It’s a common and not particularly beautiful bird, but each time it’s spotted, its size and leaf-like appearance still spark excitement.
这是一种常见且不算特别美丽的鸟，但每次看到它时，它的体型和如叶子般的外形仍然让人感到兴奋。
202504, Sungai Relau, Merapoh, Pahang
2. Garnet Pitta, 榴红八色鸫, 榴紅八色鶇, Erythropitta granatina, ムラサキヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
Update 202505
It was exciting to spot one moving on the ground without being disturbed by our presence—there were ten of us constantly shifting around for a better angle. We were lucky to encounter this Pitta without a long wait or much effort.
We spent our morning at the canopy, enjoying many great views of different birds. One was especially memorable—at eye level, feeding slowly instead of just flying past. A lovely Malkoha.
4. Malayan Banded-Pitta, 马来蓝尾八色鸫, 馬來藍尾八色鶇, Hydrornis irena，マラヤシマヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT BELANG MELAYU
update 202508
Always a pleasure catching up with one of the best birders/guides I know—Matthew and Hoi Ling! He made a short visit and requested a few lifers, so we left KL at 2:30am and headed to Merapoh. Despite the morning rain, we managed to tick off two lifers soon after arrival. Once the rain stopped, we got lucky again with this special lifer—it showed up twice (I missed the first photo opportunity)! Such a stunning Pitta, and a great moment getting both Garnet and this species away from the usual “stage”.
5. Thick-billed Green-Pigeon, 厚嘴绿鸠, 厚嘴綠鳩, Treron curvirostra, ハシブトアオバト, PUNAI ARA BIASA
update 202508
This is one of the most common green pigeons in the region—medium-sized and easily recognized by its thick, pale green eye-ring.
With a fruiting tree nearby, spotting them wasn’t too hard. Although we hoped for more species, we’re glad our guests got to tick off two of their targets here!
This is one of those birds we often hear or briefly see, but rarely get a good photo opportunity with. However, last month we were lucky to enjoy two amazing encounters—one in Peninsular Malaysia and another in Borneo.
As we were walking out of the forest after getting our main target, we heard its call nearby. Moments later, it appeared almost at eye level, just around 5 meters from us. What a moment!
Had an incredible time birding with a patient group from Canada. After a quiet start at our first stop, we headed deeper into the National Park. Suddenly, I caught a familiar call—I couldn’t help but shout, ‘Jayshrike!’ We got so lucky when it flew out and perched right in front of us. What a spectacular view, absolutely brilliant!
After hitting guest 6,500th species milestone, we decided to keep the momentum going in search of more lifers—aiming to get as close as possible to the 7,000 mark. Upon arriving at the tree top tower, I was incredibly lucky to spot two
Upon arriving at the tower, we were greeted by a beautiful, fast-moving bird circling the structure without pause. I quickly made my way to the top of the observation deck to get an eye-level shot and capture its grace.
Modern camera technology truly makes capturing such fast subjects feel almost effortless.
202602,
Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Pahang, Malaysia
10. Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, 凤冠孔雀雉, 鳳冠孔雀雉,Polyplectron malacense, マレーエボシコクジャク,KUANG-CERMIN MELAYU
update 202602
Last year, right after we spotted the Great Argus, everyone else was busy looking for other rare sightings. That’s when I noticed a smaller bird quietly approaching the feeding spot. It didn’t take long for this little visitor to start showing up regularly, eventually becoming the star attraction of Sg Relau National Park in Merapoh.
We just arrived at the viewing tower and the bird calls are everywhere! We heard three of them right next to us at the canopy level. We were hoping for a glimpse, and soon enough, both the male and female flew right up to eye level. They stayed close enough for us to get some great pictures.
202602, Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Pahang, Malaysia
12. Brown Fulvetta, 褐雀鹛, 褐雀鶥, Alcippe brunneicauda, ムジチメドリ, KEKICAU-SAMPAH MELAYU
update 202603
Even though this bird has a modest appearance, its song is absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad we could successfully find and check this target species off the list for our guest.
虽然这只鸟外表平凡，但它的歌声动听极了。很高兴能为客人顺利找到这个目标鸟种。
202602,
Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Pahang, Malaysia
Another milestone for the trip! We heard them calling and saw them fly off several times, but never got a clear look until last morning. This one was incredibly vocal and perched right in front of us.
– it is an old picture, another not a good memory to have .. too many pressure to cause the chick fledged too earlier …. it still not really able to fly, fall into the river few times and safe back … can’t do much beside wish them good luck
2. Great Iora, 大绿雀鹎, 大綠雀鵯, Aegithina lafresnayei, オオヒメコノハドリ, KUNYIT-KECIL SAYAP HITAM
update 202404
– still clearing hdd and this moment remind me my best time spent with my buddies .. hope I have time to go out with them more. Very lucky to see the adult keep feeding the young
– 还在清理2022的旧照片。这照片是鱼一帮朋友无忧无虑的看鸟看到，幼鸟在等成鸟来喂。朋友等等我。
202206, Ulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
3. Yellow-crowned Barbet, 黄顶拟鴷, 黃頂擬鴷, Psilopogon henricii, キンカブリゴシキドリ, TAKUR TOPENG HITAM BIASA
update 202406
– a common heard but seldom seen Barbet, it is most attractive Barbet but sure a beautiful bird to photograph
– new month, new group… another great parent all the way come here with their children for Birding – hobby (the kid just 12 years old) .. a hit and miss morning but in the end of the session, we managed to have this not so common and beautiful Hornbill as last bird of the day.
After getting our target species, we heard a soft call nearby—I was pretty sure it was this bird. After a bit of searching, there it was—just about 10 feet away! Such a lovely woodpecker, and a true gem of Malaysia.
– a very good start of the tour, 2nd bird after Falconet. the beautiful woodpecker make everyone excited to see more woodpecker from Malaysia. #WoodpeckersofMalaysia
– honor to try out the new CANON R5mii, most of us really wish firmware upgrade for R5marki for better AF features. but we know while the markii launch mean the hope will fall on the new R5markii. Yes, the AF improve dramatically, it have AF function like R3, R7, R6markii with add on of new feature too.
