Man is a microcosm, or a
little world, because he is an extract from all the stars and planets of the
whole firmament, from the earth and the elements; and so he is their
quintessence.
Philipus
Aureolus Paracelsus
Sunday, 31 December 2017
Saturday, 30 December 2017
Stork-billed Kingfisher now
It's another first for the taman as it welcomed the Stork-billed Kingfisher, being the fourth species of Kingfisher to be seen here now! And this is a Wow! for a small taman that is now seriously under threat of being desecrated.
The bird is considered an uncommon visitor as it is normally seen in coastal areas and forest edges although it can be seen too in parks with lakes. It is the largest kingfisher, going for fish, insects, lizards, frogs and even other birds and eggs.
This one was aware of being photographed but was not fazed as it continued to hunt, for insects as it flew all around above the water level, perching from tree to tree.
It looked so striking even when partially blocked, with its rich orangey underpart and large bill.
As lighting improved, its gorgeous colour and large build was more visible.
Another angle provided an excellent bokeh effect, drawing sharp attention to the beautiful bird.
All that gliding and diving must have taken it through some rough patch to leave an evidence on its cheek.
The bird is considered an uncommon visitor as it is normally seen in coastal areas and forest edges although it can be seen too in parks with lakes. It is the largest kingfisher, going for fish, insects, lizards, frogs and even other birds and eggs.
This one was aware of being photographed but was not fazed as it continued to hunt, for insects as it flew all around above the water level, perching from tree to tree.
It looked so striking even when partially blocked, with its rich orangey underpart and large bill.
As lighting improved, its gorgeous colour and large build was more visible.
Another angle provided an excellent bokeh effect, drawing sharp attention to the beautiful bird.
All that gliding and diving must have taken it through some rough patch to leave an evidence on its cheek.
Friday, 29 December 2017
Roo.. roo.. rooster
A recent sighting of domestic fowls reminded me of the following magnificent Roosters from the neighbouring longhouse. And yes, can't deny these are birds too!
A handsome couple.
Who could prevent this stunning one from strutting around?!
Nevertheless captivating even as privacy is invaded!
A handsome couple.
Who could prevent this stunning one from strutting around?!
Nevertheless captivating even as privacy is invaded!
Doves a-pair
The intense cooing drew my attention instantly and I headed towards where a pair of Spotted Doves seemed to be having a face-off. In the poor afternoon light it was not immediately apparent what was going on. Then it dawned on me that perhaps, just perhaps it could be a courtship.
The posturing and sliding and touching were followed by rapid flapping, then a compromising position.
More intimacy followed, and then it was all over as both birds suddenly flew off.
And for me, that ended what would otherwise have been a disappointing late afternoon walk in the taman!
The posturing and sliding and touching were followed by rapid flapping, then a compromising position.
More intimacy followed, and then it was all over as both birds suddenly flew off.
And for me, that ended what would otherwise have been a disappointing late afternoon walk in the taman!
Thursday, 28 December 2017
Goshawk in low light
It may be a big bird, but still one can miss its presence if it's high up and blocked. Having spotted the Crested Goshawk, I thought that was it until it flew off suddenly, only to reveal its location by calling out loud.
Not just a Fowl
I simply could not walk away without taking shots at this gorgeous fowl, domestic it may be! It's truly a proud Rooster. As if it knew it was admired, it gave a robust call just as I was planning to walk off.
Beauty and time
I reckon that white beauties do reign currently in and around the taman.
These cascading blooms are indeed striking.
At the other end of the taman, these water lilies have been attracting a lot of attention with their bloom lately.
And on looking closely, the lilies are alluring not just to the two-legged visitors to the taman but also other residents of the taman, and a wilting one do appeal too.
However, these beauties seem to need their revitalising sleep come late afternoon, to bloom again in the morning.
Yet, in another part, time has caught up with an aged tree, which is seen to fall victim easily nowadays to the elements. It was indeed once a majestic tree.
Nature gives and it takes too, still it's a natural cycle of life. What we don't want, and shouldn't have is an unnatural cycle of life, whereby loss is due to irresponsible acts.
These cascading blooms are indeed striking.
At the other end of the taman, these water lilies have been attracting a lot of attention with their bloom lately.
And on looking closely, the lilies are alluring not just to the two-legged visitors to the taman but also other residents of the taman, and a wilting one do appeal too.
However, these beauties seem to need their revitalising sleep come late afternoon, to bloom again in the morning.
Yet, in another part, time has caught up with an aged tree, which is seen to fall victim easily nowadays to the elements. It was indeed once a majestic tree.
Nature gives and it takes too, still it's a natural cycle of life. What we don't want, and shouldn't have is an unnatural cycle of life, whereby loss is due to irresponsible acts.
Wednesday, 27 December 2017
Dollarbird returns
It is good to see the Dollarbird back in the taman although my first sighting is far from satisfactory. The bird has not ventured to perch lower yet. I have also not been able to get it in flight, to capture that single white spot under the wing, which resembles a dollar coin and for which it's named.
The bird is known to be seen more often in coastal areas or places with lots of coconut trees. Also, it can be both a resident or migrant.
The numerous insects seen in the frame did not seem to interest this bird, probably because Dollarbirds are known to prefer hard shell flying insects.
Moving in for a closer look, which should do for the time being. Definitely in need of sharper images at next encounter.
The bird is known to be seen more often in coastal areas or places with lots of coconut trees. Also, it can be both a resident or migrant.
The numerous insects seen in the frame did not seem to interest this bird, probably because Dollarbirds are known to prefer hard shell flying insects.
Moving in for a closer look, which should do for the time being. Definitely in need of sharper images at next encounter.
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