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;-

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:-

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!!!

BackLogs: The Blogging Marathon

Look at the time...

I can't believe it has been over a month since I last updated my blog. A lot had been going on that I really didn't have the luxury to blog.

I did update my other blog, somehow it's kinda 'mute' blog if you know what I mean.

On my previous posts, I have shared some of my personal favorite bird shots taken in Sepilok Sandakan. I was with one of my best buddies Mr. Alphonsus. Believe me those photos aren't the last of it.

To begin with, these two pics are just as nice to re-heat my blogging engine. It's going to be a marathon, but rest assured I'm gonna finish it. Meanwhile, I present to you ;-

The Black-and-Yellow: The Colors of the Rainforest

Arguably one of the most flamboyant colored birds in the rainforest and probably the best looking ones(to me they are), the Black-and-Yellow Broadbill never ceased to impress me.

I've seen and photographed them in Sugud Forest Reserve (SFR) just outside of Kota Kinabalu Vicinity, but here in Sepilok that I've came up close and personal with them. Their sheer beauty complemented with their friendly behaviour is a photographer's dream come true.

During my recent trip to Sandakan, the Black-and-yellow Broadbill made my day just in the nick of time in Sepilok. I had lost hope when a sudden down pour took away a few hours of my valuable time there. Frustrated, I checked and rechecked my watch hoping to see 'light' from the barometer.

Indeed, there was hope. Just after 5.00pm, as promised by my watch the rain stopped and action began. Enjoy the colors of the rainforest, The Black-and-yellow Broadbill:-

The Chestnut-Winged Babbler: The Phantom of the Rainforest

An opportunity to go to Sandakan last August was not to be missed. Made possible by the reasonably fair air-fare of Airasia (..and a nod from the wife and kids!), off I went.

I packed both cameras this time around. The old and under-utilized Sony and my Canon. The Sony had to be put to work...I thought. The video function is worth trying as well. Afterall, it's much more lighter than my DSLR.

Video recording proved be very challenging specially under the canopy in Sepilok. The AF struggled and was quite a nightmare. However, I did managed to record the phantoms of the rainforest-enjoy;-

The Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher: The Ambitious Video Attempt

I agree 100% if you say I'm madly in love with the Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher. Last Sunday (August,30) I got "the look" from my wife when I told her I wanted to go search for the flycatcher at the Kinabalu National Park.

I got both-the "green light" and the "green look" from her...

I promised I would be back early, which I did. I left home in a hurry too coz I could not dare to stay longer. She kinda posses the power to make me change my mind! (hehehe)...

At the park, The action started exactly at the spot and time I suspected the flycatcher would appear. Switching between cameras, I managed to record this;- (Not the best of quality, but taken handheld and only my third video recording attempt, I have to say it's not too bad!). Enjoy:-





P/s: Please take note the sound in the background is thesound of the Mountain Leafbird, dying for my attention! ;)

Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher (Rhinomyias Gularis): At Last?

I'm still not over the Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher I guess. I was very determined to capture the true colors of the beautiful flycatcher which I failed on my previous attempts.

Easier said than done, simply because they spend most of their time low in the dark undergrowth.

The reddish brown of the flycatcher, more often than not will appear as plain dark brown in photos thanks to their behavior. I have to remind tho, getting their photo is one thing, finding them is another thing!

Every chance has to be treated with utmost care. An opportunity doesn't come often... I bag these, enjoy;-

At Last?...I don't think so...not yet.

White-Browed Shortwing: I Wish

Driving alone this time around. My partner decided not to join me "have to take care of Alli" she said. The girls have some activities in school. I guessed my wife would rather stay home than having to watch over Alli outdoor! Long time since he last joined us...

Departing late from home, I thought I could save a few minutes by going to Kinabalu National Park than Mesilau...so I did.

After having my breakfast at my usual spot at the park, I went trekking at Silau-Silau Trail and Liwagu Trail. I also spent some time at the Tupai Trail shelter where I heard so many chirping birds but failed to spot any of them!..Except for the Golden-Naped Barbet coz they are the loudest!

However, no photos I'm afraid. After spending half the day in the jungle, where it is more peaceful and no one was walking around...I got to shoot my first picture for the day near the headquarters!

Check them out;-

I don't quite dare to ID the last photo. I think it's White-Browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana erythroggma), and would be my lifer. I wish I have a better picture of them. I had to push the ISO to 800 for this shot. Not to worry tho, I'll get them next time...

Mesilau Nature Resort : The Bornean Whistling Thrush

Introduced in The Photographic Guide To Birds Of Borneo as "Dark and romantic birds, evocative of deep shady gullies and misty mornings, they give an eerie ventriloquial whistle".

Shy they are not, but playing hard to get maybe the best way to describe their behavior here in Mesilau. They are easily seen foraging in the open, with the right approach one can get very close and capture those beautiful fine details.

I have yet to obtain satisfactory pictures of the male so far. They are more mysterious and cautious I guess. In the meantime...enjoy my borneensis;

P/s : Endemic status obtained thus correct Id is Bornean Whistling Thrush (Myophonus glaucinus borneensis) Thanks to Mr. Andrew Siani of Borneoavifauna.blogspot.