Feeding birds

It's a normal quiet morning for bird watching.  However, when I chanced upon these birds feeding I thought I simply have to video them as I've always only snapped shots so far.
And as usual, I'll reiterate that this taman is so wonderful catering to the different birds, the Asian Glossy Starlings feeding on the oil palm fruits, the Spotted Dove and the Eurasian Tree Sparrow hunting for grass seeds.

A bonus when these two juvies came together.

This was one Dove still rather wet from last night's rain.

And close by, the Sparrow was engrossed in her own foraging.

Cutey Barbet

I was so happy to get another shot at the juvy Lineated Barbet that was simply too adorable as it scanned its surrounding as if waiting for its parents to return.  Ah well, no parents, better go look for them!

Squirrel meditating?

The Plantain Squirrels are everywhere in the taman that we take them for granted.  I'm even mad at these little ones because they chase away the birds, and go after the same fruits.
Occasionally I come across one such as this that was so engrossed, I couldn't figure out with what, that it didn't budge at all when I came really close to it.  It almost looked like it was meditating.

And then it turned round suddenly, and did the same thing, as if lost in thought, and then it was off, scurrying away!

Drying Bulbul

This pair of Stripe-throated Bulbuls were seen drying themselves after the night's heavy downfall.

Playing in the water

When I saw the Brown-throated Sunbird landed on the forked trunk, I had absolutely no idea it was for a bath!  It was evening, so didn't expect a bird to take to the water at this time.

It actually flew off before it frolic in the water and was immediately replaced by the female one.

Looked like the birds were taking turns because the male flew in again after the female had left, right into the water hole.

First splash!

And another, this time more vigorous, more enjoyable perhaps!

Juvy Barbet's share

And then it was the juvy Lineated Barbet's turn at the MacArthur palm.  It was as usual behaving warily; didn't manage to catch from where it flew in, normally it's either out of its hole or from somewhere in response to the adult's call.
This is certainly one bird that I'm never tired of shooting, truly adorable.

 

So it was my luck when it came down for the fruits!

Book review

I was reminded of my book, A Home in the Park - A Family of Brahminy Kites when someone drew attention to a review by Thots n Tots.

A Home in the Park: A Family of Brahminy Kites

https://thotsntots.com/a-home-in-the-park-a-family-of-brahminy-kites/

By admin -

March 22, 2018

What is it?

A picture book.

Who is it by?

Story by Roselyn Chuah, illustrations by Teh Yew Kiang and published by MPH.

What is it about?

The story unfolds in a park where a pair of Brahminy Kites are about to welcome a new chick. They find a casuarina tree to build a nest in as they await the arrival of their new baby. They diligently guard the egg until it hatches.

Many of the other birds in the park want to get to know Junior better and up close but Mama and Papa protect their baby from potential threats and dangers.

As Junior grows up, changes occur at the park with men filling the pond to build on it. Mama warns Papa to be careful about the food he brings home as some dead fishes were found floating in the water.

One day, Papa falls ill and dies. It is now up to Mama to single-handedly take care of Junior. Some of the other birds who see Papa fall to his death sympathise with Mama and Junior as they too have lost family members due to man’s evil ways.

One day, Junior is old enough to leave the nest and it is soon taken over by crested goshawks. Junior and Mama fly off in search of another tree to build their nest in.

What can children learn from it?

There are the different birds which can be found in a park. Among them are the jungle crow, white-throated kingfisher, spotted dove, brahminy kite and crested goshawk.

Kids will also learn about why it’s important not to cut down the trees and the effects of development on the animals.

There are teaching points about death, destruction, family and community.

What did I like about it?

The birds are illustrated beautifully, each one looking distinct and showing off outstanding features. There are two pages at the back of the book with pictures and names of each bird so that children (and parents) can identify them.

It is important that we don’t forget the names of birds. If we are able to identify them, we might be more prone to appreciating each one, their beauty and role in this world of ours. There was a time when more people were able to identify even the simple pigeons, crows, eagles, kites and doves. Today, more often than not, we refer to them all as just birds. This book reminds us to take time to appreciate each species.

Author Roselyn Chuah, an amateur birdwatcher by her own admission, and Teh Yew Kiang, a full-time wildlife artist, have done a highly-commendable job with this beautiful book. I highly recommend every family obtain a copy, not just for the kids, but the adults as well.

Where to get it?

Available at major bookstores.

Should you get it?

Yes.

And there was also another brief one by The Star newspaper.