The short-tailed gymnure is active both during day and at night. It lives in hilly and montane forests up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), and sometimes in humid lowland forests. It feeds mainly on insects on the ground but also sometimes takes fruit. It normally does not live any longer than 2 years.[ [Wiki]
update 202403
– it is so cute when we look close, lovely small animal
– 非常可爱+小的小动物。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202310
– it is always come to most the feeding station, tiny and shy
CONTACT me if you need advice or Bird Watching/Photography related services
Medium-sized slender bird, pale gray above, white below, with a small dark bridge between the bill and eye (lores) and faint partial white eyering. Immature lacks distinct mask of Black-faced Cuckooshrike. Dark morph shows large but variable black bib and breast, mottled or barred at the edges. Inhabits eucalypt forest and other woodlands in Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Call a high-pitched, two-note squeak. [Ebird]
– 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 …
– one of the star birds of Peninsula Malaysia and it was there for years … just wish no much disturbance because of any reason. And it is no one spot it is a national park for years .. just enjoy the nature and birding
– if everyone have a bird to attract you to Birding ? for me this is one of them, many years ago a garden nearby house… this bird build their nest same location for almost every years.. I spend many many time to look at them .. monitor especially with my love one (family, best buddies …)
– happy to see the chick still always looking for it’s parent before roosting
A spectacular chestnut-backed thrush with striking white facial patches, black-and-white wings, and bold pied markings below. Juvenile shows buff streaks on crown and back and buff throat. Terrestrial, feeding on the forest floor singly or in pairs within the lowlands and low hills. Unmistakable within its limited range on islands of Sulawesi and Kabaena. Mournful song is a phrase of several high-pitched whistled notes, “deee-der-doo” or “deee-der.” Calls include “chak” notes and a high-pitched “peep” call. [Ebird]
– it is a season where most of them not roosting at common area. We stay until dusk (~5pm) and managed to have good view of a pair of them .. just wake up with stretch wing
– a special owl, seem everyone wanted to have a look at Sulawesi (included the local) as believe lucky ? but it is always challenge to looking for one.
– a lovely Hornbill but sometime just tricky to have a sight but this year seem very stable at few location.. but any how still good to see this beautiful Hornbill
– arrived owling location earlier, trying for this nightjar .. and YES , it flying really low but today weather just bad .. ISO already up 32000 .. but show the CANON R3 no problem to focus and track .. .. hihi someone Z9 not focus 😀
– busy months 2023 end … now left over special target tours.. next one hope have luck to have good view of this bird again .. stress actually to find this bird ..
– arrived Halmahera, before anything go for this main target … due to long travel everyone seem tired but luckily the bird appear not that long compare to other waiting 😀 and it is huge in size, some with 800mm little bit suffer to take whole bird into frame
update202310
– as usual, even special target tour. we still spend some time for my lovely owls. Arrive here, not very long. There are 4birds calling and 2 of them perch near for us to take pictures.
– 如常，目标鸟团。我们一样晚上找找我喜爱的猫头鹰。到达折后，没等很久。4只鸟在叫，2只还让我们拍好好。
– a special almost represent Sulawesi as almost any where you can see symbol
A massive black-and-white megapode with a rose-pink breast and a diagnostic prominent knob on the nape. Found in lowland and hill forest, in areas near beaches or areas with volcanic sands in which they lay their eggs. Immatures show a blacker head with a white throat and a tufted crest. Occurs in pairs that forage on the ground and roost in trees by night. Often best seen at known egg-laying sites, either during laying sessions, or roosting in trees nearby. Generally silent, but occasionally gives a loud, bubbling “waow.” [Ebird]
update 202310
– another main target for a short Photography tour, not really a difficult bird to be seen but it stay far from the hide and very alert with sounds. But there are few individual come to the ranger area which gave some close pictures.