– this bird fly quite low and any direction, I track it quite well too
what I like
i. animal detect, eye detection now included for single point, 5 points, any zone and also full area
ii. add on new focus area which disable all animal detect !!! it back to old AF method “point AF” .. very useful for condition for the camera difficult to detect the animal !!!
iii. the animal detect simply awesome, it pick up the animal so fast even at complex environment.. hope I can share more soon
iv. tracking is good too, even it is nothing compare to new R1 .. and may R3 (may be so use to the R3, feel the R3 pick up faster and track more “sticky”)
v. the .5s continuous pre-shoot is a real good feature !!! for wildlife .. I dont have many chance test this but it should be one of the best feature !!! all other brands may also follow this soon 😀
It’s a busy start to the year! We kicked things off with a very long drive due to the holiday traffic, followed by a specialized photography tour with two lovely and incredibly patient guests. One of our main targets for this trip was this beauty—it’s a shame they’re still a bit shy this season, but what a wonderful bird to start off 2026.
Just another moment captured with this beautiful yet shy bird. I’m accustomed to situations where people alter the environment—making it brighter and more open—just for the sake of photos, which can affect the bird’s natural behavior. However, that doesn’t diminish my happiness, especially with my birding buddy back in action after finally deciding to get his 400mm F2.8 following a slowdown in birding. Exciting times ahead, as I have more personal birding trips coming up soon!
– it is a tough day, been assign with a 1.5 days (actually just one day for Rail-babbler as main target). After meet Hermina & Shannon, they really keen to see the Rail-babbler… so we make a early move and have a long coffee stop before we go into forest due to some early morning rain. Immediate arrive the area, after got 1 frogmouth calling, and sight the Banded Woodpecker. I heard the Rail-babbler calling, immediate trying to track it down and we spit the bird less than 10 minutes … ring my buddy and hope he is happy man now ..
– a very common lowland forest, mangrove, sub-montane woodpecker. Overall rufous which difficult to miss this bird.
– it is a special out to test the R1, may be I am already start use the “Pre-capture” long ago .. (those Olympus old time, Panasonic etc) for me to captured this kind of “trap focus” “jumping” picture is very easy … now Canon finally come with proper Pre-capture and improve it with … “continous Pre-capture” ..mean it is almost every half-press is a pre capture .. as long as control well the buffer… I hope I can find a better way to share to all of this about this “Best feature” to have for Wildlife Photography
9. Black-thighed falconet, 黑腿小隼, Microhierax fringillarius,モモグロヒメハヤブサ, RAJAWALI-BELALANG MELAYU
update 202411
– The only species in Peninsular Malaysia which also one of the world’s smallest raptors, often seen perched high, watching for prey.
– While testing the new Canon R1’s Pre-continuous Shooting and AF performance, I captured one of many frames. I’ll share more from the full sequence in the near future.
10. Brown-backed Needletail, 褐背针尾雨燕, 褐喉針尾雨燕, Hirundapus giganteus, オオハリオアマツバメ, LAYANG-LAYANG BESAR BIASA
update 202507
While walking along the forest edge, we spotted a pair of large swifts flying overhead. They stayed quite high, but the lighting was just right to catch a clear view of their backs—what a nice moment!
There were plenty of Green Broadbills in the national park—we heard and saw several during just 1.5 days of birding. This particular pair stood out, as they came in close to us, looking curious and unbothered.
12. Malayan Black Magpie, 白翅鹊, 黑冠噪鵲, Platysmurus leucopterus, クロカケス, BURUNG-KAMBING BARAT
update 202508
This is one of the shy birds found here. Compared to the Bornean version—which lacks the white wing patch and is generally more tolerant of humans—this one tends to keep its distance.
A lucky morning with four birds coming in close—one of them even perched right at eye level for us!
One of the most common woodpeckers in Malaysia! While starting a casual birding session with a few friends, this lovely bird came really close and stayed low—giving everyone a great view. A beautiful little woodpecker!
Sometimes, birding isn’t just about rare birds or perfect photos. A few of us just went out to enjoy the fresh air and see what birds might show up. The whole morning was quiet, but this bird turned out to be the highlight for us.
It didn’t give the best pose, but we still enjoyed a peaceful morning and a delicious lunch!
15. Rufous-winged Philentoma, 棕翅王鵙, 棕翅王鵙, Philentoma pyrhoptera, チャバネアカメヒタキ, REMBAH-BATU KECIL
update 202510
It was another quiet morning, as expected—I had already told the group the forest might be slow this time. Still, we decided to revisit the same spot for the second time this month. Luckily, this bird family showed up and gave us some nice photo opportunities as they moved around.
– what you want is what other want ? for sure NOPE .. for the first time in Fraser with guests we not going for most of the targets but just concentrate few for photo (they are first time birding-Photography in Malaysia) .. but always patient pay off
– the moment it came so close <10feet, it is so beautiful to look it close … definite best 2024 moment …
– 还在沉迷在哪一刻，这漂亮的鸠就站在我们10尺内。很漂亮哦。这肯定是2024最美好的其中一刻。
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202402
– we spent ours “rest hours” at “tower instead shower” reward with many good birds and pictures .. this is one of them <10 feet with such a beautiful and rare bird
2. Black-thighed falconet, 黑腿小隼, Microhierax fringillarius,モモグロヒメハヤブサ,RAJAWALI-BELALANG MELAYU
update 202402
– it came so close, have a close view and low view for this bird just simply awesome. lovely
– 这鸟下来太低了。在这么好角度看，这鸟太漂亮了。
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
3. Large Cuckooshrike, 大鵑鵙, Coracina macei, オオオニサンショウクイ, Burung Sewah Besar
– common at Fraser Hill
update 202402
– another great experience it came low and close for moth just like ~15 years ago Jelai Hotel ? such a beauty when have close view
– 有如回到～15年前，“Jelai”酒店时代。鸟下来很低吃飞蛾。近距离看，这鸟也很美。
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Mal
4. Silver-breasted Broadbill, 银胸丝冠鸟,銀胸絲冠鳥, Serilophus lunatus, ギンムネヒロハシ, HUJAN-HUJAN PERAK
update 202403
– very lucky moment while everyone just got the eye level of Trogon, this bird just not far from the Trogon. But I am not happy with some foreign photographers with us… we found the Trogon and stand at best position for the view but another group of Photographers lead by other Guide just stand infront of us when they saw us looking at the bushes … and I actually told them they blocking us .. but they just ignore us !!!!! please be polite and considerate ..
– a lucky decision to change location of birding and managed to have this cute fellow moving in big groups (~12 of them) .. and follow by main target of Helmeted Hornbill
– 突然换了决定，经过大路突然听到这鸟叫。停下后看到一群（12只左右）。。。没很久也拿下盔犀鸟
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
5. Dark Hawk-Cuckoo, 婆罗鹰鹃, 婆羅鷹鵑, Hierococcyx bocki, クロジュウイチ, SEWAH-TEKUKUR GUNUNG
update 202402
– before we heading to lowland forest, saw it perch very low and immediate stop the car and rush everyone out to have good view but I miss the best eye-contact moment
– a forest Bee-eater, that everyone love to see it while in Malaysia. especially see in close for photo. The call make everyone remember this lovely bird.
