Where forth

 Encountering the Crested Serpent-eagle was a bitter sweet moment because it reminded me of times when 'bigger' birds were regular visitors and even residents of the taman, including the iconic Oriental Pied Hornbill, the once upon a time ever present Crested Goshawks and Brahminy Kites.  During the migratory season, Honey-buzzards were no less difficult to spot whether flying over or making momentary stop-overs for a drink at the pond or awaiting a straggler mate or juvenile.

TRK is now flanked on one side by a dense line-up of high rise condos and office complexes, and not too far away at another corner, another high rise integrated complex looms.  In the midst of much unplanned urban development, we wonder why the raptors no longer visit!

The heart truly aches for those days.

The Federal Court on April 18 unanimously decided against DBKL's development order relating to TRK, and in the Grounds of Judgement written by Federal Court judge Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan there is a most sensitive and heart-warming line:

"... Planning law is intrinsically connected to the environment.  The grant or refusal of planning permission is a matter which affects a great many subjects including wildlife, trees and birds ... 'Who will speak for the hornbill?'"

Indeed, 'Who will speak for the hornbill?'

Yet, this utterance raises a lump in my throat, that perhaps we may have acted, a little too late?

Where forth?

There will certainly be many more articulations and movements to come for urban green spaces, let it then be firmly edged in many minds and hearts, 'Who will speak for the hornbill?', will be one saving grace.

Overthink over the serpent-eagle

 So low, there must be something that had caught the attention of the Crested Serpent-eagle, perhaps something stirred up by the grass cutter just metres away.

And then the nictitating membrane came on, perhaps something in the air simply got to the eyes, as this membrane do turn on too to protect the eyes from dust and grit.

 

And then an alert pose

But to my surprise it merely flew closer to the grass-cutter, watching, watching, watching ...

... and anti-climax, as it fled when the grass-cutter stopped work suddenly to walk towards it.

Bulbul's command

 Just ignore her, and that's it, no more and no less from these Olive-winged Bulbuls.

And thus an intruder was put in her place!

A flowerpecker's distance

Time when there's all you get, so said the Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum).

The other beauties

 The motley abundance of insects, butterflies, moths and dragonflies that deserved second, third ... infinite scrutiny!

Common Flesh Fly (Sarcophaga canaria)

Leafhopper (Bothrogonia addita)

Crimson dropwing (Trithemis aurora)

Wasp

Dark Band Bush Brown (Mycalesis mineus macromalayana)

Blue Grassy Tiger (Ideopsis vulgaris)

Bagworm moth cocoon (Psychidae sp)

The other beauties

 When you see one, you tend to see more, never rang more true than on this occasion.

Unfortunately not prepared with a camera for macro shots, I had to do make do with what I have but it was nevertheless as a most refreshing and rewarding experience, and thereby begins my new endeavour during this rather dry avian season, and a subsequent challenge to identify these new delights ... at time of posting still a research in progress!

First it was this

And then I was drawn to a pop-up on the flat even surface of a banana leaf, and a thrilling discovery.

And who could miss this!?

And I couldn't have enough of this too, and it's not just a brown insect, stunning! 

My untrained eyes wondered if this could be the same species spotted earlier, for this one refused to leave its inner sanctum during the long duration I was there, and I was loathed to disturb it.

With my eyes seeking out the mini ones which I thought dominated the area, I almost missed this big one which was literally next to me!

And subsequently Mr Google revealed that it could be a Giant Malaysian Katydid (Arachnacris corporalis) which can grow to a bewildering 15cm (6in) with a wingspan of 25cm (10in).  This definitely calls for return visits to follow up on its growth, presently looked like about 3in.

Another gem of a leaf camouflage that I almost missed.

Finally I guessed this rounded up my sighting of crickets and grasshoppers for the morning, this being the most challenging as I had to astride a drain for it.

However, a side show was in progress with this pair of Asian Bush Crickets displaying/courting/confrontational throughout the morning; as there was no consummation, the outcome was indecisive!

The lighter one being the aggressor.