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– 4 years ago 5 of us went to West Papua for Photography and today 3 out of 5 we back to same airport and same Starbuck ..good memory … and hope tomorrow we have same good experience for the photography tour
– our simple no target day at Tomohon, come across this best spot for all the small birds .. good photography spot … so close and good lighting and background
– 2022-2023 so much rain across Borneo – Pen Malaysia … I forgot how many times I got all wet when in the forest .. how many times we cancel our drive due to heavy rain .. but bird still coming for food while heavy rain
– 2nd trip to Halmahera 2023 and see you next week … never get bored to see it making noise and dance even the journey there bit challenge … I am coming
– 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.
– it is always good to see this bird perch and most of the time we always tell guests .. see it is Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot flying … haha such a tiny bird flying …
– 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
– another tiny bird from far … but still amaze who can find this owl (me !!! haha I also wonder how I found it). no choice to be part of environment shot
– when I am at the feeding station (without feeding, how we can see it so well), it is boring so I am trying to have some “small like mosquitoes” series support one of my friend always like to shoot environment shots
– lucky night, ours activities start with this weird creature with baby
– 幸运的晚上，好是带小孩。
update 202403
– it is another lucky night, managed to see this cute animal feeding on leaf .. and next night with young .few months ago actually managed to see or record how it drink water on tree.
CONTACT me if you need advice or Bird Watching/Photography related services
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
– 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.
– a common heard and seen canopy view bird today decided to come down for us have quite good view sad missed the chance photograph when it was low.. but happy to have this last bird of the tour even not the target
– 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
– 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 !)
– 2nd trip to Halmahera coming soon, can;t visit this amazing place again. Hope get some better pictures of night birds this time .. and this Pick up service Pitta sure another highlight of the tour soon
– a special target tour, heavy rain before we go out for river cruise. When rain stop, we went out and got many good sight and finally got the Wrinkled Hornbill. When we trying for other, saw this weird looking Silvery Lutung.
– 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
– 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
– special targets tour, this is one of most easier target overall but it still make us wait for more than 2 hours until it came and displaying while female get close – 这算是目标鸟最容易之一。可是也没很乖，也等了2+小时才出来。可是这次带着母的还表演了一次。“孔雀开屏“。。慢动作哦
update 202302
update 202309
– it is another good year to have many view and photo of this bird. This particular experience simply amazing where bird just infront of us walking pass
– 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
– when we arrive Fraser Hill, immediate I step down from car. I heard and saw this bird so low … and immediate I ask guests to have a look at this beautiful bird. It is “900” world life for one of them .. beautiful bird for beautiful number
– a new game change, found this with Thermal camera, bought this months ago but just too busy to explore but finally with a very close friends group and use it for few occasion and found colugo and this pair owl from total dark
– 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
– Matthew had this last few years ago with me at KL so this not the tour target, but it calling so close just try to look for it and very soon (less than 2-3 minutes) it just sit there …
– Matthew 已在几年前在吉隆坡拍到了。（希望那鸟还健在）所以这不是我们目标鸟，可是它叫的很近我们就随便找找。没几分钟我们就找到他了。
– another main target of the tour… the owl seem calling each other in the forest. walk slowly and managed to found where it perch and calling .. thanks for the group, we got some pictures and leave the owl alone
– 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
– 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…
– lucky and very lucky moment meet single elephant after heavy rain and got wet. it feed alone and slowly on the river bank – 非常非常幸运遇上单只象在河边吃东西。慢慢的吃
update 202309
– for me to choose one of the most common wide spread but difficult bird to be seen in Malaysia… this is one of them .. and finally got one really close and stay but never want look at ours; angle….
– a casual canopy walk at Danum, this bird is there for few weeks… and the adult or another pair continue building another nest again near by.. must be a well known nesting area for this species of bird
– before we start ours day, this bird just stand at eye level outside ours’ hotel. spend few minutes to have good view and picture for this common bird of Fraser Hill
– someone say this bird is ugly 🙁 … I really like this bird big and near (for 2023) it is so much easier in Danum Valley … lovely male and still looking for his lady
– 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 ….
