woodpeckers was a draw for the same kind to congregate in a group to forage...safety in numbers? or it was just a good day for Woodpeckers.

This juv were perched very high up and was preening itself under the morning sun, how nice. I wonder if that equate to us relaxing on a beach bench under the coconut trees? Lousy background though.

Here are some of the commoners spotted.

A Little Spider Hunter

A Plain Sunbird.

An Oriental White-Eye with worm.

Grey Headed Babbler

2011-06-20T10:42:00.003+08:00

Preying for low land rainforest birds at Hutan Simpanan Krau with no significant result but the usual. We were greeted by 3 of this Grey Headed Babbler first thing in the morning, these are my improved shots of this species from the same place.

My best shot of this Large Wren Babbler despite my many encounter with him. And that no amount of coaxing would do the trick, and yet we are no enemy, sigh.

The Rufous Crowned Babbler is a commoner of Krau and pretty inquisitive I say.

And we end the day with a Rufous Winged Philentoma just before the rain started.

Flowerpecker Day

2011-06-16T00:09:00.001+08:00

I had a Flowerpecker day at Genting Highlands starting with this very active Fire Breasted Flowerpecker. Spotted the female as well but she was just too active for any shot.

Orange Bellied Flowerpecker.

A Plain Flowerpecker (juv).

A Rufous Browed Flycatcher with a mouthful of Spider.

A Scarlet Minivet that was sighted during a bird wave. The male Scarlet were just too far for a shot.

And a furry caterpillar to wrap up the day.

Black Hornbill

2011-06-13T10:37:00.004+08:00

It has been awhile since I last visited Hutan Simpanan Krau. I had many "missed opportunities" at Krau. One of which happened again yesterday when the Banded Pitta was hopping around barely 30-feet away from where I was standing guard and continue to hop away leaving me high n dry.

Greed was another reason why I failed to photograph the Malaysian Rail Babbler, and all that for my self imposing clustered free photos, sigh. The Rail Babbler was foraging on the ground 15-feet away under some very thick undergrowth, I could have fire away for some record shots... instead I decided to wait to avoid startling him with the "noise" of the shutter, and off he goes never to be seen for the rest of the day.

Despite my long string of "missed opportunities", I still dream of encountering the Giant Pitta, how lofty!.

A rather grainy photo of a Scaly Crowned Babbler that was taken under the dark cover of the forest canopy with high ISO.

Consolation of the day.

Banded Kingfisher (f)

2011-05-04T08:35:00.000+08:00

I won't get tired of shooting this species. Too bad that the male bird were no where to be seen.

Pygmy Wren Babbler

2011-05-03T08:39:00.006+08:00

Spent the long weekend birding at Genting Highlands to avoid the holiday exodus/traffic. Trees at the Old Pump House trail are fruiting and is a huge draw for birds. The Brown Barbets are the first few that visited besides Leafbirds and Bulbuls.

I just love their inquisitive poses.

I have seen this Pygmy Wren Babbler many times over, but it was either too dark or the undergrowth were just too thick for any photo. This time around I was a little luckier because he was perched on a thin branch across the undergrowth. Not a very crisp photo because I had NO time to adjust my camera settings and lot of "post production" adjustments. This is a Pale Morph and a lovely tiny fella.

Spotted at least 5 Red Headed Trogons (male Red Headed here) in a short morning, I think the season of love is approaching and they are out and about finding a mate : - )

A Black Laughingthrush.

Chestnut Backed Scimitar Babbler

2011-04-25T09:31:00.003+08:00

It has been quite awhile since I last visited the Old Pump House trail and these are the results after visited the same place twice in a roll.

Spotted this Black Laughing Thrush while I was busy searching for the Rusty Naped Pitta that can be heard and not seen. A rather shy and noisy bird that made a brief stop that lasted less than 1 minute or 2. Not a crisp photo, sorry.

A gorgeous Chestnut Backed Scimitar Babbler. A rather confiding fella.

Lesser Shortwing

2011-04-11T08:16:00.001+08:00

According to the guidebook, a Lesser Shortwing should have a pair of pale legs!

White Browed Shortwing

2011-03-13T18:58:00.018+08:00

At long last the male Siberian Thrush and the 1st winter male in frame! Although this species is fairly common in Russia, China and Japan, it is consider "rare" passage migrant to Peninsula Malaysia because the number birds sighted per any one site is less than 10.

