I was lucky to visit , monitor, study and capture another rare Borneo Endemic , Dulit Frogmouth . A real great tour which need to transit flights, 4 wheel, walking over the bamboo bridge ..
A bird I dream to get it picture for so long .. and finally I got few good open shots while casual shooting while assist Ahli Chung (http://www.endemicguides.com/) for a bird watching group… with his good experience we actually managed to see this bird open but I was away from the team for short moment and I missed the first chance .. and I was lucky saw it again few hours later and managed to have few minutes with it …
one of the best articles describes the difference from Dave Bakewell https://digdeep1962.wordpress.com/2017/02/07/identification-of-paddyfield-richards-and-blyths-pipits-in-malaysia/
201701, Perak, Malaysia
4. Olive-backed Pipit, 树鹨, 樹鷚, Anthus hodgsoni, ビンズイ, APIT-APIT POKOK TIMUR
1. Black-thighed falconet, 黑腿小隼, Microhierax fringillarius, モモグロヒメハヤブサ,RAJAWALI-BELALANG MELAYU
– normally stand on top of dry tree
– move fast and prey dragonflies, small insects
update 202502
The female remained in the same position for days, made a brief stop, and was quite vocal. Eventually, the male arrived, and the mating session took place—it was a lengthy one, lasting over two minutes in total.
– The only species in Peninsular Malaysia which also one of the world’s smallest raptors, often seen perched high, watching for prey.
– While testing the new Canon R1’s Pre-continuous Shooting and AF performance, I captured one of many frames. I’ll share more from the full sequence in the near future.
2. White-fronted Falconet, 白额小隼, 白額小隼, Microhierax latifrons, ボルネオヒメハヤブサ, RAJAWALI-BELALANG DAHI PUTIH
[Bornean Falconet, 婆罗洲小隼， 婆羅洲小隼]
– special to East-North Borneo Endemic
– almost same behavior of black-thighed falconet, small, stand high
###
update 202508
It was a hot afternoon, and we were just trying our luck to see some target species—nothing came close. But we were lucky to spot this Borneo endemic. Even though it wasn’t the best angle, we’re still happy to see it.
– a very tiny special Endemic of Sabah. Cute and normal stand high up to look for prey
– another lucky came to this spot normally just for “bird seeing” which the small bird just stand 30-40m above from ground .. but when we arrive and looking for this bird just for bird watch. But after I walk around, I call everyone down it is low !!!! and 2 together ..
– it is weird this bird seem disappear from all common sites, especially almost not found at Danum Valley BRL, Kinabatangan River and etc… but this family found quite near to KK town ..any how, due to location, not all visit can be make there but for last special targets tour. We special arrange to be there and award with 2 in one frame
– after missed the Crimson-Headed partridge at common spot (after wait of ~1 hour), decided to continue to KNP and found this lovely tiny raptor. only with 500mm so it is a bit heavy crop but love to see it doing good and with lovely butterfly
– it is surprise to see it at this elevation again and this time not that high up at canopy, but backlit with quite a lot of shadow and highlight recovery.
– Found across the globe; considerable plumage variation across subspecies
(ebird)
#
update 202104
– we were actually searching the shorebirds near the beach and all of sudden all birds take off and we found this world’s faster bird dive down and trying to hunt the Lesser Sand Plover but it failed… and again it trying to hunt for another 2x Curlew Sandpiper but it failed again and leave without any success.
– it really dives down and flying all direction fast and make many frames out of focus. It can reach over 320 km/h while diving for hunting.
– while I am spending time to look for the Pheasant, this bird keep entertain me.. even at ours’ accommodation area, 1 pair seem very tame and flying around
This babbler isn’t particularly common, whether in Peninsular Malaysia or Borneo. It’s easily recognizable by its grey head, distinctive white eye-ring, and a noticeable “mustache” marking.
– This small bird, commonly heard at Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands, Sumatra’s Kerinci, and Genting Highlands, is often challenging to spot or photograph despite its frequent calls. However, at specific feeding spots, it tends to become tame and reliably appears when humans approach, displaying behavior similar to the Pygmy Cupwing. Notably, it often moves with its wings raised, making its behavior quite distinctive.