– ours’ last bird of Fraser Hill, saw it one day before but this is close for such a good view
– 来马来西亚几乎每个人都想看的鸟。摄鸟当然也不例外，尤其近距离的看。
– 我们在福隆港最后的一只鸟。我们在一天前看到他吃甲虫，这次时近距离看到的。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is almost same season for last year, this bird very active now … seem carrying food, actively eating … even common but who will say no to such a beautiful bird
– 每年都大概这季节，它都忙吃+捉吃的。虽然蛮普通可是谁会不要这鸟？
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
7. Black-browed Barbet, 黑眉拟鴷, 黑眉擬鴷, Psilopogon oorti, ゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BIASA
update 202408
– another day with CANON new R5markii, I cannot do too many testing while working with guests. But I really trying to test the AF, AF tracking my best with the option I have. This picture show how the camera can quickly found the bird even with not much contrast .. it found the eye immediate I point the camera to the bird.
– it is not really that normal to see Barbet feed on insect, it feed 2 (a big cicada before this) and not far it is fruiting tree.. it is always good to see this bird close and eye level
– 在福隆港虽然很普通的鸟，应该也没什么见过这鸟吃“肉” 吧。见到它吃第二只。在近距离就有果树啊。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
8. Fire-tufted Barbet, 火簇拟鴷, 火簇擬鴷, Psilopogon pyrolophus, アカフサゴシキドリ, TAKUR API
update 202403
– another not so common for a Barbet feed on insect but not bring back to feed young. As usual this beautiful Barbet attract all ours attention …
– 这拟鴷还是这么美丽，可是还是蛮不寻常。他们吃昆虫而不是果子，通常在喂小孩时会带回去喂。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
9. Collared Owlet, 领鸺鹠, 領鵂鶹, Glaucidium brodiei, ヒメフクロウ, PUNGGUK-KECIL GELANG
update 202602
We were just out for a casual walk when we heard a strange alert sound coming from the birds. It turned out to be some birds trying mobbing to this tiny owl! It perched quite low and stayed remarkably close while we were heading to lunch. Even though we weren’t specifically looking for owls today, who could possibly resist such a cute little thing?
We spent around 30 minutes listening to the Red-throated Barbet calling, but couldn’t get a clear view. Luckily, a few other species came in close, including this tiny and adorable owl!
Sometimes, there’s too much info on social media—but here’s my experience: I used the Canon R5 Mark II with full-area AF and animal eye detection. The owl was about 30 meters away, and paired with the RF 100-500mm, it locked onto the eye perfectly without hesitation. Highly recommend trying it out yourself!
有时候，社交媒体上的信息太多了，反而容易迷茫。但这里是我实际的经验：我使用的是 Canon R5 Mark II，相机设置为全区域自动对焦+动物眼睛识别。这只猫头鹰大约在30米远的地方，用 RF100-500mm 拍摄，相机毫无犹豫就锁定了眼睛对焦。推荐大家亲自试试！
202510, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202506
We were lucky to witness this owl perched low and calling right in front of us. It looked like it was putting its whole body into each call—an incredible sight!
– After returning from Sumatra, Indonesia, some of us extended our trip by two days to Fraser’s Hill, Malaysia. As anticipated, the rainy season brought limited activity. However, this tiny owl made our day by perching very low, just about 10 feet away—our first sighting of it!
– a very special Photography tour, which parent come with a kid (12 years old) for birds Photography. I told them the behavior of this bird and we were lucky patient wait to have it came really low and close.
– it is a good fruiting tree, gave us very good view (eye level) of few good birds. Included this lovely colorful Barbet
– 这果树真的很好，好几只好鸟都是平视角。包括这只非常漂亮的鸟。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
11. Brown Wood-Owl, 褐林鸮, 褐林鴞, Strix leptogrammica, オオフクロウ, CARIK-KAFAN COKLAT BIASA
update 202403
– this is one of the common Fraser bird, getting difficult .. due to some reason ? or behavior change ? 6-8 years ago, it is so easy to get a good view of this bird… but now most of them shy and standing high up .. for reason ?
– I am lucky 2024, 2 trips got this bird with good view for more than 10 minutes
– 在6-8年前，福隆港是很普通的鸟。可是为什么这几年连看都难看到？什么理由？
– 2024 非常幸运，已2团都看的不错。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
12. Red-headed Trogon, 红头咬鹃, 紅頭咬鵑, Harpactes erythrocephalus, ズアカキヌバネドリ, KESUMBA GUNUNG BIASA
update 202403
– this pair of Trogon is so tame come so close and while I having 800mm on hand .. zoom all the way to get closest look and the “lady” give us a look back view…
– 这一对咬鹃是多么的乖，这么巧800mm就来个大头照。还要这美女来个“回眸一笑“
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
– it is a pretty bird, the male overall red look an amazing under right lighting …
– 这鸟虽然普通，可是在真确光线下很漂亮啊。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
13. Streaked Wren-Babbler, 短尾鹪鹛, 短尾鷦鶥, Turdinus brevicaudatus, ノドフサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU-MURAI GUNUNG BIASA
update 202507
As active as ever, but thankfully it gave us a brief window for some nice shots. While many are complaining about the 1.0.3 firmware, I personally didn’t face any AF issues. The R1 still locks focus quickly and tracks the bird really well!
update 202410
– a very active Wren-Babbler as other Wren-Babbler. Very good in details if photograph close.
– lucky morning meet this pair active bird real close and stay long for us to capture many lovely photos.
– 与其他鹪鹛一样，非常活跃。很上镜的一只鸟，拍起来非常好看。
– 一个幸运的早上，遇上这一对鸟。非常的乖，跑来很近+就让我们拍到美美。
202410, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
CANON R3, CANON RF200-800mm
Pahang, Malaysia
– lucky to have this bird calling non stop at road side when we just arrive to check out
– another possible Trogon found Fraser Hill gap, it is not easy compare to Bukit Tinggi to have better view and picture but it still another option have this beautiful bird at Center of Peninsular Malaysia
– another bird that getting difficult to seen in Bukit Fraser, use to be pretty common but now missing from many previous spots
– 福隆港另一只越来越难见到的鸟。以前蛮多点都可以见到的。可是现在几乎都就几个点。
202404, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
22. Sultan Tit, 冕雀, Melanochlora sultanea, サルタンガラ, SESERAI SULTAN
update 202507
This bird has been especially active lately—seems to show up almost everywhere during our birding at Fraser’s Hill. This one even came in nice and close to us!
