It's only my 2nd day of birding in 2010. I am pleased to share with you that it has been a great year so far. To open my video account this year, I present to you the Crimson-Headed Patridge. A wild endemic patridge to Borneo:- enjoy
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Blogging Marathon: Nick of Time
He made it just in the nick of time...
Sepilok Sandakan proved to be a tough proposition that time around. Record shots were great at personal standard. Competition? A total disappointment.
Back in Tuaran and an extra day on hand...I went to Kinabalu National Park..alone...
Half a day without anything...luck came when I needed it most. I had plenty of opportunities that afternoon. The most memorable ones were the moments a male Pied-flycather having a splash.
Soon after reaching home, I looked for the showering Pied-flycatcher. I knew it was my best action shot for the competition. Needless to say, after minor tweaking I emailed it to Alphon for submission.
I've got 2nd place at the bird festival's competition. Thanks to the unimaginable effort of Alphonsus. I lost words after knowing what he had to go through before he could submit my photos.
I learned it from Alven who was at Alphon's that it was not until 4.00AM he successfully downloaded my 2 files. Spending hours and hours trying to download files when the connection kept breaking??
If only I knew what he was going through, I could have asked him to forget about it...It was not that important...
Worse still, he had to submit the files before 8.00AM. He made it just in the nick of time...and I owe him BIG TIME for what he had done. Alphonsus, If you are reading this, you are truly one of a kind and I thank you for being who you are...my best buddy:-
Sepilok Sandakan proved to be a tough proposition that time around. Record shots were great at personal standard. Competition? A total disappointment.
Back in Tuaran and an extra day on hand...I went to Kinabalu National Park..alone...
Half a day without anything...luck came when I needed it most. I had plenty of opportunities that afternoon. The most memorable ones were the moments a male Pied-flycather having a splash.
Soon after reaching home, I looked for the showering Pied-flycatcher. I knew it was my best action shot for the competition. Needless to say, after minor tweaking I emailed it to Alphon for submission.
I've got 2nd place at the bird festival's competition. Thanks to the unimaginable effort of Alphonsus. I lost words after knowing what he had to go through before he could submit my photos.
I learned it from Alven who was at Alphon's that it was not until 4.00AM he successfully downloaded my 2 files. Spending hours and hours trying to download files when the connection kept breaking??
If only I knew what he was going through, I could have asked him to forget about it...It was not that important...
Worse still, he had to submit the files before 8.00AM. He made it just in the nick of time...and I owe him BIG TIME for what he had done. Alphonsus, If you are reading this, you are truly one of a kind and I thank you for being who you are...my best buddy:-
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year 2010
Happy New Year to everyone around the globe. Let us make our life as great as we wished for and as beautiful as we hoped for.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Blogging Marathon: The Final Day In Sepilok
Time was almost up...deadline was approaching fast.
Already on my last day in Sepilok, but yet there was not a single interesting photo to submit for the competition. I had photographed the Copper-throated Sunbird, Bornean Bristlehead, Diard’s Trogon...to name a few of the big names in the birding world.
Considering the amount of time I had spent there, it was a remarkable achievement. However, for I was a man on a mission, I found them quite unsatisfactory at all. All I needed was that one shot with the big difference. Unfortunately, easier said than done...
Alphonsus could not join me on my hunt as he was on duty that day. I knew he was itching inside. I went straight to the trail as we arrived, while Alphon reluctantly walked to the front desk to sign in.
Knowing very well that it is almost impossible to get an action shot of Trogons, I went look for them anyway. The encounter with the Scarlet-rumped Trogon on the previous day gave me something to bet on... medium sized...they’re perfect.
I have captured some in-flight shots in the past with my 40D...I was ready to bet my luck on my trustworthy camera again.
Luck was not on my side that day. I had a real good opportunity with the Red-Bearded Bee-eater. Fanning its tail to engage in a mating courtship, I knew I lost a big chance when the action happened at the most undesirable angle...
However, I was still glad. Grateful that at least I'd improved my record shots of this peculiar bee-eater, enjoy:-
Already on my last day in Sepilok, but yet there was not a single interesting photo to submit for the competition. I had photographed the Copper-throated Sunbird, Bornean Bristlehead, Diard’s Trogon...to name a few of the big names in the birding world.
Considering the amount of time I had spent there, it was a remarkable achievement. However, for I was a man on a mission, I found them quite unsatisfactory at all. All I needed was that one shot with the big difference. Unfortunately, easier said than done...
Alphonsus could not join me on my hunt as he was on duty that day. I knew he was itching inside. I went straight to the trail as we arrived, while Alphon reluctantly walked to the front desk to sign in.