– With the new Canon R1’s Continuous Pre-recording feature, every time the bird perches, I half-press the shutter to keep it in focus. As soon as the bird moves or raises its wings, I fully press the shutter, capturing everything that occurred 0.5 seconds prior. This ensures I never miss the perfect moment.
– only Montane of Borneo, and it may split as separate endemic species . a shy bird
update 202501
Another shot captured using the CANON R1’s Continuous Pre-record feature, showcasing this tiny, active, and shy Borneo endemic.
使用佳能R1的连续预录功能拍摄的另一张照片，展现了这只小巧、活跃且害羞的婆罗洲特有鸟。
202412, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202412
The final tour of 2024 began on a high note, featuring eight stunning images of Borneo endemics. Thanks to the new Canon R1’s Continuous Pre-record feature, I seized the opportunity to capture the action at ISO 16000, including remarkable shots of this tiny and lively bird.
– a very active and shy bird of Borneo, normally moving low near ground. Male dark overall and female some how very beautiful bird instead
– 非常活跃与害羞的婆罗洲特有种。通常在地面上跳动。雄鸟暗蓝色，母鸟非常漂亮。
202409, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– another good bird to be seen open and stay for may be <2 seconds for everyone .. lovely female, active, shy and making loud long call almost any where in KNP recently. (last month not even single bird making call)
– 婆罗洲高山特有种，害羞，动作快，可爱的一只鸟。这次到神山几乎哪都听到他叫。上个月几乎都没听到。
202405, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202311
– a shy bird to been seen/photograph, but this female seem looking for someone .. but still active jumping around
– 非常害羞的鸟，看都不容易不要讲拍。可是这母鸟好像在等什么。总在附近跳来跳去。
202309, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202309
– last day, heard this bird calling loud and found it is quite tame to human !!! amazing it is almost a not possible to photograph … beautiful girl
Tiny, stumpy bird of dense undergrowth. Male is dark slate-blue with broad white eyebrows that give him the appearance of a furious little old man. Female is warm pale brown all over. In areas of overlap with Chinese and Lesser Shortwings, look out for the all-dark lower belly, which is white in those species. Inhabits hill and montane forest, where it forages in dense undergrowth, frequently in proximity to streams. Song is composed of high thin whistles with short bursts of clicking chattering mixed in.
While everyone was focused on a few main target birds, one of our buddies, who could be considered a new birder, suddenly shouted, “Shortwing!” He was so proud of himself for identifying a bird on his own. Honestly, I think he should be even happier if he managed to spot a rare bird feeding instead!
– it is an old picture, another not a good memory to have .. too many pressure to cause the chick fledged too earlier …. it still not really able to fly, fall into the river few times and safe back … can’t do much beside wish them good luck
2. Slaty-backed Forktail, 灰背燕尾, Enicurus schistaceus, セアオエンビシキチョウ,CEGAR BESAR
– sub-montane , found near stream/rive longer tail and more grey instead black-white
Slaty-backed Forktail , 灰背燕尾 [Enicurus schistaceus]3. White-crowned Forktail, 白冠燕尾, 白额燕尾, Enicurus leschenaulti, frontalis, エンビシキチョウ, CEGAR RAYA BIASA
– very shy bird to be photograph
– at Borneo, found lowland and montane mostly Bornean Forktail (depend checklist)
update 202508
One of Malaysia’s shyer birds—still remember how we used to rely on a hide in Selangor years ago just to get decent photos. But this time at Danum Valley, they came incredibly close to us—no hiding needed! Not just one, but around four birds came in for a great photo session. 😄
What a morning surprise! While walking along the main road, this bird suddenly jumped out just about 10 feet in front of us.
真是个清晨的惊喜！当我们走在主路上时，这只鸟突然跳出来，距离我们大约只有十英尺远。
update 202506
What a morning surprise! While walking along the main road, this bird suddenly jumped out just about 10 feet in front of us.
