Amazing Borneo

Scarlet-rumped Trogon (Harpactes duvaucelii): Simply Stunning

2012-01-20T21:57:00.002+08:00

Arguably one of the most handsome birds in the dense rainforest jungle of Borneo, the Scarlet-rumped Trogon is the smallest of them all. At 23cm, they are shy of 10cm compared to the Whitehead's Trogon the truly, and one and only montane trogon (endemic).

To make you feel better, the Scralet-rumped Trogon is the most common ones despite their size. They can be found at most undisturbed jungle throughout Borneo. All you have to do is cover all the ground...???

Personally, I have several encounters with this species...quite a number of times. Frankly speaking..to classify them as common? not in my book! They are just as hard to find as the Whitehead's Trogon or the Red-Naped...

Anyway, don't be too discouraged there. Nike says "just do it"...to pump up the spirit, enjoy these personal best...not the best...yet..lol ;-)

#1 Female

#2 Male

Malaysian Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis turcosus)

2012-01-19T21:46:00.003+08:00

One bird that i really love to photograph are the flycathers. They are all around us in Borneo, from then mangrove forests all the way up to the mountains.

I don't know but they have this unique personality, and almost photogenic! Somehow or rather, they know they are attractive and adorable. I just think they are natural in front of a camera...lol

This particular Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, was taken at a riverbank at Sungai Menanggol, Sukau. At 13cm, even though brightly colored blue-and-orange...was not easy to spot, specially in the dark and gloomy part of the river bank.

Playing hard to get at first, it gave me that split second opportunity right at the right moment at the right spot. The boat chase was worth it in the end!

To have an expert spotter beside you during a birding trip is really crucial, specially when you know you have invested a lot for the trip. That time, I was lucky I had my good buddy the local bird expert Jason...A.K.A Horukuru (I just have to mention this famous name!) with us.

My beloved 7D has been idle in the dry box for too long now i guess...obviously not anymore, rest assured on that. We'll see what happen next...mean while, enjoy this as much as i enjoyed taking it.

Mission Accomplished: Fruithunter hunted

2011-11-19T21:26:00.013+08:00

We really did it this weekend.

A couple of weeks ago, we planned to go to Kinabalu National Park Headquaters (KNP). Unfortunately, Jason got a nasty cut on his right thumb because of an accident and we had to cancel our outing.

Not today tho, we did it!

It was a fruitful day. Happy to say mission successfully accomplished. Alphons, Jason, Zaiton and I were targeting the elusive Fruithunter. We have seen a few times, except for Alphons but no satisfactory pictures to... well, to close the case before.

The Fruithunter is a rare mountain endemic, seeing it is a pleasure...well getting a good photo is a different kind of satisfaction.

Alfons got his lifer and some nice "record shots" and the rest of us improved our earlier shots of the bird. Beside that, the real bonus for the day was obliging Blue and White Flycatcher. Rather a scarce winter visitor, today we found it and had a fun time shooting them.

Anyway, these are some of the picture taken today.

P/S all pictures were taken using P300+30XWDS+ED82 Fieldscope...

#1...One of my dreambirds, the Fruithunter (Chlamydochaera jefferyi) This was my first encounter at KNP HQ and of course one of my clearest pictures of the bird. This is a female.

#2...Sunda Bush-Warbler (Cettia Vulcania), very skulking and hard to photograph. Here, only just but satisfactory to me nonetheless.

#3...same bird at the same perch..Something only burst capability the Nikon P300 P&S camera can do.

#4...The best ever personal shot of this species.

#5..Male fruithunter at a ridiculous angle..sigh..

#6...Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula westermanni), one of the obliging birds of the day...

#7...same bird at a different angle.

#8..Blue and White Flycatcher (Cynoptila cynomelana)..I have to admit, these are some of the best shots i have ever taken with my digiscope. Personal best!

#9...I just love it!

#10... Can you blame me?? look at the overall balance of everything...I am definitely heads over heel with the shot...

#11... Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra), not the best photos, but nonetheless satisfied..it was dark and about to rain.

