Birds and Nature Photography in Malaysia

Yellow-vented Bulbuls eat Giant Moth

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

tropical swallowtail moth

sharing

The tropical swallowtail moth (Lyssa zampa) © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (from Wikipedia)

Burung Upih/Botak Siput Kelihatan di Raub (Asian Openbill stork sighted in Raub)

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

I never seen this big stork in Raub, because of inland location and no paddy field here.

But on 8 February 2026, I have seen a flock of 6 birds circling around my my house just above the roof.

Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans)

So close that the wing is clip in this full frame picture

Burung Upih/Botak Siput

The Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans), or Burung Upih/Botak Siput, is now a common resident in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in western coastal areas like Melaka, Perak, and Selangor. Formerly migratory, they arrived from Thailand post-2008 and are often seen in large flocks foraging in paddy fields and wetlands for snails. Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS)

Common Myna – juvenile

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Common Myna – juvenile

Common myna (Acridotheres tristis tristis)

A sub-adult Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is generally duller than an adult, lacking the gloss on its black head feathers and the erectile crest, and may have a more brownish head

Tiung gembala .The common myna is native to Asia. It is so common and breeding rapidly that it on the 100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species

Black-thigh Falconet on Telephone post

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Olive-back SunBird - female on Bird Flower Plant Euphorbia coalcomanensis

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800

olive-backed sunbird female

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The garden sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis)

olive-backed sunbird

It is widely common across southern China to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Philippines, Java and Australia.

It is described as a very common in suburban and urban habitats, but this bird is rarely seen at my backyard, compare with Brown-throated sunbird that regularly feed on Bird of Paradise Flower.(Heliconia psittacorum Nickeriensis)

I have seen the olive-backed sunbird feeds on nectar extracted from the base of blooms hibiscus

Kolam near KWSP Temerloh

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Helicopter and Dragonfly

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Thu, 1 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Airbus Helicopters H175 - 9M-SAS - Royal Pahang

Sikorsky YH-5A Dragonfly

The collared kingfisher at Pantai Beserah Kuantan

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:32:00 +0800

The collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris humil)

My recent short holiday at the beach turned out to be a joyful surprise for both relaxation and bird photography. With my camera in hand and the sound of waves in the background, I wasn’t expecting much more than scenic shots of the sea.

Then I spotted two pairs of Collared Kingfishers perched near the shoreline. Their vivid turquoise-blue wings and clean white collars stood out beautifully against the coastal trees. Watching them move between branches, calling to each other, was pure happiness. I managed to capture a few photographs, each frame feeling like a small reward for slowing down and observing.

That simple beach holiday became a memorable birding moment. Finding two pairs of Collared Kingfishers reminded me why I love bird photography—unexpected encounters, natural beauty, and the quiet joy of being present.

partially hidden behind a branch

fly a way searching for food

a pair perched on concrete jetty

another pair on a dead pine tree

quarrel ??

Brown Shrike eating a small frog

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Brown Shrike on open field

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The Muscovy duck and Monitor Lizard

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Muscovy duck spreed her wings to chase the water monitor

The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator macromaculatus)

The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata)

Water hen on perimeter wall

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Sat, 1 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

There is a big monsoon drain beside my house, where this water hen frequent foraging for food.

Habitat: Various kinds of well-vegetated wetlands, pools and streams in open forest, mangroves and adjacent open areas,

Not shy but skittish and frequently forage in the open. It can climb up a low tree a fly a short distance.

I have see the black young juvenile (chicks) , but difficult to photograph as its so skittish and hide on the thick bush.

picture by Lars Petersson | My World of Bird Photography
https://ebird.org/species/whbwat1

Striated Dove Collecting Nesting Material in My Backyard, Raub

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0800

A soft rustle in my backyard caught my attention. Perched on the coconut tree was a Striated Dove (Streptopelia striata), busily collecting coconut husk fiber.

The bird then moves with quiet determination, then flew to a nearby bamboo tree.

Hopping to the ground, picking some grain to feed.

Another bird was picking up tiny sticks, and flying on top of the concrete perimeter wall.

than fly to a bamboo tree.

perches on the bamboo branch.

The nest is on the branches somewhere under the thick bamboo leaves.

I didn't see the nest, worried not to disturb the nesting process.

.— Personal observation, Raub, Malaysia.

East–West Strong Wind Brings a Flock of Intermediate Egrets to Town

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:22:00 +0800

On Monday, 6 October 2025, Raub experienced a spell of strong east–west winds that seemed to carry more than just cool air, it brought with it a surprise flock of Intermediate Egrets (Ardea intermedia)

landed near the new shop lot

The Intermediate Egret is a familiar wetland visitor, often seen around rivers, ponds, and flooded areas. But seeing a whole flock blown inland by the seasonal wind was a rare and delightful sight. The birds circled a few times before settling on an edge of a small pond at Taman Bandar Raub, likely resting and feeding after being displaced by the strong gusts.

fly pass over Taman Bandar Raub

The egrets looked elegant in flight, their white plumage glowing softly under the morning light. When they landed, I could see their black legs and black feet, and the way they stood quietly, scanning the water for small fish or insects. Unlike the smaller Little Egret, these birds had shorter necks and yellow bills, giving them a distinct, sturdy appearance.

A lone egret looks elegant under a morning light

Moments like this remind me how nature moves in rhythm with the wind. Even a strong monsoon gust can carry beauty into town — turning an ordinary day into a quiet encounter with the wild.

— Personal observation, Raub, Malaysia.

