Whitehead's Broadbill (Calyptomena whiteheadi): Great Green Bird of the montanes

Just finished processing a few of my shots from my previous outings much to my relieve. I have not been updating my blogs as frequent as I wanted to due to the unstable Internet connection.

In between the stuff that I was busy doing , I managed to visit a couple of blogs from a visitor. An interesting birding blogs managed by a person calling himself as Tabib.

You'll find lots of interesting stuff there and you'll surely be amazed by the number of exciting bird's species that can be found around his home. Lucky guy! I'm sure he never ran out of CF coz he could always upload the files to his PC in no time!

I, myself on the other hand have to drive 16km from home to stand a chance of a good sighting. As usual, Labuan Botanical Garden would be the main destination. Some shots really put a good smile on my face and hopefully to yours as well, enjoy;

1. Dragonfly

Rather than having nothing to do while waiting for a "moment of hope", a shot at a hovering dragonfly is all worthwhile. The blue background is actually a reflection of the perfect morning blue sky on the water.

2. Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)

Not the best of shots, but it feels really good! The tricky lighting fools camera and the speed of the bird itself makes shots like this gives lots of satisfaction. Perhaps, I'll try panning next time when and if I dare and ready.

3. Mangrove Blue Flycatcher (cyornis rufigastra)

Tired on the waiting game, I moved slowly to the other end of the park to find some sort of excitement. I was given not more than 15 second by the Mangrove Blue Flycatcher(cyornis rufigastra) to have a shot at. I got the 'excitement' I was looking for when I was approached by the garden keeper and was asked "What are you doing"? DUH?!!

4. Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)

I was really satisfied to successfully captured the Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) true colors. Their dark metallic coloration can really fool cameras. Good shot! I think so.

As you already know, my buddies and I went to the Crocker Range, Tambunan frequently not too long ago. I have to tell you I miss the place very much! I am so desperate to get better shots of these birds(You'll understand why? they are beautiful birds!), check out;

5. Little Cuckoo Dove (Macropygia ruficeps)

Notice the greenish film on the bottom part of the pic? Wished it was bokeh, but unfortunately not! Had to blend in with the vegetation to get a closer shot at this beautiful bird. Got great help from my camo!

6. White-browed Shrike-babbler (Pteruthius flaviscapis)

My Lifer! Shot at low lighting and reasonably slow shutter speed...I did well I guess. I saw it flying together with a flock of Blue-winged Leafbird (Chloropsis cochinchinensis).

7. Blue-winged Leafbird (Chloropsis cochinchinensis)

Yup..this was the Blue-winged Leafbird (Chloropsis cochinchinensis) I was telling about. Aren't they a beauty? If I hadn't knew better, I would be heartbroken to see that stray leaf. Not a big deal I guess. That way I have plenty of reasons to go there again...

8. Everett'sYuhina (Yuhina everetti)

Never go tired of taking picture of the Everett'sYuhina (Yuhina everetti). Not an easy bird with always on the go mode. They come in numbers so my tips are; aim for one...but the thing is; you'll risk missing a few other species that may join the flock.

9. Whitehead's Broadbill (Calyptomena whiteheadi)

Have to come down as the most beautiful green bird I have ever seen. The striking green however doesn't mean they are easy to spot. Come to think of it, it all really depends on your luck and how hard you wish for it. They'll come by...I want to thank Siesie for this one, good eyes you have there girl! Thanks

Sigh...Tambunan...Long-tailed Broadbill...etc,etc...