最近这只鸟特别活跃，我们在福隆港观鸟时几乎到处都能看到它。这次它还靠得特别近，太棒了！
202507, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
#####
update 202406
– a bird that Photographers never boring with, ours’ pre-CANON sharing session. We had this bird came to eye level for us but it still a active moving around to have some good photo.
– a overall Yellow-black active bird that can found lowland up to sub-montain
– 黑黄活跃的鸟，在低海拔-中海拔（～1200米）都蛮普通
– 在我们佳能活动前这鸟下来很低。让每个人拍的很好。
202406, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202404
– a quite boring day at Fraser Hill morning, but this bird came down to say hi to everyone just before rain
– it is very common bird at Peninsular Malaysia from lowland – sub-montane. beautiful song bird
– 西马，蛮普通的鸟，很会唱歌。
2024043 Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
24. Malayan Partridge, 砍氏山鹧鸪, 馬來山鷓鴣, Arborophila campbelli, スマトラミヤマテッケイ, SERUK-GUNUNG MELAYU
update 202405
– another bird that use to be so difficult but now just need patient wait… still a beautiful bird
– 福隆港另一只之前非常难见到的鸟，可是现在有耐心就好。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
25. Sunda Brush Cuckoo, 锈胸丛杜鹃, 銹胸叢杜鵑, Cacomantis sepulcralis, チャムネヒメカッコウ, MATINAK DADA JINGGA BIASA
update 202503
Another change since the last update: the Brush Cuckoo is now classified as the Sunda Brush Cuckoo. It is easily recognizable by its gray head and “rusty” breast, though it can sometimes be confused with the Plaintive Cuckoo.
– a bird that always heard and sometime just fly too close and hide from us to be seen or photograph.. Brush or Rusty breasted ? now it call Brush in eBird
– something happen in the group and make the whole schedule late but still trying to do some late evening birding at GAP, Fraser Hill. Not bad for short time have Green Broadbill, Brush Cuckoo, Rufous Bellied Swallow, Black Laughingthrush etc …
– a very common bird of Fraser Hill, moving in flock. Overall Grey, red eye and long tailed.
– as usual at one of the “feeding” spot at Fraser hill, this lovely and noisy birds came for food too
– 福隆港非常普通的一只鸟。通常群体活动。灰，红眼，长尾。
– 在一个“鸟点”等主要目标时，几只这蛮好不错的鸟下来蛮低的吃东西。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
27. Buff-breasted Babbler, 棕胸幽鹛, 棕胸幽鶥, Pellorneum tickelli, チャムネムジチメドリ, KEKICAU-TANAH PERANG
update 202405
– a very common overall brown little active babbler in Fraser Hill.
– it appear in most of the “bird spot”. Everyone seem attract Lesser Shortwing rather than this bird
– 福隆港很普通的一只鸟。可是还是非常活跃跳动的。
– 客人们都被短尾鸫吸引，没太大理会这鸟。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
28. Black Eagle, 林雕, 林鵰, Ictinaetus malaiensis, カザノワシ, HELANG HITAM ASIA
update 202405
– it is good season to see this ? sight so many times in Fraser HIll and it flew real close sometime just ~20m from us.
– a not really black overall if with lighting and big raptor which quite frequent found Fraser Hill
– 这个季节怎么这么多这个猛禽？几乎没几个小时就见到还要很低（我们都在不一样的地方）还要飞很低。
– 英文叫“黑鹰”可是在有光线下不黑的。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
29. Blue Nuthatch, 蓝䴓, 藍䴓, Sitta azurea, ズグロゴジュウカラ, PEPATUK GUNUNG MELAYU
update 202510
This marks my final Malaysia tour for 2025, and once again, it came with its own unique challenges—just like 3 out of my last 4 tours.
This time, the guest had limited mobility, making it difficult to walk or even adjust position to look for our main targets. Despite that, luck was on our side. While simply sitting in a chair, this beautiful bird came in close and gave us a wonderful photo opportunity!
– a good season for this beautiful bird ? when we having ours Canon-Gitzo Photography sharing session, we saw this 2 days in the row and actually heard it more than twice while we have quite limited time for the birding.
– an active & beautiful bird that not that rare but just need some luck to see it.
– 非常活跃，漂亮的小鸟。不稀有，因为小活跃。也是属于群体活动（与其他鸟）遇上这鸟需要点运气。
– 在我们2天1夜佳能+捷信摄影分享营。见到2次+听到4-5次。可能季节到了？
202406, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
30. Sunda Scimitar-Babbler, 巽他钩嘴鹛, 巽他鉤嘴鶥, Pomatorhinus bornensis, セアカマルハシ, KEKICAU-MELENGKUNG BERCELAK MELAYU
update 202407
– I do not have many luck on this bird, many times meet this bird close wihtout camera. finally today it came very low while we waiting for Orange-Breasted Trogon.
– an active moving fast and around bird with curve beak.
– 我与这鸟没什么缘分。经常看到，可是就没相机。但我们在等橙胸咬鹃，这鸟自己找上门。
202407, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
31. Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush, 栗头噪鹛, 栗頭噪鶥, Ianthocincla mitrata, チャガシラガビチョウ, KEKICAU-RAYA BIASA
update 202407
– one of the most common birds from Fraser Hill, lovely, beautiful too
– 福隆港最普通的一种鸟之一，几乎哪都看到。可是还是很美的小鸟。
202407, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
32. Brown-backed Needletail, 褐背针尾雨燕, 褐喉針尾雨燕, Hirundapus giganteus, オオハリオアマツバメ, LAYANG-LAYANG BESAR BIASA
update 202408
– fantastic afternoon, we miss ours main target but so many good bird show up even at noon time. 4 of this big “flying fast” bird passing by few times and managed to have it .. and suddenly feel the R3 not fast enough 😀 even managed to have good few frames.
– 一个很慢的中午，目标鸟完全没声没影。可是很多很好的鸟却出来看看我们
202408, Fraser Hill 55, Pahang, Malaysia
33. Golden-throated Barbet, 金喉拟鴷, 金喉擬鴷, Psilopogon franklinii, キンノドゴシキドリ, TAKUR SAYAP TARUM BIASA
update 202408
– a Barbet that not that common in Fraser Hill area, but it is show well for few days here. with the complex environment. The new CANON R5markii, full area focus found the bird almost immediate. I really like the R5markii … you ?
– one of my favorite birds of Malaysia, it is small, cute, active and lovely bird. It always moving with wing span open. But it almost invisible by naked eye.
