Another very special tour—so happy we managed to see this unique monotypic species (one of the three target species in Malaysia) with great views! We did struggle a bit with the Rail-babbler though… it hasn’t responded at all for the past 1.5 days. Fingers crossed we’ll have better luck in the next two days!
– another special trip to this “South” of Peninsular Malaysia but this time we actually target only Malaysian Rail-Babbler and Cinnamon-rumped Trogon. Day1 , we already have this bird again with better view and photo and the Rail-Babbler give a good view but …
– an active bird that everyone seem special look for this bird family
– another success “Rail-Babbler” target tour, after got ours main target. We start do casual birding, got this bird calling in the morning and managed to spent some good time with this bird (even my camera having some issue force me using MF)
– 2nd trip to this special location for special targets. This beautiful, rare bird some how not the main target we here for. But we normally heard and seen them well so never waste we spend some time to have good look of this bird. But for this trip, it is a target so we spend one special early morning for this and not bad for the outcome and some birds come close
– a very active bird and black-rufous overall normally move in pair
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– a boring evening … not really as main target no sight at all. But very lucky to have this bird give us good show for about 5 minutes. active and rare bird
– 很活跃+害羞的鸟。下午到达立刻找目标，可是目标完全没声，没影。还好这一只这么难的的鸟出来让我们看够够。
This was a truly special tour for us, focusing on a very important target species. After two days of only hearing it without any sighting, we finally had an amazing view—right in front of the four of us, and even calling!
Such a memorable family trip—got all three special bird families: Rail-Babbler, Crested Jayshrike, and Bornean Bristlehead, all with photos too!
– within 24 hours, we got this bird again with much better view this time. All have perfect view of the shy bird..it is really fun to see this bird walk slow infront of us.
– a shy bird always difficult to spot and walk almost close to ground only
– another special target birds tour (5th this year for Rail-Babbler), this time with big group.. little bit challenge to get 1st target .. Malaysian Rail-babbler … but today morning, managed to heard it and wait a while before locate it calling. Happen for 2-3 minutes .. everyone see it from limited angle 🙁 but relieve …
– it is a long plan request from “friend”, a bird family need Rail-Babbler… last for him and another Jay-shrike for better view .. and we make this happen within 2 days while we actually plan it for 5 days … day1 arrive afternoon nothing much but still got Finsch’s Bulbul & Scarlet-breasted Flowerpeckeras new birds and with many woodpeckers with good view … follow by lunch and a quite bored afternoon … but still able to have good view of Crested Jayshrike and ~10m close Rail-babbler without any sight …Day2 morning nothing much even with some good view but no Rail-babbler close heard .. raining afternoon after lunch even still rain.. as Bill seem worry we missed the bird just decided walk into forest with raining gear … not far after we walk I heard “to to to” real close and ask every one backward … YES me and Bill saw the bird circling and walk across the trail but Karen & Miki missed … hmmmmmm .. so we decided go to a slight open space to wit for the bird…. not that long the bird came into view and making “balloon” call show for us more than 2 minutes .. smile for everyone …
– a good month to start to have good view of this special bird, total 4 good view of this birds 2024 June. And twice we special come to this special location for 2 special birds family. Both trips got the bird on day1/2, hope it stay for next few visits.
– a birds came close to us and make special “balloon call” style.
– finally finish a long tour, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo & extension to South P Malaysia. We had this very special target bird twice all of us saw the bird well and long. We had this bird walking across the trail after 2-3 hours search through the forest.
– a mystery bird that can be very shy or sometime just appear in-front of you and walk slowly.
– a very active bird that always making call attract ours attention either Peninsular Malaysia & Borneo lowland.
– lucky moment to have both standing and making call for us to take photo
– 非常活跃+漂亮的鸟。很容易听到这鸟在低海拔森林叫声。
– 这一次，非常幸运。2只站一起唱起歌让我们拍拍。
202406, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
5. Chestnut-rumped Babbler, 红腰穗鹛, 紅腰穗鶥, Stachyris maculata, コシアカモリチメドリ, KEKICAU-KANTAN BESAR BIASA
update 202406
– this place, I always call it “babbler heaven”. as usual while we actually trying to get White-necked Babbler pictures. This bird just came down to see us.
– active, and lovely babbler with very loud call normally heard in lowland forest
– a bird that pretty common but I always trying to look for one last few months after I know it is lifer for my friend. finally this bird appear together with another woodpecker (think also lifer for him) but he choose this so we looking for this brown, white necked small woodpecker.
– our first morning here and no main target sight, but one of the good bird we have … this lovely green pigeon.stay high up but it is really good to see them.
After successfully seeing both main target species in Peninsular Malaysia, we took it easy on our final morning with some casual birding. The forest was quiet most of the time, and we almost decided to wrap up the session—
Then suddenly, a surprise!
One of the woodpeckers we haven’t seen in nearly two years appeared, along with four other woodpecker species—all at close range. From a slow morning to an exciting finish!
After getting our main target—the Malaysian Rail-babbler—we enjoyed a more relaxed birding session. This bird had been calling loudly for a few days, but we were too focused on the Rail-babbler to pay much attention.
Finally, we took the time to look for it—and wow, it really is a gorgeous bird!
The forest has been unusually quiet for the past two days — even common species like bulbuls, flowerpeckers, and sunbirds are nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, this bird was one of the few that came low and close, feeding calmly without being bothered by our presence.
One of the most sought-after species when visiting the mangroves. While not rare, it’s often challenging to get a clear photo. Thankfully, this beautiful male Mangrove Pitta gave us a great view without much waiting—definitely a highlight!
– another bird that not so easy to be photograph center of Penisular Malaysia. a male that come out stay long for us
– 在蛮多鸟点都是蛮容易拍照的，在西马中部反而就很不容易。这公鸟站了还蛮久
202305, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
2. Greater Flameback, 大金背啄木鸟, 大金背啄木鳥,Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus, オオコガネゲラ,BELATUK-PINANG BESAR BIASA
update 202603
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Today was supposed to be all about finding the Kingfisher, but since it was nowhere to be found, we spent some time with this bird instead. It is always a joy to capture its flight on camera.
Same spot as last year where this bird was actively flying around. Everyone was excited to try for some bird-in-flight shots. For me, it was a great chance to test the Canon R6 Mark III’s AF tracking. So far, it performs well in the field—most of the time it can lock focus even when the bird is flying directly toward us, not just sideways.
和去年一样的地点，这只鸟又在附近飞来飞去，大家都很兴奋尝试抓拍飞行镜头。对我来说，是个很好的机会测试 Canon R6 Mark III 的自动对焦追踪功能。目前在实地表现不错，大多数时候即使鸟是朝着我们飞来而不是水平飞行，相机也能准确追焦。
202512, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
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update 202411
– One of the common woodpeckers found in Malaysia’s mangroves, this species stands out with its pale eyes, distinguishing it from the common Flameback.
– There have been so many photos of this woodpecker lately, and I love how the CANON R1 captured the action, especially the way the woodpecker swings its wings.
– One of the common woodpeckers found in Malaysia’s mangroves, this species stands out with its pale eyes, distinguishing it from the common Flameback.
– I’m thoroughly enjoying the new Continuous Pre-recording feature on the Canon R1. It virtually guarantees capturing the exact moment an action begins, without missing a beat. In this instance, I half-pressed the shutter before the bird moved, and once the action started, a full press ensured that the preceding 0.5 seconds were already recorded. The camera seamlessly continues with AF tracking. Check out the JPEG movie clips shared in the link for a closer look!
– a overall bigger common flameback, Black-yellow overall with pale eye instead
– Thanks Canon Malaysia having chance to have R1 to work out … as mentioned Continous Pre-capture is one of my favourite new features of new CANON R camera .. this is one of the test moment .. hope get more oppunity in wild to present to you all soon
– a waiting dusk for Nightjar and Owl, all of sudden this bird just flying across low. Even with the RF100-500 + 1.4x tc with such a small aperture (F10).. I still quickly got the bird focus and captured it flying into jungle
– a very common and beautiful hornbill of Malaysia
Our visit to the mangrove was brief, but we were fortunate to see all the main targets, including this talented singer of Malaysia’s mangroves. It didn’t stay for long, and unfortunately, my settings were off—I ended up shooting at ISO 25,600. Yes, 25,600! But surprisingly, the result turned out fine for me.
我们在红树林的停留时间很短，但很幸运地看到了所有主要目标，包括这位来自马来西亚红树林的优秀歌手。它停留的时间不长，而我却设置错误，竟然用 ISO 25600 拍摄。是的，25600！但结果对我来说还算可以。
202502, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202405
– a not so attractive bird for Mangrove special, but always a highly wanted bird by birders come to Malaysia.
– this time, a very lucky group.. while we walking at Mangrove.. someone talk to me.. a dull bird stand infront of .. is it common ? very soon I look at the direction, I saw it stand just open and everyone got their best view of this active shy bird.
5. Black-winged Kite, 黑翅鸢, 黑翅鳶, Elanus caeruleus, カタグロトビ, HELANG-TIKUS BIASA
update 202405
– another good start of the tour, not only hit most of the main targets but included some good view of common birds .. this small raptor got it’s prey and stand infront of us eating the rat …
6. Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, 巽他啄木鸟, 巽他啄木鳥, Yungipicus moluccensis, マレーコゲラ, BELATUK-BELACAN KECIL BIASA
update 202411
– a very tiny Woodpecker, overall brown and white. Which normally found near mangrove, nearby river bank. But this time found near Palm oil Plantation which nearby mangrove area too
– while looking for more interesting subjects, this tiny bird came queitly whithout any vocal, but the movement attract me and got this moment
– – 小，棕+白小啄木鸟。通常在红树林，河边可以见到。可是这次在棕榈树见到。
– 在等更好的题材，这小小鸟静静地飞过来了。完全没声音。还好，动作吸引我见到这一刻。
202411, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
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– a very tiny Woodpecker, overall brown and white. Which normally found near mangrove, nearby river bank.
– another moment with new CANON new R1 .. it is really fun and easy to capture any “birds in flight – begin, perch” just half press the shutter button enable the “Pre-capture” and when the moment after bird fly… press the shutter .. anything .5s before will be captured into the disk in full RAW without stop the Camera continous focus while the flying ..
It was a dramatic day — we missed our target in the morning and were caught in heavy rain by noon. Fortunately, the evening brought reasonably good birding. The next morning, however, turned out to be truly special. We had a great encounter with this bird as it flew back to its roosting site, and we managed to capture the moment perfectly without any issues.
It was another fantastic experience to see this bird again—even if just once—as it flew straight toward us. Not a particularly tough challenge for me with the R1: 98 frames in about 3 seconds, all perfectly in focus
– a not so common owl found Malaysia. Big size and with very vocal if found the correct one.
– I am making some nearby forest for trying the new CANON R1 to trying for AF lock on, AF tracking, Image Quality, Pre-capture … and trying again the in camera upscale. Found this bird roost at one of the Palm Oil plantation before strong sunlight come in, the bird sudden flying out to its’ roosting side.the R1 as expected captured most of the frame without any issue even with background change.
Years ago (probably more than 10 years back), this Mangrove Pitta spot was also known for a pair of woodpeckers that often came down to feed. Today, while checking on the Mangrove Pitta, the main target didn’t show up—but instead, a pair of Laced Woodpeckers dropped in and entertained us. A very nice bonus encounter.