#12 Grey-throated Babbler (Stachyris nigriceps), Not the easiest subject to photograph... to digiscope is even worse! obviously, I like it coz I don't know if I ever have the chance again..

#13...Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis), please don't be alarmed..this was taken in Penampang afterwards...(Ehemmm...this was a handheld digiscoping shot...)

Plaintive Cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus): The video

2011-11-16T00:23:00.002+08:00

I don't have anything against still photos, I love em just as much.

Sometime when an opportunity comes knocking, but all the elements are against you. There's this small red button on the camera that would turn the table around.

Videograph...yup! Tested it before with my Sony H5. Quality was bad, but it was some 5 years ago technology. Nowadays, with full HD capability...no complains for me. So, the video function in my Nikon P300 is awesome!

The video below is created using imovie software from my macbook pro...simple and easy. I wish I have more control but yet to have the time to master them.

I wished the bird was on a better perch, but it's okay I guess...satisfactory behavior record here..check it out:-

Dull Weekend? I guess not...

2011-11-14T23:18:00.000+08:00

I'm back to my old self again...

After being idle for a while, the engine is now getting warmer and runs quite smoothly. Not after a little tweaks here and there of course.

Last weekend was the time I was put to the test. A family trip to Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Resort located at Pulau Gaya (Gaya Island), organized by my wife's company really tested me.

To cut the story short, I was desperate and living in agony in a luxurious resort! Guess what, I was not the only one..coz wifey's eye were wildly looking for any sign of birds too!

The urge of going birding is bursting in our veins again. We've had enough rest and ready to roll again. So far so good and can't wait for our next hunt.

For this post, I purposely did not include the birds' name. Test yourself, open up the field guide or website to identify them. That way you would know how exciting and challenging our hobby is... have fun!

P/S: All photos were taken using Nikon ED82+Nikon P300+30X WDS

The Scarce Passage Migrant: Digiscoped

2011-11-10T21:24:00.005+08:00

Life couldn't be much easier...

Among other things that really impress me about digiscoping is the ability to videograph using budget digital cameras. In my case is the Nikon P300. With full HD features, the P300 is more than satisfactory in this department.

I am quite overwhelmed with my additional setup. Not that I'm complaining, I'm simply overjoyed..and frankly speaking, couldn't wait for my next outing!

It's light and really easy to carry around. I had the impression that it would be a hassle and restricts ones mobility before. Perhaps it might, depending on the shooting environment but I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

It's migration season, so we expected more visitors coming or stopping by here in Kota Kinabalu. We haven't seen any duckies but some good records of scarce and vagrants such as the Sharp-Tailed Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones, Marsh Sandpipers, Oriental Plovers and even the Red-Necked Phalaropes.

Again, I am keeping my fingers crossed on both hands to get hold of them, because at the moment I only have these guys and unposted Temminck's Stint.

P/S: All videos were recorded using Nikon P300+ED82 Fieldscope+30X WDS

What A Day?: Waders day

2011-11-07T22:57:00.006+08:00

Its a holiday today in Malaysia. So, there's nothing much to do except for birding i guess.

The weather have been bad these weekend, strong wind and it rained almost every night. No more blue sky like a few days before. However, it's a blessing in disguise. At least it's not that hot. Birding in an open space like the paddy fields or beaches was not as torturing, not to mention the pleasant light...just what I needed...

Today was also a great day for me as far as birding is concerned. Got some good records of birds and also happened to be my lifers as well. The digiscope is really a great invention...brilliant idea!

I have these photos to tell you how much I enjoy my setup:-

#1 Alphonsus a.k.a The Beastmaster...Out of the jungle of Sandakan and ready to raid the plains of the West Coast!

#2 Wood Sandpiper...the cowards who also scare off other waders with their warning sirens!

#3 Yellow Bittern...On it's stride

#4 Greater Sand Plover...from a safe perimeter, they couldn't be bothered to see a two legged man...

#5 The Terek Sandpiper...My lifer no. 1! Saw a pair but managed to get a shot of one...I was lucky it took a pit stop! They are quick!

#6 The Ruddy Turnstone...Lifer No.2 A scarce passage migrant...seemed to mix with the Greater Sand Plover.

