Taman Rimba Kiara is a little green gem located in a corner of the TTDI residential area. The above flowering tree, the firmiana malayana or mata lembu, flashes in testimony to man's care-less-ness - it's one of only two trees in the park that had flowered, since then the tree had been chopped down.

Saturday, 1 April 2023

Much missed woodpecker

The Rufous Woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus) seemed to have disappeared from familiar haunts since a pair put on a dazzling display with two healthy offsprings a couple of years ago, so much so that many more bird photographers sprung forth following that.

With this encounter, brief though it was, it's very much like catching up with an old acquaintance, much longed for, much missed for too long.

This lone male halted me in my track with its soft throaty calls, unusual for a woodpecker.  Thinking it was calling for another, I waited but none appeared and it moved on.





It didn't look like it was set on foraging as it quickly hopped off.




With its impressive plumage, it's easily one of my fave woodpeckers, yet the more stunning despite being partially blocked.









No comments: