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...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
First Attempt on Batch Processing : Express Mode for Ron
It's been a while since we last had a quality time together...I enjoyed our time and our conversation very much.
Five hours with non-stop talking, I doubt if I can manage that with my wife! (sorry babe...hehehe).
Well, we talked about stuff...and lots of stuff...we even talked about heaven and hell! The 'Big Brother' figure that he has always been to me...you would expect one or two advices and reminders...without fail, rain or shine, every time and all the time...hehehe
It's a boy!!! Sorry if I disappoint you guys..I spent a quality time with my best buddy Ron Pudin!
One of the gentle reminders from him was..."please update your blog regularly". Wise man that he is, I have to oblige and I dedicate this post for him...
Here, an ashy drongo taken continuously at 8 frames per second...I love everything about the shots. Hope you guys like it too specially you Ron...I used batch post processing for speed...for your info, the swaying pine tree helped me with the composition..and yes, full framed/frame filling shots.
Five hours with non-stop talking, I doubt if I can manage that with my wife! (sorry babe...hehehe).
Well, we talked about stuff...and lots of stuff...we even talked about heaven and hell! The 'Big Brother' figure that he has always been to me...you would expect one or two advices and reminders...without fail, rain or shine, every time and all the time...hehehe
It's a boy!!! Sorry if I disappoint you guys..I spent a quality time with my best buddy Ron Pudin!
One of the gentle reminders from him was..."please update your blog regularly". Wise man that he is, I have to oblige and I dedicate this post for him...
Here, an ashy drongo taken continuously at 8 frames per second...I love everything about the shots. Hope you guys like it too specially you Ron...I used batch post processing for speed...for your info, the swaying pine tree helped me with the composition..and yes, full framed/frame filling shots.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Living Bird: Bristlehead on the International News
The year 2009 was quite a good year for me.
I know it's already April 2010, but I wanna share it anyway! I was too busy to blog it as earlier as I should have.
Anyway, I had a few orders for some of my work (pictures). Obviously, when any of your photo being requested you should be happy and proud. I was and I still keep those e-mails!
Of all the e-mails, I have a few stories to share and a complain!
There was this academician from Europe, working on his new book about evolution. I have to salute and thank him for having the courtesy to inform me everything I needed to know.
He agreed on my conditions and stating that it was fair considering how hard it is to get that particular specimen. Moreover, the photo has the element he wanted to show in his book.
A self produce book, he later informed me he needed some time to finance his purchase. He told me he needed at least three months, I told him take all the time you need!
He kept me updated regularly for the next three months, unfortunately he had to cancel right at last moment. He had a bit of financial difficulty that he had to cancel the arrangement.
I said I didn't mind and thank him for having the courtesy to inform me coz it matters!
Somebody from Night Safari Singapore also requested a photo from me...FOC! I said thank you sir! At least he dared to ask it for free...which I think was asking too much.
A TV station from Canada wanted one of my bird photos for a DVD of the show. However, I was too late. I had a mix feeling at first, but they are making money for the show while my photo is rare...I had to stay firm.
Anyway, some of my work can be found here, here and the latest:-
The point is, appreciate work of others...pay them. It's never enough, but do a little something to put a smile on our face.
That being said clearly, please refrain from asking a picture for free unless you have a pretty good reason to do so...specially for me.
P/S; keep those e-mails coming!!! hehehe help me make 2010 a memorable one too
The mighty urgent mail from US...
I had been expecting this mail...
I received three copies from them...and i only asked for two!
Appreciation from renowned names is just an amazing feeling...I kinda addicted to them...
Love seeing my name printed proudly beside my pic!
Notice the "Birds of Borneo"? Also advertized on this Autumn Issue...& its a soft-cover which I want one. That is Susan Myers'.
Lastly, the photo which made me international again...my Bornean Bristlehead!
By the way, if you want to read about it or have a copy, you can order from the online! Thank you very much Living Bird Magazine.
I know it's already April 2010, but I wanna share it anyway! I was too busy to blog it as earlier as I should have.
Anyway, I had a few orders for some of my work (pictures). Obviously, when any of your photo being requested you should be happy and proud. I was and I still keep those e-mails!
Of all the e-mails, I have a few stories to share and a complain!
There was this academician from Europe, working on his new book about evolution. I have to salute and thank him for having the courtesy to inform me everything I needed to know.
He agreed on my conditions and stating that it was fair considering how hard it is to get that particular specimen. Moreover, the photo has the element he wanted to show in his book.
A self produce book, he later informed me he needed some time to finance his purchase. He told me he needed at least three months, I told him take all the time you need!
He kept me updated regularly for the next three months, unfortunately he had to cancel right at last moment. He had a bit of financial difficulty that he had to cancel the arrangement.
I said I didn't mind and thank him for having the courtesy to inform me coz it matters!
Somebody from Night Safari Singapore also requested a photo from me...FOC! I said thank you sir! At least he dared to ask it for free...which I think was asking too much.
A TV station from Canada wanted one of my bird photos for a DVD of the show. However, I was too late. I had a mix feeling at first, but they are making money for the show while my photo is rare...I had to stay firm.
Anyway, some of my work can be found here, here and the latest:-
The point is, appreciate work of others...pay them. It's never enough, but do a little something to put a smile on our face.
That being said clearly, please refrain from asking a picture for free unless you have a pretty good reason to do so...specially for me.
P/S; keep those e-mails coming!!! hehehe help me make 2010 a memorable one too
By the way, if you want to read about it or have a copy, you can order from the online! Thank you very much Living Bird Magazine.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Kinabalu National Park: There Are More Than Just The Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher
I had been under the spell of the Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher for a long time.