#7 Ruddy Turnstone... If you got a chance..Once is never enough!

All photos were taken with a Nikon P300 mounted to Nikon ED82 Fieldscope with 30X WDS eyepiece.

100 Percent Digiscoping: Not Bad...Not Bad At All

2011-11-06T21:00:00.009+08:00

After a long absence of birding at Kinabalu National Park, we were supposed to go for our outing there yesterday (Sat, 05/11/2011). Alphonsus, Jason, me and my wife Zaiton decided to car pool and supposed to meet at my place around 7.00 AM.

It was a beautiful and pleasant morning until I received a telephone call from Jason. He was involved in an accident just a couple of kilometers away from my house. I rushed to see him and glad he was okay. I was even more grateful to see his wife and daughter were unhurt. I didn't expect he was with his family!

There was some minor scratches on the side of his car but I couldn't believe to see a bad cut at the base of his right thumb! According to him, that was due to turning the steering wheel vigorously. The skin was torn apart! He received 6 stitches for that...

We canceled our plan because of that..but credit to Jason, we were in Kota Belud today birding! Lucky for him, he got a lifer today. Not a norm, when you already sighted hundreds of bird species...Well, for Borneo alone, he's seen 455 including the latest find!

Congratulation to him, the commitment and determination he's shown..is admirable and inspiring!

When it comes to waders, I really couldn't tell which one's which. They all looked the same to me...before! Thanks to Jason's recommendation, my view is much better with Prostaff 7 8X42. No guarantee I can become well-versed, but I can surely improve.

There were quite a number of birds I saw today and happy to share that I got two lifers. Having said that, I could not have recorded them better if I not because of the scope. Anyway, these are some of the shot I got from the plain of Kota Belud:-

#1, Olive-Backed Sunbird...love the colors!

#2 Common Kingfisher...With a mouthful! I was 3 seconds slow!

#3 Common Kingfisher...One shot is never enough

#4 Curlew Sandpiper...It was an honor to have sighted it with an expert...

#5 Little Ringed Plover...Is it???

#6 Oriental Pranticole...Always on a look out for a predator.

#7 Temminck's Stint (lifer) & Long-Toed Stint...Notice the difference?

#8 Temminck's Stint (lifer) & Long-Toed Stint...Side view...Notice the difference yet?

#9 Common Kingfisher...Just a crazy attempt shooting it without tripod...what do you think??

#10 Peregrine Falcon...The common migrant race. The resident race are the scarce ones and appear much darker.

Overall, I am quite pleased with all the photos I took with a digiscope. All I can say is it's not bad at all!

FieldScope ED82+30X Wide DS Eyepiece+Nikon Coolpix:

2011-10-31T22:19:00.009+08:00

Acquired a few days ago, my latest setup pushed me to my limit last weekend. Sounds funny, but yes, it's the other way around...

Birding and taking pictures especially in the open could not be any easier. Digiscoping is a new great way for me I think. With the speed and the outstanding full HD video capability of the P300, the ED82 really rocks my world.

The real culprit would be me if something is wrong with the photos or videos I took. My real challenge now is to know the limitation of the gear especially the camera. In addition to that, of course the subject I intend to shoot or watch.

It would be crazy if i expect zero noise if I shoot at ISO1600 like photo #5! It was taken at 6.00pm...It was already dark, but to tell you the truth, It was wonderful to see the live view on the LCD! I'm not that curious how Nikon does it, but it's bright and crystal clear!

Focusing the ED82 manually is not slower than my beloved Canon 300mm F4+TC1.4 so I am not really bothered.

Something missing with the Nikon P300 is full manual focusing and also zooming function in live view shooting. I have it in my G12 and 7D, it's a great feature which is unfortunate not included in the P300. Raw is nice to have, but I don't mind not spending too much time editing...what do you expect with 1/2.3" size sensor?

The Jpeg image quality is just nice if you shoot it right...Raw in not a necessity.