真是个清晨的惊喜！当我们走在主路上时，这只鸟突然跳出来，距离我们大约只有十英尺远。
202505, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202408
– a very shy bird to have good view and photo, it normally found near small stream or wet ground near “water area”. a lowland species
– 非常害羞的鸟，通常见到。没办法拍好。通常在小溪边可以找到它。
202407, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is a bird that always avoid me, I didn’t got many chance to take photo of this common but shy bird. But this month within same tour, I got both Borneo-Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia-Pahang version … and surprise they are tame and allow us approach them ~10m
– Peninsular Malaysia only White-crowned at lowland without Bornean
update 202506
It was a great morning at Kinabalu National Park—we spotted nearly all of our target species. We then decided to try our luck with the forktail, and besides this shy bird, we were also rewarded with a Crimson-headed Partridge shortly after!
The weather shortened our trip to KNP, but we were lucky to spot most of the endemics with great views. For example, this shy forktail was just about 10 meters away and stayed for a while, giving us a perfect pose!
– another lucky moment have this bird close and feeding.. managed to captured with R3 slow motion mode too
– a Borneo montane endemic
– 非常幸运用佳能R3慢速度拍下它捉到小鱼。
– 婆罗洲特有种。
#####
update 202403
– another bird that easy confuse and found at KNP, always found near road side and near stream
– 在神山就这一种，也蛮容易见到。在路旁或小溪旁都可以看到
202308, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202308
– went here first morning, no bird around. 2nd visit make me able to captured some pictures before it flew away
– 第一天都没听到这鸟叫。今天，竟然让我拍几张照片。
202308, Sabah, Malaysia
####
51. Sunda Forktail, 姬燕尾, 姬燕尾, Enicurus velatus, ヒメエンビシキチョウ
– as other forktail, a small and very shy bird. But it is a beautiful one with rufous head instead ovarall black-and-white.
– 与其他燕尾一样，都是很怕人。也很不一样，大部分燕尾都是黑+白
update 202312
– while we walking on the trail for Ground Cuckoo, this bird always infront us but keep a distance. We didn’t spent too much time for it as rushing for the main target
“Short North-Thailand trip goals achieved! 😊 On our river adventure, our guide asked if we wanted to spot the elusive Black-backed Forktail. I said why not? 🤔 What followed was pure patience-testing magic! 🙄 We waited on a rock, and with some playback, the bird kept coming back for more… giving us an epic photo op 📸. Not sure who got the perfect shot, but I’m pretty sure C got it and the others got zilch 😂👍.”
The Accipitridae, one of the three families within the order Accipitriformes (the others being Pandionidae and Sagittariidae), are a family of small to large birds with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet
*** http://en.wikipedia.org
1. Brahminy Kite, 栗鸢, 栗鳶, Haliastur indus, シロガシラトビ, HELANG-TEMBIKAR MERAH
2. Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle, 马来鹰雕, 馬來鷹雕, Nisaetus alboniger, カオグロクマタカ, HELANG-HINDIK MELAYU
3. Black Baza, 黑冠鹃隼, 黑冠鵑隼, Aviceda leuphotes, クロカッコウハヤブサ, HELANG-GERIGI HITAM
4. Bat Hawk, 食蝠鸢, 食蝠鳶, Macheiramphus alcinus, コウモリダカ, Helang Malam
5. Lesser Fish-Eagle, 鱼雕, Haliaeetus leucogaster, シロハラウミワシ, HELANG-KANGUK KECIL
1. Brahminy Kite, 栗鸢, 栗鳶, Haliastur indus, シロガシラトビ, HELANG-TEMBIKAR MERAH
– very common raptor, from urban, mangrove
update 202011
– adult
– immature bird
#
2. Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle, 马来鹰雕, 馬來鷹雕, Nisaetus alboniger, カオグロクマタカ, HELANG-HINDIK MELAYU
– medium size, very beautiful raptor
– heavily black-streaked white underpart
– normally found near the hill
update 202105
– another lovely bird to be seen, never get bore to see this beautiful raptor.