Here are the results.

Female seen foraging on the ground for moths, flies. She did not come any closer as I would have hope for. It was still misty when the 1st three photos were taken.

1st winter male. there were two them scouring the dump site for earth worms (i think)!

Pair of White Browed Shortwings, the male ( 1st photo) were extremely shy and this is the only photo that I managed and a lousy one too, sorry. The 1st winter male were much more friendlier.

Could have been a great day trip if I had managed to capture the Olive Backed Pipit in frame too!

1st winter male (below).

Blue and White Flycatcher

2011-03-11T21:16:00.004+08:00

The whole birding circuit/photographers are abuzz with this lone handsome Blue and White flycatcher (1st winter male) making a pit stop at Bkt Tinggi which I believe it was first spotted by Madi last Saturday, before my trip there were drove of birders/photographers trying to get a glimpse of this handsome bird and I am certainly not the last.

Anyway, this handsome fella is very confiding and would perch for 10 over minutes at time, with that I bid you a good "shooting" session.

Untimely visit to Bkt Tinggi

2011-02-15T16:01:00.005+08:00

It was a good day up at Bkt Tinggi, hive of activities except I had not luck with the Siberian Thrushes, and don't think we will ever get to see this passage migrant again this year any more. My only consolation was a female I sighted over at Genting Highlands.

The flower nursery was a great spot, and my results below were all taken from the nursery and/or area near the nursery. Plenty of Grey Throated Babbler, Striped Tit Babbler, Mountain Fulvetta and White Bellied Erpornis in the morning.

One of the star bird of Bkt. Tinggi.

Another star bird of Bkt. Tinggi.

Plenty of this Ocharaceous Bulbul.

Here is a Grey Wagtail.

I got confused over the Verditer Fly (f) below because it had little resemblance of the male (above), luckily I digdeep with Dave : - ) vast difference is term of size/length, the turquoise blue of the male is so much more vibrant as compared to the greyish blue of the female.

A lone Banded Woodpecker hammering its way into the rotten trunk for ants!

A very confiding Mugimaki.

And the nesting season is starting ...

Here a Cream Coloured Giant Squirrel, He is big and that is why he is not as nimble like his smaller cousin.

Here is interesting reading of this cute creature.

And here is a Skink, not sure what species is this though.

Arctic Warbler

2011-02-10T22:29:00.001+08:00

I think this is a Arctic Warbler, correct me if I am wrong. Poor lighting!

No ID, need help

2011-02-09T15:44:00.003+08:00

This photo was taken at Genting Highlands near the Radar Station and I have problem locating its ID, can you help?

Peregrine Falcon

2011-02-08T20:47:00.001+08:00

I did not expect to see this pair of migrating Peregrine Falcons after my CNY break, how wrong was I. One probable reason why they are still here is the abundant of prey (pigeons) near my apt.

Peregrines courtship begins between Feb March, do you think they will breed here? Here are some of the better shots taken this evening (08 Feb) between 6:00 pm till 7pm ish.

Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-01T20:27:00.001+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year and a happy holidays.

Wreathed Hornbill

2011-01-04T00:08:00.001+08:00

Managed to steal an hour or so each morning/evening from a sight seeing trip to Langkawi and got lucky with a pair of Wreathed Hornbills (a male and female). I can't be sure but I remember reading somewhere that the Wreathed Hornbill is listed as a migrant in Langkawi though.

There were plenty of Great Hornbills and the noisy Pied in the morning and Brown Hawk Owls during the nite.

Not a crisp photo because he was way too high for any lens : - ).

This Dusky Leaf Monkey is common throughout the Island. Thanks for stopping by.

Tokay

2011-01-02T23:44:00.001+08:00

I am on a roll with Geckos ...here is Tokay ...

On my day off ...

2010-12-29T18:33:00.004+08:00

I wasted no time on my day off to catch up with some birding and here are the results. Still no luck with the Cutia.

A wet web.

A Mugimaki Flycatcher (f)

A beautiful Rufous Winged Fulvetta.

The Javan Cukooshrike.

A Puff Throated Babbler ?

Pitcher Plant, a prey is about to jump in (by the rim) ...

Endau Rompin, Selai

2010-12-26T20:52:00.005+08:00

Friends and I visited Endau Rompin over the Christmas weekend, I must say Endau Rompin Selai could use some major facelift if the Govt wishes to attract bigger dollar from our friendly neighbor because the facilities were rather crude.

