Precious Peers

"Strength in wariness, not numbers."


Threatened by global extinction, the Eastern Curlew / Berkek Kendi is a shy bird with an impressive down curling bill.

It is a rare sight here as it passes in migration from its breeding grounds in the sub-arctic region of eastern Siberia and on to congregate in Australia. Here it is seen foraging in the open mudflats and briskly walking away and flying off as quickly as it is spotted.

Mudflats estuary, Sg. Buloh 23/10/10, 11:30am.

Pecking Pack

"And peck we will."




Lesser Sand Plover / Rapang Pasir feeds actively all over the mudflats and sandy shores, pecking minute preys off the ground in quick and repeated successions, often covering a lot of ground. Migrant.

Mudflat estuary, Sg. Buloh 23/10/10, 11:00am.

Prolific Piper

"Soon I need to put up these legs."


The Common Sandpiper / Kedidi Pasir feeds restlessly on small prey on the mudflats. It is a migrant easily adaptable to varied habitats where water can be found.


After a fill, it stays on a low dried branch over the water and wagging its tail over a period before settling for a doze on one foot.

Pix above: Mudflats and estuary, Sg. Buloh 11:00am. Below: Mangroves and lake system, Kuala Selangor 4:00pm. 23/10/10

Neglected Neck

"I don't need hair care."


The Lesser Adjutant / Burung Botak is identified with its yellow neck, rather than its distinctive head.

It is known to pretty much live and play in the same area as was seen here, soaring high in the sky like a raptor before touching down at low tide to feed on the open grounds and mudflats. It is quite likely that it builds its nest in the trees nearby too.

River estuary and mudflats, Sungai Buloh 23/10/10, 11:00am.

Honoured Horns

The Oriental Pied Hornbill / Enggang Kelingking glides low from tree to tree, possibly in search of fruits and invertebrate. This one proves its habit of venturing and surviving in disturbed habitats.

Residential park. Taman Tun Dr. Ismail 24/10/10, 12:00pm.

Fledging Fisher

"They're never coming up, so I'm going under."

Some bird s do not mind diving deep for grub, especially with a little help from a springing board.. Upon seeing her dinner, a juvenile Blue Eared Kingfisher / Pekaka Bintik propels straight down into the water and fished it out.

Mangroves and ponds, Kuala Selangor 23/10/10, 4:00pm.

Skill School

"Watch and learn or fall trying."



A parent Greater Racquet Tailed Drongo / Cecawi Beranting Besar teaching her juvenile the ropes of flying. Forest Reserve Institute of Malaysia, Kepong 08/07/10, 4:00pm.

Grey Glamour

"Who says wearing gray is not attractive?"

Grey Bellied Bulbul / Merbah Kelabu Asap gets a fill from a bullishly fruiting tree. Woodland, Kuala Kubu Bahru 22/06/10, 3:00pm.

Grand Gist

"No counterfeits."



Audience awaits the gimmick of Sultan Tit / Serai Sultan. Unnecessary but unusual, the yellow crested nape is presumed to attract attention and convince us of its status. Highland forest, Fraser's Hill 20/02/10 4:00pm

Sea Swagger

"Fishes beware."

A very big and resourceful raptor mining oceanic treasures. White-bellied Sea Eagle /Lang Siput.

No Mere Migrant

"It's been thousands of years, so we reckon we must be doing something right."

One of three Oriental Honey Buzzards / Lang Lebah Asia passing enroute to warmer wintering grounds southwards. The migrant raptor can be lost or straggling, but they will eventually be on their way. Their flocks have passed muster every year since ancient times, and when you've done something that long, you get damn good at it.

Residences fringing forested hill. Kinrara 08/10/10 9:15am.

Peaceful Peers

"Now look left.."

A shady branch is enough for all Peaceful Doves / Merbuk Aman. Near residence 05/10/10, 8:30am.

Strut Stuff

"Mind me."

Mountain Leaf Warbler / Cekup Daun Gunung can be a handful, especially when a few gather in a tree. Highland forest, Genting 23/09/10 2:00pm.