202602, Pulau Indah, Selangor, Malaysia202602, Pulau Indah, Selangor, Malaysia
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update 202411
– a quite common woodpecker found here (Penisular Malaysia), which normally found near Mangrove. area
– yet another R1 pre-capture moment captured .. it is real fun to have this Pre-capture function show how this bird “jump up” begin the flight. It is real cool to have Pre-cature every single moment and continue with normal operation like re-focus, tracking …
– a mid-size of Kingfisher calling Collared Kingfisher alike, but unmistakable with bright white-with rufous on chest and dark-blue back+black.
– a casual visit nearby beach which I told my buddy, his target Black-capped Kingfisher can be found here … very good environment. But I didn’t see it last 3 visits but today.. when I arrive, spot a familiar bird far and inside palm tree. After a while of keep looking, found it making pre-roosting shower … bingo
11. Oriental Reed Warbler, 东方大苇莺, 東方大葦鶯, Acrocephalus orientalis, オオヨシキリ, CEKUP-PAYA BESAR BIASA
update 202411
– It’s great to see them return to the paddy fields, where they are as active as ever in the morning. I came to test out the Canon R1, and with its new Continuous Pre-recording and advanced AF tracking features, I was able to capture the moment they took off and flew toward us. Later, I combined the JPEGs into a single movie file.
– One of the most common woodpeckers in Malaysia, this species can be found in a variety of environments—lowlands, mangroves, sub-montane forests, and even urban areas. Its overall rufous coloration makes it hard to miss.
– While testing the Canon R1’s “Continuous Pre-recording” feature, the bird was perched as usual. I half-pressed the shutter to activate Pre-recording, and only fully pressed it when the bird took off from the branch. Every frame of the action was captured in full RAW and saved to my card.
– 在测试佳能 R1 的“连续预录”功能时，这只鸟像往常一样站在树枝上。我半按快门开启预录功能，直到鸟从树枝起飞时才完全按下快门。整个动作的每一帧都被完整记录为 RAW 格式并存储在卡中。
202411, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
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13. Common Flameback, 金背三趾啄木鸟, 金背三趾啄木鳥,Dinopium javanense, ズアカミユビゲラ, BELATUK-PINANG BIASA
update 202411
– Another common woodpecker in Malaysia, resembling the Greater Flameback but smaller in size with dark eyes.
– Another moment captured using the CANON R1’s Continuous Pre-record feature.
– 在马来西亚的另一种常见啄木鸟，外形与大金背啄木鸟相似，但体型较小，眼睛呈深色。
– 使用 CANON R1 的连续预录功能捕捉到的另一个瞬间。
202411, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
14. Golden-bellied Gerygone, 黄胸噪刺莺,黃胸噪刺鶯, Gerygone sulphurea, マレーシアセンニョムシクイ, KELICAP-PEREPAT ASIA
Tiny and rather unobtrusive bird with brownish upperparts and luminous lemon-yellow underparts. Superficially similar to female and juvenile Olive-backed Sunbirds, but note gerygone’s short, uncurved bill. Forages in parks, forests, and plantations, where it often joins mixed flocks moving through the middle and upper layers. Song is variable throughout its range but invariably includes buzzy notes with obvious rises and falls in pitch. [Ebird]
It was a scorching afternoon with barely any bird activity—until we heard this one calling loudly. Not long after, it came right to us, proudly showing off those striking long legs!
A tiny bird with a beautiful song, it’s often challenging to capture a good photo due to its small size. However, this time, it came down close enough for us to get a clear shot.
My year-end birding tradition often takes me to the paddy fields in search of winter visitors. If I recall correctly, my buddy and I were waiting for some warblers when, out of nowhere, this raptor flew in, staring right at us! But no—it wasn’t us it was focused on. The Purple Heron caught its attention, flying between us and the harrier. I couldn’t help but wonder what the harrier was thinking as it kept its eyes on the heron for quite a distance.
16. Collared Scops Owl, 领角鸮, 领角鸮, Otus lettia, JAMPUK BIASA
update 202502
It was truly an owl-filled day—we spotted six owl species in just one day! This last one had been particularly elusive; we had tried to get a good view of it a few days ago without much success. But today, it seemed to stay in place for a long time, giving everyone a perfect view.
