The Blogging Marathon: The Competition II

My legs were tied...

The bird festival was drawing nearer each day. Unfortunately, I only had weekends for my photography sessions. With a few 'weak' photos to bet my luck on, I was not about to enter the competition just for the sake of it. I had to make an impression...I thought.

Good timings couldn't be better, when the management approved my annual leave. I had four days to produce something for the competition. I was free!

Booked a ticket to Sandakan for the festival and of course, the hunt of a perfect photo. Sepilok is such a gifted place and if one works really hard, luck is in their own hands...My best buddy Alphonsus prepared the itinerary and left me nothing to worry about!

Contrast to what could be found in the Kinabalu National Park, birds in Sepilok are more colorful and vibrant. Obviously, can easily catch attentions...judges attentions! I heard a few wise words, colors win contests...

I began my hunt and got some photos. I was aiming for the Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers (feeding of course coz flight shots are just too much to consider!). I saw and heard a few, but not a single shot. Instead, I got these shots, one of which a lifer to me...the Scarlet-rumped Trogon.

Again, not 'competition-worthy' but nonetheless are for keeps. If you scroll down further, you will also find a photo of a cicada. It's interesting, check it out;-

P/s: The 1st eight pictures were actually taken from Sepilok, Sandakan...my apology for the cut & paste overdose :)

2008 Year End Birding Bonanza

We touched down at Sandakan Airport before 8.00 AM. The flight attendant proudly announced the arrival was earlier than scheduled. Ronald, Hazel, Chai, Zaiton and me rushed to get off the plane..."feels good to be here" I thought to myself.

It was drizzling but I could see everyone didn't mind, including me. I imagined all the birds flying around looking for food after the rain! That's always been the case before.

Food? No better food found elsewhere! Sandakan is the place for good food. Having to fly early, I did not take any breakfast in Kota Kinabalu except drinks. Frankly speaking, I had to leave some space for Sandakan!

Our ever so great "welcoming committee" Alphonsus and John knew exactly what we needed. A delightful pit-stop on the way to Sepilok where we had a wonderful "Ngiu Lam" (beef & noodles soup ) and freshly baked breads for serious breakfast. Great food as always.

Everyone has their own agenda when we arrived at the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Sepilok. Instead of going in a group, we split and hunted for our prized birds! My wife Zaiton and I started our session trekking on the forest floor hoping to encounter with the Pittas while the rest of the group headed for the towers, looking for the Bristleheads perhaps!

Our three-day birding session in Sepilok overall was a memorable one. Plenty of exciting and interesting highlights such as our encounter with a numbers of wild Orang Utans, Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel etc., beside some great lifers for most of us.

Seeing Mr. Cede Prudente anticipating and setting ups for the Flying Squirrel during our night walk was a great experience. Having to see Mr. George J Stambul with a DSLR and full camo attire is also a pleasant surprise (Welcome to the club man)! Talk about birding flu...

It was a great way to end our birding activities for 2008. Plenty of great experience and encounters and surely made me more determined to make 2009 even greater! An addittional member was a real bonus, I guessed Georgy will have a hard time arranging his time between birding and clubing soon! (Clubing as in Golf!).

Meanwhile, These are the images taken during my last visit to Sandakan to end my 2009 birding activities. Enjoy;

Day 1 (December 20, 2008)

1. Black-capped Babbler (Pellorneum capistratum)

Lifer #1

I was a bit upset with my wife during our encounter with this ground dwelling bird. Instead of taking their photos, she kept signalling to me to get close and have my shots. She missed some good shots by doing so. What can I say? She loves me too much!

2. Red-Naped Trogon (Harpactes Kasumba)-femaleLifer #2

I have seen the handsome male months ago. However, none of the shots were usable. This is the best shot of my Trogon so far. They are top of my list currently.

3. Green Iora (Aegithina viridissima)

I was on my toes during this shot. It was a joy to have it as sharp!

4. Wild Orang Utan

Sepilok is known for her rehabilitated Orang Utans. This fellow is wild and his colors appeared to be darker compared to the ones in the rehab centre. They does not make eye contact with people and this one is one lucky shot.

5. Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela)

I wish I had a chance to capture this eagle in flight.

6. Spectacled Spiderhunter (Arachnothera flavigaster)Lifer # 3

All of the Spiderhunters I have seen were extremely shy including the spectacled. With my current gear, I don't dare to wish for the whiteheads.

7. Red-Eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus)
8. Streaked Bulbul (Hypsipetes malaccensis)

These Bulbuls are not too shy, however that doesn't mean they are easy to take pictures of.

9. Green Iora (Aegithina viridissima)-juvenile

One unique shot I guessed. I wonder what was it thinking of?!

10. Greater Racquet-Tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus)

Posed for everybody as beautiful as we would hoped for and definately my personal favorite!

11. Ronald I Pudin

Great time Ron? you bet! Sepilok is the place to work the 2.8 lens huh?!

12. Gary Albert

Mr. Pitta! He has the most and the best Pitta collection. Sigh...

13. Kenneth A. Tizon

Newly aquinted and befriended with a Nikon diehard!

