Migrants: The Invasion of Migratory Birds

Labuan - Kota Kinabalu via land. I kinda get the hang of it. Less time getting home and a few hundred Ringgit lesser! Just some muscle aches here and there...which is not a big deal.

Went back to K.K (again...been doing it for a few weekends in a row already). I met up with Alphonsus at Ron's birthday party for his sons, and what do you know? It was Tambunan the next day!

I had been dreaming to revisit Tambunan, and we left for Rafflesia Centre as early as 5.30am! We started the day quite slow, as the weather was not as sunny as we all hoped for. Nonetheless, the montanes rarely disappoint even when it rains;

1. Grey Wagtail (motacilla cinerea)

2.Grey-chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus Scolari)

3.Indigo Flycatcher (Muscicapa indigo)

A personal favorite of mine. Love the shot!

This weekend is a Labuan weekend for me. Went to the Labuan Botanical Garden only to see some of the beautiful trees being chopped down! I was furious...just trim them! But then again, It's the grave yard...ok, I accept, clean them. Have to find the birds elsewhere.

The good thing to go birding on a graveyard is-there's nobody else there! You have all the space for yourself and of course the residents there. Well, so much about birding there, frustrated I walked to the interior part of the garden, where I spotted and got a picture of two migrants;

4. Blue and White Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana)

The glossy blue is strikingly beautiful! What a lifer.

5. Black-Capped Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris)

At first glance, I thought it was a Storkbill, but when I noticed the dark head I was sure it's the Black-capped Kingfisher, and my first!. It perched at the other side of the lake and I had a hard time getting a good shot.

My blurry eyesight didn't help and I used my camera as a spotting scope! I was hoping it would move to a better perch but obviously...Perhaps tomorrow?? Hope the invasion doesn't stop soon...

Crocker Range: I Left My Heart There

Well, well... It's been quite a while since my last post. Not as productive as I wanted to. However, I did fired my camera once or twice, to keep the rust away:-

1. Dragonfly

This shot was taken at the Labuan Botanical Garden. Obviously not the most uncommon dragonfly around, but when one is desperate enough...it can be an interesting subject to photograph. I wished I had a better angle of this shot, but that wish could make me end up in the lake!!

2. Ice Cream Boy

This is a colleague's son, making sure he didn't waste a single drop of his Icecream and still couldn't let go of the sweet memory! I'm not sure how to describe this look...just an attempt for potraiture and Black & White finish. Well?

3. Mountain Barbet (Megalaima Monticola)

Late May and June was an exciting month for the gang and I. Crocker range was the main attraction for our birding trips. I must say I missed the adrinaline rush. The birds were always present but the challenge was to take good pictures of them. As you can see...I would prefer a full body but I guess in wildlife photography, I cannot be too choosy or I'll end up shooting nothing...Mind you, this barbet is endemic to Borneo...

4. Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus Leucophaeus)

5. Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus Leucophaeus)

If you observe closely, there is a significant difference between this two. Maybe because of genre but frankly speaking I don't have any idea which one is male or female. The bottom picture has a rather dark eye compared to the top which has a red fiery ones. Why? beats me...

6. Bornean Stubtail (Urosphena Whiteheadi)

This little babe is quite special. Judging by the name alone tells everyone that it is a proud Bornean endemic. Tiny and not easy to spot, luck has everything to do with it for someone to spot this bird. Well, we were lucky that day...luck came rolling!

7. Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus montis)

I just love montane birds. Beside the beautiful colors, the crest really put iceing on the cake! Too bad I don't quite figured out the ID of the bird which at first I thought was a Black-crested Bulbul(It is...Thanks to Ron!). A help on this one is urgently needed and will be much appreciated!

I have this strong urge inside of me to go to the range again. I think I know why...I left my heart there...

Flavescent Bulbul (Pycnonotus flavescens): Fabulous

It felt like a long time ago since I last photographed a bird. I missed the adrenaline rush in my system, the sweat...the excitement and thrill of hunting them. Wait a minute...It has only been two weekends! I have spent most of the recent weekends at home in Kota Kinabalu.


I got a free ride home when I went for a 2-day training in the middle of July but spent a huge chunk of money last week to get home. The air fare price hike irritates me big time, but on the other hand does make me value my time with my family much more! amazing...


I also took two days of my annual leave in addition to the rest-days. Eventually spent half day alone at home when the kids went for school! I could have gone out birding but my wife took the car for work...So what did I do? Beside the extra hours of sleep, I scrolled down my files and found these,...enjoy;

1. Bronchocela cristatella

Chai, Ron, my wife and I went to Orchid de' Ville to try our luck there. Chai was informed someone has spotted a Banded Kingfisher there. Obviously...but unfortunately... We were lucky enough to spot a green lizard...at least we will not go back empty handed after that long drive!

