– very brightly colors Trogon and very similar to Javan Trogon.. it is so many colors put on this Sumatra endemic
– 颜色非常鲜艳，与爪哇岛的非常像是。苏门答腊特有种。
update 202411
– One of the primary reasons to visit Sumatra Island in Indonesia is to witness this incredible endemic species. I must say, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of this bird when viewed through binoculars or a camera lens.
– During our 6-day photography trip, we encountered this bird multiple times. On the final evening, despite the misty weather, we were fortunate to see it flying around to feed. It was the perfect chance to capture some shots of it in flight (BIF). The new Canon R1 made photographing BIF much easier, even in the challenging jungle environment.
– It’s an incredibly striking bird, with colors that might seem mismatched but come together beautifully in a single species. Truly stunning, and it’s fairly common in Sumatra’s sub-montane and montane regions.
– Returning to the Center-East for a bird photography group, we were fortunate to spot this bird on the very first morning. A stunning male appeared, displaying a vibrant array of colors on its back.
– just another beautiful bird that we saw it before heavy rain. It was under the shade very dark. Bird color cannot been seen, push the ISO10000 at F9 shutter speed still 1/30s …
– it is going to end the Sumatra Birding tour here, it is enjoyable we only hit into rain end of the tour which is amazing. My 2023 end with the memorize trip here. But overall is wet, muddy and few places of landslides. As we just concentrate on west-center, we mostly at Sub-montane or Montane birding. I am mostly using CANON RF200800 and CANON R3 for rainforest environment. It is challenging with such long focal length with small aperture (will share more experience later regard the lens)
– this bird seem quite common any where here, we seen and heard almost any where even night roosting at montane area. Such a beautiful bird and hope to see the Java version soon (which I missed 16 years ago)
– another Christmas spend with my best guest, buddy .. this time choose have special target tour to Sumatra. After whole day travel, we arrived first birding accommodation from 4am – 4pm .. 1+ hour flight and ~7hours drive ..next day morning, we decided to change ours original plan for Ground Cuckoo, but I didn’t see one and only heard twice for almost whole day in a very lovely forest.
– this bird flying in-front of us while we waiting ours target and having ours hot tea session. What a beauty, still remember ~18 years ago I missed my Java trogon … and today see this very look a-like endemic of Sumatra ..
a very similar to Borneo Black-headed Pitta and Garnet pitta call and similar look. But it is an endemic to Sumatra island
– 与婆罗洲的黑头八色鸫，西马的榴红八色鸫非常像。叫声也很像。
update 202401
– while we looking for the Ground-cuckoo, that area actually plenty of this Pitta. We saw one just 3-5feet from us stand there and cannot take any picture and this bird same just came to us and look at us .. beautiful moment even not a good picture compare to previous feeding station picture but it is a different satisfaction to find one wild..
– saw this bird yesterday while waiting ours target, the bird stand 5 feed at us looking at us and definitely not able to focus to have a picture. Today, go to the “easy side” but 2 landslides happen car cannot drive through, we birding and walk ~8km to reach. While we cooking coffee, the bird calling and came…
– active and moving within bushes and making various sharp, loud call
– 移动快在丛里，叫的蛮好听+响亮。
update 202312
– arrived the famous Tapan road, stop the first location as saw the whistling-thrush on the road and not long heard a not so familiar call and soon Dwi say it is a babbler and make some small effort to have it in view and not so open photo due to very lowlight. In the noon time very soon we have another chance to photograph it ..
– a very beautiful Ground-Cuckoo and it is as beautiful as the Bornean Ground-Cuckoo. it is shy, move fast on ground
– 非常漂亮的地鹃，就如婆罗洲地鹃一样的美。通常害羞+在地上快速走动
update 202411
– Last year, after searching for this beautiful bird for two days with another group, we were rewarded with an incredible view. From that experience, we learned that waiting patiently wasn’t enough—we needed to act quickly. Determined, we formed another group to return a year later. This time, on the first day, we only heard the bird but couldn’t catch a glimpse of it. However, on the second day, our efforts paid off with an amazing sighting of this rare and stunning endemic species of Sumatra. Happy for the group!
– no one can explain how excited we were when we got this super good view of this bird after 2 full morning waiting and this beautiful bird give us amazing view at the “not common” spot
– 很难讲诉我们当时的心情，等了2天后。这鸟在“鸟点”外出现。真的太美，兴奋。
20231225, Sg Penuh, Sumatra.
#####
update 202312
– one of ours Sumatra birding main target
– we spend 1 morning at “promising spot” but bird no show, and spend next morning again but just heard it 2 times. But luckily we make decision to walk around and finally with the Dwi sharing the behavior of the bird… manage to have good view and picture.
– a large and rare Pitta with overall blue and brown for male, large beak
update 202312
– a target bird, we found one while ours night birding after we got ours Rajah Scops-Owl. Happy to found one, before we heading to “feeding spot”. But we only have 2 chance which happen before enough light for better quality of picture.
– Any how it is 20th Pitta for guest…
– Am using new CANON RF200800 which is small aperture lens. But with a travel tripod assist, I managed to have most the picture hit on at ~1/10-1/30
as other Peacock-Pheasant, it is shy and look at the body feather pattern, this Peacock-Pheasant simply beautiful
update 202312
– as other Peacock-Pheasant, it is shy and not easy to have a good view in the wild. This pair of Sumatra endemic, will show up at one of the feeding station but this male will chase any bird that come close make us only saw the main target Schneider’s Pitta (2 times before light, 1 time night)
8. 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
– overall bulbul, leafbird and most of the colorful birds, songbirds are very low density at west Sumatra
– 一只非常有条纹的鹎，整体呈灰色。
– 在苏门答腊，鹎，叶鹎，鸠都几乎很难看到。
update 202401
– the famous Tapan road had few landslides so we mostly walking at the road (~15-20km) but overall Bulbul, leafbirds, dove almost not heard or visible … but this endemic came down to feed berry while we have good view of ~12 Blue Nuthatch.
– as other frogmouth it should be nocturnal and always good to meet one in day time look cute.
– 蟆口鸱是夜行鸟，早上见到他绝对是兴奋的一克
update 20240108
– one of ours main target, but missed the night and morning version on day1. But got it on day 2 for both night and day version. It really look like Bornean Frogmouth with “short” tailed
a owl we always heard and wanted to see in Borneo, even it can be different sub-species or species (in future) but It is much easier here .. a small owl like other small and active in dark
– even it is high chance to find it’s roosting bird, but we always like to find the bird in night. Ours’ first morning, have a good try and the bird didn’t make any sound… I am amaze how I found it (haha, by the thermal camera.. found it once very near and 2nd time quite a distance)
– as other Wren-Babbler this one same moving really fast and active surprise it is not very shy. Moving in pair and bush fast
– 与其他鹪鹛一样动作非常快，草丛中跳来跳去，可是好像不是很害羞。
update 202401
– almost not possible to get the picture of this endemic bird with bird watcher … but lucky or not so lucky the main target is no show … while we waiting, I personal looking for this bird and lucky to have this better moment for photo and I actually got 3 in 1 frame.
– very common along the Tapan road, but just no luck to have better photo opportunity. Typical treepie call and big-long bird
update 202401
– saw so many of this bird but just dint get a chance to have good photo
– 蛮普通的见不停，可是每一次近点的。
202312, Tapan Road, Sumatra, Indonesia
15. Red-billed Partridge, 红嘴山鹧鸪, 紅嘴山鷓鴣, Arborophila rubrirostris, アカハシミヤマテッケイ, Puyuh-gonggong sumatera
a very beautiful dark, highland partridge, saw it move it pair
update 202401
– another bird suppose to hope come to feeding station but not, but we managed to heard and found the bird. Again this is another reason setup customize button for my R3 which can shoot in complex environment (just like this) point the focus points (I using 5 point) on to any part of the bird and eye will be lock focus ..very useful and suitable for people like shooting wildbird in move
16. Fire-tufted Barbet, 火簇拟鴷, 火簇擬啄木鳥, Psilopogon pyrolophus, アカフサゴシキドリ, TAKUR API, Burung Takor Api
update 202409
– will be Sumatra again soon, this bird common at Fraser Hill and not that rare at Tapan road.