– sometime I really thing, without disturb how long a bird will stay at nearby active area for how long.. this bird seem active here (Panti) since 2013 and each time I am there sure it will show up…
– after 11 years of first visit with you, and after you left… my first time here again … not really a good visit every step I move remind us .. same accommodation, lake, jungle trail … river …
– 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
– another good find at this short trip to Sabah, it look angry when we walk pass . one of great found by Low, he keep say Yellow+blue birdand we stop to search for it ..
– it is a start of the month with this bird even high view compare to the previous sightings. But this bird keep making call make other sightings different.
– a special trip to Tawau for specific Photography target, but the bird does not show up last evening, so morning we decided to have casual birding and for me this guy show up is better than any other. it move fast but I manage to got few shots of the beautiful primate.
it is a long time after this very special light and low price lens for me to test. finally while I take opportunity to test while I am having Gitzo-CANON special Bird Photography know what – Borneo Workshop.
I having it with me whole day, trying at low light and bright are with both R7 and R3. very small size and weight (635gram) !!! i think I can have it walking any time any where without any problem.
below is some real field test with full size pictures (click it to see full size)
The CANON RF100400 come with some interesting specification I like
0.41x (at 400mm)
635gram
79.5 × 164.7mm size
sample 1
CANON R3, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
ISO10000, F8, 1/100
without denoisewith default Adobe Camera RAW denoise
sample 2
CANON R3, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
ISO10000, F8, 1/250
without denoisewith default Adobe Camera RAW denoise
sample 3
CANON R3, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
ISO10000, F8, 1/250
without denoisewith default Adobe Camera RAW denoise
sample 4
CANON R3, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
ISO10000, F8, 1/250
without denoisewith default Adobe Camera RAW denoise
sample 5
CANON R3, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
ISO800, F8, 1/80
sample 6
CANON R7, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
ISO800, F8, 1/1600
without denoisewith default Adobe Camera RAW denoise
few years ago, when I start introduce Topaz Denoise… I am amaze with the result… still remember I introduce to most of my friends and I think it clean up and maintain most the “usable” ISO image which mean it still subject to image with very acceptable ISO (maintain details and not that bad grain) Those day, I am accept up to ~ISO8000
But recently, Adobe introduce new Enhance – Denoise. I am now change my workflow again !!! yes .. I am dare to shoot anything ~ISO12800-16000. (I will update some image soon) lets have a look at original image (click the link)
ISO10000
CANON R3, ISO10000 no DenoiseCANON R3, ISO10000, Topaz Denoise Raw – mediumCANON R3, ISO10000, Photoshop Enhance-Denoise 50%
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ISO8000
CANON R3, ISO8000 no DenoiseCANON R3, ISO8000, Topaz Denoise Raw – mediumCANON R3, ISO8000, Photoshop Enhance-Denoise 50%
– It had been lucky day, while driving we saw a beautiful Blyth’s Paradise-Flycatcher and decided to make a stop. I hard some weird call, but everyone seem interested on the flycatcher as we already seen the Bristlehead. But one of the guest just spot it and they are low and nearby. Bingo ! The lucky just continue, the car opposite us told us there are many elephant on the road !!!, we just stop looking at the Bristlehead and drive for the Elephant and we did see ~12 of them and this is 2nd sight for the Borneo pygmy elephant
– this lovely bird always accompany me when I looking for some special targets for guests. As usual, think one of most easy place to see this bird is Sabah.
– just another good decision to make, we change ours original plan to looking for this beautiful bird and it did show quite well for all of us. Still one of most beautiful bird of Malaysia
– while we walking for general birding after long wait for the partridge. All of sudden this bird calling from far, we toward the direction and this bird just stand ~10feet from us .. what a lucky day after Malayan Whistling-Thrush, Bamboo Woodpecker, Malayan Hawk-Cuckoo, Mountain Scops Owl and many good birds today.
– 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 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.