17. Eastern Barn Owl, 仓鸮, 東方倉鴞, Tyto alba, メンフクロウ, SERAK BIASA
update 202504
Met up with a customer-turned-friend who hasn’t really been birding for the past 2–3 years. He mentioned he needed a bit of a spark to get back into it and wanted to learn more about the post-shooting workflow too.
We started the day missing our main target — no luck with the Rail-babbler — but he was totally fine with that. After a heavy rain, things turned around quickly. In just over 90 minutes, we saw 7 owls! What a fantastic night.
This was one of his main targets — and not long after we arrived, we got a great view of it staying around for quite a while!
18. Oriental Bay-Owl, 栗鸮, 栗鴞,Phodilus badius, ニセメンフクロウ, PUNGGUK-API BIASA
update 202504
“It’s been a wonderful week for owls—spotted 1 out of the 8 owls! It’s a shame it didn’t show well on the second visit, but still great to see it again here. ***Interestingly, it seems like the other owls don’t like this one—many came by to check it out while we were searching for it.
19. Malaysian Eared-Nightjar, 马来毛腿夜鹰, 馬來毛腿夜鷹, Lyncornis temminckii, ミミヨタカ, TAPTIBAU MELAYU
update 202505
After a long wait in the heavy rain at dusk, this bird finally appeared silently. I couldn’t help but shout, “Malaysian Eared-Nightjar!” and managed to capture it using a very high ISO of #ISO51200. Despite the challenging conditions, it’s still great to see details of its back and chest.
在黄昏时分的大雨中等待良久，这只鸟终于悄无声息地出现了。我忍不住喊出：“马来短耳夜鹰！”并用非常高的 ISO 值 #ISO51200 拍下了它。尽管拍摄条件艰难，仍然能清楚看到它的背部和胸部细节，令人欣喜。
202505, Selangor, Malaysia
20. Pacific Swallow, 洋燕, Hirundo tahitica, リュウキュウツバメ, LAYANG-LAYANG BIASA
Update 202508
It was a beautiful evening by the river, with swifts and swallows flying low to feed and drink.
We tried capturing the action and were lucky to get a nice series of shots—here’s one of a swallow drinking mid-flight.
傍晚在河边真是美好时光，燕子和雨燕在河面上飞来飞去觅食和喝水。
我们试着拍下这一幕，幸运地捕捉到一些精彩画面，这张就是其中一张——燕子边飞边喝水。
21. Common Kingfisher, 普通翠鸟, 普通翠鳥, Alcedo atthis, カワセミ, RAJAUDANG CICIT
update 202509
This year it arrived a bit later than last year, but returned to the same spot with the same behavior—just like the past 5 years. Always a joy to see this beautiful kingfisher back for its winter break!
22. Slaty-breasted Rail, 灰胸秧鸡, 灰胸秧雞, Lewinia striata, ハシナガクイナ, SINTAR BIASA
update 202510
This bird carries a lot of memories for me—there was even a time I ended up at the police station just for photographing it!
Now, it appears regularly at a feeding spot, but still remains very sensitive to our movements. A special bird, always worth the patience.
23. Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, 白眉姬鹟, 白眉姬鶲, Ficedula zanthopygia, マミジロキビタキ, SAMBAR KUNYIT KENING PUTIH
update 202510
This is a fairly common winter visitor in the area, though this season we’ve noticed more females than males. Still, it’s always a pleasure to photograph this species—especially when it offers such a beautiful pose.
24. Dollarbird, 三宝鸟, 三寶鳥, Eurystomus orientalis, Eurystomus orientalis, TIUNG-BATU BIASA
update 202512
It was just a casual birding outing with friends, but this bird stayed low and actively flew around, giving everyone a chance to practice bird-in-flight shots. A common species, yet its colors are always a treat to see in flight.
During this season, this bird is surprisingly quiet. It hardly calls at all—just appears silently, perching nearby, preening and resting with very little movement. A calm and peaceful presence in the field.