Selai should be a boon for birders/nature lovers because of its remoteness and being under developed; no birding activity this time around but managed to do some trail walking where these photos were taken.

A colorful Spotted Stream Frog, there were more than a pair of them near the stream but only spotted one (1).

Not sure what species of spiders are these though.

This House Gecko was hiding behind my wall mirror, his was calling loudly and endlessly from the moment I step into my chalet until he was found/caught/released for a restful sleep.

Here is a fresh water garfish (needle-fish).

Found this Land Snail devouring fungi.

A Red hairy caterpillar?

Rajah Brooke Birdwing Salt Licking

2010-11-08T10:45:00.001+08:00

Rajah Brooke Birdwing salt licking minerals...

Waiting for the sun

2010-10-24T20:51:00.000+08:00

This morning at Genting Highlands was rather disappointing not because there was no birds activity but the fog was just too thick for any good photos. It did not clear right about noon.

Thanks to this very confiding Snowy Browed Flycatcher and a lone furry friend that kept me busy briefly, she must be the sub adult that just leave the group and ready to start her own family.

Black Throated Sunbird

2010-10-10T01:01:00.003+08:00

A Black Throated Sunbird.

Always love this pose...staring you down.

Here is the female. The male is much larger and colorful than the female as with many other species, check out this interesting reading on/about Sexual dimorphism (click).

???

2010-10-06T21:48:00.001+08:00

What species is this? Both Mike and I spotted this very confiding species at Genting Highlands and Madi at Kemensah, what do you think, it is an Asian Brown Flycatcher or something else?

Spectacled Bulbul

2010-10-03T16:19:00.000+08:00

A common Bulbul of the low land forest. Nothing new from Bkt Renggit to share with you except I spotted my first Large Wren Babbler, let see if I have a chance to capture a (some) good photo(s).

Song Bird for RM300

2010-10-02T18:27:00.000+08:00

The going rate of this song bird is Rm300 to Rm400, go check it out at your local mom and pop aquarium shop.

Birding at Genting Highlands

2010-09-25T20:26:00.008+08:00

Had a swell day birding at Genting Highlands, started the morning well with the sighting of 3 - 4 individual of Mountain Leaf Warblers and here is one of them "hanging" precariously on the fence. This tiny little beauty is very agile/quick and lucky for me that I was quick on the trigger ; )

It didn't take too long for this beautiful Bar Throated (Chestnut Tailed) Minla to steal the show from the Warbler, he really does it for me with his acrobatic display when hunting down an insect in mid air just 5 - 6 feet away from me, what a scene stealer!

It was too bad that the Minla didn't stay long enough...and the Streaked Wren Babblers (2) came to compensate our lost with his appearances that lasted for a good 15 minutes.

White Browed Shrike Babbler (female)

White Browed Shrike Babbler (male), not a good photo though.

This Black Eared Shrike Babbler is truly a beauty, I had a tough time "following" him because he was rather "perky" and this is the best photo after trying for a good 10 - 15 minutes.

The Golden Throated Barbets (2) were very obliging, I was given a good 10 minutes of "air time" with him while he roamed from 1 bunch of fruit to another.

With so much fruit to choose from, it is a tough call!

Spotted this Blyth's Hawk Eagle taking flight as I was about to call it a day.

Asian Elephants of Belum-Temengor

2010-09-05T20:48:00.008+08:00

Friends and I were holidaying at this wonderful resort (click to view) located on an island within Belum-Temengor Rainforest, this 140 millions years old rainforest is home to 3000 species of flowering plants, 270 species of birds, and more than 100 species of mammals which include Tapir, Sumatran Rhino, Asian Elephants, Malayan Tiger, Leopard, and Sun Bear.

And we were blessed with this herd of elephants foraging across our resort, what a luck!.

Here is a close up shot of the baby foraging with the adults.

This flock of Plain Pouched Hornbills is also a rare sight (these days) due large scale logging activity that has caused "unrepairable" damages to the lake system and its habitats.

What is happening in Temengor...take a look at a post by Kim Chye and Yian.

It is never too late to "Save Temengor", please sign the online petition.

Banded King

2010-08-31T21:10:00.000+08:00

I was looking forward of seeing another species of Banded but I got this instead.

