Hill Myna

 One of the most vocal of birds, its cacophony of unmistakable whistles and calls always lure one to its presence but this time, across the taman, laziness took precedence as I chose to ignore them.

Then what's meant to be is meant to be.  By the time I crossed over to where these Hill Mynas still were, a flurry of movements and still ceaseless calls suggested that there might be more than a pair.

Unfortunately the thick leafy upper canopy and lighting prevented better sightings but I could still made out a few of them as they hopped about and called out nosily.

A lone one, enabled a great appreciation of its gorgeous side and rear head wattles.

A pair that was busily scanning the side, top and lower parts of the tree.

Another one  caught up in its own preoccupation.

Almost missed this pair perched quietly but nonetheless animated.

Yet another, this one an adult and possibly a juvenile going by the lighter plumage.

Amazing that amidst the din, this one still managed to sense my presence, and that was all it needed for the flock to flee, which finally enabled me to count easily a flock of 7 in the flight.

And I almost missed this most uncommon gathering of by far the most number of Hill Mynas I’ve come across in a flock   Another lesson learnt!

Hume's White-eye

 A revisit (ref: earlier post of 04/08/2025), of moments recollected of a triumph of parenthood and care, nothing asked for, nothing expected, the only intent that the young is rescued and survived.

One's leaving.

Another's arriving.

And that made for strength and determination.

Stripe-throated Bulbul

 

Baby, oh, baby, you can't stay around forever.

The juvenile Stripe-throated Bulbul that looked beyond old enough to fend for itself was still trailing after the parents for feeds.

Dollarbird

 When life gives you constraint in views, a little mindfulness, a little imagination, can go a long way.

Is this Dollarbird an adult?  Is this Dollarbird a migrant?

Its presence, its beauty, its sighting under the brilliant sun, may be all that matters here.

Javan Myna

 It did stand out even in the shade. 

It's a colour aberrant Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) that is rather strikingly attractive.  And the moment I spotted it, I knew that I had to get closer shots which meant pursuing and seeking it all over the taman as it was unusually sensitive to my presence, unlike the typical mynas that do allow one to get close.

An excellent article Amar-Singh HSS, et al. (2024) Colour Aberrations in Birds - Not Every Bird is Leucistic.  Malaysian Bird Report, Volume 4/2024, Dec 2024: pg.33-44, provides a comprehensive outlook and explanation of the term 'colour abberration'.

Although this one moved about in a flock of about 15 mynas, it did on many occasions foraged on its own.

It was most active too, moving and probing ceaselessly. 

Trailing and stalking it all over the taman, eventually observing it behind trees allowed me to gain ground.

It seemed to attach itself to this one pair of Javan mynas. 

And all went helter-skelter as this plantain squirrel made a sudden appearance to break up the party.

And the entire flock of more than 10 took flight across the taman and over the perimeter.

Common Hill Myna

Couldn't resist the call of the high perching Common Hill Myna as its calls echoed through the morning.

As these mynas typically move in pairs, I was waiting for the other one to show up but in vain.

And then it showed its boredom by going after a dead leaf!