– 多几个星期就会到回苏门答腊，这鸟在马来西亚蛮普通。在哪Tapan 路夜蛮普通的。
202312, Tapan Road, Sumatra, Indonesia
17. Long-tailed shrike, 棕背伯劳, 棕背伯勞, Lanius schach, タカサゴモズ, TIRJUP EKOR PANJANG ASIA
update 202411
– A very common bird often found near urban areas, frequently making loud calls nearby.
– It’s our first bird sighting in Sumatra before we begin our long day at Mount Kerinchi. It stood right by the roadside as we walked up.
– 一种非常常见的鸟，经常出现在城市附近，时常在附近发出嘈杂的叫声。
– 在我们开始漫长一天之前，这是在苏门答腊看到的第一只鸟。当我们向上行走时，它就站在路边。
202411, Mount Kerinchi, Sumatra, Indonesia
18. Golden Babbler, 金头穗鹛, 金頭穗鶥, Cyanoderma chrysaeum, キガシラモリチメドリ, KEKICAU-KECIL EMAS
update 202411
– This active, tiny bird features a dark-streaked crown, a small black mask, and a vibrant golden-yellow body.
– After a successful first day, with nearly all our targets achieved, we ventured farther from the birding photography hide in search of more species. About 2 kilometers into the hike, as we decided to turn back, three of these birds appeared, feeding right in front of us and providing a perfect photo opportunity.
19. Marbled Wren-Babbler, 石纹鹪鹛, 石紋鷦鶥, Turdinus marmoratus, ウロコサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU-MURAI BESAR BUKIT
update 202411
– A large Wren-babbler that is highly vocal, active, and shy. It is one of the most thrilling birds to spot and photograph.
–
Another fortunate morning! After successfully spotting one of the main target Pittas, this bird, as always, actively looked for other interesting birds near the hotel.
20. Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler, 纹胸鹪鹛, 紋胸鷦鶥, Napothera epilepidota, コサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU KENING PANJANG
update 202411
– It’s one of those tiny, mysterious birds that appears briefly and disappears just as quickly. Rare and shy, it’s often challenging to get a clear view. I photographed this bird in Sumatra last year, and this year, with the Photography group, we put in extra effort for a better shot. Finally, we were rewarded with some truly amazing moments with this elusive bird…
had been birding at Taiwan 2005-2007 but it was way too long ago, recently a casual trip to Taiwan.. plan some time for Birding and let’s start Birds of Taiwan here
Secretive, handsome endemic pheasant of Taiwan’s mountains. Male slaty blue from nape to flanks, with contrasting white upper back, brown mantle, and dark gray wings; female mostly rich brown with pale markings above. Both sexes have red facial skin, more extensive in male. Forages quietly in pairs in the forest understory, occasionally along forest edge on trails or roads. Both sexes give subtle clucking calls and a high-pitched squeaky alarm call. Male has white in tail and back, unlike Mikado Pheasant; female distinguished by richer plumage tones, broader tail, pale bill, reddish legs, and unmarked underparts. [Ebird]
update 202312
– finish my Taiwan trip last 10days ago and now finish Sumatra, 2023 going to end… a busy year and another busy year coming… what’s everyone plan ?
– I had the same Pheasant 16years +- ago but I remember it was either 30/40d 100400 and misty, dark … so I don’t even remember I had keep the photo or not. But finally this time I got opportunity to see it for longer time, better weather … hope see it again future
– a casual trip to Taiwan, spend some of the time for birding and while going down from DaxueShan (大雪山）, stop by ~17 years ago spot and update by local birder the bird can be found there but not very promising due to no feeding allow policy apply. But I am just walk up and down birding at the famous 23.5k got some birds and meet up Kuan-Chieh Hung (Taiwan Bird guide) with guests. After some chit chat session, one of the guesst say .. come come come .. which not really at casual location. 1 male and 3 female relaxing for more than 5 minutes
– female see very beautiful with so much body pattern
a montane common endemic, normally moving in flock feeding together make a lot sound
高山特有种，蛮普通。通常群体活动。
update 20240105
– so many good pictures opportunity, December in Taiwan but I am there not just for Photography … lets plan 2024 ? 2025 ? Autumn color with birds .. 😀
– this endemic normally moving in group and active making soft call
– 这特有种通常群体活动，蛮普通。叫的很小声。
– 台湾12月很多红叶，应该可以拍些好照片。。2024，2025再去？
202312, DaXueShan, Taiwan
update 20231218
– the only species that I saw 2 day in the row at DaXueShan, lovely and moving fast as other Yuhina.
– the RF200800 does not failed me to fast lock focus and track the bird even I missed quite a lot due to low light (low shutter speed while moving the lens direction fast) but as long as the bird stand still for a second or more most of the continuous series I had more than 70% keeper.
– 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
Critically endangered, highly distinctive stint with spatulate bill tip that can be difficult to spot at a distance when held in profile. A coastal mudflat specialist, it stays close to wet and muddy areas near or in water, unlike Red-necked Stint, which often feeds in much drier areas. Breeding adults have a rusty head that resembles that of Red-necked, but the head tends to be darker and the rusty color extends farther down the breast. Nonbreeding adults and juveniles lack the rusty head, have prominent fine stripes on the crown, dark ear patch, and are overall paler than Red-necked. Flight call a soft “prreee.” [Ebird]
– lucky day, while ours trip there… friend told us, everyone is at a mud beach for this bird and may be I can try my luck… so I try my luck in one morning .. and bingo less than 10 minutes wait the bird came really close for very good view, picture and video
– 蛮幸运的台湾行，当我们到新竹区。朋友让我知道，这明星鸟就在我的酒店不远处。所以我就用个早上试试运气。当我到了，很快就见到这鸟可是蛮远。等了10分钟左右。这鸟居然飞来很近。
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update 20231219
– after some official stuff and follow by family trip, spent morning session at the “螃蟹步道“. just 30minutes spent, when I arrived I managed to see it far away which 80-120m… and I managed to captured and quite happy with it .. than continue with other birds that come real close.. not long 2 birds spot by local birders and I rush there and managed to have quite good series picture for this rare bird.. managed to have this star bird get close and with my lucky CANON RF200-800 (now I name it as Lucky 28) …
– a very cute active bird that moving in flocks and with other birds as well
– overall orange with black on face
– 非常可爱，通常群体活动。橙+黑脸
update 20231220
– I am walking suddenly saw a flocks of birds and I know must be good chance to see this cute bird again.. 15-16 years ago managed to photograph this bird and I say I will back again aas those time using 30/40d with 100400 EF but version1. Finally managed to have few keeper as it moving real fast and high
– a very fast moving tiny bird with very soft call bird, it is so difficult to have a open picture .. but with the current new mirrorless animal detect and tracking. It is some how quite easy to have some picture even at complicated environment like this
– 非常小+快的小鸟。叫的很小声。也喜欢在丛里跳来跳去。现在无反的动物+动物眼的 AI ，被不大可能做成比较容易。只要一有机会，我都有办法拿下它。
Small, pale plover with broken black collar, sandy upperparts, grayish legs, and rather fine black bill. Breeding plumage has black mask and black tabs at sides of breast (not a complete band). Nonbreeding plumages have black replaced by brown. Mainly coastal, on sandy beaches, dry mudflats, and at salt ponds, usually near water; also locally inland. Migrants will join with flocks of other shorebirds. [Ebird]
– a bird that not really so common at Malaysia and so far I only saw it here non-breeding plumage. Finally I see breeding plumage at such close range and very good focal range (800mm +1.4 = 1120mm .. also use on R7 .. ===1792mm)
– I still remember years ago, when we had one visit Malaysia.. drove 2 hours… sit in the hide before light … the bird stand 200-500m away .. and here (Taiwan) so easy and so many … and now I shooting with 1792mm (R7 with 1.6 crop, 800mm + 1.4x tc).. the plumage also look good .. check out the CANON RF200800 update for actual size JPEG
– I am checking whats bird in the bird wave, this bird sudden fly down and feed infront of me just 10 feet away. when view close it look beautiful instead
1. Siberian Stonechat, 黑喉石䳭, 黑喉石䳭, Saxicola maurus, ノビタキ, MURAI-SAWAH BIASA
– a common winter visitor(North) normally found grassland, paddy field
update 202012
– this little poor bird with the bill hook up
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2. Pied Bushchat. 白斑黑石鵖, 白斑黑石䳭, Saxicola caprata, クロノビタキ, MURAI-SAWAH HITAM
– Males are black with a white vent and a white wing patch. Females are dark brown with a reddish-brown rump and underparts. Females can resemble the migratory Siberian Stonechat, but can be separated by the absence of an eyebrow and of any white on the collar or wing. (Ebird)
I am Canon user for long, and recently I have my Panasonic setup slowly build up. I like my L lens and my G9 ….
