Friday, January 20, 2012

Scarlet-rumped Trogon (Harpactes duvaucelii): Simply Stunning

Arguably one of the most handsome birds in the dense rainforest jungle of Borneo, the Scarlet-rumped Trogon is the smallest of them all. At 23cm, they are shy of 10cm compared to the Whitehead's Trogon the truly, and one and only montane trogon (endemic).

To make you feel better, the Scralet-rumped Trogon is the most common ones despite their size. They can be found at most undisturbed jungle throughout Borneo. All you have to do is cover all the ground...???

Personally, I have several encounters with this species...quite a number of times. Frankly speaking..to classify them as common? not in my book! They are just as hard to find as the Whitehead's Trogon or the Red-Naped...

Anyway, don't be too discouraged there. Nike says "just do it"...to pump up the spirit, enjoy these personal best...not the best...yet..lol ;-)




#1 Female


#2 Male

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Malaysian Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis turcosus)

One bird that i really love to photograph are the flycathers. They are all around us in Borneo, from then mangrove forests all the way up to the mountains.

I don't know but they have this unique personality, and almost photogenic! Somehow or rather, they know they are attractive and adorable. I just think they are natural in front of a camera...lol

This particular Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, was taken at a riverbank at Sungai Menanggol, Sukau. At 13cm, even though brightly colored blue-and-orange...was not easy to spot, specially in the dark and gloomy part of the river bank.

Playing hard to get at first, it gave me that split second opportunity right at the right moment at the right spot. The boat chase was worth it in the end!

To have an expert spotter beside you during a birding trip is really crucial, specially when you know you have invested a lot for the trip. That time, I was lucky I had my good buddy the local bird expert Jason...A.K.A Horukuru (I just have to mention this famous name!) with us.

My beloved 7D has been idle in the dry box for too long now i guess...obviously not anymore, rest assured on that. We'll see what happen next...mean while, enjoy this as much as i enjoyed taking it.