Crimson Sunbird

2010-08-23T00:09:00.000+08:00

I was just going through some of my photos and did some major cleaning/ freeing up (deleting blurry/old photos) some disk space and I stumbled upon this beautiful Crimson Sunbird (Juv) from my trip to Rainforest Discovery Centre Sepilok late last year. Take a look.

Red Naped Trogon

2010-08-21T20:59:00.001+08:00

A Red Naped Trogon.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon

2010-08-08T22:27:00.001+08:00

A very obliging Mountain Pigeon.

Thank you for visiting, come again.

Cream-coloured giant squirrel

2010-08-07T19:56:00.001+08:00

Updated 29 August 2010, The photo below is "not" a Cream Coloured Giant Squirrel ...photo of a Cream Colored Giant http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/cream-coloured_giant_squirrel.htm.

A Cream Coloured Giant Squirrel.

No Rusty

2010-07-16T17:31:00.008+08:00

Still no sign of the old Rusty and Marbled Wren yet. The only piece of good news to take home with is the fact that Bishop Trail is not short of Rusty Naped Pittas because they have responded to my play back many times and not seen.

Long story short, here is a gorgeous Red Headed Trogon that perched comfortably on a bamboo tree.

This Crimson Winged was spotted shortly after I was defeated by the Marbled Wren Babbler (Gap Road).

And I have no ID of this bird (White Bellied Yuniha / Erpornis a tree babbler?) (below), help. I think the former.

And a Yellow Bellied Warbler.

White Hooded Babbler

2010-07-15T19:48:00.001+08:00

This White Hooded Babbler was spotted just before I ascend the Gap Road. A lifer for me and too clustered not a very good photo though.

Checker Throated Woodpecker

2010-07-05T00:09:00.005+08:00

It is good to be back...

Common Buzzard

2010-05-06T00:47:00.004+08:00

The stifling heat back in mid March was atrocious even for a Malaysian and Bukit Tinggi was my hide away that offers the cool and a chance to spot this Common Buzzard again.

As always, I found him perched high on a lamp post enjoying the morning sun.

Also spotted the Blyths Hawk Eagle perched high on a dead tree but was too high up for any decent

photo.

Mangrove Flycatcher

2010-04-30T00:09:00.001+08:00

A beautiful Flycatcher from the swamp.

Dollarbird

2010-04-29T00:25:00.002+08:00

A Dollarbird.

Common Iora nesting

2010-04-27T00:09:00.008+08:00

I spotted this inconspicuous Common Iora collecting spider web and I had thought he was "going" after the spider for a feast, how wrong was I.

Take a guess?

The truth was as I found out later ... the spider silks was used to reinforce the structure of the nest, how clever and probably the strongest nest of all because of the high tensile of the spider silks.

Tabib had documented the entire nesting process recently (must visit) and you will be amazed with the amount of spider silks that was used constructing the nest.

Coppersmith Barbet

2010-04-26T00:09:00.002+08:00

Found him perched high up with a flock of Starlings on a dead tree bathing themselves under the morning sun.

What a gorgeous bird!

Kuala Selangor Nature Park

2010-04-20T00:09:00.021+08:00

My last trip to Kuala Selangor back in late Feb was a very exciting one because I heard the call of a Mangrove Pitta, I have not been there until last Sunday and I was "defeated" by this elusive bird again.

Anyway, long story short, I was greeted by this Forest Wagtail foraging on the leafy ground as soon as I entered the park, how nice of him and I was pleasantly surprised that he is still around.

Here is the close up shot.

The Oriental White Eyes are especially active.

A Brown Shrike, probably his last month here in South East Asia Countries.

The Ashy Tailorbirds are everywhere...

Spotted a Scarlet Backed Flowerpecker (juve) because of the orangey tinged on its uppertail coverts. No sight of the beautiful male/female though.

The very common Laced Woodpeckers to finish off.

Blue Eared Kingfisher

2010-04-19T00:09:00.002+08:00

It was nice to spot this gorgeous Blue Eared @ Kemensah, thanks to Madi and the Gang of Four.

Black Browed Barbet

2010-04-18T00:09:00.006+08:00

Spotted a Black Browed Barbet excavating a tree hole for nesting last week at Fraser's Hill, by the time I checked in on him again in the afternoon, the cavity was already very deep; it is not exactly a crisp photo because it was very high up on the left slope of Jalan Girdle.