2. Misty morning

Don't try to adjust your screen! It was one cold morning in Tambunan when I took a picture of my wife (Seemed like a scene from a video game). There was a thick fog covering the Crocker Range and visibility was poor. The night before, it was 16 degree Celcius! nice...

3. Ronald I Pudin

Look at the disappointment in Ron's face! I bet he was wishing for the mist to disappear and the Bornean birds to appear!

4. Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus)

I have some better shots of this Ashy Drongo, but something about this shot that I think is quite appealing. The position of the Drongo resembles a Kadazan lady doing the traditional "Sumazau" move.

5. Flavescent Bulbul (Pycnonotus flavescens)

My lifer...a Flavescent Bulbul. Not as 'glam' as the other montane birds, but they are not easy to come by. I'd really love to have a better shot of this bird. However, I'm also truly grateful for this shot because the bird turned 180 degree to pose for me! Not an everyday shot I guess... Fabulous!

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...

Bornean Stubtail (Urosphena whiteheadi): Thinking outside of the nest

We had been investing our time and energy going up to the Crocker Range, Tambunan for number of times recently. We have sighted quite a bit of interesting montane birds, and met up with some of the hardcore birders in Sabah, namely Jason, Andrew and Karim.


The drive which initiated by the finding of the Besra last May, is all worthwhile. Personally, my bird collection expanded greatly after our visits there. So does my bird knowledge I guess. Having more experienced birders around really helped me a lot. These guys have everything at their fingertips! Obviously the most reliable source of reference.


I released hundreds of shots at birds such as the Mountain Barbet, Blue Winged Leafbird, Fruithunter,and etc. As expected, only few came out at reasonable quality. I could happily admit that I really don't mind, so long as I get a record shot of them. After all, I did the best that I could with the opportunities that came along. Shooting from under the canopy is all but easy!


Going uphill also opened a new horizon for all of us. "Thinking outside of the nest" attitude is the best discription of the current going ons with everybody. Still at the initial stage, we are determined to attempt our first flight and fly to the higher storey of the canopy. Chai being the agile one and with most feather, seems to be leading the flock!


Ron, with his reserved thoughts finally spoke his mind today. Nothing but enriching our discussion with his skills and knowledge. I was beginning to worry about his long period of silence. Being a realistic person that he is, it is safe to say that what we are planning to do is highly realistic. Birds fly...well, almost all birds...


We had some crazy moments on our recent outings, finding the most unexpected bird in our trip triggers everything I guess. This one is definitely the one for me;

Bornean Stubtail (Urosphena whiteheadi)

The Bornean Stubtail (Urosphena whiteheadi) surprised us all. Hopping and moving constantly, this tiny bird is not an easy customer to take picture of. Feeding on small insects, it is interesting to see how much space they can cover in a matter of seconds!


The weather on the hills was not very forgiving. With dim lighting and thick fogs, I had to turned to shutter speed mode and switched on my flash to get the above image. Like I said it before, I nailed a good shot of the stubtail. A mark to what's going to happen to us soon...very soon!

Besra (Accipiter Virgatus Rufotibialis): are you still there?

We have been going up and down to Tambunan for three days now. Originally, the plan is to see the progress of the Besra and her chicks. Eventually, the visit becoming more of a search than anything else! Yes, there were no activities in the nest I'm afraid. Other than Siesie's glimpse of the mother, we did not see any other activities such as feeding, etc.

Chai and Siesie decided to spend the night there on Saturday. According to them, despite their regular monitoring they still did not see any activity there. Jason, Andrew, Karim and Dennis went there yesterday and waited for almost two hours. Jason saw a Besra, but could not confirm weather that was the mother.

We just hope the Besra is playing safe by not visiting the nest. On the other hand, despite the fact that we can peep what's inside the nest we decided not to. We definitely would not want to traumatize the raptor. It would be great to get a picture of the Besra and the chicks, but not to the expense of their life and well being.

Alphonsus and I plans to revisit on tuesday. Beside the Besra, there are a lot more birds in the Crocker Range. We have sighted and took few shots of them, which I will be posting one by one later. In the mean time, I'll keep my fingers crossed for the Besra!

Check out Horukuru's amazing videos on youtube!

Besra (Accipiter virgatus rufotibialis): The Unexpected

Received a great news from Chai just a few minutes ago. The nesting Besra (Accipiter virgatus rufotibialis) has three chicks! What a wonderful news and I can't wait to go there.

Unlike the Black-napped Monarch's nest at Sepilok which was blown away by the strong wind (as reported by Alphon) last month, this Besra is lucky. She's now nursing three chicks. Wonderful news! I guess, building a nest on a small tree is better after all.

