White-browed Shama (Copsychus stricklandi): The Superstar

Well, as promised here are the other bird's photos taken from our recent outing: from Kundasang to Sepilok, Sandakan.

Basically, I had to take lots of shots on a single bird. Hoping one or two images would turn out right. (We have a saying in our group; "One hit song in an album is all that matters...than none at all!). So, if you do not have fat enough CFs...it would be a real nightmare shooting with us!

Before going on our trip, I made quite a preparation. Knowing the difficulty shooting under the canopy, I trained myself in Labuan. Too bad, I had no one to practice with (it would be much easier with a company!). Well, the one thing I did not consider and overlooked was...the arrival of my EF300mm f/4L IS USM!

Sure...just an extra 50mm, what's the big deal?? It's a 'BIG' deal alright. It's massive and heavy! like I've never experienced before! and the extra 1.4X extender doesn't come any lighter either! My Monopod came into the picture only after the trip. Thanks to Ron, he loaned me his when we were in Kundasang (which he regrets very much!). That's when I finalized my decision to get one!

Anyway, these are the photo taken in Sepilok, Sandakan. It was rainy and cloudy most of the time which of course not an ideal time for photography. However, I did quite well...I think! (considering my aching hands and wrists!)

1. Black-naped Monarch(Hypothymis azurea)-male

2. Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)-female

This pair of Black-naped Monarch(Hypothymis azurea) were still building the nest during our outing there. I wonder whats their progress now. They're beautiful tiny bird. The male will end up doing the nursing of the eggs and chicks...

3. White-browed Shama (Copsychus stricklandi)

I have to say that this White-browed Shama (Copsychus stricklandi) (A.K.A White-crowned Shama) is the best star of all. It never failed to show up whenever we were there. Taking into consideration that they are exclusively and exist only in NE Borneo, they don't act like they were superstars! Thanks, Shama...It was a pleasure!

Bird Watching Overdose: 19/4/08-21/4/08

Wow, time really flies! I know, my last post was on 12 April. A lot happened in the sense of birding during that time. This post may looked like it was posted on the 25, but the fact is...partly finished the draft and posted today! (29/4/08).




I had an awfully wonderful time! I was on my annual leave from 21/4 to 25/4/08...and obviously my schedule was horrifically jammed packed! Touched down at KKIA at 21:30pm. By road to Kinabalu Park at 9:00 am the next day. My Mrs and I joined Chai & Siesie, while Ron and Hazel came a bit later...(Talk about something-in-common=Birding!)




I've just received my little monster Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM last Friday! I'm a man...can't settle for a mere 'big'-Want BIGGER!...so, on our way to Kinabalu Park, we stop by at a camera shop and got myself a little bit of extra reach...the Canon Teleconverter 1.4X II! at last, a perfect combination to my Canon 40D!


I have not have so much fun for so long. All in all, we spent 3D2N in Kundasang ( the ladies & Chai headed home on Sunday...sigh). Ron and I spent another 3D2N in Sandakan! What for??? What else? if not for these...

Chapter 1: Birding in Kundasang

1. Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassina)

This was one of the first shots using the Canon 300mm + 1.4x II. I am extremely pleased with the result. Had Siesie's assistance to spot it. Thanks Siesie!

2. Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)

Have my doubts of the ID though...

3. Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula westermanni)

These guys are a really amazing to watch...especially when they fly! they're just a little bigger than a Cicada...

4. Grey-Chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris)

A mouthful of Cicada! Siesie had a big laugh when the tripod loaned to me by Chai didn't give the 'support' I needed!...Worst still...Chai joined the laugh too!!!

5. Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)

Taken at our second day at the park...ID? still doubtul


6. Temminck's Sunbird (Aethopyga temminckii)

Came up close and personal with this sunbird. I thought it was a Crimson Sunbird at first sight...

7. Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus Leucophaeus)

I already had a record shot of the bird from Tambunan. This one's from Kundasang.


8. Malaysian Treepie (Dendrocitta occipitalis)

My heart nearly stop beating when I first saw this treepie feeding on a fruiting tree! Normally, they come in pair...which they did! The other one hidden somewhere at the side. We had some argument whether it was a Malaysian or a Bornean Treepie...I leave it to the experts...