Gosh, just after a few days on the field, already I want to talk like an expert...lol! Forgive me, lets get back to business. Lets get back to the real reason why I am writing this. It's all about these beautiful creatures... enjoy;-

#1 Eurasian Tree Sparrow, as common as they may be not always an easy target to photograph. Thanks to my ED82... I can shoot them from the comfort of my bedroom!

#2 Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper, you don't want to make silly mistake like I did coz they are scarce migrant. Excited, I didn't anticipate it's next move and zoomed too much! There goes my behavior shot...

#3 Enjoying the muddy soup...

#4 The eye-contact locked!

#5 Common Snipe in the dark...also one of the scarce winter visitors.

#6 Common Snipe, a few second before disappearing...

#7 Sea snake...one for the record. Digiscoped!

#8 Pacific Golden Plover, a common migrant..a beauty during breeding..not this time! at least to me hehehe

#9 The Red Avadavat, now commonly known as "angry bird" among us. Taken with Canon 7D+1.4TC +300mm F4.

#10 Whiskered Tern, always a pleasure to nail shots like this...Taken with Canon 7D+1.4TC +300mm F4.

I Finally Did It: and glad!

2011-10-27T00:51:00.007+08:00

Ever heard about digiscoping?..for those who never come across that term..It's basically a telescope mounted with a digital camera with an adapter...It is used widely in birding activities or wildlife observation...Since watching or photographing from a afar, it is safer and different experience altogether compared to using conventional cameras with shorter lenses.

I was introduced to digiscoping by this guy. An avid birder, he took digiscoping into an entire different level. You might wanna check his blog here.

It took me years before I finally acquired a unit. Thanks to the generosity and support from my wife. I guess my birthday came early this year LOL. (If you know what I mean)...Anyway, I am glad to have finally own one. Obviously, I have to learn more and faster besides having to get used to a whole different setup. It is quite intimidating... but I think I am up for it.

Welcome to my second life...I featured a digiscoped Purple Naped Sunbird as my initiation to the digiscope world... They'll be plenty to come..I promise...

Borneo Bird Festival 2011(BBF2011): Borneo Bird Club (BoBC) pulled it off!

2011-10-17T22:42:00.013+08:00

14-16 October 2011 marked another historic day for Sabah. Borneo Bird Club under the leadership of Borneo Bird Club's (BoBC) president Mr.Gary Albert successfully organized the 3rd bird festival. A remarkable achievement for the newly appointed president.

A close friend of mine, obviously i am very proud of him. Congratulation to him and his team who worked their socks off for the event!

My birding activity has been very slow this few months. A lot have been going on, I just thought I needed a rest really. Well, Holiday's over and it's time to hit the road again.

Before going off for Borneo Bird Festival 2011, I went to Penampang paddy field to pick up where I left off. I was rusty and struggled a bit to find my rhythm. On top of that, my eyes were a bit 'cloudy'. Not so easy under the scorching heat I guess. Obviously, no photos worth posting...

Anyway, my wife and I managed to attend this year's BBF2011. Nonetheless, this year's trip was not all for fun...

The sudden departure of my good buddy Aseng due to unknown illness shocked the world out off me and my wife. An avid contributor in all previous BBF, Borneo Bird Club (BOBC) paid tribute to him by displaying his photos during the festival. That, we wouldn't miss it for the world.

A ceremony of the 49th day of his passing was also held at his final resting place. That day, in Chinese belief is his final day before he crosses over to the next life...Again, we wouldn't want to miss it.

There's no words to describe how Aseng really means to us...

However, life has to go on...no matter what. He maybe gone, but the memories will last...funny thing is, he'll never grow old!..

Anyway, here's some of the photos taken during our time in Sandakan..hope you enjoy it;-

Mount Kinabalu-Know where to sit in the plane to get the best opportunity to photograph... Ron could only look & bite his nails LOL on our way to Sandakan..

A BIG smile from wifey...I'm in Sandakan!

Late Aseng's favorite shot of the orangutan...

Group photos...& he was smiling from above...

You remain "So close but yet too far" from us brother!

The backbone behind BBF2011 success..Mr.Gary Albert.

What are you guys selling??

Crazy for birds...

Working hard for a winning bird photo!