As I was gradually recovering, I once again started to venture further and to different places of the jungle trails in the park. I discovered a few potential spots for birding.
Spotting birds activities is easy specially for the common ones along the trails, but photographing them with a 300mm?? You guess...
Frankly speaking, I like it a lot when I'm trekking alone in the jungle trails. Sounds of the chirping birds, water flowing form the stream, smells of the wild...never gets tired from that all... When the camera stayed idle, I wouldn't mind so much.
Anyway, I have not been blogging as active as I had. I intend to make up for that, no worries. Today, pictures taken from Nov 8th, 2009. The Hair-Crested Drongo was a lifer, female White-Browed Shortwing was intended goal and the Indigo Flycatcher supposedly be "Bird as art" material( If you can call it that!)... :)
As I was gradually recovering, I once again started to venture further and to different places of the jungle trails in the park. I discovered a few potential spots for birding.
Spotting birds activities is easy specially for the common ones along the trails, but photographing them with a 300mm?? You guess...
Frankly speaking, I like it a lot when I'm trekking alone in the jungle trails. Sounds of the chirping birds, water flowing form the stream, smells of the wild...never gets tired from that all... When the camera stayed idle, I wouldn't mind so much.
Anyway, I have not been blogging as active as I had. I intend to make up for that, no worries. Today, pictures taken from Nov 8th, 2009. The Hair-Crested Drongo was a lifer, female White-Browed Shortwing was intended goal and the Indigo Flycatcher supposedly be "Bird as art" material( If you can call it that!)... :)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Mesilau Nature Resort : My 2nd Montane Resort
I bought myself both Phillipps' and Myers' Field Guide to The Birds of Borneo during the Sandakan Bird Festival last Year. Which my photo made me USD500.00 richer of course. In case you forgot or didn't know...my picture got 2nd place hehehe...
Well, enough about me and my winning photo...lol
Coming back to the books I acquired. Obviously, one is said to be better than the other (so I heard). Personally, I love 'em both and worth every sen from my pocket.
It's like having two professional advisers by your side. A second opinion is always available at your fingertip. Life's seem to be a little inconvenient without these two...
One may ask which one do I reach first when I'm in need. Well, like every normal person does...the one that we can bend and flip faster of course! But it doesn't mean that it is any better than the one with hard cover.
Talking about second opinion, Mesilau Nature Resort is the second best site for Montane birds for me. At least, for some common montane birds such as the Snowy-Browed Flycatchers, Bornean Whistlers or Chestnut-Hooded Laughing-Thrushes is concerned.
Rafflesia Centre on the other hand offers more exotic ones such as the Whitehead's Broadbills and Spider-Hunters. Fancy one??? personally, not at this moment...
Anyway, these shots were taken during my last visit to Mesilau. Enjoy:-
P/s: A Wonderful Birthday wishes to my beloved wife and daughter, may all your wishes comes true! and both of you have the greatest health to enjoy it. Love you Babe, and you too Adek...
Well, enough about me and my winning photo...lol
Coming back to the books I acquired. Obviously, one is said to be better than the other (so I heard). Personally, I love 'em both and worth every sen from my pocket.
It's like having two professional advisers by your side. A second opinion is always available at your fingertip. Life's seem to be a little inconvenient without these two...
One may ask which one do I reach first when I'm in need. Well, like every normal person does...the one that we can bend and flip faster of course! But it doesn't mean that it is any better than the one with hard cover.
Talking about second opinion, Mesilau Nature Resort is the second best site for Montane birds for me. At least, for some common montane birds such as the Snowy-Browed Flycatchers, Bornean Whistlers or Chestnut-Hooded Laughing-Thrushes is concerned.
Rafflesia Centre on the other hand offers more exotic ones such as the Whitehead's Broadbills and Spider-Hunters. Fancy one??? personally, not at this moment...
Anyway, these shots were taken during my last visit to Mesilau. Enjoy:-
P/s: A Wonderful Birthday wishes to my beloved wife and daughter, may all your wishes comes true! and both of you have the greatest health to enjoy it. Love you Babe, and you too Adek...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata)
I'm feeling very, very...Disgusted!
Cut the story short, I lost a Tyre! I parked in a middle of a busy street...and I still a lose a tyre! Maybe I should feel okay coz it's only a spare...but I lost one bloody tyre! God damn those guys who stole it!
I need some peace of mind...maybe this should do it...a couple of Peaceful dove in a high voltage romance!..
Cut the story short, I lost a Tyre! I parked in a middle of a busy street...and I still a lose a tyre! Maybe I should feel okay coz it's only a spare...but I lost one bloody tyre! God damn those guys who stole it!
I need some peace of mind...maybe this should do it...a couple of Peaceful dove in a high voltage romance!..
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyias indigo)
Acquiring a Canon 7D by far the best investment for me as far as camera body is concerned.
The movie mode just blows my mind away. It's full HD and absolutely wonderful specially when watching with a compatible LCD...the bigger is simply-Better!
I admire the Indigo Flycatchers. They are adorable, approachable, predictable etc, etc...and BLUE! (I can't distinguish between indigo and blue...). What better to describe them than this...
The movie mode just blows my mind away. It's full HD and absolutely wonderful specially when watching with a compatible LCD...the bigger is simply-Better!
I admire the Indigo Flycatchers. They are adorable, approachable, predictable etc, etc...and BLUE! (I can't distinguish between indigo and blue...). What better to describe them than this...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana erythroggma)-male
One of the most elusive birds of Mount Kinabalu, the White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana erythroggma). I had been dreaming to get a shot of the male for the last 3 months. In 2010, I had an even better opportunity-video shot! Enjoy:-
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Crimson-Headed Patridge (Haematortyx sanguiniceps)
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
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:-
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