The Lesser Adjutant

13th March 2016,  Pantai Remis,  Selangor DE

Local Name:  Burung Botak

Scientific Name: Leptoptilos javanicus

Equipment: Nikon 1 V3 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8 ED-VR

 

Asian Openbills in Melaka

19th January 2013, Batang Tiga, Melaka

Local Name: Scientific Name: Anastomus oscitans Equipment: Nikon 1 V2 + Nikkor  AFS 400mm f2.8ED-VR They are currently the star birds, the local papers  even covered the news of their arrival  in several states of Malaysia. Birders and photographer alike including yours truly have  made their way to these locations so as not to  miss the opportunity to view these majestic storks in their hundreds. Paddy growers in the area are simply delighted with their presence since these birds feed on snails which   destroy the paddy plants.                     Melaka is the land of ‘Hang Tuah’ literally translated as ‘you’re lucky’,  I’ve been wanting to see this bird for a few years now, so looks like this year ‘I‘m in Luck’.

Birds Nature & Us Gathering @ Kuala Gula

8th-9th December 2012, Kuala Gula  Sanctuary Resort, Perak

Birds Nature & Us  (BNU) is a bird photography group on Facebook that I belong to and  in the second week of December last year they organised a small gathering in Kuala Gula, Perak  with the aim of meeting members to renew old ties and forge new friendship. We had about 50 participants  who  made the journey to attend from various parts of the country.  Over the two days members  were given the opportunity to photograph birds in the nearby  mangrove forest. An informal talk  on bird photography  and birding etiquette was  also held  in  the evening. Enthusiastic lot Dawn at Kuala Gula   A  few good  flaps of the wings and this White-breasted Waterhen  was ready to go. A Common Kingfisher at her regular perch in front of the gates to the resort. A few Dollarbirds were busy snatching preys in mid flight.  It was too early for any  good shots of birds in flight as the lighting   was far from ideal The later part of the morning was spent in the mangrove forest. Ballet in the swamp, Little egret An extremely shy Black-capped Kingfisher waiting for the chance to dive. A Chinese Pond-Heron scanning the  waters from a vantage point A Little Egret  aimed and  pounced on  a  target. A small  reward for the effort   A Little Heron getting ready to dive,  the fish below  scattered and swam for their lives when she actually did. This mudskipper wasn’t so lucky.  It may seem cruel but it’s a life & death struggle that goes on everyday.   Dinner and Bird Talk   Another day at Kuala Gula One of a few resident Milky Storks which is part of a breeding program undertaken by the wildlife department.  She was out early   Waiting to shoot birds in flight  at the jetty.   This  Brahminy Kite had an extra-ordinary long hooked beak.   Great-looking Great Egret   In-flight meal.   Here she is again resting on a  nipah tree A Common Kingfisher looking for a simple kill… probably those mudskippers down below at the foot of the wall Tired but happy faces A Stork-billed Kingfisher and a Common Myna sharing the same  tree White-breasted waterhens are usually very skittish but this pair didn’t seem to be intimidated by our presence.   A tiny Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker  making her round in the mangove trees and at one point she came very close to where I was.   After hundreds of bird photos , good company, some good laughs….. I think everyone left Kuala Gula for home with a smile.