If you want to do it..do it right the 1st time every time...so you don't have to waste your time editing..

Again..book a seat upfront... I know mine, do you?? This was taken on our way back home to Kota Kinabalu.

You Don't Want to Miss This! Read On..

2011-07-06T21:47:00.006+08:00

Hello guys,

It's been a while but I have a good reason for not updating my blog. I'm sure I have one or two birds hiding somewhere in my files eager to be posted here.

That have to wait tho. There's an important message I would like to share with everyone here. I'm sure we could learn and perhaps share and put into practice one or two pointers what this man has got to say. A well-known expert, please read on to what Mr. Dave wrote to me/us earlier...

P/s: You can find him here

digdeep said...

Hi Jordan

An interesting post, and kudos to you for bringing it up!

I am in full agreement with you that we can't afford to divide the birding world between 'birders' and 'bird photographers'. For one thing, there are too few of us, so we should unite! For another, I truly believe that both have something valuable to contribute, and that we actually need each other, and the birds need us all!

As you mention, the key is to share what we learn, whether that is in the form of photos, sound recordings, videos or field notes.

In this regard, I wish to make a plea, specifically to all of you bird bloggers out there! It would really help to make your sharing much more valuable to others if you could add the DATE and LOCATION for all your photos. If you do that, it means that the photo can go down as a record of what was seen. For example, if you post a picture of - let's say - a Ruff, with the caption "I saw this the other day". That can only go down as "a Ruff somewhere in Sabah, sometime in the last few months."! Just the addition of a few words - eg "Penampang, 16th April" can make a huge difference! Over time, as we keep a record of what occurs and when, we can begin to understand patterns of occurrence, when's the best time to go look for a certain species, where are the best places to search, etc, etc.

So - bloggers - please keep sharing your fabulous photos, and keep up the great work of sharing your knowledge, and just remember to add...date and location!

Thanks

Dave

June 20, 2011 10:21 AM

digdeep said...

Here's a quote from a report on the 2011 IUCN/BirdLife Red List:

“In the space of a year another 13 bird species have moved into the threatened categories”, said Jean-Christophe Vié, Deputy Director, IUCN Global Species Programme. “This is a disturbing trend; however the figure would be much worse if conservation initiatives were not in place. The information collected by the BirdLife Partnership is crucial in helping us to continue improving conservation efforts. This is now more important than ever as the biodiversity crisis is already affecting our wellbeing and will continue to do so unless we do more to stop it.”

Note this sentence: "The information collected by the BirdLife Partnership is crucial in helping us to continue improving conservation efforts."

One simple and direct way we can all help do something to protect the birds we enjoy is by submitting records of our sightings to: http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/malaysia.php

Thanks

Dave

June 23, 2011 10:04 AM

digdeep said...

PS Here's the link to the BirdLife article: http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/06/big-birds-lose-out-in-a-crowded-world/

June 23, 2011 10:05 AM

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) A.K.A Peaceful Dove (Geopelia striata)

2011-05-17T21:04:00.002+08:00

Bird watching

Once upon a time, I used to think it was a great hobby one could ever have. The great outdoor, wildlife, nature, green, blah blah blah... the 'nice' lists goes on and on and on..

I still think it's a great hobby and maybe the greatest(personally). I love being outdoor and even more in love with nature if I have my camera with me outdoor.

Birds are the main subject I am keen to photograph. But that doesn't make me a photographer neither a birdwatcher... the best part is, I get to experience both. Obviously, I am loving it and enjoying it very much. Fortunately for me, not to the extent I'd think it's better than sex!

Playbacks

We have an issue here in Malaysia about bird watching/photography that I'm sure also happens in other parts of the world. Using playbacks...

Believe or not, it's a very sensitive issue and surprised? I am not and I don't think you are too ...

Birdwatcher says don't but photographers says do it

I don't take sides. Personally, I think both are right and the world desperately needs both of them. However, like any other matter in our lives, there should be a limit in everything we do.

Both birdwatchers and bird photographers can't be selfish and not sharing their finds with the world. They need to promote nature conservation whether they are pros or not. Otherwise, their knowledge is a waste...at least that what I think.