– a very lucky to have dancing ground, we monitor this bird clearing the dancing ground, calling with distance follow by slight close but the bird just ignore us. this bird will be at same spot for calling his mate. But we even heard it ~7-8pm after dark 🙁 .. hope it found it’s mate soon.
– 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
– 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
– 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 !
– 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
– 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
– a very confuse feeling each time see this bird, happy+tired. Been told, this bird missing for days (after abandoned the nest). But after “walking session” we still managed to have this bird close for good view and pictures.
– 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.
– after back from Sulawesi-Halmahera, really missed all the pigeons, dove songs. Here Malaysia do not have so many of them. This species is one of my favorite. This male stand there for long, need patient to see its’ small movement.
– 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
– 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 large, front-heavy brown bird with a long, pale downcurved bill and a distinctive elongated head with a flat crown and a forehead tuft. Orange legs. Unmistakable males have a green-blue breast shield and long creamy-white plumes extending from the shoulders. Females are entirely earth-brown, lacking the shoulder extensions and shield. Immature resembles female. Found in canopy of tall forests in lowlands and foothills, confined to three islands in north Moluccas. Regularly sighted at known display sites. Very loud when displaying, giving raucous “WAA-WAA…” and “KEE-KEE…” notes. [Ebird]
update 202504
What a beautiful bird—one of the most easily accessible Birds-of-Paradise. I’ll definitely be visiting this site again soon. Can’t wait to see you once more!
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– this a weird scene I seen, or I missed out anything before .. why the female is on top and I record few times ..
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– 2nd trip to Halmahera 2023 and see you next week … never get bored to see it making noise and dance even the journey there bit challenge … I am coming
– lucky to see it display but not really full open view. capture video with 100p slowdown 50%
– 幸运的看到他在跳舞。可是没全露。可是还是记录下了。
###
another special tour, which has main target of this Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise.
It is a real good experience to be Halmahera, we just spend 3 nights. We easily got ours’ targets seen.
This is our main target, on 2nd morning. We hike 3.7km straight to the “hide” (on the way, we heard owlet-nightjar which is my favorite bird but we failed to see the bird and also rushing to the hide for main target.
Arrived before 6am, while every still dark. We can heard many of them already calling infront of us but just very brief view. after 30minutes, finally we got clear view of this amazing beautiful bird. But I still only got some extreme high ISO picture even with my CANON RF400mm F2.8.
Long story short, the birds stay for long and from ISO 25600 – ISO800, Managed to have perfect view of the bird and pictures… oohh video too .
Immediate of this target, we walking out and birding. There is another very good story to talk about “pick up service for the Pitta”
A small owl with ear tufts, a black facial border, yellow eyes, prominent black streaking on pale underside, and intricately patterned upperparts with conspicuous white wing markings. Occurs in gray and rufous forms. Adult’s crown is streaked; juvenile’s is barred. Inhabits forest and plantations within lowlands and foothills.[Ebird]
– pretty common across the center of Halmahera, almost can heard it’s call.
– cute and not that shy owl.
– 很特别的叫声，外表也不一样。蛮好看。
– 在哈马黑拉岛的特有种。几乎很普通，那都可以听到叫声。
– 可爱，也不很害羞的鸮。
update 202304
– first night, after heavy rain and long travel. we decided not look for the owl and owlet-nightjar. Next night, we didn’t spend much time to ticked this bird and Moluccan Owlet-nightjar at the same spot.