Chai, Sisie, Jason and Karim went to Tambunan to pay a visit to the Besra. Obviously, they are having the time of their life up there! Not an everyday event to witness a raptor up close and personal. To add to the excitement, it's endemic to Borneo.

Besra (Accipiter virgatus rufotibialis)

I only managed to get a few shots of this bird, but unfortunately the quality is just too poor! This shot was taken when we slowly moved in to the area when I saw a bright yellow eye sparkling from a distance. (Please click to enlarge or else its just a bunch of dry leaves and sticks!)

I just hope the weather will permit us to go there in June. The unpredictable strong wind these days is quite a worrying factor. Until then, I'll keep my fingers crossed!

To Chai and the guys up there, Congratulations!..ENVY...

Besra (Accipiter virgatus): The Lifer the Saviour

I am extremely delighted and proud for her. Yes, on our recent outing to Tambunan, my wife managed to capture only her second bird of prey! I didn't blame her for the other birds she didn't get to shoot...not easy. After all, they are wild birds!

I could see the frustration in her eyes during reviewing her shots. I knew how she felt, simply because I felt the same way with mine! This is no easy business, not a staged performance whatsoever by the birds! It's either you spot it, shot it or not...Well, she spotted the Besra and had a few shots of them too!

1. Besra (Accipiter virgatus)

I saw it attempted to scare off Ron, gliding straight towards him, twice!. Instinctively I supposed. It's nest is only about six or seven feet above ground, built on a small tree. Maybe human presence at the surrounding area is rare or non-existance. Quite a peculiar behavior, coming from a predatory bird.

2. Besra (Accipiter virgatus)

When we were busy searching for other birds and reviewing our shots, my wife Zaiton just stood there-waiting and waiting for the Besra. While my wait was short and empty, her longer wait proved to be very fruiful! She did an awesome job recording these photos! Her patience paid off, Period.

At one time, it also tried to attack me, or just sending a warning signal. Instead of feeling scared, I felt that I had missed a golden opportunity! I swear that if I was ready, I could have taken the shots! That would be amazing and could be an award wining shots! (as Ron used to say!)

That was not meant to be, at least for now. Rest assured that I'll get a shot or two of the Besra soon. Meanwhile, viewing it from the Mrs, bring lots of joy. Very proud of her shots...enjoy!

Sunda Bush-Wabler (Cettia vulcania): Phanthom of the Mountain Bushes

Chai and I went to Tuaran on Sunday. Just to ensure that the extra one day will not go wasted. After all, our earlier plan of going to Mesilau was cancelled because of the weather and some other unavoidable circumstances faced by our buddies.

The weather however turned to be almost perfect. A bit too warm and humid, but good enough for our activity. An outing more or less fruitful, I managed to capture some reasonable quality of images beside sightings of a few new species at the area;

1. Ashy Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps)

This is a common tailorbird which can be found easily. However, capturing their images proved to be a painstaking task. They simply don't wait and get 'shot', if you know what I mean!

2. Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops Viridis)

Spotted a hovering dragonfly, the Bee-eater on it's attacking stride ready to make the plunge!

3. Collared Kingfisher (Todirhamphus chloris)

Chai and I were convinced that this was a Black-capped Kingfisher. After all, the bird's cap was really black. Unfortunately, when I did my homework...and examine the underparts, I could only see clean white color. Obviously...not!

4. White-breasted Wood-Swallow (Artamus leucorhynchus)

We believe this is a juvenile after watching it being fed by another Wood Swallow. There were no significant difference in size and color except for the color of the beak.

5. White-breasted Wood-Swallow (Artamus leucorhynchus)

The color of the beak distinguishes these two birds.

6. Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)

I have always been amazed by Swamphens. They have some of the beautiful colors in birds kingdom. The glossy purple is simply stunning! One of my favorite, but still lacking of good images of them!

7. Purple Heron (Ardea Purpurea)

I'm very grateful for this shot. I don't know how to describe their behavior, maybe they are shy or not I really have no idea. This one was only around ten meters from us and taken from inside Chai's car!

8. Grey-chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris)

Taken in Tambunan, this one is the most decent shot I managed to capture. They normally come in pair and the male is red. Unfortunately, I guess this one is still single...we didn't see the male!

9.Sunda Bush-Wabler (Cettia vulcania)

This is the Phanthom of the mountain bushes! Can easily be heard but however proved to be very difficult to be seen. You know it's there and only a few feet from you...but...yet so far! They have the charm to drag you in into their small world and forget about the other birds around you, believe me..it happened to me today! but...

10. Sunda Bush-Wabler (Cettia vulcania)

Got cha!!!

I missed the opportunity to get a glimpse of the Mountain Blackeye, missed the opportunity to get a shot of a Barbet...I don't mind...coz I have caught the phanthom that have been haunting me since our Kinabalu Park trip. It turned out to be a little cutie as well. Thank God!