Let's Face It

To me, a birdwatcher with binoculars, sketches and notes could not educate and reach out further in the community. Nature conservation should be introduced to the younger generation as early as possible. Birdwatchers with their wisdom have the responsibility to do this.

It's a digital world now and I'm afraid analog technology is quite left behind ...and even becoming obsolete. Let's face it..the new generation are more techno savvy.

Seeing Is Believing

This is where the photographers have the edge and could attract the attention of the smarter younger generation. Nonetheless, birdwatcher journals are needed. More often than not, they are taken in a more natural manner where no alternative measure such as playbacks were used to document it.

The details of the bird or the environment they were in that could be recorded in the notes of the birdwatcher can now be clearly visualized with the aid of the photograph taken by the photographers. They are instances when they have to use playbacks to attract birds to get a better photo.

To me, this is specially important for rarer and elusive birds...Seeing is believing, the kids need that to digest whatever information we want to feed them with.

Seriously, Why Not?

Playbacks... why not? Some birds are busybody.. try whistling in a jungle, I can assure you there will be a reply or more... They even get closer to check you out. Birds are of many personalities like us human. Some are friendlier, some are shy, grumpy...Wanna know who and what? fantails-friendly, forktails-shy, notails-grumpy! Just kidding..Wood swallows can be very grumpy and attacks human!

Having said so, some bird does respond to playbacks and some doesn't. So, read a little more and know your birds to know your limit. You wouldn't want to rock the jungle hoping for something that would not show up! Have respect for nature, in peace is where the best result is achieved.

Perhaps, the world could be a better place if the birdwatchers and the bird photographers could form a partnership and start educating the world together...

Let there be light and peace!..

A Bird Taught Me About Patience

2011-05-10T21:42:00.005+08:00

Came May 2010, I called it a day... I still remember it was just before a good friend's wedding...

Apparently, I was thinking I've had enough of it. I finally came into my senses and moved on. My obsession on one particular bird was finally over... Come to think of it, it's quite ironic because the person that introduced me to the bird is the same person who was getting married! Mr. Chai...

Patience is really the key...

It was ridiculously difficult at first even just to find them. As time goes by and and also with lots of road trips uphill, it became a bit easier. As I came to understand their behavior better through my observation and encounters, photographing them became not so impossible anymore.

Anyway, here goes one of a good profile shots of my Eyebrowed Jungle-flycatcher...

Hairy-Crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus)

2011-04-27T20:45:00.004+08:00

My buddies and I are in a middle of a project. A project which, pushed and motivated me to spring clean my hardisks.

Goodness me...hardly half way, I trashed lots of GIGABYTES. Seated relaxed in fashion, clicking away effortlessly...I can't believe it can be really exhausting! I sometime accidentally dozed-off...

Anyway, as you and I already know in the middle of all that, something unexpected and forgotten can appear anytime. To give myself an excuse from the 'heavy task' in hand, I decided to update my blog with my latest find.

A gem to my eyes, one fact that I would like to share with everybody- described as a commoner in most field guides, the Hairy-Crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus) featured below were only the third sighting of my numerous outings to Kinabalu National Park.

Hot Spot: Penampang Paddy Field

2011-03-17T21:10:00.009+08:00

Penampang Paddy field is fast becoming a hot spot for birding nowadays. Rare and new birds recorded one after another...from the rails to the munias, the starlings and to to the avadavats, and who knows what's next!

A bunch of people in green with binos and cameras in their hands is now a common sight by the highway...Before, motorists would slow down and check out what was happening...maybe even wondering what these crazy people are doing...

If you are one of those people, we are trying very hard to take the best photos..with the best of our ability and push our luck and gear for these beauties;-

Tambunan: My Pleasure

2011-02-27T21:47:00.006+08:00

One of the harder species to spot and let alone to photograph are babblers. They are tiny, active and well camouflaged against the dense bushes. I personally avoid using flash, obviously making it extra hard for me with my budget so-called fast lens (F/4).