one day, someone told me . I actually can use all my L lens on my M4/3 G9 . Due to busy work schedule, I dont have time to look into it until last week. I finally have time purchase one online and test it last 2 days … I did very quick test more testing would like to do
1. AF accuracy
2. AF performance
3. can both Len and Body Image Stabilizer work together as Panasonic Len ?
if all above work well, than I would prefer to use my G9 on my Canon EF500mm F4 IS2 ….
1. pre-burst mode for G9
2. Dual IS – IBIS and Len IS
3. internal 4k , 30fps 10bit log (and future I can get GH5 for more)
4. 180fps slow motion
etc
so TEST1 – AF performance
I try both 500mm (outdoor), 1635F4IS (indoor)
BOTH give me very fast AF .. and very accurate (no fine tune done on my adapter). the new eye AF work fine with human , but not really work on big bird (buffy Fish Owl) and small bird .
TEST1 (click the picture for actual size view)
– Adjust contrast, Saturation, noise reduction
update 2020 May
Panasonic G9+Canon 500mm F4IS2
ISO500, F3.5, 1/250
Siberian blue robin, 藍歌鴝,Luscinia cyane, 蓝歌鸲,コルリ, Murai Biru Siberia
##################
A. Panasonic G9+Canon 500mm F4IS2
ISO640, F4, 1/125
B. Panasonic G9+Canon 500mm F4IS2
ISO640, F5, 1/160
– one of the Whitehead’s Trio .. the robot call wont be miss
– more white compare to other spiderhunter of Malaysia
5. Whitehead’s trogon,灰胸咬鹃,灰胸咬鵑,Harpactes whiteheadi, ノドグロキヌバネドリ, KESUMBA GUNUNG BORNEO
– one of the most beautiful and easier Whitehead’s Trio
6. Whitehead’s Broadbill, 黑喉绿阔嘴鸟, 黑喉綠闊嘴鳥,Calyptomena whiteheadi, オオミドリヒロハシ, SELUWIT RENGKUNG HITAM
– another “Green” and BIG broadbill, lovely montane endemic
– one of the Whitehead trio
– Borneo montane endemic
– it is big, emerald-green
婆羅洲特有種。
婆羅洲”三白頭“之一
蠻大的绿鳥。公鳥頭不有黑點。
update 202101
- this male bird standing above his nest even under the rain. One squirrel actually comes close to the nest and you. He is very aggressive for the squirrel. 這公鳥，非常在意有小動物走近它的巢。可以看到他的動作。
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7. Blue-headed Pitta, 蓝头八色鸫,藍頭八色鶇, Hydrornis baudii, ズアオヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Kepala Biru
one of the most common endemic Pitta, but it is so special only for East North Borneo only (Sabah)
update 202101
- a special Borneo endemic which limited to only North-East (Sabah)
- call, behavior same as Garnet Pitta - one of the Pitta I photograph most
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33. Bornean Bristlehead, 棘毛伯勞, 棘头鵙, Pityriasis gymnocephala, ブタゲモズ, TIUNG-BATU KEPALA MERAH
– a monotypic Borneo endemic
– making many weird call, and normally canopy and move in group
update 202408
– finally back from a stress tour, leading 10 (2 cannot make it ) for 3 special monotypic families, we spend 2.5 days for this.. Everyone seem tired but still patient for the process of waiting and looking (thanks for the trust) finally we have very good view of this Borneo endemic for ~2-3 minutes low … lucky group also managed to record 200+ birds (only lowland forest and some amazing species)
– as usual very fast moving and tiny bird.but now with the AI camera CANON R7. so much easier with the animal eye detect. almost like point the lens to the bird and press shutter
– a newly split from Ochraceous Bulbul, special to Borneo. additional of Borneo Endemic.
A brownish-olive bulbul with a wispy crest and a puffy, glowingly white throat. Inhabits lowland and montane forests, where it prefers primary or well-aged secondary growth. Forages in the middle and lower levels of the forest, usually in small, noisy flocks. (Ebird)
– it missing from Sabah for such a long time finally it found by some local and setup a good hide for everyone enjoy this beauty. (PM or email me if you want have a look at this bird)
– a very beautiful and shy Borneo Endemic, without the feeding spot.. my previous view of this bird at Kalimantan just a dark shadow moving around. Now, we finally can have very good view of this lovely bird
– Borneo Endemic , which shy move fast as usual Wren-babbler ..
– most the time move close to ground
– white with streak on breast , long bill
Update 202407
– so far, this bird just too difficult to capture video, saw them display before but inside dark area and deep in bush or else moving fast and calling .. finally one of the moment I want to share .. how this bird making this song and hope one day capture how it making the call .
– this bird seldom stop more than 1-2s. it always on the move and on low ground. I had tried long to get a video. But always failed, not even more than 3s so far .. finally this time I got ~10s even it is not really focus and good view but this is how the bird behave – hope one day can have better video … – 这鸟总是不停的动，几乎不停多过1-2秒。还要主要在地上，试了好几年还是没办法拍多过3秒的视频。还是觉得，不是这么容易。这次拍到好几秒它怎么动。虽然，没很好对焦。可是先加减看看。
– a special tour to Sabah for this beautiful Borneo endemic Pitta, it took us long wait even we managed to get other birds while waiting but it just too long and tired waiting but than when the Pitta show everyone just a big relief. A beautiful Pitta ..
– exclusive Borneo montane endemic, KNP, and sometimes see it calling and flying around
update 202309
– 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 …
Invited by my friend to this Entomology camp which means it is rich with insects from morning butterfly and day insects with night fall moths and night creatures comes dancing with the lights. BORNEO JUNGLE GIRL Camp.
It is locate not that far from Kota Kinabalu , Sabah. But due to it is a forest reserve and the road is little bit tough so permit is require and 4 wheel drive is a must .
We arrive camp at ~12pm , lovely simple local lunch is prepare ready.
Than we begin our 2 evening and 2 morning birding Photography outing .. overall is not bad for evening we hear all 3 sub-montane Barbet any where Mountain Barbet, Bornean Barbet and Gold-Faced Barbet . Helmeted Horbill and Rhinoceros Hornbill also non stop calling but ar far distance …
White-crowned Shama , almost any where can find this special Sabah (Borneo) Endemic
Hill Blue Flycatcher (male)
Hill Blue Flycatcher (female)
3. Temminck’s sunbird, 特氏太阳鸟 (male)
Temminck’s sunbird, 特氏太阳鸟 (female)
4. Bornean Bulbul, 婆罗洲鹎
not that difficult here , can easily found near camp site
5. Bornean banded pitta, 婆罗洲蓝尾八色鸫 (female)
one of main target .. not too bad
6. Barred Eagle Owl, 马来雕鸮
saw one day time but too shy to get picture but one in night
7. Brown Fulvetta, 褐雀鹛
so common here , in the morning almost any where
8. Rufous-fronted Babbler, 红额穗鹛
just another babbler that moving fast pretty common in Borneo
– another chance to photograph and see this bird.. this bird is not easy at most of the location except Danum Valley which is seem quite easier. Even after all people have a good look I still have chance to take a picture of this shy and active song bird
Peninsular Malaysia , we also call West Malaysia which ~2-3 hours flight to Borneo part (Sabah, Sarawak).