– one of the most beautiful raptor of Malaysia
– 封城前一天的最後其中一隻鳥。
– 這麼美的猛禽，見多少會都會再看幾眼。
202105, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
#
Blyth’s hawk-eagle,马来鹰雕
3. Black Baza, 黑冠鹃隼, 黑冠鵑隼, Aviceda leuphotes, クロカッコウハヤブサ, HELANG-GERIGI HITAM
– a small bird of prey that migrate from north south , normally in big group
– beautiful bird with crest
update 2020 Aug
update 2014 Dec 5
black baza, 黑冠鹃隼
4. Bat Hawk, 食蝠鸢, 食蝠鳶,Macheiramphus alcinus, コウモリダカ, Helang Malam
– small raptor which normally catches pray at dusk
– It is named for its diet, which consists mainly of bats.
swift-like raptor with angular wings and a massive gape; capable of snatching prey from the air and devouring it in a flash while still on the wing. Dark with varying amounts of white on the underside; African birds have patchy white throughout the underparts, while white is restricted to the throat and lower belly on New Guinean birds and solely to the throat in Southeast Asian birds. Inactive during the day; hunts at dawn and dusk, and occasionally into the night if light is sufficient. Generally uncommon and localized, most reliably encountered near large bat roosts in forested areas, but can also be seen over open forest, fields, and fringes of habitation. (ebird)
– it is always good to see this weird and beautiful raptor with special flying shape
– 非常喜欢见到这鸟，站，飞都非常好看。也特别，一天就活动几个小时捉蝙蝠。
202208, Sukau, Malaysia
####
update 202106
– My friend recently share a great picture of this remind me the good moments every time I am there to witness this amazing moment
– if you come to Malaysia-Borneo, for me this is a must-seen “beauty of Nature” how the Bat Hawk starts hunting at dusk when millions of Bats come out from the cave ..
– 最近我的朋友分享一张很棒的照片。在沙巴这个地方，几乎每天都会上演食蝠鸢出来捉蝙蝠精彩的画面。
update 202105
201706, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
update
5. Lesser Fish-Eagle, 鱼雕,Haliaeetus leucogaster, シロハラウミワシ, HELANG-KANGUK KECIL
– sometime it is confuse with grey Fish-Eagle
– Belum-Temenggor , Malim-Nawar, Kinabatangan river, Taman Negara Kuala Tahan
update 202308
– a last day on the boat after have all target ticked. But happy to see new bird of the trip. This smaller overall and see the tail banded after you flying off.
– medium size raptor, male very beautiful as name Pied .. black and white
– normally fly low near the ground for prey
update 20250101
My year-end birding tradition often takes me to the paddy fields in search of winter visitors. If I recall correctly, my buddy and I were waiting for some warblers when, out of nowhere, this raptor flew in, staring right at us! But no—it wasn’t us it was focused on. The Purple Heron caught its attention, flying between us and the harrier. I couldn’t help but wonder what the harrier was thinking as it kept its eyes on the heron for quite a distance.
– large raptor, mostly brown and white upper and bottow
update 202101
- another day testing with X-T4 and 200mmF2
- mainly trying on AF lock speed and tracking for raptors
flying
- and this is an example using AF Zone in Video record 4k,
60p
update 202012
202011, Selangor, Malaysia
11. Black-winged Kite, 黑翅鸢, 黑翅鳶, Elanus caeruleus, カタグロトビ, HELANG-TIKUS BIASA
– very common widespread small raptor
– white mostly with some black on the wing
update 202405
– another good start of the tour, not only hit most of the main targets but included some good view of common birds .. this small raptor got it’s prey and stand infront of us eating the rat …
– 2 birds playing in the sky for a while. rush down handheld with this setup is a nightmare (heavy, weigh not balance etc) but the AF lock-on and tracking work perfect for this not that fast small raptor
14. Changeable Hawk-Eagle, 凤头鹰雕, 鳳頭鷹鵰, Nisaetus cirrhatus, カワリクマタカ, HELANG-HINDIK BIASA
Medium-sized eagle with massive rounded wings. Appears very small-headed in flight. The name is slightly misleading, as there are only really two color morphs, pale and black
– quite a distinct feature, black hood, mask (when flying) and rufous-chestnut underparts and wing coverts contrast with the white on the throat and breast
– exclusive Borneo montane endemic, KNP, and sometimes see it calling and flying around
update 202506
Another elusive Bornean endemic that really depends on luck to encounter. We were fortunate this time—with our guests from Taiwan—as this raptor flew straight toward us. A truly lucky moment!
– last day, we almost plan to go back and just stay up Gunung Alab to trying ours luck on this raptor. And not so long waiting, this bird calling from far and it coming toward us !!! BINGO …
– misty day after rain whole night. reach to next destination, saw this raptor sit on fence and allow us take some pictures before flew away.