3. Ivory-breasted Pitta, 白胸八色鸫, 牙白胸八色鳥, Pitta maxima
A distinctive large, plump, short-tailed, long-legged forest bird with a black upperside and white underside, a striking red area on the lower belly, and a conspicuous silvery-blue shoulder patch. Juvenile duller, with buff on underparts. Shy, more often heard than seen. Usually found singly or in pairs in humid lowland and hill forest. Forages on the ground, but while calling often perches high in the understory or canopy. Very vocal; frequently given song is a mournful wolf whistle. [Ebird]
– 非常大的八色鸫。背部全黑。前部白+红。很特别。在这岛上，几乎那都听到这鸟的叫声。
update 202310
– arrived Halmahera, before anything go for this main target … due to long travel everyone seem tired but luckily the bird appear not that long compare to other waiting 😀 and it is huge in size, some with 800mm little bit suffer to take whole bird into frame
– 2nd trip to Halmahera coming soon, can;t visit this amazing place again. Hope get some better pictures of night birds this time .. and this Pick up service Pitta sure another highlight of the tour soon
– post this before I get busy months again. This is one of the most amazing experience on this trip. When day 1 arrived with heavy rain, after rain stop we did quick birding surrounding our homestay. when we walk near the river, owner say why not we go for quick try on the Pitta and keep mentioned “if the bird is nearby or little bit distance he can do pick-up service” !! (I am thinking pick-up service hmmm). But the bird came without long wait or any issue. (so we missed the pick-up service show)
– next day after Standardwing BOP, we walk back to homestay and pass by the Pitta spot. We would like to try for this pitta again for male. After long wait (~15minutes) , he say the bird is far lets’ him pick-up the pitta .. I was like hmm how ? But he walk into the bush and use whistler/call. After ~10minutes wait, we heard the bird call getting nearer and soon we saw him walking out from the bush. and you can see the Pitta is following him coming out from the bush (may be ~10-15m away) !!!!!! “pick up service”
4. Common Paradise-Kingfisher, 普通仙翡翠, 普通仙翡翠, Tanysiptera galatea, ラケットカワセミ, Cekakak-pita biasa
– A long-tailed kingfisher of lowland forests. White underparts and rump, dark blue upperparts with pale blue shoulder and crown. Long white tail with 2 extended central tail feathers ending in spatula tips. Sits still for long periods whilst slowly pumping its tail. Very similar to Little Paradise-Kingfisher, but Common Paradise-Kingfisher is larger, with a paler crown, white rather than blue outer tail feathers and a heavier bill. The safest way to separate, however is by vocalization. Heard more often than seen. Song, a rapidly accelerating and slightly rising series of dry notes. [Ebird]
One of the more common yet challenging birds to photograph is the kingfisher. Even though it often appears at feeding spots, we usually don’t have time to focus on it due to our busy shooting schedule. However, our local guide, Pak Wan, mentioned that it’s actually easy to spot near our hotel. So, we decided to spend a quick morning there after breakfast. To our delight, three kingfishers were flying around, and on several occasions, one even perched for us! The excitement of seeing them in flight had everyone in awe. It was absolutely worth it—even if we hadn’t managed a photo. But we did!
– a beautiful Kingfisher, even is common but shy for picture
– 蛮漂亮的翠鸟。虽然普通，可是还是不容易拍照。
202304, Halmahera, Indonesia
####
update 202304
– a beautiful Kingfisher, and for the first time feel such a beautiful bird such annoying. Each time the Pitta come near, this bird will fly from far to flush the Pitta away 🙁 no choice to wait and wait until it get bored.
– another “Red-bellied” pitta, and it classified as North Moluccan Pitta which is endemic of Halmahera.
– it is very near to Ivory-Breasted Pitta spot
– 另一只“红胸八色鸫”分出来的摩鹿加特有种。
update 202602
It is always the most rewarding and enjoyable experience to see a Pitta without using feeding. During our last visit to Halmahera, we were told that one Pitta was active in the area, even though it was not being fed. Still, everyone was excited to give it a try. The rule was simple: stay completely still, photograph only what appears in front of you, and make no movement or sound. After nearly two hours of patience, everyone was rewarded with great views and satisfying photos of this non-fed Pitta. Many thanks to my team for always placing their trust in me.
– the Bird making call on tree and stand there for so long ..