14. Zaiton Yunus

Get rid of the 400D and the 55-250 babe... after you get me the 2.8 LOL

15. John Bakar

Which lens is next? He almost covers all angles except for the bazookas!

16. Lee Teck Seng

He was busy and didn't have much time to spare during our visit there. Poor Aseng!

17. Hazel Koroh

I wonder how many birds she got in Sepilok. She's one of our trusted spotter! Unfortunately for Ron, he was not the only 'dear' in Sandakan. Whenever she called her 'dear' everbody seemed to respond!

Day 2 (December 21, 2008)

18. Lesser Green Leafbird (Chloropsis cynapogon)

The leafbird was taking a morning shower peacefully before...

19. Ronald I Pudin and Mark Louis Benedict

Ron Experimenting a tripod while Mark looked on if the Violet Cuckoo is around.

20. Chai Chie Rong

Chai desperately needed reassurance that upgrading to a 50D from a 400D is worth it. He got what he was looking for!

21. Mr. Alphonsus Loinsang and Jonathan Tan

Alphons giving out birds location to everybody!

22. Hazel and ZaitonThese two ladies trekked and got themselves a Black-backed Kingfisher! Look at that smile...

23. Black and Red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchus)
24. Rufous Piculet (Sasia abnormis)

Lifer # 4

25. Baby Orang Utan

26. Baby Orang Utan

Two different shots of the same wild baby Orang Utan.

27. Ruby-Cheeked Sunbird (Anthreptes singalensis)

28. Black and Yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus)

Shot with Chai's 70-300mm while he used his 50D and my 300mm f4 lens. The result was remarkable.

29. Flying Squirrel

I have taken better shots than this...much better!

30. Owl

A rediculous shot!

Day 3 (December 22, 2008)

31. Yellow-Bellied Wren-Wabbler (Prinia Flaviventris)

32. Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus)

33. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)

Would love to have better shots of this beautiful ugly bird!

34. Red-Billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus javanicus)

Lifer # 5

A delightful lifer!

35. Lizard

Just to keep myself busy with this shot.

36. Chestnut Collared Kingfisher (Halcyon concreta)-female

37. Chestnut Collared Kingfisher (Halcyon concreta)-female

I am grateful to get decent shots of this female kingfisher. Shot at shutter speed 1/15sec, not an easy task. Thanks for spotting this one Alphon, you're the man!

A total of six lifers is not too bad at all. You might wonder where is the sixth bird. Well, wonder no more because it is the Violet Cuckoo. I have to say this shot was a missed opportunity though. It is a beautiful bird with lots of unique characteristics. A couple of Orang Utans "terrorized" the tree the bird was feeding and cauzed it to flee before we get better shots. Next time perhaps...next time...

38. Violet Cuckoo(Chrysococcyx xanthorrhynchus)

END.

Wild Bird Club of Borneo : The Historic Day (Nov 29,2008)

Come 29 November 2008 will mark another historic and important event for the wildlife of Borneo, especially for birds and birders alike. The formation of The Wild Bird Club of Borneo is long overdue, but nonetheless is never too late.

A committed birding club will directly ensures refuge specially to the declining numbers of the diversed and unique wild birds of Borneo. Thanks to the effort of the few mentioned names above, the ministry and of course the organizers -The future is looking very bright for our birds.

The Rainforest Discovery Centre located in Sepilok is a safe haven for variety of birds such as the Bornean Bristlehead, the Hornbills and other species. On my recent visit, I was glad to see effort made by schools to have study tours for their students there.

However, I do have my worries and concerns. Perhaps visitors should be given a reminder or briefing prior to entering the premises. Beside visitor's safety, the well being of the wildlife should be prioritized and noises must be kept to a minimum.

On-going awareness programmes will surely and eventually educate the public. I do think some kind of short term measures must be taken by the proper authority to tackle this problem. We do want those birds to think that we are friends, don't we? ...I come in peace... kinda stuff!

I have a good feeling that this club will be a huge success. I haven't got the details yet, but based on the names involved above-I don't have the slightest doubts! These guys are the best for the job.

Personally, I will do my best to take part on that historic day. Who would want to miss it?! I would love to have a copy of the "Photographic guide to: Birds of Sepilok Forest" and get an autograph from the photographers themselves(They will be present, I promise).

Well, What say you??? It's a chance of a lifetime... The HISTORIC day. So to whom it may concern- Save one for me (Autographed!)

Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala): Mission accomplished!

It was a last minute arrangement. We decided to fly off to Sandakan for the weekend. I got my break when my 3day annual leave is finally approved. Rushed, my wife checked every available flights to Sandakan.

Meanwhile in Labuan, disgusted with the unreasonably ridiculous air fare I decided to take a speedboat ride to Menumbuk and later continue the journey to Kota Kinabalu by land. I could use the extra cash in Sandakan. Good food waiting!

Unexpectedly, I had a little too much excitements in my journey to home. I left the office early only to see the BIG handwritten signboards with the word 'CLOSED' lying nicely across the Menumbuk counters. I was so sure that was the end of the beginning.