9. Malaysian Treepie (Dendrocitta occipitalis)

The second day, the bird gave us a second chance...better shot?


10. Black-capped White-eye (Zosterops atricapilla)

We had a morning greetings from an Black-capped White-eye (Zosterops atricapilla). It's a tiny bird but they were so close I accidentally cropped the tail off! what a silly shot...

11. Black-capped White-eye (Zosterops atricapilla)

Enjoying the morning sun...

12. Chestnut-capped Laughing Thrush (Garrulax mitratus)

They might be laughing...but I'm laughing too! got some decent shots of them...

13. Everett's Yuhina (Yuhina Everetti)

This bird do not now how to stay still...Simply a nightmare to shoot at!

14. Pygmy Squirrel

A mountain pygmy?? I'm afraid I don't know...kind of a bit too much hair in the ears... talk about horny...

15. Unknown

Wish I know...Calling on the experts...

16. Golden-naped Barbet (Megalaima pulcherrima)

I could kiss myself for this lucky shot! I blew my first few shots of this noisy Barbet. However, I would not make the same mistake...the second day!

16. Ronald I Pudin


What do you think about our trip to Kinabalu Park so far Ron??? I guess the Big smile said it all...

Chapter 2: Birding in Sepilok

Off we drove to Sandakan and went in direct to RDC Sepilok to capture these images...

1. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)

Ron was as lucky as I was on my first visit here. We got to see and capture the elusive Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)...

2. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris)

Got wet from the heavy pour...lasted about an hour or so...


3. Red-eyed Brown Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus)

The rain has not stop completely... So, this one's my rainy effect shot!

4. Black and Yellow Broadbill ( Eurylaimus ochromalus)

Their just simply beautiful...

5. Purple-naped Sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum)

If not because of Ron's advice...I would have not taken a shot of this bird. Never take any bird for granted! shoot it...

6. Unknown

You see...I don't know what it is!

7. Hairy-backed Bulbul (Hypsipetes criniger)

It was a bit surprise when the flash fired! and later just stood still...thank you for the pose.


8. Green Iora (Aegithina viridissima)

Obviously not of a desirable quality...however, I'm grateful to catch just a glimps of this beautiful bird.

9. Brown-capped Woodpecker (picoides moluccensis)


This woodpecker was busy finding food after the rain...too bad becaused it was high up!


10. Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus)

This was my fifth Broadbills. After the Black & Yellow, Black & Red, Banded & Long-tailed. Who knows I might see all of them?!


11. Buff-rumped Woodpecker (Meiglyptes tristis)

Beautiful bird...I tell you...


12. White-Bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus Javenis)

A huge woodpecker indeed!

13. White-Bellied Woodpecker in Flight

Not the best of in flight shots...just to show off an ambitious shot!

14. Greater Racquet-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus Paradiseus)

At last, a decent shot of my second Drongo collection after the Ashy!

15. Lesser Green Leafbird (Chloropsis cyanopogon)-Female

Not an easy bird to spot! all you would see is green...

16. Banded Woodpecker (Picus miniaceus)

Another Woodpecker in my collection. Too bad I failed to capture the whole family together! There were four of them actually!

17. The Trio

Thanks to Alphon for this pic. The first time we met was 21 years ago! 21 years later...still the same kids...the same friendship. I reallyThank God to have such good friends...Anyone missing?

18. The Beastmaster

This guy is the Special One! Be it in the jungle, town or city...Look for him and you'll be okay! Another best buddy of ours. He's dubbed the Mayor...now, the Beastmaster. Why? visit his photostream and tell me what you think.

Mind you, he's just took up birding/photography a few months ago with a loaned camera. And yet, he's already producing great birds picture! The Mayor thing...you don't want to know!

Last but not least...I'm not finished yet. Stay tuned for the next post of the same trips/outings!

Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala): Truly Borneo

I had this strong urge to go to Sandakan last week. Eventually, I did, well...we did. Fortunately, my wife and I got a free ride from Alphonsus! We were lucky he was still in Kota Kinabalu (K.K) when I got back from Labuan.