Two Hungry Mouths

2010-04-17T14:39:00.002+08:00

Can you see the gaping mouths ?

Black Birds of Fraser's Hill

2010-03-31T00:09:00.006+08:00

Can't say my trip to Fraser's Hill was fantastic because it very misty in the morning and it rained in the evening ...anyhow here are the black birds from the hill station.

Let see if I get a chance to see the fledgings soon.

Here is the Lesser Racket tailed.

Green Magpie

2010-03-30T00:09:00.005+08:00

Spotted a pair of them frolicking at Jalan Lady Guillemard, here is one of them.

Flying Rhinos

2010-02-25T00:09:00.004+08:00

Last day at Sg. Relau and I was puzzled as to why I have not seen any Hornbills except for the Oriental Pied on day 1; I have come across with Black/White Crowned/Rhinoceros Hornbills at Sg. Relau before and I was wondering if I should be so lucky again on this trip.

As I was approaching the steel bridge, the sound of "huup huup huup huup" was what I heard coming from behind me and is getting louder and louder ...and three (3) Hornbills with large orange colored casque flew pass me, they must be either Rhinoceros or Great Hornbills.

Adult male.

This is the juve.

Luwak

2010-02-23T00:09:00.009+08:00

I did not venture too far out during the nite because the locals had already informed me on what to expect during the nite which save me the energy of walking about too much after a day long affairs. Dutifully so, I waited at the spot where those nite creatures will come out to forage/hunt and here are the results.

A thirsty Masked Palm Civet Cat with a mouthful of "Jambu Air" literally translated as "water apple" after waited for less than 15 minutes shortly after 9 pm.

This "not so" shy Brown Fish Owl was seen foraging on the ground as I was approching the camping ground.

Not a bad nite huh.

Garnet Pitta

2010-02-21T00:09:00.007+08:00

I visited Taman Negara Sg. Relau over this long CNY leave for some birding. The trip was "OK" except for Day 1 and 2, on Day 1, the 4x4 was busy ferrying climbers back and forth between base camp and Kuala Juram, by that you can imagined how disturbing it was. On Day 2, there was a heavy downpour in the morning and remains gloomy throughout the day, another bad day.

Day 3 was good and the birds were very very active, especially the Asian Paradise Flycatchers (Dark Morph with long central tail/without long central tail (no White Morph were sighted)) which were calling/singing profusely, I managed some shots but no clean perched.

As for this trip, the most welcoming calling were the calls of a Garnet Pitta. In fact, there were two of them on the same premise presumably a male/female breeding/nesting.

Gold Whiskered Barbet

2010-02-16T15:31:00.004+08:00

Spotted this Gold Whiskered Barbet on a feasting frenzy ...so many to choose from. Mike the Birder had spotted some nesting activity recently, check it out.

This bird is very well camouflaged with its green plumage and he stays quiet throughout which is not how they usually are.

Dark Throated Oriole

2010-02-12T00:09:00.003+08:00

Not my best shots of the Dark Throated Oriole because I have deleted some of the better pose/shots by accident, shit happens ; )

Grey Bellied Bulbul

2010-02-10T03:04:00.002+08:00

This Grey Bellied Bulbul came visiting me at my chalet when the weather was impossible for birding. This bird is a residence of most low land forest and you should not have missed it.

Happy Lunar New Year and happy holidays.

Scarlet Backed Flowerpecker

2010-02-09T00:05:00.002+08:00

Ran into this female Scarlet Backed Flowerpecker @ Kemensah. I have always wanted a close up of the male, not this time, Tabib got a photo of the male, take a look.

Lesser Fish Eagle

2010-02-08T00:09:00.003+08:00

Lesser Fish Eagle that was seen perched near a fish pond @ Kemensah.

Rufous Crowned Babbler

2010-02-07T00:09:00.005+08:00

Does this look like a Rufous Crowned Babbler to you? She is a real song bird. Infact, it was her melodious calls that intrigue me and led me to the Asian Paradise Flycatcher.

Dark Necked Tailorbird

2010-02-05T00:09:00.006+08:00

Spotted this pair of Dark Necked Tailorbird foraging on ripen fruit tree near the Ara Trail, Kuala Koh.

Here is the male.