Knowing very well that it is almost impossible to get an action shot of Trogons, I went look for them anyway. The encounter with the Scarlet-rumped Trogon on the previous day gave me something to bet on... medium sized...they’re perfect.
I have captured some in-flight shots in the past with my 40D...I was ready to bet my luck on my trustworthy camera again.
Luck was not on my side that day. I had a real good opportunity with the Red-Bearded Bee-eater. Fanning its tail to engage in a mating courtship, I knew I lost a big chance when the action happened at the most undesirable angle...
However, I was still glad. Grateful that at least I'd improved my record shots of this peculiar bee-eater, enjoy:-
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Blogging Marathon: The Competition II
My legs were tied...
The bird festival was drawing nearer each day. Unfortunately, I only had weekends for my photography sessions. With a few 'weak' photos to bet my luck on, I was not about to enter the competition just for the sake of it. I had to make an impression...I thought.
Good timings couldn't be better, when the management approved my annual leave. I had four days to produce something for the competition. I was free!
The bird festival was drawing nearer each day. Unfortunately, I only had weekends for my photography sessions. With a few 'weak' photos to bet my luck on, I was not about to enter the competition just for the sake of it. I had to make an impression...I thought.
Good timings couldn't be better, when the management approved my annual leave. I had four days to produce something for the competition. I was free!
Booked a ticket to Sandakan for the festival and of course, the hunt of a perfect photo. Sepilok is such a gifted place and if one works really hard, luck is in their own hands...My best buddy Alphonsus prepared the itinerary and left me nothing to worry about!
Contrast to what could be found in the Kinabalu National Park, birds in Sepilok are more colorful and vibrant. Obviously, can easily catch attentions...judges attentions! I heard a few wise words, colors win contests...
I began my hunt and got some photos. I was aiming for the Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers (feeding of course coz flight shots are just too much to consider!). I saw and heard a few, but not a single shot. Instead, I got these shots, one of which a lifer to me...the Scarlet-rumped Trogon.
Again, not 'competition-worthy' but nonetheless are for keeps. If you scroll down further, you will also find a photo of a cicada. It's interesting, check it out;-
Monday, December 14, 2009
Blogging Marathon: The competition
"Bird Photos must be taken around Sabah between 3rd to 13th October 2009"....
One of the rules and regulations of the Borneo Bird Festival 2009 photography contest. One that made all nature photographers including myself went havoc in search of the winning photograph during that period. It was USD1000.00 for grab, who wouldn't?
Well, me at first! Discussions after duscussions with my best buddy Alphonsus, finally concluded that I should compete.
I am not really into competition. Why? lots of reasons really...guess one and you are probably almost...right. I'm sure of it!
Another challenge was to capture an "interesting bird behavior", which is obviously not easy. After spending many weekends in the foothill of Mt. Kinabalu, I was sure that an "interesting behavior" is not easy to capture.
Weather can quickly change in the mountains. My setup was far from ideal on those conditions. Running on a budget, have to make do with whatever I have obviously. I didn't want ISO issues to cloud my mind.
There we were, two good buddies waited for the thick fog to go by and make way for the sunshine...
The first day was bad and unfortunately, the second day was not any better...contest-wise. 'Otherwise'?...not too bad I guess;-
One of the rules and regulations of the Borneo Bird Festival 2009 photography contest. One that made all nature photographers including myself went havoc in search of the winning photograph during that period. It was USD1000.00 for grab, who wouldn't?
Well, me at first! Discussions after duscussions with my best buddy Alphonsus, finally concluded that I should compete.
I am not really into competition. Why? lots of reasons really...guess one and you are probably almost...right. I'm sure of it!
Another challenge was to capture an "interesting bird behavior", which is obviously not easy. After spending many weekends in the foothill of Mt. Kinabalu, I was sure that an "interesting behavior" is not easy to capture.
Weather can quickly change in the mountains. My setup was far from ideal on those conditions. Running on a budget, have to make do with whatever I have obviously. I didn't want ISO issues to cloud my mind.
There we were, two good buddies waited for the thick fog to go by and make way for the sunshine...
The first day was bad and unfortunately, the second day was not any better...contest-wise. 'Otherwise'?...not too bad I guess;-
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Blogging Marathon: Options
It's easier when you only have a handful of choices...
I have spent most of my time on the foothill of Mt. Kinabalu photographing and observing the Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher.
As I was going to update my blog, I realized the flycatcher didn't only demanded more time and space for them in Kinabalu National Park. They are now dictating time and space on my computer!