What do you know? For some unknown reasons, I did get myself to Menumbuk soon after. Only about RM3.00 more and 30 minutes later than usual. Not by the express boats...by a fishing boat! I couldn't believe myself I agreed to this ride. The slightly rough sea didn't help at all.

Terrified not to make the wife worry, I ignored her calls and only sending a text message.."On The Way"! I assure you she knows how an out boat engine sounds like! Worse still, I also had to leave behind my morale values when we arrived at Menumbuk (Apology to my Mum & Dad).

There were ten of us and there was only one seven-seater cab on duty. I didn't run, but I walked so fast towards the cab and so to, to run off my guilt I guess, I had to. If any of the guys on the same boat came across this story, I apologized and perhaps...try to travel lightly the next time : ).

So much so with that, I arrived 3 hours earlier compared to taking flights. I have to say that I had such an experience flying with Airasia to Sandakan the next day. I was so impressed, they are so efficient and the air conditioner on board was excellent! Bravo Airasia, my first impression with you went excellent!

A rival company I have to say is left behind and lagging BIG TIME! If your scheduled flights suit mine, you will definitely be my choice! Of course my delight only began there. We feasted with some of the finest food Sabah has to offer in Sandakan. The famous grilled fish at SimSim, Prawn mee at Bandar Kim Fung, Seafood haven at Kampung Pukat, Coto Makassar by the Bus Station, Steamed fish opposite Wisma Khoo, etc,etc.

Truly the gateway to wildlife in Borneo, my camera and gears had to work their value in Sandakan. They did all that! Sepilok to my joy (Click Pics to enlarge);

DAY 1 (OCT 18, 2008)

1. Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)

2. Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)-female

These shots were taken just by the reception office. The flowers were blooming and there were so much activities going on. They are garden birds, worth all the shots nonetheless.

3. Babbler

I just couldn't determine the exact ID of this babbler. Hopping around the dark bushes and forced me to use the flash. Of all the attempted shots, I'm afraid this is the best one. They are cheeky and never sit still.

4. Flying Squirrel

5. Flying Squirrel in action I

6.Flying Squirrel in action II

I got more than I wished for when the Flying squirell appeared from nowhere! I had a hard time trying to shoot them in flight with the low lighting condition, but my 40D rarely dissapoint me as what you can see here. They are nocturnal animals and I had the chance of a lifetime to capture their images in action. I'm a lucky guy!

Day 2 (Oct 19, 2008)

7. Thick-billed Spiderhunter (Arachnothera crassirostris)

8. Thick-billed Spiderhunter (Arachnothera crassirostris)

8. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris)

Again, we started near the reception office. I was trying to take pictures of the ever-busy spiderhunter when I saw the malkoha at the other other side of the fence observing what I was doing.

9. Rufous-collared Kingfisher (Halcyon concreta)-female

10. Rufous-collared Kingfisher (Halcyon concreta)-male

I still remember the first time I saw these little guys on my previous trip here. Hiding in the lower storey, they could withstand our small group with the vigorous clicking of the shutters. These time around, even the four of us they didn't wait.

Jonathan with his monstrous gear, D3+600mm+1.4X made every moments counted. Mouth watering stuff, I tell you! Alphon a.k.a the beastmaster made sure we would get our shots. He tracked their every movement like a highly experienced and skilled hunter. Thanks man!

11. Raffles's Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus)

12. Checker-throated Woodpecker (Picus Mentalis)

We found a Raffles's Malkoha, two species of Woodpeckers, Drongo, Babbler and few others at the exact same spot. Talk about bird density! However, light condition didn't help at all. Only managed to capture a couple of species...next time.

13. Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra)

14. Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)

With the hot and humid condition, we headed back to the car to get some refreshments. Garden birds pumped up the excitements back.

15. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis)

A Velvet-fronted Nuthatch paid a visit to us under the canopy. I got a reasonably good shot compared to the previous ones...Grateful!

16. Paparazzi

The man himself in action Mr. Alphonsus a.k.a Beastmaster. Such high quality of bird pictures collection this man's got. That time, trying to get hold of the flying squirell!

Day 3 (Oct 20, 2008)

17. Black-and-Red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchus)

A personal best shot of the Black-and Red Broadbill. Love it!

18. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)

19. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)

20. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)-female

21. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)-male

The collection of the Bornean Bristlehead wrapped up our visit to Sandakan this time around. I almost shed tears of joy when I looked at the images on my Laptop. I've dreamed of capturing their pictures eversince I first saw them. My dream came true and that means a lot! Without Alphon, these shots would have never been shot. Period!

22. Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

Just another one for the collection.

23. Flying Squirrel II?

Noticed that little grey dot on the center of the pic? It was a flying squirrel or mice, believe it or not. It glide like the Flying squirrel but the size is only a fraction of the squirell...more to a mice to me! This place never ceased to amaze me. Apart from birds, there are lots more to be found here. Great place.


Well, everything went well for us. Luck was on our side. We flew back to Kota Kinabalu on Oct 21st. Of course we would want to stay longer, but with such success for a short period of time we can afford to wait another few months. Alphons and Jonathan, thanks for everything! until next time. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)...I GOT YOU!..mission accomplished.