Its area is 130,590 square kilometres (50,420 sq mi). It shares a land border with Thailand in the north. To the south is the island of Singapore.[1]
in such small country , we have 719 birds found here … and due to the similar and close to Thailand and other region, we only have 3 endemic birds which we going to share here
Borneo the world’s 3rd and Asia’s largest island is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It is rich in fauna and flora, but here we share one of the main: bird … and trying to share endemic birds that I photograph。
*** This is base on ebird checklist
1. Crimson-Headed partridge, 红头林鹧鸪, 紅頭林鷓鴣, Haematortyx sanguiniceps, アカガシラシャコ, SERUK KEPALA MERAH
– another common Montane Endemic, very common at KNP
– North-East (Sabah) race and Sarawak race look different
– 婆羅洲高山特有種。
– 沙巴與砂勞越種頭部有點不一樣。
update 202311
– it is off season for here now, after all Malaysia tours… time for some rest and process some 2023 pictures for sharing.
– this is one of the best encounter at Bakelalan, which look different from the Sabah race.
– 进入“雨季“+鸟安静的季节。我们马来西亚的鸟团都停了。是时候休息或看看2023的照片。
– 这是沙捞越的亚种，与沙巴的不一样。有机会看看吧。
202307, Bakelalan, Sarawak, Malaysia
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update 202307
– just another not good weather day, we stucked and cannot proceed to ours destination so we birding where the car can reach. This bird is the only bird calling and very soon we have very good view and some picture of this Borneo endemic
Red-breasted Partridge, Arborophila hyperythra (Sarawak , center of Borneo)
At the center of Borneo (Sarawak) all the birds seen with white or light grey supercilium, brighter throat, chin …. which never seen at Kinabalu National Park, Crocker Range.
another Montane endemic partridge, move in a group. make the noisy calls and not difficult to spot too.
3. Dulit frogmouth, 栗颊蟆口鸱,栗頰蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus harterti, サラワクガマグチヨタカ,CUCUR GUNUNG BESAR
– one of the rareness Borneo endemic, only a small population found at Sarawak now.
– the very rare and near threatened, very small population found at Sarawak montane. It is very Large Frogmouth look alike ..
– 婆羅洲很稀有特有種。
update 202308
– no one checking and no one disturb, it should be have new generation for this rare Borneo endemic. Fount the nest ~2 months ago and managed to make another trip there last month and the bird sitting on nest and sleeping
– a lucky dawn for all, went to the side. the bird make call once, and managed to locate it less than 10 minutes and everyone got their lifer.
– a bird than look similar to large frogmouth
– 幸运的一天， 到鸟点后。只听到一声叫声，可是很快的就找到它了。
202306, Bakelalan, Sarawak, Malaysia
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4. Bornean frogmouth, 婆罗洲蟆口鸱, 婆羅蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus mixtus, スマトラガマグチヨタカ, CUCUR GUNUNG KECIL BORNEO
– submontane-montane endemic, it is common at Sarawak – Bakelalan, Paya Maga etc, Sabah – Trusmadi etc
update 202311
– one of the cute Borneo Endemic, it is small and confuse
– the Dawn picture captured with one of young photographer from Taiwan @葉哲亨 . He has my respect, even much younger than me .. the way he like and enjoy the nature. He also never go and want to go any “feeding” station for bird
– not really like 2023, miss and hit this bird on 2024… but it gave us a long, close view last week .. it is ~15m from us for more than 30s full open view.
– off season, finally home to look at all the pictures… this was one of the most amazing moment with my group .. special bird, special moment and special peoples …
– just another special moment of this Borneo endemic, it is happy for everyone to managed to have good view of this bird think more than 20 of us. After ours boat spot it and we told other 3 boats all still managed to have a good view of it.
– not sure my note correct or not, but seem the breeding season ? within 10 days, 3 pair spot and reasonable tame (still shy when trying to take photo)
– Hoi Ling, finally I got the head of the bird .. but no tail yet
– this is one best moment of 2023 or my life for this bird. This particular bird stand 20m above ground and for more than 1.5 hours ! (after we spend 30minutes and back breakfast and told Dean – another bird group.. and the bird still there !)
– just another short targets trip to Sabah, managed to have almost all main targets (except Bulwer Pheasant) included this special Borneo endemic. We had good time >3 minutes to have good view but still little block from my angle .. any how am happy to have light hit on its’ body and show the color of its’ body
– it show so well with 2 stand close and open, but need to show other to have a view so finally I end up with this best view picture I had .. any one I really like to see it shy with us
– just got back from long Borneo tour, this bird appear last moment but everyone happy with the long and good view
– 刚完成婆罗洲团。这鸟当然是最被瞩目的鸟之一。它在最后一刻让我们看的完完全全。站了10多分钟。
202210, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202208
– just another bird encounter during the Borneo tour, very high success rate this year so far and no one seem believe me this is a difficult bird as we got it mostly day1 morning.
– after failed to get main target of the trip, spent few hours in KNP and seem few groups looking for this Trogon. We just casual looking for anything.. all of sudden a Juvi fly and perch in-front of me and calling all the people I know and everyone smile .. few moment the juvi seem still stand close to either adult male or female ..this is one good moment where papa with daughter .. remind me and JieXi
– new workflow with new DXO pure Raw, seem faster than my previous workflow but the picture seem look flat …
– it is beautiful, and really sometime because too many sight or view make many think this is not as beautiful as other. But see by yourself, it is sure a beauty from Borneo
– we already got this Trogon in the morning with satisfy picture. But Amy asked, can we see the Trogon again … and I just replied it can be any where while we driving … she shout “Trogon” .. haha better view
– it is raining, the rain drop hit on the trogon head .. why so much rain 2022-2023
– 见到这鸟时真在下雨。雨真好下到他头上。2022-2023 真的和多雨
202309, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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– one of the very few target for this small group, very soon in the morning we have very good view and some rain. After rain stop we have even better picture opportunity
7. Mountain Barbet, 山拟鴷, 山擬鴷,Megalaima monticola, ヤマゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BORNEO
– little bit dull barbet, making a lot of noise
– sub-montane endemic
– 顏色較淡的特有種。
update 202409
– another visit of this lovely forest, good weather…good birds (montane and sub-montane). While we trying to find few of ours target, found this bird busy making some hole .. lovely Borneo endemic
– a boring day, we came for both Bornean and Mountain Barbets but both no calling at all for almost an hour. But it is lucky to sudden spot this bird low and near just next to road side feeding on flower ..
– just another common heard, or high up view bird. but today it decided to come low and making call to allow us to capture some good photo of this endemic
– 婆罗洲另一只通常听到，站高高的鸟。可是今天他很乖的下来叫还要让我们拍。
202309, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
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8. Golden-naped Barbet, 金枕拟鴷, 金頸擬啄木, Psilopogon pulcherrimus, キエリゴシキドリ, TAKUR TOPENG HITAM GUNUNG
– another common montane endemic
– as other Barbet, easy to spot near a fruiting tree
– 高山特有種
– 通常都在果樹較容易看到。
update 202407
– a lovely Borneo montane endemic, the color just amazing combination
– a last bird just before we leave KNP, it stay there so long even I back to car and took my pack camera,
9. Bornean Barbet, 加里曼丹拟鴷, 黑喉擬啄木,Megalaima eximia, ノドグロゴシキドリ, TAKUR TUKANG GUNUNG
– small and colorful barbet
– another sub-montane endemic like Mountain Barbet
– 小與彩色的特有種
update 202410
– a small Borneo endemic Barbet, which normally heard but not easy to spot and due to the size. It is always difficult to photograph. Overall very bright color with blue face.