– with the new canon Pre-continuous Shooting function, simple when see the bird stay still, half-press shutter .. and when see the wing open or move press the shutter .. than anything happen in before .5s will be record as raw into camera .. make this kind of picture simple
It’s a quiet afternoon without much happening, but we’re still on the hunt for our “6500” target. Shortly after arriving at a bamboo forest, three of them appeared within a minute, offering us this fantastic view.
– This is not a rare bird, but it is certainly one of the more challenging birds to spot in Malaysia.
– As the tour was coming to an end and we prepared to head back to town, we made a few stops for this bird. Shortly after, we were rewarded with an excellent view of a female.
– This small bird, commonly heard at Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands, Sumatra’s Kerinci, and Genting Highlands, is often challenging to spot or photograph despite its frequent calls. However, at specific feeding spots, it tends to become tame and reliably appears when humans approach, displaying behavior similar to the Pygmy Cupwing. Notably, it often moves with its wings raised, making its behavior quite distinctive.
– With the new Canon R1’s Continuous Pre-recording feature, every time the bird perches, I half-press the shutter to keep it in focus. As soon as the bird moves or raises its wings, I fully press the shutter, capturing everything that occurred 0.5 seconds prior. This ensures I never miss the perfect moment.
37. Malayan Whistling-Thrush, 马来啸鸫, 馬來嘯鶇, Myophonus robinsoni, マラヤルリチョウ, TIUNG-BELACAN GUNUNG
update 202507
On day one, this bird was right on the railing—such an exciting moment (at least for me, and I hope for my guests too). It might not be the most eye-catching bird for everyone, but I still tried hard to get a good shot since it was such a great opportunity. Even though I’ve had two close, daytime encounters with it this year and got decent photos, I’m still thrilled every time I see this Peninsular Malaysia endemic.
What a surprise to encounter this bird twice during our stay at Fraser’s Hill! Despite the short trip and bad weather, we saw it once in extremely low light and again at midday, offering a much better view.
What a fantastic day at Fraser’s Hill—surrounded by stunning views and so many amazing birds! I missed capturing a few, but this tiny, colorful one couldn’t escape my lens.
It was so exciting to hear this just as we were leaving Fraser’s Hill. In our group, three of us are seriously working on seeing bird families around the world, and although we had three sightings during the tour, this one gave us the best view—perhaps even better than the one at Sungai Relau. Plus, I managed to get a photo of this one. Such a lovely bird!
40. Bay Woodpecker, 黄嘴栗啄木鸟, 黃嘴栗啄木鳥,Blythipicus pyrrhotis, ヤブゲラ,BELATUK-PUNGGUR BELANG
update 202602
Day 2 of our tour was a major success, with most of our target goals achieved. A highlight was when a typically shy and hyperactive woodpecker approached us almost immediately, right as we spotted our Malayan Laughingthrush. It stayed low and close by for quite a while. Fast forward to Day 3, and the luck continues—another bird just perched right in front of us at eye level, only about 5 meters away.
What a lucky day! We started with a Sunda Cuckoo, then enjoyed a close-up view of the stunning Red-headed Trogon, and were soon treated to this surprisingly “tame” and active woodpecker. Everyone had fantastic views and managed great shots!
41. Black Laughingthrush, 黑噪鹛, 黑噪鶥, Garrulax lugubris, クロガビチョウ, KEKICAU-RAYA HITAM BIASA
update 202506
Like in my other sharings, I always enjoy showing what birding looks like today. There’s no absolute right or wrong way—whether it’s through feeding or simply walking, listening, and observing, the joy of birding is what matters. In this final sharing session, we came across this active and noisy bird—quite uncommon, especially to photograph!
It was a slow afternoon—so hot even at 5pm that bird activity was low. But this bird quietly approached and surprised us by showing up just 20–30 feet away! Sadly, it wasn’t in the best position for a good photo.
It’s a very common but still incredibly beautiful bird of Malaysia. However, because of its small size, it’s always a challenge to get a really good photo of it.
这是马来西亚非常常见但又很漂亮的一种鸟。不过因为体型小，总是很难拍到理想的照片。
202507, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
44. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, 红胸啄花鸟, 红胸啄花鸟, Dicaeum ignipectu, ハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI GUNUNG BIASA
update 202509
One of the most common birds at Fraser’s Hill, often seen feeding around flowers. Like other flowerpeckers, it’s small and constantly on the move—making it a fun but challenging subject to photograph.
a 3d2n bird special bird photography tour just target for 2 new bird family recent split – Pygmy Cupwing & Crested Shrikejay. As John & Linda working on collecting bird for each family of the world .
*** all bird list with pictures taken
Day1 – drive ~1.5 hour from KL to Fraser Hill . Foggy and very quick we just wait ~2 minute and got the bird and <10 minutes we are ready to leave …
Day3- we repeat the Shrikejay searching in the morning for better picture quality . and immediate we arrive our site. less than 10 min, we got the bird for ~a hour and with better lighting .
after the Shrikejay left , we spend little bit time in the forest and we got
we had a pair a trogon before lunch time, and we decide leave earlier and if we arrive KL on time we will visit nearby site for Pitta. Whos dont love PITTA 😀
after 4 hour drive, we arrive KL site .Without much wait we got both Hooded Pitta & Blue-winged Pitta
We had USA guests spend 9 days in Borneo from KNP, RDC, Sukau to Danum Valley … good trip, we managed to records ~250 birds and some highlights
1. Giant Pitta for few rounds
2. Bornean bristlehead
3. all Borneo Hornbills
4. Whitehead broadbills
5. Whitehead Spiderhunter
6. Large Frogmouth
7. Black Headed Pitta
8. Bornean Wren-Babbler
9. Bornean Banded Kingfisher
10. Black-throat Wren-Babbler
etc
we have tired walking and river cruise day and light …. lets start sharing some pictures that I managed to capture . (will be slowly update here due to tired to run through all the pictures )
– when I first found it .. it fly like a raptor !!!! and we found 3 birds keep surrounding us and guests say .. ohhhh may I have other pitta rather than this ? 😀
a beautiful bird that real shy and not get close to humans….
update 202602
We just arrived at the viewing tower and the bird calls are everywhere! We heard three of them right next to us at the canopy level. We were hoping for a glimpse, and soon enough, both the male and female flew right up to eye level. They stayed close enough for us to get some great pictures.
202602, Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202509
Sometimes, birding isn’t just about rare birds or perfect photos. A few of us just went out to enjoy the fresh air and see what birds might show up. The whole morning was quiet, but this bird turned out to be the highlight for us.