Paradise @ Taman Negara Kuala Koh

2010-02-02T00:09:00.006+08:00

My first long trip in 2010 to Taman Negara Kuala Koh was simply "paradise" and managed to sight just under 40 species of birds and those that I have "heard" are not accounted for. Anyway, long story short, I was blessed with the sighting of the Asian Paradise Flycatcher on many occasions, the White Morph, Dark Morph and the sub adult male without its long central feathers tail. Only managed to photograph the white morph and the sub adult but not the Dark Morph long-tailed, next time may be.

The white morph Asian Paradise Flycatcher is simply stunning and is one of most beautiful bird of Malaysia, at least that is what I think.

There are two very interesting articles about ASian Paradise Flycatcher here that you should not missed.

Golden Babbler

2010-01-29T00:09:00.010+08:00

A beautiful Golden Babbler and tried very hard to get closer for a better shot but can't. Happy Federal Day and do enjoy your birding trip.

Red Bearded

2010-01-27T00:09:00.014+08:00

It was a "Red" day for me at Fraser's Hill, first I spotted this Red Bearded Bee Eater and later the Red Headed Trogon. Beautiful "pink" on the forecrown and "red' beard huh?

This Bee Eater is a relatively common species and the call is unmistakable ..." Kar Ka Ka Ka".

Red Headed

2010-01-25T00:09:00.005+08:00

This Red Headed Trogon was surprisingly friendly; he stayed for a good 10 minutes, what luck!

This was taken when I first spotted him.

Banded Broadbill

2010-01-19T00:09:00.006+08:00

There were two of them and they were very confiding. Too bad I was unable to make it last week because Mike / Madi had spotted 4 type of Broadbills ...Dusky, Black & Red; Black & Yellow and this beautiful Banded Broadbill all on the same trail.

Babblers of Kemensah

2010-01-18T00:09:00.005+08:00

Mike the Birder and I had the whole Kemensah trail to ourself last Sunday, nothing spectacular but the Banded Broadbill was pretty freindly and stayed for a good 10 minutes.

Here is the Striped Tit Babbler (tip off by Madi).

A beautiful Chestnut Winged Babbler (tip off by Mike the Birder)

Tagged Common Redshank

2010-01-13T00:09:00.004+08:00

Caught this tagged Common Redshank taking a bath at the edge of the mud flat.

Scene 1: Immersing himself and wiggling from left to right

Scene 2: Dipping its wings into water

Scene 3: Flapping its wing to get rid of the water

Scene 5: Flapping its wing to get rid of the water, noticed the tag on its right leg

Scene 7:

Scene 8: Finally...

The return of the King

2010-01-11T00:09:00.004+08:00

I did not make it to Kemensah on Sunday morning because the trail was terribly busy with birders, when I arrived I saw John Steed and gang walking up the trail, and I saw Madi/Mike's car not too far where I had wanted to park.So, I turned back and headed for this gorgeous King instead.

He kept his distance and not sharp/crisp enough, next time maybe.

The last shot was taken just before the dive; still no feeding shot.

Grey Capped Pygmy Woodpecker

2010-01-05T00:09:00.001+08:00

Grey Capped Pygmy Woodpecker

Rude Awakening at FRIM

2010-01-03T12:54:00.005+08:00

These photos were taken from Taman Botanica Kepong @ FRIM before I was chased away by the security guard because there is no cemera policy enforced by the park which I don't understand.

Don't the Park Officers take photos too when they and family visit Disneyland ? And FRIM is promoting Ecotourism http://www.frim.gov.my/index2.cfm?menu=ecotourism-inner ?

Booted Eagle (pale morph)

2010-01-02T00:09:00.004+08:00

I had encountered this Booted Eagle (pale morph) earlier at the same stretch of dirt road leading to Kuala Selangor i.e. before I posted the flight shots and am thankful that my friends are quick to assist, thanks all.

Black Eagle ?

2010-01-01T00:09:00.002+08:00

This is one Bird of Prey that I am not sure of its ID yet, it does look like a juvenile of a Black Eagle, what do you think? Taken from Taman Melawati, Kuala Selangor.

Owls

2009-12-29T00:09:00.122+08:00

Did some owling last Saturday and was blessed with a Spotted Wood Owl and a Barn Owl not too far from one to another.

2009 is coming to a close and it has been a pretty "ok" year for me and I thanks all for visiting and leaving behind some very encouraging words. All the best in 2010.

