Sandakan: Gateway to the Wild birds of Borneo

I have the feeling that I’m a bit stressed out. I’m mentally exhausted and can’t quite focus. So many thing to do but with so little time. I even felt crushed when I couldn't join my buddies at the Sandakan Birdfair recently. No argument between work and passion…

The Birdfair was a big success in Sepilok, Sandakan. The soft launching of the Birds of Borneo Club (BoBC) was also a success. Well, I have to say that I was so envious with my buddies, privileged to be there to anticipate with the historic events. You guys are lucky!

Well, I’m not here to mumble…I just got back my “Happy Thoughts” and found out I could fly again;

1.Chinese Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus)

2. Chinese Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus)

The guys...Ron, Chai and my wife were birding on a paddy field in Penampang together with Seng. We were on our way driving further along the highway when I spotted the Chinese Crested Myna. A shot taken from inside a car...not bad at all. Have to thank Ron for the shot-he shared a technique which proved to be vital for this shot. Thanks a million, man!

3. Brown Throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)
4. Brown Throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)

5. Brown Throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)

6. Brown Throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)-female

7. Brown Throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)-female

8. Brown Throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)-female

I was really eager to go birding yesterday. The weather was not as clear as today, if it weren't for this couple I must admit that it wasn't a successful birding session. A mind boggling flash encounter with a multicolored bird made my day even worse...What bird could it be??? Black, blue, red, white and yellow...It flew so fast...

9. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Moorhen in Labuan??? It's about time!

10. Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata)

The answer to my headache! a Black-capped Kingfisher. This shot is heavily cropped and I have to apologize for the quality. Nonetheless, it's the answer. They are shy creatures...

11. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

12. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

I have to say to say this one is a personal favorite of mine. The Common Sandpiper is quite a flier and not easy to capture. I managed to take some other shots but none is as good as this one...

Sandakan will be our next destination for our birding session. Ron and Hazel, Zaiton and I, Chai without Siesie will ganged up and head for Sepilok. It's been a while since we've been into the wild...I bet everybody is looking forward for this trip.

Even our buddies there are committed to join and show us around. Sandakan here we come! No Christmas shopping for all birds when we are there please. We are ready to enter into the gateway to wild birds of Borneo.