They usually foraging the under storey in a group of 4-5 individuals. Searching for insects and caterpillar of sort, quite noisy in their business. Hence, making life just a bit easier for us. Do not get me wrong, they're still extremely challenging to shoot no matter how close they are to you.

The Ashy Drongo is a bit easier to photograph due to their more predictable behavior. Somewhat curious, they sometime allow people to get close. More comfortable perching on an exposed branch, they are so hard to miss when they are around.

Depending on your effort and luck, having them in a frame filling distant is always a pleasure...both of them!..enjoy;-

Caterpillar, anyone??

Pleasure is all mine...

Montane: Get your 75% Chance

2011-02-24T21:35:00.003+08:00

The total Borneo bird list is 664, of which 51 are endemic to Borneo. Zooming closer, 34 species are montane residents while 3 hill residents and the remaining 14 lowland inhabitants. At least, that's what Quentin and Karen Phillipps says in their field guide (I own a signed copy!).

Record may and will change as the climate changes amongst other factors such as loss of habitat, poaching etc. Besides the recent(2010) discovery of a new species of Flowerpecker here, I bet revised version wouldn't be so soon.

Going to the mountain or ranges would mean one has more than 75% chances of seeing the endemics. Easy? one may ask. Well, it never is...(at least depending what's in your wish-list!)

I for one, loves it at the highlands. Always cool and refreshing... You don't need to move a lot to look for shades. You can sit in a spot for a long period of time and who knows an endemic might jump in front of you such as this lovely babbler...

Klias: Mission Bulabul

2011-02-21T20:35:00.006+08:00

From the South to North, from the peatswamp to the plain, from the rare to the vagrant... all in a day.

Our mission was to search and record the rare Hook-billed Bulbul. A couple of weeks earlier a buddy of mine, Ah Seng photographed one at Klias Peatswamp. Needless to say, everyone started to swarm the peatswamp ever since that.

Headed by one of the best bird guides around, our good friend Jason a.k.a Horukuru was sure we would accomplish our mission. George, a new friend proved to be priceless when it comes to spotting the feathered one. I guessed, he wasn't wearing a "Maliau Basin Scientific Expedition" shirt for nothing!

With the two of them combining, together with Hazel...I guess there won't be any bird too rare for this group. We, the ones with cameras on the other hand...simply enjoying the luxury of having them around!

Anyway, we accomplished our mission.. I ended up having the worst record shot, but none the less still grateful. Thank you to the guidance of the three above.

Like mad people, we later rushed to Tuaran to check up on our favorite pair there, the Teals. This time, Mr. Wan and George did not join us.

A fruitful trip indeed, I bag 4 lifers...check out:

Lifer # 1

Lifer # 2

Lifer # 3

Lifer # 4

From left to right: Winston, Ron, Hazel, Jason, Wan, George, Jordan(me) and Zaiton...

Thanks for the fun trip guys!

It's not over 'Teal' it's over...

2011-01-16T22:38:00.007+08:00

Men always find a way...

This is the case specially when the interesting subject is a hard one to get and rarely comes by. You name it, we would put the hardest effort...we would walk the extra miles...we would think outside & outside the boxes!

News spreads far and wide. In this era where the world is virtually getting smaller, no birds is safe from being digitized.

A couple of my buddies drove 400km across Sabah to witness/photograph a vagrant winter visitor. A rare occasion, no one can really blame them coz there were no news of them refueling in the east coast so far. Men...

Anyway, here's the recent and first activity of the so-called Blackberry Bird Club of Kota Kinabalu...

Strong contender for the "Rookie of the Year" award..Mr. Winston Pudin

Mr. & Mrs. Ron Pudin..(who managed to poison the brother..yeah, the one above!)

Looking & waiting...

New kid on the block's??

The one at the back seemed implying something with her pose...I love her!

The majestic Mt. Kinabalu and the Buddhist temple of Tuaran.

Wait for the golden light!!!

Group photos everyone!!!

I love my G12...

The little ones who brought us birding together

Backyard Birding: Tufted Duck of Tuaran

2010-12-22T19:43:00.012+08:00

I am one of those lucky people who happens to live in one of the hot spots in Borneo. With vast paddy field and plains, it's the perfect pit stop for the tired and hungry migratory birds from the north.