Chai (a.k.a Insight Borneo), on the other hand was already in Sandakan and driving back to K.K on Sunday! We had ourselves a return ticket so to speak! Packed our gear and off we went with Alphonsus on Friday.

We made a few stops along the way for taking pictures and also for refreshments. Alphonsus was only getting to get used to my Sony H5 loaned to him. My wife unfortunately, had to bear the frustration using the non-IS lens which I had used previously.

We had the opportunity to meet with Cede Prudente in Sandakan. He is a local wildlife photographer with remarkable achievements around his belt. A pleasant and humble person, we have nothing but admiration to him. We were unlucky to have not visited his photo gallery located in town. Another good reason to visit Sandakan again soon I guess...

Unlike our trip to Kinabatangan last year which was planned, this time it was not planned at all. However, we were better equipped (at least I thought we were!). I feel for Ron(a.k.a Ripledin) and Ah Seng(a.k.a Gokibury), they couldn't join us. Ah Seng with work commitments while Ron with his 18-42mm lens...gave in.

Sandakan, specially Sepilok is haven for wildlife. Because of that particular reason, I had to seriously review my gear! and of course, my wife's! There's no doubt we will be going back there again...soon!

1. Big Boys with Big Toys (Photo courtesy of Zaiton Yunus)

Chai, me and Gary were having a rest when Gary heard a 'Trogon' calling and trying to locate it.

2. Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyias indigo)

This was the best shot I could get. They were shy and I couldn't get near!


3. Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyias indigo)

An ambitious shot of the beautiful blue bird.

4. Bulbul (Photo courtesy of Zaiton Yunus)

They came in a flock of mixed species and feast on this fruiting tree. Too bad I couldn't determine the bird's ID

5. Bulbul

My shot from front view. The size of this bird is similar to the size of Yellow-vented Bulbul which is common at low lands.

6. Hairy-backed Bulbul (Hypsipetes criniger)

Flew in to the fruiting tree with the yellow Bulbul. This one is smaller than the other Bulbuls I took pictures of.

7. Buff-vented Bulbul (Hypsipetes charlottae)

This Buff-vented Bulbul (Hypsipetes charlottae) also feast on the same tree.


8. Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus hirundinaceus)

This Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus hirundinaceus) shot was taken from a nearby open area. The lighting was better and I was able to get a clearer shot.

9. Black-and-yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus)

Officially ticked on my wish-list! However, there's always room for improvement! They are tiny and adorable. 2G CF card-finished in a flash!

10. Black-and-yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus)

They hops! Trust me, bring lots of gigabytes if you want to capture them. They are not so shy!

11. Black & Red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchus)

The colors are not as glorious as their counterparts, but just as beautiful. They are quite shy too.

12. Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus)

Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus)...grin. What a joy! Have three Broadbills in my bag now!

13. Black-napped Blue Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)

Sigh...desperately needs a better photo!


14. Greater Racquet-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus)

Not an easy target to shoot.


15. Wallace's Hawk Eagle

A great moment captured beautifully by my wife. A Wallace's Hawk Eagle with it's meal...a snake!

16. Wallace's Hawk Eagle

Just to post my trophy as well!


17. Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)

I got this shot when the raptor, we believe was stalking the greatest ever endemic bird of Borneo! I proudly present to you the last but not least;

18. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)

Truly the ultimate bird to get a sight of in Borneo. This bizzare looking, ugly but beautiful bird can only be found here. I had to delete some shots of other birds from my CF to make room for them! Yes, they are valueable...most definitely!

19. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)

Desperate measures! The rain started dripping...I still had not captured a good enough photo of them for my record. I decided to go under them and started shooting! A great moment indeed, not everyone can have that opportunity!


20. Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)

The best ever shot I have of the great Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)... Sandakan will always be there, but will the Bornean Bristlehead? sigh...I am a bit worried. Obviously, I haven't nail a truly good shot of them! Time will tell I guess.

Caution: Bird IDs may be incorrect, please cross check with reliable sources