They consumes plenty of space in my disks and even more time editing them. Shot in RAW, when I said editing, I meant converting them to Jpegs. Except cropping and adjusting lights, I rarely move the other sliders...
Eventually, I have a hard time choosing a photograph and having something to blog about of course!
It's not that I don't appreciate them ( I love every single shots!), they are not just another flycatchers... mind you they're endemics and uncommon.
However, maybe it's a little bit easier when choices are scarce...as reflected by a photo of another uncommon Bornean Subspecies below- the White-browed Shortwing. Undesirable image quality, but yet...you'll get the idea...
I have spent most of my time on the foothill of Mt. Kinabalu photographing and observing the Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher.
As I was going to update my blog, I realized the flycatcher didn't only demanded more time and space for them in Kinabalu National Park. They are now dictating time and space on my computer!
They consumes plenty of space in my disks and even more time editing them. Shot in RAW, when I said editing, I meant converting them to Jpegs. Except cropping and adjusting lights, I rarely move the other sliders...
Eventually, I have a hard time choosing a photograph and having something to blog about of course!
It's not that I don't appreciate them ( I love every single shots!), they are not just another flycatchers... mind you they're endemics and uncommon.
However, maybe it's a little bit easier when choices are scarce...as reflected by a photo of another uncommon Bornean Subspecies below- the White-browed Shortwing. Undesirable image quality, but yet...you'll get the idea...
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Blogging Marathon: The Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher
"Going to feed your birds?...You should give them names".
Ron with his remarks presumably thinking I have ridiculously spent too much time hunting for the Eyebrowed Jungle-flycatcher at the Kinabalu National Park.
Sarcastic? I know, but I thought about the idea. Kind of interesting coz I have familiarized three individuals.
I don't quite agree with the feeding part though. It totally beats the purpose of taking their pictures in the first place. I just enjoy photographing them at their best... in their natural behaviour that is.
I must admit I have been concentrating on the Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher for months. They spend most of their time on or near the ground where light is challenging. Moreover, the backgrounds are not so pretty either.
This will only mean successful shots bring more satisfaction, such as these;-
Ron with his remarks presumably thinking I have ridiculously spent too much time hunting for the Eyebrowed Jungle-flycatcher at the Kinabalu National Park.
Sarcastic? I know, but I thought about the idea. Kind of interesting coz I have familiarized three individuals.
I don't quite agree with the feeding part though. It totally beats the purpose of taking their pictures in the first place. I just enjoy photographing them at their best... in their natural behaviour that is.
I must admit I have been concentrating on the Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher for months. They spend most of their time on or near the ground where light is challenging. Moreover, the backgrounds are not so pretty either.
This will only mean successful shots bring more satisfaction, such as these;-
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Blogging Marathon: The Trogons
Trogons...not just another bird.
Once upon a time in my younger years, I used to read time and time again a book titled DUSUN. The largest ethnic group in Sabah, the book is about the traditions and beliefs of the Dusun tribe.
As a boy, I was fascinated reading about all the evil spirits in the world of the Dusuns. One name in particular, and the most evil of them all is called Rogons! Being a half blood myself, that name scare me (still!)...
An evil spirit to avoid, it's still hard for me to say "I'm going to look for the Trogons" to my fellow birders, specially when trekking alone in the jungle. Trogon, Rogon...they sounded just the same...
Nonetheless, their sheer beauty is just mind blowing and all fear seemed to vanish immediately on each of my encounter with the 'Trogons'. No shaky hands for these:-
Once upon a time in my younger years, I used to read time and time again a book titled DUSUN. The largest ethnic group in Sabah, the book is about the traditions and beliefs of the Dusun tribe.
As a boy, I was fascinated reading about all the evil spirits in the world of the Dusuns. One name in particular, and the most evil of them all is called Rogons! Being a half blood myself, that name scare me (still!)...
An evil spirit to avoid, it's still hard for me to say "I'm going to look for the Trogons" to my fellow birders, specially when trekking alone in the jungle. Trogon, Rogon...they sounded just the same...
Nonetheless, their sheer beauty is just mind blowing and all fear seemed to vanish immediately on each of my encounter with the 'Trogons'. No shaky hands for these:-
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Chestnut Winged Babbler: The Educator
"Often seen singly or in pair"...
A shake of my head or a grin used to follow whenever I came across those sentences above. Those who doesn't know what I'm talking about...well, the phrase above normally used to describe certain birds' behavior in reference books or field guide to birds.
Over time and a few birds wiser, I finally came to comprehend the true meaning of the phrase. I used to take it as nonsense for some personal opinions. The birds themselves taught me and made me understand...
One's a loner...
Two's a company...
Three's a PARTY!!!
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