Anyway, unfortunately for some of the birds...they could not make it until the cold season ends at home. No one can blame the natural hardship that they had to endure during their journey to a warmer climate. Butgenetically speaking, I am positive they are built to do that.

My concern is the people...You just imagine it, I'm sure you'd know where my frustration came from. The hunting, the trapping, the killing...goodness me, are we still living in the dark ages?? We have agriculture, farming, etc... are we that short of protein? I personally don't think so...

Enough about my assumptions, the following photos are a species of uncommon winter visitor to Sabah, Brunei and Sarawak the Tufted Duck, both male and female. They are known to migrate to the said locations between October to January. A lifer to me, this is one of the priceless backyard birding experiences to me. Enjoy:-

The Wandering Whistling Ducks of Tuaran

2010-12-20T20:36:00.005+08:00

Not too long ago, we used to look for this particular duck at a different spot here in Tuaran. At the Tuaran Beach Resort (TBR)'s trail, the condition is not so favorable. Too many challenges... the bushes..mosquitoes...ect..

Located beside a road, this new spot is quite nice. Except for the heat, the rest is considered okay. If you arrive early to the pond, the light is soft enough...

The pond is in Kg. Indai Tuaran. Eventhough it's situated by the road, the traffic is not too bad..a car in every 15 minutes or so, nothing to worry about.

Anyway, here's some of my recent shots of the duck..at least the ones that seemed not too boring..

My Play Ground: Kinabalu National Park HQ

2010-12-18T22:34:00.005+08:00

It has been more than a month since I last went to Kinabalu National Park HQ. I kinda missed that place very much.

It rains frequently lately specially later in the afternoon. That could be a good reason I think...to stop going there for a while. My wife and I are planning to spend our weekends there soon as we always did before...it would be very nice. Hopefully by January, the weather would change. I wouldn't mind if the sky is blue always!

Anyway, before we start going to KNP again... Here's some of the many reason why I have such urges to go to the place I call my play ground...

One of the commonest and active ones, easier seen than shot...

Another jewel of KNP...never managed to get the 'fan' right...

Hmmm..almost perfect but too close for my liking..

Updates: I am still around clicking and snapping!

2010-12-18T08:11:00.004+08:00

My blogs have been idle for a long time...

Ron and I talked about it a few months back. We talked about it again yesterday! I was telling him or rather made an excuse why I haven't update them as regularly as before.

The near-death tragedy on a white water rafting outing I had with my wife and some friends is the main cause I am stuck at my previous post. It was a turning point in my life and I'd like to share and write it up good! If you know what I mean...

Anyway, I also went for duck hunting with Jason a.k.a Horukuru yesterday morning. We also discussed about my blogs and also cit-chatted about many things...well, catching up might be the best word to describe it.

Well enough is enough. Until I am fully satisfied with my draft about the rafting experience or even ever finish it up, I promise to myself I'll post more regularly...

Look at the time...

This was taken in Sukau Kinabatangan. I was staying in Bare Foot Lodge with Ron...

If I ever post montane birds...It only means one thing, I should be going outing with my wife hehehehe...

It was just my luck...It was my birthday and the company my wife works for was having a family day in one of the best hotel around...this was taken in front of our room..

Whitehead's Trogon (Harpactes whiteheadi )

2010-07-01T23:30:00.003+08:00

Whitehead's...

In a birding world, the birds in Borneo with the above "first name" are just in it's own class. Often rare and elusive, a glimpse of the Whitehead's spiderhunters, broadbills and the trogons is...If it's not too much to say...almost like a Baptism to a birder.

You are not a real birder, if you have not seen the "holy trinity"...

(I never heard of that! I made it up...sounded cool tho!!! hope I didn't offend anybody...hehehe)

Anyway, some time end of April I hit the jackpot when I found a nest of a Whitehead's Trogon. Built in a dead tree trunk and surprisingly at eye level, this could be one of my most prized video collection ever and truly once in a lifetime experience...behold;-

The parents...