If I may just sum it up, my only disappointment (for the year) was the missed opportunity to make some good shots of the Garnet Pitta, Banded Pitta and the Malaysian Peacock Pheasants which was seen twice this year foraging near Lubok SImpon trail @Kuala Tahan on the same day.

My best achievement for the year would have been the Large Frogmouth during a trip to Taman Negara@ Merapoh (Sg. Relau); as a matter of fact, I would not have been able to spot this awkward looking bird without the assistance of Dr. Chan and gang from MNS Ipoh. On the other hand, I am also thankful that many of the great nature lover/birders are posting their trip reports and posting their wonderfully done photographs of birds and mammals for our viewing/reference.

If there is one thing that I have learnt in 2009, it would be "PLAN YOUR TRIP". It is worthwhile to make sufficient preparation for each and every single trip and I always visit Jas and John's Nature Photography for tips which in my opinion is the best nature site of Malaysia.

Tabib and Irfan was very obliging to assist and to guide me on when I could not decide which prime lens to go with when I was planning on upgrading from my 300mm zoom lens to my first prime lens i.e. Canon 400mm f5.6 lens.

Friends from the North in particularly Terence is always obliging in showing me his playgrounds without any hesitation.

Long story short, So make merry! Make merry we must while there's time! Can I let cares overwhelm me? Must I keep waiting for next year?

Barn Owl was formerly vagrant, and now resident after it was introduced in a Palm Oil plantation in Johor back in the 70s (source: The Birds of Thai-Malay Peninsula, David R.Wells).

Common King

2009-12-28T00:09:00.017+08:00

This Common Kingfisher got so used to seeing my 4x4 coming in and out of the same trail repeatedly and I am no stranger to him.

The bird is really quite small and hiding away from view is easy.

Brahminy Kite

2009-12-24T00:09:00.003+08:00

An adult Brahminy Kite.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.

And here is the juvenile.

Crimson Breasted Flowerpecker

2009-12-21T00:09:00.004+08:00

Spotted a pair of Crimson Breasted Flowerpecker feasting on overripe Star Fruit and as always the male is colourful and is essential for attracting female and breeding successfully.

oh my! So sweet...and succulent...I wish I had a mouthful myself.

The male were surveying the surrounding after noticing my presence.

...and here is him again with a mouthful.

Collared Kingfisher

2009-12-17T00:09:00.001+08:00

Streaked Spiderhunter

2009-12-16T00:09:00.002+08:00

A noisy Streaked Spiderhunter that always seen feeding on ornamental flowers.

Little Pied Flycatcher

2009-12-15T00:09:00.002+08:00

I was running from one wedding to another, and didn't get a chance to walk the trail/birding over the weekend. Anyway, here is the most common flycatcher that you can't missed either at Awana, Fraser's Hill or Cameron Highlands, and I hope you don't mind looking at it again.

Black Kite

2009-12-10T00:09:00.001+08:00

I think this is a Black Kite Black Kite? Terence would know better! Better still Mun have got load of flight shots of birds of prey, take a look.

Black Capped Kingfisher

2009-12-08T00:09:00.001+08:00

This is a very shy and easily disturb "king", I managed to get this shot after many attempts on him, phew!

Siamang

2009-12-07T00:09:00.005+08:00

This "black furred" gibbon is native to Malaysia and make very loud and melodious call every morning.

Here is the male.

The female.

And the male and a juvenile.

Mountain Leaf Warbler

2009-12-05T00:09:00.004+08:00

Black Shouldered Kite

2009-12-04T00:09:00.003+08:00

A Black Shouldered Kite from the paddy field area of Sekinchan.

Hill Blue Flycatcher

2009-12-02T00:09:00.004+08:00

This pair of Hill Blue Flycatcher dropped by soon after the Yellow Bellied Warbler took off. I was hoping to catch some migratory birds but sadly there were none that would pop by for a "hello".

Anyway, I hope you like these photos.

... so happy that you visit.

Yellow Bellied Warbler

2009-12-01T00:09:00.009+08:00

Lookey lookey, who is here?

The truth is, I have come across this ever inquisitive species many times and I was not able to land me some good shots because he was just too agile, too quick.

I hope you enjoy this "comical" presentation.

I better let the rest of em know!

How have you been? Great I hope.

I better run, I have got plenty to do. I'll see you around and come back soon because Mr. Hill Blue is so looking forward to meet you.