– what a lucky moment saw this bird perch low even not really close .. but still always good to see it here..
– 一直很小的婆罗洲特有种。通常站高，叫不停。不容易见到活拍好。脸不带蓝+红。
– 非常幸运在这看到它这么低，虽然还是有点距离。可是这个角度看他还是非常好棒的。
202309, Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202311
– one of the small barbet of Borneo, pretty common to heard at Trusmadi – Bakelalan
– special target tour, suppose to be last day target but when after ours “chickens” target.. it is a fruiting tree full of barbet calling. very soon we tick both Mountain and Bornean barbet
10. 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
very special Borneo endemic, which only found East North Borneo (Sabah)
update 202405
– 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.
– a revisit a same place after 10 years +, the bird still same spot but now handling and feed by local Photographer Subki & Ambo. Make chance to have picture of this beauty of Borneo much easier compare those day… It is quite challenge too, you need patient to sit and wait ….
12. Blue-headed Pitta, 蓝头八色鸫,藍頭八色鶇, Hydrornis baudii, ズアオヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Kepala Biru
– a common lowland endemic
– male blue head, redback, blue and purple breast. female overall light brown
update 202409
– another bird always to look for when we are at Borneo. This month, we saw it few times at Danum Valley and Tabin. Amazing colors on this particular bird.
– it is always good reason to visit Danum Valley for this wonderful Pitta, this bird can be either very challenge or very easy to see especially the right time and place. (plan for right time, the bird can be like this one just give up show infront of 10 of us and stay for photo)
– when the time come, right season make this so much easier ..compare to last few months. The bird just come and check and I am just ~10 feet from him. I think this is one of the Pitta I really enjoy to see its’ behavior than waiting for hours in spot … so much fun to see ~5 birds just 2 km in the trail .. 3 of them gave me good chance to have photographs
– it is not a new site for this feeding station, 12-13 years ago I got my Blue-headed Pitta similar site and it is not feeding .. the bird just there and it was very fun trip with few good buddies .. Andy Pau, Jasnnie, Ah Lee, Shunfa .. this time we went for feed !!! but the bird came while we arrive and came infornt of me ~4-5feet away without food or hide !!! But after wait for 3 hours .. it came with a chick few times but not the male .. it is a tough time spent with almost 8 hours for Blue-Banded and 3 hours for no male … but this female really beautiful and I think I never got any good picture of female of this bird
– it is so tame, 9 people standing 10feet from it.. it still coming back same area just slow and display a bit for picture … so amazing to see this behaviors again
– one of the most common Pitta and endemic. but this also another very special endemic which only found North-East Borneo Island .. or Sabah. All other places of Borneo without this but replace with Garnet Pitta
– 婆羅洲很特別的特有種。只是在東北部-沙巴。婆羅洲其他地方沒這，只有榴紅八色鶇。
update 202306
– another good moment while we just had short wait at “feeding spot”. The bird came in pair looking left-right-up-down
– beautiful Borneo endemic Pitta which is most common among all other
– another big “green” broadbill with blue on the chest and belly
– 婆羅洲稀有特有種。
– 馬來西亞3種綠擴嘴的一種。
update 202307
– another visit of this amazing place Paya Maga, but this trip we had a bad weather . Arrive hiking with heavy rain, missed one evening and night for anything just hearing the lovely natural music and good rest. Following with on and off rain. But this main target still show well for us and even come low and stay long for us to take picture.
– 再次到这美好的地方，Paya Maga . 可是这次天气真的不是很给力。几乎都下雨。上山时还下大雨。天气冷，下雨，鸟没活动还有比这差吗？还好我们到这的主打鸟还是拍到了。还下来低+久让我们拍好好。
202307, Paya Maga, Sarawak, Malaysia
update 202306
– one of the main reason I like be at Paya Maga (beside the Black Oriole). This bird is reasonable easy to “heard” and “seen” with many other good birds too
– when we had last hour and glad everyone never gave up and spent last moment to hike up to a small mountain after rain and “Bingo” after everyone see the Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler. Good view and long enough for almost everyone a good view.
16. Whitehead’s Broadbill, 黑喉绿阔嘴鸟, 黑喉綠闊嘴鳥,Calyptomena whiteheadi, オオミドリヒロハシ, SELUWIT RENGKUNG HITAM
– another montane endemic, a big green bird make a very noisy sound
– 蠻大的綠闊嘴。
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update 202408
– a lucky Photography group with such 2x very close and long encounter of this lovely Borneo endemic.
– 非常幸运的摄影团，竟然遇上这只鸟2次（第一次全雾）。这么漂亮的婆罗洲特有种。
202408, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202307
– a large “green” Borneo endemic.
– it was a a misty day, after having our morning targets. We decided casual walking and all of sudden saw this bird stand just at roadside and moving toward direction of a trail. without any delay, we walk fast to the trail and got the bird with very good view even misty due to close and not very high up view
– previous both Whitehead’s Trio, we ticked it pretty simple. This one bit tricky where we saw it fly and perch (1-2 persons saw it but no good view). And one evening, I decided to make a bet to wait this bird at either location we normally found it. It is lucky picked, saw the bird stay for more than 20 minutes for good view, pictures and videos
– one of bird that not so rare but just need luck to be see one. Lucky guests have very good view even may not good chance to have good picture this round …
– an exclusive Borneo endemic, always one of the main target to Borneo
– another bird that I keep looking at is this, it is my first time sight it here … excite !!! too bad 3rd times of the trip so not much time spend on this …
– finally back from a stress tour, leading 10 (2 cannot make it ) for 3 special monotypic families, we spend 2.5 days for this.. Everyone seem tired but still patient for the process of waiting and looking (thanks for the trust) finally we have very good view of this Borneo endemic for ~2-3 minutes low … lucky group also managed to record 200+ birds (only lowland forest and some amazing species)
– sometime it is just luck, patient will bring luck … patient ……..
– a very special bird of Borneo
– 有时运气时非常重要的，耐心会给你带来运气的。。。。耐心。。。
– 这鸟很特别哦
202402, Sepilok, Sabah
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update 202401
– a very good start of 2024, a main target to be photograph of this beautiful canopy bird came down quite good level for photograph. All of us with good smile after first sighting than follow with even lower for 2nd sighting …
– 2024 号的开始，客人主要目标。站的蛮地，大家都笑了。可是第二天再次见到它。站的更低。
202402, Sepilok, Sabah
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update 202305
– a Borneo trip without Birstlehead, it going to be tough. We were worry so much but what a good view for everyone 2 times and low and near !!! lucky, as no one actually ask when we going to see the bird. everyone patient and with patient and luck we seen this one and immediate after with Pygmy Elephant !
– one of the most common Borneo endemic at montane. Normally moving fast with bird flock.
– 婆罗洲非常普通的特有种。通常与其他鸟群体活动，跳的很快。
202409, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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19. Black Oriole, 黑鹂, 黑鸝, Oriolus hosii, スミゴロモ, KUNYIT HITAM BORNEO
– one of the rareness birds of the world, it only found at the small center of Borneo island.
– as other orioles, making few different lovely calls
– 世界上最稀有的鳥之一。因為這特有種，只在婆羅洲中部有發現。
update 202309
– a good moment with this special target bird, this year may not see it again but still hope to plan few days there to look for few other good birds there…
– going to be another busy months after short break, and can’t stop thinking how lucky we were with such close encounter … this was 560mm with minimum crop !!! a very rare Borneo endemic but not difficult bird to be seen but it is always high up on the tree with “small” size almost like a black dot
– another visit of this amazing place Paya Maga, but this trip we had a bad weather . Arrive hiking with heavy rain, missed one evening and night for anything just hearing the lovely natural music and good rest. Following with on and off rain. But this main target still show well for us and even come low and stay long for us to take picture.