It didn’t give the best pose, but we still enjoyed a peaceful morning and a delicious lunch!
It was a slow afternoon—so hot even at 5pm that bird activity was low. But this bird quietly approached and surprised us by showing up just 20–30 feet away! Sadly, it wasn’t in the best position for a good photo.
– my first trip to Taman Negara 2024, birding is not fun with quite a lot of rain. But reward with many star birds included Rail-Babbler, Crested Fireback, Garnet Pitta and this lovely forest Kingfisher and etc
– always happy to see this beautiful forest kingfisher low… the female especially so adorable
– 每次看到这森林的翠鸟都非常兴奋。尤其是母鸟特别，优雅。
202307, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
update 202307
– this beautiful girl standing there for long and low. male also nearby but ours’ target yet to been found so skip it but still have some chance to click few photo of the good model
– 这美女，站那很久也很低·。可是一大早，目标鸟还没找到。所以只能按几次就继续找鸟。
202307, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
update 202204
– this bird never failed us coming to show us front/side view
– 这鸟几乎每天都在这让我们拍。
202204, Selangor, Malaysia
####
– this canopy bird come down low today before I heading home, and making call
– 通常都站很高的鸟。在我离开前，尽然站很低还叫了几声
update 202203
– another small forest been destroy and sad this bird has to stay in orchard instead soon
– 可怜的鸟，栖居的小森林被砍完乐。
202203, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
update 202110
– another Kuala Lumpur star bird, thanks for those found it but with the current status and situation. very sad ….
– 吉隆坡的另一只明星鸟。可是，这个“状况”非常令人担忧。可是，没办法。一样的事每年都一样的重复。
update 2020 Oct
update 2018 Oct 9
update 2015 Jun 29
– another female close captured … a real beautiful bird that never get bore to see it again
3. Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher, 棕背三趾翠鸟, 棕背三趾翠鳥, Ceyx rufidorsa, セアカミツユビカワセミ, RAJAUDANG-API BIASA
– a forest kingfisher but still prefer near the waterfall, stream … tiny
– depend on checklist, it different from the Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher
update 202407
– a very special and lovely bird from lowland forest. with the shy “red”. Lucky bird before we leaving BRL, Danum Valley
– 非常漂亮的翠鸟，在我们离开丹浓谷前。竟然看到这鸟。
202407, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202401
– another good start, after lovely Bornean Bristlehead follow by this cute and beautiful Kingfisher stay calm and long.
– 非常好的2024开始，我们先看/拍到婆罗洲棘头鵙。出来时就看到拍到这么快的“小红”
202402, Sandakan, Sabah
#####
update 202211
– a very beautiful and tiny bird. but it just stay a distance from us.
– 非常漂亮，小的小鸟。可是总是站很远。
202211, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202210
– this beautiful bird use to be very common, tame and easier to see and photography at RDC, Sandakan, Sabah. But not sure what’s happen this bird just become too mystery, shy for years. Now sudden it seem quite tame and easy again.
– a lovely and beautiful forest kingfisher of Malaysia
– I am using R7 with CANON RF 100-500mm which also 160-800mm (35mm equivalent) and I tested all with 500mm (800mm 35mm equivalent). without any tripod, monopod just handheld with various shutter speed and 10-50 shots (average)
– tiny bird that shies with humans, active in catch fishes …
– active near stream looking for fish, prawn …
– mainly blue and underpart yellow
update 202308
– so far think Kinabatangan river is a best place for this bird, we never missed it even for picture. lovely blue and very common at river bank but the vibrant blue always attract any one
– 京河应该是最容易拍到这鸟的地方。几乎没错失过。虽然普通可是它的蓝几乎都会让每个人停下来看看它
202308, Kinabatangan river, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202105
– getting lazy, ~2km walk with another 2 kingfishers (this and Banded) – this is a male bird that thinks looking for its mate… making call nonstop
– 懒散的一个早上。可是幸运遇上2种小翠鸟。 – 公鸟，叫不停。应该找不到女朋友。
202105, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
#
– getting lazy, ~2km walk with another 2 kingfishers (this and Banded) – this is a male bird that thinks looking for its mate… making call nonstop
5. Blue-banded Kingfisher, 蓝带翠鸟, 藍帶翠鳥, Alcedo euryzona,アオムネカワセミ,RAJAUDANG BUKIT MELAYU
– small and shy river kingfisher
– normally prefer clean stream, river or pond
update 202302
– 2022, a pair of shy kingfishers appear in a feeding spot and it make some happening season. after the “season” bird begin to less active and no show after than
– it is not frequent I see the female and decide to share this picture. when I told this picture, just got new CANON R7. even at lowlight ISO6400 situation. the picture still acceptable.
– a very shy kingfisher, which normally prefers a clean, small river/pond. – male with blue-banded on the chest and female orange chest-bellied
– 算時馬來西亞最害羞的翠鳥。通常出現較乾淨小溪/湖。
#
– normally very shy and found near a clean stream, river. – a male bird’s sight for continuous few days but missing yesterday. – a day tour main target, didn’t see the male but saw the 2xfemale in a morning.
– a rare and shy bird – main target of the tour, we hit it early in the morning and got another good view of females also later. – female is distinct from male, the front, whole orange.
– 非常稀有有害羞的鳥。 – 封城前的團主要目標。早上8點就把她拿下。 – 母鳥，橙腹胸。
202105, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
update 2020 June 3
2nd last tour before Malaysia lock down .. this bird stay so long and near for first time
Blue-banded Kingfisher, 藍帶翠鳥, Alcedo euryzona, アオムネカワセミ,RAJAUDANG BUKIT MELAYU
6. Stork-billed Kingfisher, 鹳嘴翡翠, 鸛嘴翡翠, Pelargopsis capensis, コウハシショウビン, PEKAKA-EMAS BIASA
– a big kingfisher which found low dense forest, mangrove etc
update 202410
– a big yellow and “big beak” Kingfisher, it does look slight different from Peninsular Malaysia/Thailand/India
– 3 years ago, I am testing R3 at Kuala Selangor with this bird flying and managed to have good result. Now, finally the high megapixel R5markii finally also come with good focusing system. The bird dive into pond without any notice and without any fish it flying back to nearby perch. I didnt prepare for any dive shots but managed to get the bird focus almost immediate I point my camera to the bird.