Crested Serpent Eagle

2009-11-29T00:09:00.005+08:00

This a close up of a Crested Serpent Eagle from Bagan Pasir, Tj. Karang.

Leaf bird and her prey

2009-11-24T00:09:00.002+08:00

This is a series of shots of a Blue-Winged Leafbird feeding on insect.

Scene1: Caught her prey.

Scene 2: Switched from left to right getting ready to "swallow" her catch.

Scene 3 : Where she was swinging her prey from left to right adjusting the position of the insect to "swallow".

Scene 4: Found the juicy belly.

Scene 5: swallowing...

Scene 6: Savouring the last bit of her meal.

Scene 7: Flapping her wings after a hearty meal.

Ruby Cheeked Sunbirds

2009-11-22T19:41:00.001+08:00

Ruby Cheeked Sunbirds.

Velvet Fronted Nuthatch

2009-11-20T00:09:00.003+08:00

A beautiful Velvet Fronted Nuthatch.

Oriental White-Eye

2009-11-19T00:09:00.003+08:00

I think this is an Oriental White-Eye and because this is not a full bodied shot it was difficult to differentiate it between Everett's White Eye. If I got the ID wrong, please let me know.

Rufous Piculet

2009-11-17T00:09:00.003+08:00

I have come across with this gorgeous little bird for many times, and this is my only good enough photo to share.

Rufous browed flycatcher

2009-11-16T00:09:00.003+08:00

Bumped into both the Pygmy Wren Babbler and this Rufous-Browed Flycatcher at Bishop trail, Fraser's Hill.
Was not quick enough for the Pygmy Wren Babbler. Next time around.

Add caption

Grey Throated Babbler

2009-11-12T00:09:00.005+08:00

Shortly after Bishop trail, I ran into a pair of Grey Throated Babbler, here is one of them. Not a great shot but good enough for ID.Oh, I bumped into Susan Wong and friends for the first time.

Rufous Collared Kingfishers

2009-11-10T00:09:00.003+08:00

I came across with this beautiful pair of Rufous Collared Kingfishers when I was walking the Kingfisher Trail; it would been an achievement for me if both the Male and female perched side by side to each other for a pose! No chance after waited for almost half an hour and god know when this "one in a million" chance come knocking on my lens again!

Puff-Backed Bulbul

2009-11-09T00:09:00.003+08:00

A Puff-Backed Bulbul.

Blue Tailed Bee Eater

2009-11-06T00:09:00.002+08:00

Woodpeckers

2009-11-04T00:09:00.003+08:00

Having reached Sandakan and stopping over at RDC is a must because RDC is famed for its huge variety of avian fauna. It is so popular that it attracts thousand of birders from all over world year after year. How can I miss it?

We didn't get to do much at RDC because we are unsure of the treks to take and our 2nd day was a rather gloomy/overcast sky which is not favourable for birds watching.

Anyhow, here is the beautiful Buff-Necked Woodpecker that greeted me near the lakeside. There were at least 4 - 5 of them foraging/pecking on the ground/trees for worms. Quite a sight to behold because I have NOT seen so many woodpeckers at any one time except for the Great Slaty Woodpecker roosting site near Kuala Tahan.

This Maroon Woodpecker was spotted at the Pitta Trail and is nesting. I had my doubt because the male returned to the nest in less than 20 minutes with another mouthful of worm soon after this shot was taken, I am curious.

On my second visit the next morning, I heard the calls of the chicks, voilà! Don't you think it is a little early to nest?

689

2009-11-02T00:09:00.004+08:00

Soon after we departed Kinanbangan River, we headed off to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. They were no free roaming Orang Utans within the park and the best and only time to spot them is during their feeding time in the morning and afternoon.

There were 4 or 5 Orangutans and some Pig Tailed Macaques near/at the feeding /viewing platform. I liked to think that 4 -5 Orangutans is a good number because it is a sign that less wild orangutans were seized or rescued form poachers or timber loggers.

On the other hands, we congrats WWF for doing their level best to preserve our precious wildlife habitat.

This younger Orang Utan was very inquisitive and came down to the viewing platform to greet us.

The highlight of the visit has got to be this very muscular alpha male that was taking a peep at the crowd.

This one stole the "purple yam" from the feeding platform and is ever watchful in case the Orangutan decided to reclaim their food.