– 再次到这美好的地方，Paya Maga . 可是这次天气真的不是很给力。几乎都下雨。上山时还下大雨。天气冷，下雨，鸟没活动还有比这差吗？还好我们到这的主打鸟还是拍到了。还下来低+久让我们拍好好。
202307, Paya Maga, Sarawak, Malaysia
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update 202306
– this is a special Borneo endemic why we were at Paya Maga. The weather is wet almost everyday, muddy trail, cold shower, no electricity, sharing big hall for sleep. But good birds as usual, managed to have this bird first afternoon, and see it almost every day.
– 我们到Paya Maga 的原因（在这没电，冻水凉，湿泥土，下雨，大家睡在一个大空间）可是好鸟原因大家都没投诉。这非常稀有的婆罗洲特有种，到的第一个中午已拿下。之后每一天都看到。
– montane endemic, look similar to Green Magpie which is longer tail and eye iris color not white
– 高山特有種，與藍綠鵲像。這鳥短尾，白眼。
update 202409
– another raining day and today is from 8am rain non stop until evening … so cold at mountain area … just got morning session some good birds but target birds still missing .. this bird come so close to us
– this was captured during heavy rain, it is just how amaze the bird still active in such heavy rain.. we almost cannot see the bird but the camera still able to find the bird and lock focus .. it is a wet bird and photographer moment
– another Borneo Endemic not that difficult to be missed if we have enough time to be at right time. But this time, we are lucky enough to have just park ours car and found this bird with another 2 endemic birds just in single area for feeding on this flower.
– normally moving in group, black crest with yellow body
– a recent split, it is a Borneo highland endemic. a common bird making a lot of noise while moving in group or pair.
– 最近才被分出来的婆罗洲高山特有种。蛮普通，通常群体活动。
202406, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202308
– a highland, bulbul that pretty common but recently gave me some hardtie to looking for it. previous trips just need more tie on this bird. Not sure what happen .. but last trip, it just show there when we arrive …
– some checklist already split this as Pale-faced Bulbul as Borneo endemic
– another bird that we seldom missed since pandemic “covid” (previously seem more shy). This bird just pop up when we trying to locate the partridge. Cute, small and fast
– “side effect” of the CANON RF200800, this bird small, fast and always in lowlight .. end up ISO20000 needed
– as usual very fast moving and tiny bird.but now with the AI camera CANON R7. so much easier with the animal eye detect. almost like point the lens to the bird and press shutter
– another good moment with this bird, it is difficult to while this bird love to moving near ground and very active. Some of us just see the bird jumping around … but after lunch I decide to check out again. Very lucky to have this bird just ~10 feet from me ..
– never want to missed this bird while I am in Borneo, one of my top 3 birds to be seen and photograph. It happen to my last bird of long main tour. Good view for all, record picture for this super active bird.
– 2023 is very good year, I didn’t missed any chance to look for this at Danum Valley. active and beautiful bird for photography
– 2023 我在丹绒谷，几乎没错过一次拍这鸟。很活跃，漂亮的鸟。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
udpate 202309
– Wren-Babbler always my favorite bird to photograph, it is just challenge , beautiful … this bird always my number 1 bird to be chase each time I am at Borneo
– 鹪鹛是我最喜欢拍摄鸟种之一。因为充满挑战+漂亮。特别是这一只，每次到婆罗洲我都要挑战他的。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202307
– really like the front view of this active bird. most of the time on low near ground.
– 它的正面，真的很好看。这鸟，通常在很低活动。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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– this bird seldom stop more than 1-2s. it always on the move and on low ground. I had tried long to get a video. But always failed, not even more than 3s so far .. finally this time I got ~10s even it is not really focus and good view but this is how the bird behave – hope one day can have better video … – 这鸟总是不停的动，几乎不停多过1-2秒。还要主要在地上，试了好几年还是没办法拍多过3秒的视频。还是觉得，不是这么容易。这次拍到好几秒它怎么动。虽然，没很好对焦。可是先加减看看。
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– when look close it is so gorgeous especially the front pattern
– most of them really shy, it is so difficult to have a open view this time. But I still meet one over the after lunch walk. managed to have some pictures and “walking” video
– as usual, a fast moving “ground” level wren-babbler come close to me but just quiet stand there looking at me while the Stripe Wren-Babbler calling non stop nearby,
– 这鸟如常鬼鬼祟祟的在附近看我，以为我看不到他。真的很喜欢这鸟。
202306, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202305
– my favorite bird and this make another favorite picture for me as it look at me for ~1s just like the way it stand and sing.
– 最喜欢鸟种之一，这也是我最喜欢照片之一。这样看我很可爱。
202305, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
– one of my favorite bird of Malaysia, I heard Blue-headed Pitta, Striped Wren-Babbler & this bird calling and while I am hiding and waiting for Blue-headed Pitta to show. This bird suddenly appear as this, shooting 500mm at almost no crop.
26. Black-throated wren-babbler, 黑喉鹪鹛, 黑喉鷦鶥, ノドグロサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU-MURAI BESAR BORNEO
– a lowland, rare and shy endemic
– making a loud and various different call
– 低海拔稀有特有種。
– 通常叫很大聲。
update 202409
– long time never been Tabin Wildlife Reserve, this time come here for quick one and meet up my very first Guide from Danum Valley BRL .. Paul .. We spend 3 mornings and 2 evening for birding .. not really bad overall, got all 3 Wren-Babbler .. this is one active moving around
update 202407– a Borneo endemic pretty common lowland – sub-montane forest. It is a bird seldom miss at Danum Valley.. but still difficult to have a good photo.– 一只婆罗洲特有种从低海拔-中海拔都能找到。在丹浓谷很少或看不到。可是拍好照片还是需要点运气。
202406, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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– all of sudden almost any where also heard this bird calling. very active moving as usual. but this bird seem willing to stand here for me take some good pictures and video
– 突然几乎每个森林都听到他叫。可是还是超活跃，可是这家伙。站蛮久。几乎全部都客人都看的非常好。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
– a bird that make many different call, very active and shy for photography.
– another favorite bird of mine, active and beautiful Borneo endemic. But for last few months, seem difficult to have some photo of this bird. Lucky morning to have this small flock moving along the road side.
– one of my best moment of 2029, this bird stay close and one of best view of this bird
– 我的2029最好的一刻，这鸟站这个位置真的最好角度看这鸟。
202407, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
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– another main target of the short trip, it is close and fast .. all of us saw the bird .. but sad my buddies didn’t got the picture of it feeding on “fruit” (think my first time saw this bird eat fruit) …
– the bird moving fast and inside dark bush, 2 of the Z9 failed to got the bird in focus 🙁 lucky me with new R5markii , if bring mark 1 may be also dont have this best moment of this rare bird
– 与朋友的几天，主要目标之一。这鸟来的蛮近的。可是有入常态，动很快，在暗的地方动。朋友们Z9都没办法对上焦（在这站了好几秒大家都看到）。幸好佳能R5Mark ii 好好表现还是对上了几张。这鸟非常害羞，稀有。非常不容易拍照，还加上第一次看到它吃果子（通常吃昆虫）.
202409, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202408
– before archive the folder, make another picture one of best moment of 2024. This bird stand here more than 3 minutes … making call.. looking at us ..such a handsome
– one of my favorite birds of Malaysia, it is not that rare just too active to have good view. But when lucky strike, me and David enjoy few minutes of best moment with this bird .. amazing bird to look at
– a very tiny small pale Borneo endemic, which normally moving in group
– a special endemic for the group, which told them very small bird and not very attractive but they say want have a try .. bingo .. got it quite low for us take picture
– a heavy rain morning, make us lost direction just birding with umbrella and raincoat. Lucky to have this bird so close at eye-level. beautiful Borneo endemic
– 一个下雨的早上，没办法带上雨伞一样的找鸟。还好这漂亮的特有种站的这么近。
202408, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202306
– surprise for last trip, it was so tough to meet one of this common bird, even we had many sights again last day of the long tour. But this bird gave us very good view and picture opportunity
– it getting difficult to sight this Borneo Endemic again, use to be so easy just walking in the morning should see 1-2 of them but recent trip to KNP make few challenge search before had it. We walking to search last 4 targets and thick mist without any big hope but this guy just came and not far for everyone good view. Lucky …(also happy for a small Photographer able to capture this not so easy photograph bird in such a close distance)
– we arrived KNP evening and it was misty … but we still trying ours best to look for some bird… first session looking for Bulbul failed… but follow by Whitehead’s Broadbill and this amazing endemic. it feed infront of us ~10-15m for quite long until some car passby
– as usual morning session, but lucky today have 1 pair still feeding with quite good available light.