– finally managed to have some open space for me to trying out more AF test on BIF. many swifts, raptors and etc flying around but it is at various direction and can be any where. You won’t know where the bird come from but just what flying in your’s view than use the Camera capability to focus and track the bird in various Background (river, sky and forest-green)
– this bird flying from forest crossing the river toward me … very soon I point the setup toward the bird. Focus LOCK and track in very fast response. I will review all the files soon to see how many is tacked and how many lost later (I am not a DPP user it really slow even I want try to crop the picture … need more time to use to the DPP for short while)
this is Sabah which look slight different on forehead
Stork-billed Kingfisher ,鸛嘴翡翠
7. Common Kingfisher, 普通翠鸟, 普通翠鳥, Alcedo atthis, カワセミ, RAJAUDANG CICIT
– small size, winter visitor
– found near small river, paddy field with water, water pond etc
– shy to human
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!
update 202403 – this bird seem pretty common at Kinabatangan River .. not less than 20 birds over 2.5 days there – 今年没什么候鸟，可是这一种却还好。2.5天看到不下20只吧
202403, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 20221012
– a common winter visitor, which normally very shy to human when arrive
– 非常普通的候鸟。可是非常害羞。
202209, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
update 20220924
– when on tour, we seldom having a lot of time for single bird. But lucky to see this bird suddenly dive in and with the simple setup CANON R7 and RF100500 managed to got few pictures.
– a common kingfisher here (Malaysia) … easily found near mangroves, beaches … some location, it is easy to get close …
– medium size, blue and white
– juvi sometimes confuse with Sacred Kingfisher
update 20230323
– a date to be remember, a beautiful lights with 2 noisy kingfisher start our’s day and received a bad new…. my best buddy leave me 🙁 he will be forever with me …
– this Kingfisher just like someone, like eat crab so much
– 这翠鸟，有如某人非常喜欢螃蟹。
202211, Jeram, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202201
– always got free crab to eat
– 终于有螃蟹吃咯
202201, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202104
– drop by here to looking for any bird in flight again before heading for meeting friend for main target birding
– this bird finally got a crab for breakfast, got this manual focus before it lands on a perch
– 去目的地之前，到这看看有什么鸟飞版拍拍。尽然看到这翡翠一早捉了一只螃蟹。手动对焦拍下这一幕。
202104, Selangor, Malaysia
update 2020 Nov
202011, Sg Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
#######
Collared Kingfisher 白領翡翠 humii Group
9. Rufous-collared Kingfisher, 栗领翡翠, 栗領翡翠, Actenoides concretus, アオヒゲショウビン, PEKAKA-RIMBA MELAYU
– medium size jungle kingfisher, male and female look different
update 202407
– a bird that use to quite easy at Sabah but getting tough to have good view .. may be I am losing luck to see ti good at Sabah. But a lucky group of people see it close and good with front, side and back view.
– a forest Kingfisher that normally stay not that high from ground.
– 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…
– 是不是越少打扰，鸟会一直活跃在一个地方永久或很久？
202308, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
update 202307
– a very good birder from Canada (born Malaysia), “enjoy the moment”
– not a very rare bird, but it is a last request from guest. It calling deep in the jungle. light got dark and we decided to walk in to find it .. lukcy not that long found it and it allow us approach ~12 feet from it
– a very quiet in the forest, this bird stand low and quiet at the edge of forest.
– 非常安静的一个下午。这鸟一样的静静的站在森林边缘。
202210, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202208
– few months ago, everyone seem concentrate on Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher and now everyone seem waiting for Blue-banded Kingfisher instead. same this bird no one really care … a beautiful bird .. one of my favorite
– 几个月前，每个人都拍小红（棕背三趾翠鸟）。现在，每个人在意小蓝(蓝带翠鸟).一样没人理会这鸟。
202208, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202205
– everyone seem attract by the “red” one .. no one care about me .. lovely male forest kingfisher
– 几乎全部人去拍小红了。没人理会这林翡翠
202205, Ulu Langat, Selangor
update 202105
– one of the 3 forest kingfishers of Malaysia. This considers medium size Kingfisher, male with overall blue on the wing and female greenish with yellow dots.
– not really common to meet female at this spot over the years. But lucky to have it calling in the morning lets us found it and photograph it.
– 馬來西亞3種森林翠鳥的其中一種。母鳥較少見到。通常在潮濕暗的林子裡活動。
202105, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
#
– one of the lovely forest kingfishers of Malaysia. she made a call low and only available at the small open window
– 马来西亚另一种森林翠鸟。很漂亮的母鸟。在低，暗的一直叫。
#
update 2020 May 12
Rufous-collared Kingfisher,栗領翡翠, Actenoides concretus,アオヒゲショウビン, PEKAKA-RIMBA MELAYU
– a very shy bird … it is difficult to approach to take photo or video
– winter visitor prefer to be at mangrove area or river
update 202412
A quick morning birding session before my trip to Indonesia turned out to be unexpectedly rewarding. Despite a long search for the target bird, which didn’t show up, another bird appeared instead, standing incredibly close to us. To our surprise, it even struck a few poses before flying away. It lingered nearby for quite some time, leaving us with an unforgettable experience.
– 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
– depend on the checklist this split from Banded Kingfisher (if split it is Borneo endemic)
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 202402
– while we waiting for ours target, a pair of this special Borneo endemic came really low while the target also came close to us… make everyone of us so busy to look for 3 of them 。。 this such a beautiful girl
– 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
– 不一样的鸟单, 有些新的把这鸟分为婆罗洲特有种。
– 只有公鸟脸是黑的。母鸟一样，叫声，都一样。
201808, RDC, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202105
– one of the most beautiful forest kingfishers of Malaysia. Some split this from Banded Kingfisher which has the same behavior and call. except the male have black-face
– 馬來西亞最漂亮的森林翠鳥之一。與馬來西亞西馬的橫斑翠鳥相同。除了，公鳥帶有黑臉。
201805, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2019 Dec 13
one of the big print for Panasonic G9 ..
update 2018 Aug 18
finally little bit free time to update what I got last few months
lucky to see 2 stand together again .. may be the angle how come the female bigger than male so much !!!
update 2018 Aug 20
it is amazing how this kingfisher calling without move it head
– another very common kingfisher which found urban, edge of forest
update 202602
Today is Chinese New Year’s Eve, and there is a beautiful tradition we follow: “Nian Nian You Yu.” In Chinese, the word for “surplus” (余) sounds exactly like “fish” (鱼), so we always look for fish to symbolize having extra savings and abundance for the year ahead.
I spent the day with friends at a famous local spot known for eagle and kingfisher feeding. It wasn’t long before this kingfisher spotted its target and dove straight for the water. What a perfect sight to start the new year! Wishing everyone a prosperous and abundant year ahead.