– 这鸟一直在树上叫。叫了好几个小时。
####
update 202310
– another “different look” North Moluccan which photograph at feeding station at Ternate Island
– a not very easy walk as keep going steep downward sloop
– 另一只北摩鹿加八色鸫，在不一样的岛拍的。样子有点不一样。这个喂食点，也不是太容易。。。一直往下走。
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202304, Center Halmahera, Indonesia
6. Halmahera Boobook, 哈岛鹰鸮, 哈馬赫拉鷹鴞, ハルマヘラアオバズク, Pungguk maluku
– a small owl, found near forest here which call really funny like frog
– lovely and not so boring boobook.
update 202511
Years ago, we had to travel far to see this species, but now it’s being found much closer to regular birding areas. Still, it’s always a joy to see and hear it again — a wonderful Halmahera endemic owl.
– it is fun to trying to find this owl without knowing where it should be. We just trying ours’ luck and yes.. it is calling dusk and managed to have good view of it not too late of the night.
Another wonderful day in the field! It was raining on the way to the Standardwing display site, but the rain stopped just as we arrived. Right after watching the incredible display of the Standardwing, this little bird popped its head out to look at us—so adorable!
– a Halmahera endemic, overall pied like Kingfisher
update 202504
Night birding can be a bit challenging at times, but it’s been incredible to photograph 11 species of kingfishers over the past 7 days—including this special Halmahera endemic with food in its beak!
Medium-sized slender bird, pale gray above, white below, with a small dark bridge between the bill and eye (lores) and faint partial white eyering. Immature lacks distinct mask of Black-faced Cuckooshrike. Dark morph shows large but variable black bib and breast, mottled or barred at the edges. Inhabits eucalypt forest and other woodlands in Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Call a high-pitched, two-note squeak. [Ebird]
This endemic kingfisher of Halmahera is fairly common, but we were lucky to enjoy an incredibly close encounter—especially for our lucky ladies’ group. Truly a beautiful bird!
14. Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鸠, 尼柯巴鳩, Caloenas nicobarica, ミノバト, MERPATI-EMAS BIASA
update 202507
While we were waiting for the pitta to come down—yes, it had been staying up in the treetops all day—we got a surprise visitor! Out of nowhere, this bird walked into view and gave us a chance for a record shot.
One of Halmahera’s common yet stunning endemics, with a lovely song to match. We encountered this beauty at several locations—it really seems quite widespread.
I’ve visited Halmahera a few times, and this species has always been a challenge to observe properly—my first sighting was just a quick flyby across the road. But today, luck was truly on our side. Despite expecting a full day of rain, we ended up getting great views of Kingfishers, Pitta, Fruit-Dove, and this special bird. It stayed in the open for a long time, and the close view made it look even more stunning.
After a failed attempt to see our main target due to heavy rain, we drove further to a drier location. Luckily, the rain had stopped, and we enjoyed a pleasant evening birding with several interesting species — including this beautiful male of a special endemic bird.
– a beautiful Kingfisher, and for the first time feel such a beautiful bird such annoying. Each time the Pitta come near, this bird will fly from far to flush the Pitta away 🙁 no choice to wait and wait until it get bored.
– always seeing this flying for the pass and finally before got “tick attack” (suspect we got the 200-400 tick bites here)we got this bird sitting good for good view to all and some picture opportunity.
– last evening birding, we enjoy the cold weather. surprise so many small birds come to same area in close range. It look like we are birds photography instead of watching.
– we enjoy so much all the small bird such a good view and pictures
– the good evening light make the “black” bird so beautiful.