– a shy Borneo montane endemic
– 婆罗洲高山特有种。不很稀有，就是有点害羞。
– 如常，我们一大早就找这鸟。好幸运，遇上一对在还有光线的时候还在。
202308, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 22307
– a bird that always make us wake up early. This special bird come to us dusk, which still have quite good light. CANON R7 with 400mm F2.8 still working perfect for lowlight
– we normal look for this bird dusk/dawn with almost no light situation. A very lucky moment while we walking, got this bird came out for very close for picture (not this) but love this while it standing
– after a tired morning, hiking and keep looking for fast moving shy bird… decided make a move to other place try some lifer for my buddies. After we got the Bornean Shortwing, this bird show up when heavy mist 🙁 but still a lifer for them .. happy men ….
– another long plan and excited Borneo Photography with Taiwan group and thanks for the trusted continue book for 2025 … very dramatic tour, cannot arrived to Kota Kinabalu on time due to Volcano eruption at Sulawesi North but finally arrived but 2 days late. But we still catch up most of the plan and got many good birds such as Dusky Eagle Owl day roost, 3 Whitehead’s, Fruit-hunter, Bristlehead, Helmeted Hornbill and etc ..
– we were lucky on this, we got Everett’s Thrush, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Bornean Green-Magpie and follow by this super close and low Fruit-hunter … and still like a dream everything happen within an hour.It came low and chase away many other bird and stay long.
– a very dramatic day, raining, heavy mist follow by lucky encounter Bornean Green-Magpie, Whitehead’s Trogon than this “rare” endemic and we had 7-8 birds in one tree for long time
– look like Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker with small different and rare in Sabah
– 低海拔特有種。與紅胸鋸齒啄花鳥很像。
update 202407
– a raining afternoon, almost lost full half day but before we call it a day. Got few birds gave us some good view include this Borneo endemic. a pair stay low and long for us.
– 几乎整个下午都下雨，看是没什么机会。我还是叫大家到有花的地方等雨停，还好好几只不错的鸟出现。包括这只婆罗洲特有种。
202407, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
#####
update 202405
– active and common Borneo endemic in certain places like Sabah RDC, Danum Valley BRL
– for the group this is the only bird that keep seeing again and again in very close distance.
– 在婆罗洲, 西必洛,丹浓谷保护区 都不难拍到这鸟。
– 在上一团，这可是见最多的婆罗洲特有种。还要是特别近距离的。
202405, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
#
42. Black-sided Flowerpecker, 黑胁啄花鸟, 黑邊紅胸啄花,Dicaeum monticolum, ボルネオノドアカハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI GUNUNG BORNEO
– common montane endemic
– easy sight near flower
– 蠻普通的高山特有種。
– 在花周邊，較容易見到這鳥。
update 202407
– it is always co-operative for us, this time even lower and closer for us. While we busy to get good view of the Bornean Treepie. This bird just perch few feet from us and lets everyone has good view
– after long, again using R5 for this long trip, hope I change my view on this camera.
– 通常都很合作的鸟，今天竟然站离我们几尺而已。没个人都看的很好。
– 好几年没再认真用佳能R5，这次会在婆罗洲用上。希望会对它有点改观。
202407, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– it is a raining day, this common montane endemic just stand there for so long for us .. lovely Borneo endemic
– 在下雨天，这婆罗洲特有种。很乖的站很久让我们拍够够。
202405, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202309
– an endemic that not that difficult but beautiful to be seen …
– common lowland endemic which previously under streak-breast spiderhunter which absents from Borneo
– 蠻普通低海拔特有種。有點像紋背捕蛛鳥
update 202403
– this bird can be found easily near Lodge area but we seldom stay.. most of ours activities walk from the lodge but this time we got this bird easily just ~200-400m away on ground (~5cm from ground) … it pick the fruit for feeding ?
– one of the Whitehead’s trio which also sub-montane and montane endemic
– with various metallic call
– 高山與山丘特有種。婆羅洲3大“白頭”之一。
– 它的聲音很“電動”
update 202409
– a special Borneo endemic, this year seem not that difficult for this very beautiful bird
– 婆罗洲特有种蛮多人喜爱的一只。今年几乎不难遇上
202405, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– it is a not so rare but not so easy bird to be seen, but for last months.. the favorite flower (Wightia borneensis) it become patient can make it possible .. just wait …. the bird will be coming … But today, it make different the bird decided come nearer tree and came down for us .. amazing lucky moment even didn’t get any picture while it is at lowest view .. but it is good and close to have this view
– somehow we missed this bird at Sabah after ~3 days search, and lucky to have Sarawak which is a slightly easier place to have this species. Such a different spiderhunter and unmistakable call
– 唯一“全白”的捕蛛鸟。它的叫声应该也很少会听错。
202306, Bakelalan, Sarawak, Malaysia
update 202305
– very early morning on 2nd day, we arrived and heard the call immediate it show less than 5minutes of waiting with very good view. Still one of best looking bird in KNP
– 第2天一早，我们到达后不到5分钟就看到了。运气爆表。还是觉得神山最好看的鸟之一。
202305, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 20221024
– one of the most beautiful spiderhunter and a not so common Borneo endemic
– as other munias, normally found near open grass forest
– 低海拔特有種。
update 20240725
– a common Borneo endemic which normally found near open land either forest edge or urban open grassland. overall dark
– 婆罗洲最普通的特有种吧，通常在开阔地就可以看到。
202407, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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46. Sabah Partridge, 沙巴山鹧鸪, 沙巴山鷓鴣, Tropicoperdix graydoni, クリチャミヤマテッケイ, SERUK-BUKIT SABAH
– not really an endemic yet, but it looks different from the non-Sabah race.
– 非證實特有種可是在沙巴這鳥與其他的不一樣。
update 202408
– this bird seem not really easy to have picture in Danum, but it is a lucky day.. the bird just stand there for so long .. but it is under the dark area .. ISO16000 used 🙁
– as usual, one of the very tame bird to be seen and photograph, never missed over the years .. sometime I am just worry of the bird behavior
– 这鸟有时间，到对的地方。几乎没错过。可是就太乖了，我真的有点担心这鸟的安全。
202208, Sukau, Malaysia
update 202305
– a noisy and lovely Partridge, with the name of Sabah Partridge ** . We got it at Sabah and as usual this bird come to say “hi” to me again over the years same location.