202602, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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update 202211
– common kingfisher of Malaysia, but it is still a such beautiful bird to seen and photograph
– 马来西亚非常普通的翠鸟。可是，看或拍起来非常漂亮。
202211, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
update 202110
– another long distance tour after the long lockdown. But the target bird seem missing and we driving around to take opportunity to test the CANON EOS R3 capability.
– this common kingfisher widely spread across Peninsular Malaysia and pretty common to found them at Paddy field
– 封城后，第2次远行（700+公里）。可是，目标鸟没看到。当然，在这么好的稻田。我尽量运用手上的“新”佳能 EOS R3。 测试对焦的本领，拍飞行鸟照。
– this is a special bird for Sulawesi as it is only for South-Sulawesi (we got this from Makassar). the rest of the area having “Blue-headed” instead of Black-headed
update 202310
– a special target at South Sulawesi, it is not as easy as the Tangkoko version of Green-backed. Look different on head , darker
– an old picture captured 2014, clearing my hdd and I think worth to process one more to plan more trip to Indonesia. with beautiful light think very beautiful bird
20. 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
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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.
– 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!
– a small kingfisher just like other Dwarf-Kingfisher but overall blue
– 非常小的翠鸟。
update 202310
– a small kingfisher seem like to stay together with the North Moluccan Pitta, always calling while we waiting for the Pitta
– 这翠鸟，总喜欢与八色鸫一起生活。在等八色鸫时总听到它叫。
202304, Ternate, Indonesia
23. Small Blue Kingfisher, 小蓝翠鸟, 小藍翠鳥, Alcedo coerulescens, ヒメアオカワセミ, Rajaudang Biru
a very common small blue-white small Kingfisher at Bali-Java, can be seen almost any where near stream, pond …but quite shy as usual
这小翠鸟在巴厘岛几乎蛮普通，可是还是不容易拍。很害羞。
update 202402
– this is a very good example of need more fps .. so not always correct we do not need .. I normally shoot ~15fps in most of the camera by default … when this bird sudden dive in I am too late to change the fps .. and most of the frame without very good “eye contact” or I would say too less frame within the dive action (~7frames)
– small and noisy Kingfisher pretty common at East Sumba Island almost heard any where .. and saw few locations . region endemic here
– 小，漂亮的翠鸟。这区域的特有种。
update 202512
It’s not a lifer for most of us, as we’ve already seen it on Sumba Island. But this time in Lombok, we were just taking it easy when the ranger mentioned the bird was nearby.
We thought, “Why not?”—and that led to the toughest hike of the trip! Thankfully, it paid off with a wonderful view of this beautiful Kingfisher.
– ours 2nd target of the day after the beautiful Pitta. very soon we stop we heard and spot the bird and the bird around for almost whole day while we looking for other bird. It still around calling and appeal
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!
One of the most common birds around, but this time it kept its distance and wasn’t too friendly. Still, we managed to get plenty of nice flight shots. Such a beautiful bird, especially when its wings are fully open!
Excited to revisit this amazing birding spot soon! During our last trip, we spent quite a bit of time searching for this unique “hook-billed” bird—but the effort was totally worth it. Can’t wait to try again in West Papua!
28. Beach Kingfisher, 白头翡翠, 海灘翡翠, Todiramphus saurophagus, シロガシラショウビン, Cekakak Pantai
update 202509
This kingfisher is quite common from Maluku to Papua Island—not a rare bird, but like many kingfishers, it can be shy when approached. Also, it’s not the easiest to photograph, especially with its bright head that’s easy to overexpose.
After our noon break, we explored along the river and were lucky to spot one perched nearby. Even better, it came back again for another look!
This forest Kingfisher is probably one of the shyest I’ve ever encountered.
I tried photographing it during my last trip here but failed after several attempts. This time, we finally had a clear and prolonged view. Still, the bird remained very shy, making it challenging for everyone to get good shots.
A bit of a shame that some angles didn’t give a clear view, but still a rewarding sighting!
A medium-sized kingfisher with a distinctive chestnut belly, sapphire blue tail and flight feathers, ashy-gray head and breast, and vermillion bill. Pairs inhabit dry and moist woodland, especially riverine woodland; has been known to breed in riverbanks. It has complex movements and is a migrant in the southern part of its range. Calls a strident trilling “t-t-t-t-t-t-t”, although this can be weaker and less obtrusive than other kingfishers; also calls a repeated, squeaky “tsury, tsury”. [Ebird]
This is another colorful bird we spotted during our South Africa bird photography trip. We had many great sightings, but this was one of the closest and most perfectly angled shots we captured.
We first saw and photographed this kingfisher at Lake Baringo, but it was either too far or perched on the resort roof—not ideal. Of course, everyone wants a great shot of a kingfisher!
Today, we rushed to Lake Naivasha hoping for a better chance, but under the hot sun, it was still either too far or too high.
Luckily, we spotted some nice birds at the car park before heading for a late lunch. After lunch, I suggested a casual walk by the lake—and to our surprise, the kingfisher was feeding right near where we stayed.
It kept diving for fish—around 10–15 dives, but only caught fish 3 times (maybe not the best fisherman!). Bingo !!! He got the fish !
We first saw and photographed this kingfisher at Lake Baringo, but it was either too far or perched on the resort roof—not ideal. Of course, everyone wants a great shot of a kingfisher!
Today, we rushed to Lake Naivasha hoping for a better chance, but under the hot sun, it was still either too far or too high.
Luckily, we spotted some nice birds at the car park before heading for a late lunch. After lunch, I suggested a casual walk by the lake—and to our surprise, the kingfisher was feeding right near where we stayed.
It kept diving for fish—around 10–15 dives, but only caught fish 3 times (maybe not the best fisherman!). Still, we got some lovely close shots to enjoy.
We spent our last morning at the same spot and decided to just have some fun with this lovely kingfisher — lots of laughter and great moments. The whole morning was covered in mist, so quite a bit of post-processing was needed to reduce the noise and haze. The bird dived around five times without any success, but this rather unskilled fisherman still gave us plenty of action and a fun session capturing BIF shots.
A short birding trip to northern Thailand turned into a pleasant surprise. After securing our two main targets, we decided to keep birding and see what else we could find. We knew a Crested Kingfisher was around, but the local ranger and guide kept telling us this species is usually only active in the morning.
Still, we decided to try our luck and reached the site at noon. After a few minutes of chatting by the river, a large bird suddenly flew in and perched right in front of us. We all shouted, “Kingfisher!”
The beautiful Crested Kingfisher perched not far away and even fed on a fish, putting on a fantastic show and giving us a great chance for photos. Sadly, I missed the actual fish-catching moment—I couldn’t decide which direction to wait, and just as I was moving, it dived!