– post this before I get busy months again. This is one of the most amazing experience on this trip. When day 1 arrived with heavy rain, after rain stop we did quick birding surrounding our homestay. when we walk near the river, owner say why not we go for quick try on the Pitta and keep mentioned “if the bird is nearby or little bit distance he can do pick-up service” !! (I am thinking pick-up service hmmm). But the bird came without long wait or any issue. (so we missed the pick-up service show)
– next day after Standardwing BOP, we walk back to homestay and pass by the Pitta spot. We would like to try for this pitta again for male. After long wait (~15minutes) , he say the bird is far lets’ him pick-up the pitta .. I was like hmm how ? But he walk into the bush and use whistler/call. After ~10minutes wait, we heard the bird call getting nearer and soon we saw him walking out from the bush. and you can see the Pitta is following him coming out from the bush (may be ~10-15m away) !!!!!! “pick up service”
– last night of birding, after Speckled Boobook, immediate got this rare endemic and managed to capture few flying (not really enough shutter speed for sharp picture) . It flying high up with torch the light still not enough for any picture opportunity. Thanks CANON R3 it lock focus in such dark environment and track it down.
– last night of birding, after Speckled Boobook, immediate got this rare endemic and managed to capture few flying (not really enough shutter speed for sharp picture) . It flying high up with torch the light still not enough for any picture opportunity. Thanks CANON R3 it lock focus in such dark environment and track it down.
– 2023 April Sulawesi-Halmahera Bird watch trip end. Today finally got to sleep until 6am and wake up for proper breakfast. Tomorrow another new challenge.
– a special boobook, with special call.
– this bird is first ever bird we saw so tame, it stand there for such a long time for us to have good view.
another special tour, which has main target of this Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise.
It is a real good experience to be Halmahera, we just spend 3 nights. We easily got ours’ targets seen.
This is our main target, on 2nd morning. We hike 3.7km straight to the “hide” (on the way, we heard owlet-nightjar which is my favorite bird but we failed to see the bird and also rushing to the hide for main target.
Arrived before 6am, while every still dark. We can heard many of them already calling infront of us but just very brief view. after 30minutes, finally we got clear view of this amazing beautiful bird. But I still only got some extreme high ISO picture even with my CANON RF400mm F2.8.
Long story short, the birds stay for long and from ISO 25600 – ISO800, Managed to have perfect view of the bird and pictures… oohh video too .
Immediate of this target, we walking out and birding. There is another very good story to talk about “pick up service for the Pitta”
– a very active bird, lucky to have few moment captured it calling but too bad I can’t handle the 400mm well with handhled. can see shaky
– as usual it making funny calls, it change call for more than 4 differents
– exclusive Borneo montane endemic, KNP, and sometimes see it calling and flying around
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
– lucky guest to see this bird for 2 times in 2 days. He insist to have a better look at this target bird. But the first bird seem does not cooperate for him to have good look. Next day , next destination this bird stand long for us.
1. 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
– a sub-montane bird which big in size .. shy and move fast
– normally low almost close to ground
update 202304
– as usual, this shy bird always hiding behind something. But this time with CANON R3, using single point to touch any part of the bird body. The bird eye will be lock focus and track. So simple compare to old time.
How I wish can spend more time with this beautiful bird, but guests still has targets.. lets move on.
13. Yellow-vented Green-Pigeon, 白腹针尾绿鸠, 白腹針尾綠鳩, Treron seimundi, シロハラハリオアオバト, PUNAI GUNUNG BAHU MERAH
– big green pigeon wont miss it’s blue eye-ring connect to bill, long needle-pointed tail, yellow vent
– rare and shy big green pigeon
– normally sight sub-montane
update 202304
– another lucky day for guests, with minimum walking, Large Wren-babbler again and much better view, Black Magpie, and this beautiful pigeon with amazing view.
– another bird that you do not want to miss … it call softly in night . stay like dry leaf
update 202304
– guests had specify species to look for but dint mentioned frogmouth before meet up. But the route make us difficult to arrange. But we tried few locations still can’t have any frogmouth until day 8. We went a trail for birding just before it rain, we saw this bird shaking just ~10 feet from us. what a lucky moment for guests and immediate after this bird we also saw a female Malaysia Peacock-Pheasant too than follow by heavy rain for next 2- hours. Today highlights for customer: Gould’s frogmouth, Malaysia Peacock-Pheasant, Large Wren-Babblers, Red-naped Trogon, Crested Shrikejay