– found and seen 2 birds at 2 locations. lucky group
– “whiskered” have the smaller yellow compare to larger “yellow” for goldface
#
48. Bornean Black Magpie, 婆罗洲白翅鹊, 婆羅洲白翅鵲，Platysmurus aterrimus，クロカケス， BURUNG-KAMBING BORNEO
– depend on the checklist, this is obviously different on the wing without “white”
– lowland and making a various noisy call
– 不是全部鳥單分出這特有種。可是翅膀沒白邊。
update 202403
– another bird that use to be not so common at RDC but recently it become almost cannot miss bird .. a black bird that look similar to Peninsular Malaysia species but here without the white patch on wing
– a bird that make various “digital” song, and here sharing few call of this black bird
– 一只全黑的鸟，会叫出好几种“电子”声音。
update 20231001
– it is quite difficult to have good photo before pandemic 2020 but it seem pretty common and tame overall since than … it is noisy active bird and good thing sometime it move together with other bird
– only Montane of Borneo, and it may split as separate endemic species . a shy bird
update 202409
– 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
– suggested split due to a male having black-face. Female look same
– 不是全部鳥單分出這特有種. 公鳥臉是黑的。母鳥是一樣的。
update 202405
– wonderful last day of the tour, this main target came down low after long wait .. and it carry a mantis to feed his wife too
– a canopy bird that coming low for use take some wonderful picture of this handsome
– 一年前安排的摄影行，几乎要被取消（火山爆发）。可是朋友们的执着，到最后一天+最后一只主要目标。
– 这鸟都是在树顶活动的，很小通常都不好拍。这次下来低+捉了只螳螂喂老婆。
202404, Sugud, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202404
– another good bird seen while waiting for target bird, this bird just came not that high and making some call .. beautiful male bird
– 沙巴另一只低海拔的主要目标鸟。在等其他鸟，这鸟飞在我们附近不高。
202403, Sepilok, Sabah
#####
update 202309
– ours’ last day at the Tawau, just want spend a morning for anything as main target ticked. everyone seem happy with yesterday Blue-Banded Pitta show, and today almost not really in mood for anything and raining… we just walking around but all of sudden this bird make a call and with little bit of wait and searching .. it stand at eye-level for us.. but sad one of outs’ team fall down with minor injure hope he recover soon
– a bird that every love to seen and photography. Before heading to no internet again, let’s share another good picture from previous tour. This bird just stand so low giving us a good view and picture.
– 应该是最上镜鸟之一吧。等会又开始没网的日子。让我分享上一团我蛮喜欢的照片之一。
202307, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
###
– a lucky quick walk, this bird just stand so low for good view and picture
– 非常幸运的遇上这么美丽的鸟站这么低
202307, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202210
– lucky of the day, we got this lovely bird end of the day even quite dark but still good view of the female
– 非常幸运的在最后一刻，看到这么漂亮的母鸟。
202210, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202106
– depend which checklist, this bird may split as Borneo endemic
the male bird in Borneo look different from Banded Kingfisher (Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Java, Vietnam etc). The mae with obvious black face but female look same
– the male having a rufous tail and chestnut belly
– not all consider this as endemic
– 不是全部鳥單分出這特有種。公鳥尾巴與腹部是棕色。
202408
– last morning at Danum, walk little slower as waiting more light to go into trail for more species but this bird just come out from bush and walk infront of us and Spread your wings
– As customer want different experience than birding . We had very late evening jungle trail walk . This bird just slow walk on the trail while we were there .. but it is too dark and this was captured with ISO16000
– still a big and beautiful bird to be seen and photograph
– exclusive Borneo montane endemic, KNP, and sometimes see it calling and flying around
update 202305
– 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
– a newly split from Ochraceous Bulbul, special to Borneo. additional of Borneo Endemic.
A brownish-olive bulbul with a wispy crest and a puffy, glowingly white throat. Inhabits lowland and montane forests, where it prefers primary or well-aged secondary growth. Forages in the middle and lower levels of the forest, usually in small, noisy flocks. (Ebird)
– a pre-tout visit a feeding spot for this Borneo rare endemic. It is a real beautiful gem of Borneo forest. Look at the back, it is open like a coral such a beautiful . (sorry for bad quality with crop as only 500mm use which require heavy crop)
– another visit to the famous BPP site, many of friends waiting long or missed this bird. make us worry and decided to have 2 days try. today after breakfast heading to the “hide” and got in ~8am. surprise we only wait 2.5 hour which is a joke with friend day before we make appointment with the bird at 1030am !!! and it appear 10:32am. stand there and feed for quite long.
– and today a bit weird behavior which keep making calls
– finally completed another Borneo special task. But not really a good trip as almost everyday raining. Bird activity as expected still low. But this main target show well without long wait and come close.
– what a nature beauty. For me bird is far beautiful than human.
– even not a lifer for me, but see it near and stay is a totally different feeling. This bird is so beautiful when lighting hit at the right position of the body.
– 虽然见过这鸟，可是近距离+停留（之前见到的都是在跑的），这鸟真的很漂亮。
202207, Sabah, Malaysia
– an adult female walk together with a juvi bird lovely 2 birds– 幸运的拍到雌成鸟带着亚成鸟
202207, Sabah, Malaysia
– a very rare Borneo endemic and it is recently found outside from Borneo-Indonesia (Balikpapan) after such a long missing period it is recently confirm found 2016
– please to have chance to photograph this rare and beautiful bird
– a lovely and beautiful pheasant with beautiful white tail.
– 非常漂亮与害羞的鹇，走动时白色尾巴摇摆。非常漂亮
update 202405
– some good efforts from some good Birders (Photographer – KK Lee) over the years finally managed to create a good “spot” for this bird and some other good bird for Photography… I do not have many trip there but only for extension for some special tour .. but still quite enjoy the birds and environment there.
– a male with “white tail” , blue face, red leg which come for feeding food but it still shy with big movement and sound.
– 经过好几年的经营 KK Lee 把这个鸟点搞得有声有色。这个鸟点可是摄鸟的天堂，虽然我没到很多（几乎都带观鸟团）可是有些“加长版”还是有来这鸟。
– 公鸟，长白尾，蓝脸，红脚。几乎很少错过来这吃吃东西。可是还是害羞。
202404, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202310
– I didnt update any pictures for 2023, even I went to 2 feeding station for multiple times. This bird is amazing and I recommended look at yourself … the color and whole bird is un-real.
Bakelalan Owl House is a family-run homestay. It’s neither a hotel nor a resort, guests actually stay with owners Andy and his Lun Bawang wife, Maureen in their quaint little home set in a picturesque setting.
Bakelalan is home to the indigenous Lun Bawang people, an ethnic group in Borneo. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all and just get back to basics in a friendly, peaceful, and serene kampung environment. It’s also ideal for nature lovers who enjoy trekking, mountain climbing, birdwatching, photography (landscape, nightscape, wildlife, people)….or just plain chilling out.
To keep Bakelalan Owl House simple and cozy, it currently can accommodate only a maximum of 8 guests at any one time.
59. Cream-eyed Bulbul, 白眼鹎, Pycnonotus pseudosimplex, MERBAH MATA PUTIH BORNEO
– a very similar look with cream-vented bulbul but it is newly know to be Borneo endemic
– 与白眼褐鹎有点困扰。是最近被分为婆罗洲特有种。白眼，褐色
Dull dirt-brown bulbul with pale button eyes. Currently only known from northern Borneo, where it is the only plain brown bulbul with white eyes. Pale-eyed forms of closely related Cream-vented Bulbul do not overlap in range. Found in a range of forests and forest edges. Like other bulbuls, often joins flocks at fruiting trees. Gives loud “pinks” and quiet sputtering trills. (ebird)
update 202408
– after tired to search for Bornean Wren-babblers .. everyone saw it but not a very good view ::( .. decide to walk up to canopy for some relax birding and this bird stand in-front of us .. sometime it is easy to miss as a brown bird
– 在看到加里曼丹地鹛后，大家都筋疲力尽了。就上了树上不到简单看鸟，这一只好鸟竟然就站前面。
202408, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202307
– a recent visit to Danum Valley and used to see it quite common at RDC and Danum Valley. But than not really has good sight since ~2 years ago until now
the rice here is one of the best, good to visit to see how they plant paddy without machine here
–
the OWL house…. a lovely place that I always miss
highland salt, we can see how they process it here too …
A little bit of adventure to try .. bamboo bridge 😀
one of the most beautiful forests in Malaysia. people too .. very friendly and nice
besides pineapple, this is my favor here .. and it is free 😀 wild 😀
everyone like OWL here !!!!
come at the right time can see all lovely human interest how they work ..
**** Thanks for Bakelalan Owl House support .. and here is a great place to enjoy nature, friendly people, a beautiful place for tracking, human, fauna & flora etc ..