A Quick Survey of Common Dragonflies around Taman Tasik Raub, Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Thu, 9 Oct 2025 14:59:00 +0800

Taman Tasik Raub (Raub Lake Garden), a peaceful recreational lake in Pahang, offers more than just a scenic spot for joggers and families — it is also a haven for dragonflies. During a short observation session around the lake, several common species were easily spotted, highlighting the park’s healthy freshwater ecosystem.

Most of the dragonflies are found on the north and south of the lake's bank, where the slope is gradual and not steep.

The red areas where the dragonflies can be found

One circle jogging around the lake is 1 km, so the surface area is about 3.14 km²

Among the most frequent sightings were the Crimson Dropwing (Trithemis aurora), easily recognized by its bright pinkish-red body,

The male crimson marsh glider

and the Fulvous forest skimmer (Neurothemis fulvia), with its striking red wings.

The Fulvous forest skimmers in copulation, the light-colored is female

The Yellow-banded Hooktail (Paragomphus capricornis), known for its yellow banding on its stout body and the distinctly hook-like structure at the end of the male's abdomen was also abundant.

Yellow-banded Hooktail are a dominant species around the lake

Two males fight for female

close range aerial dog fight

Around shaded areas and still ponds, the Scarlet Skimmer (Crocothemis servilia))

The male Scarlet Skimmer

and the the yellow bush dart (Copera marginipes) were active and easy to photograph.

A mating pair of Copera marginipes is actually a Damselfly

Dragonflies play a vital role as both predators of mosquitoes and indicators of clean water. Their presence around Taman Tasik Raub reflects a balanced aquatic environment. A more detailed study could reveal even more diversity, especially during different seasons. For nature lovers and photographers, an early morning walk here promises not only beautiful views but also a glimpse into the vibrant life of these graceful aerial hunters.

Female Yellow-banded releasing it's eggs directly onto the water's surface

The globe skimmer, or wandering glider (Pantala flavescens) with six nymphs

Red-whiskered Bulbuls

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This species is rarely seen in my backyard, compare to abundant of yellow-vented bulbul.

Red-whiskered Bulbuls inhabit a variety of semi-natural and human-modified landscapes, including open wooded areas, gardens, parks, and even urban environments, rather than dense primary forests. These birds thrive in areas with plenty of fruit-bearing plants, as they feed on fruits, nectar, and insects. (from Ai-Overview)

That match by backyard environment

Only two occasion that I have accouter, perhaps I didn't look hard enough.

Two Yellow-vented Bulbuls and Red-whiskered Bulbul

crested bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus pattani)

Vented (bottom of the tail) is red in colour same as Red-Vented Bulbul (never seen, not native to Malaysia)

on papaya tree

brown-throated sunbird and hibiscus

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The brown-throated sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis malacensis) -female

I see you there

Murai melompat dan terbang

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Mon, 1 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Birds panting to cool down

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Glosy Starling

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Brown Shrike

(From AI Overview)

Birds pant, or more specifically engage in "gular fluttering," to cool down by rapidly breathing and vibrating moist throat membranes, which facilitates evaporation and heat dissipation.

Here's a more detailed explanation

Lack of Sweat Glands:

Unlike mammals, birds lack sweat glands, so they rely on other methods to regulate their body temperature, like panting.

vaporative Cooling:

As air rushes in and out of the bird's respiratory system, moisture in the lungs, throat, and mouth evaporates, absorbing heat and cooling the bird.

Other Cooling Methods:

Birds also seek shade, bathe in water, and lift their feathers to allow air to circulate and help cool their bodies.

Glossy Starling feeding on Bridelia tomentosa fruits - version 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Fri, 1 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

https://redzlan.blogspot.com/2022/04/burung-perling-mata-merah-makan-buah.html

The common iora - Chicks

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Tue, 1 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Cikgu Azimah Abdullah AreXie aka "Tuan Tanah Kedaung" found this baby bird on 22 April 2023.

The bird landed in her front yard after the heavy rain. She took it home, dried it, and tried to feed it, but it refused.

The bird died after 2 days.

picture by AreXie

Cikgu Azimah Abdullah dried the bird with a paper towel

Common Iora chick on guava tree, 25 July 2008

This picture was taken on 24 Julay 2008 (16 years ago)

Nesting Material

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Female Magpie Robin with a dead grass branch

A tree sparrow with a bird's feathers - for insulation and softness

Eurasian Tree Sparrow with dead grass

Yellow-vented bull with dead grass

Yellow-vented bulbul Eye Infection

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0800

odd prominent eye

I was reviewing the old pictures from the camera when I noticed the Yellow-vented Bulb with an odd-looking eye. (The photo was taken on 23 October 2023.)

The same bird was photographed on 31/10/2023

? Worm infestation at the lower part of the eye

Searched for similar occurrences and found the post by Dato' Dr.Amar Singh SSS on Facebook - Wild Bird Club Malaysia - WBCM on 22 Jun 2024

Here is the LINK (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BobnET8H4/)

pic by Dato' Dr.Amar Singh HSS

Asian Koel in courtship feeding

noreply@blogger.com (Redzlan) — Sat, 7 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus malayana) - male with fruit, look like a cherry probably (Muntingia calabura)

In Asian Koel courtship, the male presents the female with food, specifically ripe fruit, as part of their courtship display. This behavior, known as courtship feeding, is a common practice in many bird species and may play a role in strengthening the pair bond and providing extra nutrition to the female during egg formation.

According to the Bird Ecology Study Group. Link--> HERE

fly with fruit offer to female

Female with blackish brown with white dots on the wings and strong streaking on the head and throat

An adult male is glossy black with a dull lime-green bill.

Courtship on the papaya tree

Female lay eggs in the nests of other large birds, including crows, shrikes, and starlings.