Absorbed with its catch, the Glossy Asian Starling practically ignored the fact that I was right in front of it. Despite the closeness, still unable to make out what looked like a 'fishy' prey although there was no waterbody close by, nevertheless an unusual meal if so.
Taman Rimba Kiara
“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever”
Thursday 28 March 2024
Saturday 23 March 2024
Omnipresent flycatcher-shrike
The Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus hirundinaceus) never fails to announce its presence with it repetitive calls. Always in a pair, it's hard to miss this one.
Although recognised as a forest-dwelling bird, it's now commonly sighted in parks, and has been recorded to nest in parks too. In parks it forages low providing opportune close-up images. However, in forests, it's frequently seen to move in a mixed flock, thus, to the glee of a birder, alerting the presence of a bird wave.
Spotted low in the taman.
Wednesday 20 March 2024
The elusive kingfisher
The Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting) is one of the few kingfishers that could be considered forest birds so it didn't come as a surprise when a sudden flash of blue and orange appeared as I was on the trail.
But almost immediately it took off again to the far end. Fortunately taking a shot in the 'dark', revealed its presence!
To be doubly sure, numerous shots were taken, and it was definitely the Blue-eared Kingfisher that has eluded my camera for the last few years!
Sunday 17 March 2024
Least concern, but not least desirable
The Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Chalcoparia singalensis) is commonly found in forest and forest edge and must be one of the loveliest small birds that reside in the bukit.
This bird stuns with its bejewelled plumage of emerald green, ruby red, a tease of metallic lavender, and autumnal orange. The female is no less attractive with its 'soft' plumage of olive-green.
It typically forages in the upper canopy of trees but on this occasion descended too close, too close challenging my focus!
Friday 15 March 2024
Us and them
How are we alike, or different!?
I had thought it would be a struggle when I saw the Crested Goshawk grasping a twig, too long I thought to manoeuvre through the branches, to its nest.
And indeed it took all of 48 seconds, almost a minute for it to get a grip and fly through to its nest.
However when it next got hold of a shorter one, it was a breeze for it to reach its nest.
Wednesday 13 March 2024
A bee-eater's play
As the migrant season gradually ceases, most birds would assume vibrant colours before they leave for home/breeding grounds. The Blue-tailed Bee-eaters are no different.
This one now assumed gorgeously rich colours and was actively feeding.