– definite my best 5 of 202305
– 很大雾的一天。在到达下个鸟点前，尽然见到这么稀有的鹰。还让我们下车看够够才飞走。
– 这一定是我2023 5月最喜欢照片之一。
202305, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202304
– it is not that often to see this beautiful raptor close, this bird flying low and close after ours guests insist to wait for this amazing raptor after heard its’ call
– 很少机会见到这漂亮的猛禽飞的这么近与地。感谢客人的执着，等了蛮久的。
202208, KNP, SABAH, Malaysia
update 202211
– for year 2022, think this is my bird of the year. Over the years, this bird just high up for reasonable picture. But this year few times, managed to see it really low and close.
– 2022 年度只鸟。在这之前每次都飞的高高的，今年好几次都很低。
202210, KNP, SABAH, MALAYSIA
update 202209
– always love to see this special montane endemic low
– 这么难的机会，这么低的看这特别的婆罗洲特有种。
202208, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202208
– one of our long wait target while we heard it calling and we keep waiting in the open area for ~2hours for a best view of this montane endemic
– common small raptors, can found urban, forest edge, sub-montane, montane etc
– Adult has a gray head, brown wings, whitish underparts with thick orange-brown stripes in belly and streaks in breast, and white throat with black borders. Juvenile similar but with brown head, sparingly marked underparts, and very short crest. Appears stockier and relatively shorter-tailed in flight than other accipiters. Flying adults may also show a fluffy white clump of feathers on both sides of the tail. (Ebird)
update 202208
– a very boring morning, where a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbill standing/sleeping on same tree for whole morning. After we lost our patient we come here and lucky to see this bird having it’s breakfast
– many raptors endemic of Sulawesi, this is a small raptor
– overall rufous-light brown with a black-white tail (whit spot)
– 蘇拉威西很多猛禽特有種。小猛禽，棕色與黑白尾。
update 202309
– ours’ boring morning which cannot find the thrush and heard this bird and slowly we trying to locate this lovely bird .. small and beautiful
– 很闷的一个早上。没什么鸟，可是当我们走远时听到这鸟叫。没很久，就找到这么美丽的猛禽
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
53. Sulawesi Goshawk, 苏拉凤头鹰, 灰頭鳳頭鷹, Lophospiza griseiceps, セレベスオオタカ, Elang-alap kepala-kelabu
update 202511
This is a species that’s not always easy to see at Tangkoko, but on this trip, we were lucky to encounter it twice — including an eye-level view and even a flight shot as it came toward us!
54. Sulawesi Serpent-Eagle, 苏拉蛇雕, 蘇拉威西蛇鵰, Spilornis rufipectus, スラウェシチュウヒワシ, Elang-ular sulawesi
update 202512
This is one of those birds that always seems to ignore me—despite being a common Sulawesi endemic, I’ve only seen it 2–3 times over the years. This time, it finally showed up, though only briefly above our heads. Still, a lovely species to enjoy!
– medium size of raptor, and it look very similar to Malaysia one except have “high crest”
– 体型中。与马来西亚凤头鹰雕很像除了冠很高。
update 202402
update 202402
– before I forgot, another best moment when we at Sri Lanka.. this good looking raptor give us very good looking it is close and not happy
– 我去忙前，这是2023我最特别的其中一刻。这猛禽，真的很漂亮。站很近，看我们。有点不高兴。
202312， Yala NP
####
– our 2nd try for the Leopard at another entrance of Yala National Park, not very productive afternoon but we saw this raptor standing on ground and walk across the trail and looking at us !
Every birder has their own focus—you can always tell what a birder is watching, even if something else exciting is happening nearby! 😄
In this moment, both the bird and the lions were locked onto what interested them—a group of lions feeding, which is why the vulture flew in and waited nearby.
We were lucky to see it land and stay on the ground right in front of us.
We waited quite a while hoping the Silver Cat would come out from its “nest,” but eventually gave up and only got a few head shots. Just as the car started moving, I spotted a large raptor flying nearby and asked the driver to reverse. At first, we took some record shots through the window glass. Then, due to a small miscommunication with the driver, we ended up stopping just about 5 meters from the bird—resulting in this amazing close-up!
I really enjoy seeing vultures up close.
