Malkohas are large birds in the cuckoo family Cuculidae, all in the genusPhaenicophaeus. The group name is derived from the Sinhala word for the Red-faced Malkoha; Mal-Koha meaning flower-cuckoo. These are all Asian tropical species. The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greekphoiniko- “crimson”, and phaes “eyes” or “face”,[1] referring to the Red-faced Malkoha. However, the ‘œ’ was mistranscribed as ‘æ’
a lovely bird that bird in size and normally with beautiful colors …………… and its loves to hide behind all the leaf .. make it not easy to get expose the shot
1. Raffles’s Malkoha, 棕胸地鹃, 棕胸地鵑, Rhinortha chlorophaea, クリイロバンケンモドキ, CENUK KERAK
2. Red-billed Malkoha, 红嘴地鹃, 紅嘴地鵑, Zanclostomus javanicus, アカハシバンケンモドキ, CENUK API
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.
– another common lowland Malkoha with an obvious chestnut breast
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update 202406
– after ours’ morning mega Pheasant and we waiting at fruiting tree for some good bird .. (we got Black-and-White Bulbul and Chestnut-capped Thrush) this bird came nearby to feed on caterpillar
a not so common Sri Lanka endemic, we only saw or heard it at Sinharaja … and it is moving along with bird wave. Same other Malkoha moving fast along the bushes
– a tough walk (it follow by very heavy rain after we saw this bird at only split second) .. wet, leeches …. and may be time planning for the location
even just split second, the CANON R3 just as I always say “focus monster” i point my lens toward the bird, it lock focus the bird and eye than got this.. no secret.. just the camera found it and take it…
A fairly common coucal found in South Africa, which I’ve seen and photographed multiple times in various locations. However, this was a closer encounter, and I managed to capture a full series of flight shots. The distinctive tail band markings are clearly visible, making it easy to differentiate this species from others.
201. Yellow-billed Malkoha, 苏拉黄嘴地鹃, 蘇拉黃嘴地鵑, Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus, セレベスバンケンモドキ, Kadalan Sulawesi
A large, thick-billed malkoha, endemic to Sulawesi, where the only Malkoha. Rufous top half and dark bottom half give it the appearance of having been dipped in black paint, which together with long tail and thick red and yellow bill give it an unmistakeable appearance. Found in wooded habitats from the lowlands to the mountains. Follows macaques catching flushed insects. Call, a very distinctive series of sharp, grating notes, that rise, then fall, whilst accelerating and fading at the end. [Ebird]
Day 5 of our Costa Rica birding expedition and we have already photographed 151 species. We have encountered so many incredible birds, including this remarkable, secretive Lesser Ground-Cuckoo. Its behavior reminds me of the other two species I have photographed; it calls and then moves like a ghost—approaching silently, but jumping into the trees to call again once it is alert. What an amazing day and a stunning bird. I am so grateful to our local guide for their expertise and for giving us a second chance to track down this bird.
– another Red-Brown bird but blue bill and orbital ring
– male with red front underpart, female mostly brown-yellow
update 202506
Another commonly seen trogon at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah—though often confused with the equally common Diard’s Trogon. We were lucky that day, as this one stayed around long enough for us to enjoy and capture plenty of photos.
– same bird since last month stay same area. It stay so long for us .. not best angle but still can see how beautiful is the Trogon. a Lovely male, follow by Diard’s trogon stand just ~20m away … lucky day for Trogon ..
– a bird that quite easy at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah. the male with almost all red with blue eye-ring.
– we saw few times of this and guests just like it so much and almost non stop pressing shutter each time meeting this beauty.
– 在沙巴RDC， 这鸟还是很普通的。几乎，只要有耐心都可以拍到。
– 公鸟几乎全红+蓝颜圈。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202403
– this bird getting less sighting compare to years back but at Sepilok.. it is still a common seen bird .. it always together with Diard’s trogon.
– 这几年来，这鸟几乎越来越难见到。除了在西必洛, 沙巴 还是蛮容易的。
202403, Sepilok, Sabah
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update 202302
– the lowland forest still very quiet, this bird is the only bird call that making many call in the forest. it is not difficult to spot a red over green forest.
– 森林在这个月还是很静。这鸟是森林叫蛮多的其中一种鸟。在绿绿的森林里，找到红不难。
202202, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
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– another lovely trogon, the male overall black-blue-red
– we got this bird while we spend our’s waiting time for Bornean Bristlehead. Bird calling soft, we slowly moving around to get a clear view of this.
– 非常漂亮的咬鹃。雄鸟带红-黑-蓝。
– 拍到这鸟，非常意外。在等棘头鵙时，这鸟突然觉的小小声。我们慢慢的找个空洞可以看全或拍到的地方。
20221021, RDC, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202203
– both male and female keep calling in the forest and manage to found the male which stand bit high up but the female just ~10m away from us
– 公母一直在叫。找到公鸟后，母鸟竟然就站我们面前。
202203, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia202203, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
– in the center of Peninsular Malaysia mostly found sub-montane
– Northern Peninsular Malaysia, mostly found near lowland
– male with brighter Orange-Green-Brown, female with duller
update 202407
– this location use to be one of the easiest place to see this bird, for last few years seem getting slight challenge. Lucky Dev have this real close and long for us
– 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
– 在福隆港的上下山路中另一只可以见到的咬鹃。虽然不很普通，可是在西马中部这还是较有机会的。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202306
– missed this common species that found at Pen Malaysia (both Bukit Tinggi and Fraser Hill) but managed to have it at Sarawak and everyone have a very good view
3. Scarlet-rumped Trogon, 红腰咬鹃, 紅腰咬鵑, Harpactes duvaucelii, コシアカキヌバネドリ, KESUMBA KECIL PINGGUL MERAH
– small size, common at lowland forest
– Red-Black-Brown back with red rumped for the male, female lack of RED with pink instead
– sometime confuse with Cinnamon-rumped Trogon but different by call, “rumped” color, behaviour, and female obvious face different
update 202412
This marks my final bird of the 2024 tours after a hectic year. Before another busy year kicks off on January 1, I’ll take a few days to rest. Capturing birds in flight within a forest is no easy feat, especially with a lens that has such a small aperture. However, the CANON R1 made it surprisingly manageable, even though the image quality is somewhat compromised at ISO 51200. Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed watching how the camera’s autofocus tracked the bird in the forest.
– arrived this KK nearby location for a target bird, but all local birders tell us.. that bird only here afternoon !!! so we walk nearby for some birding.. this bird make soft call and not very long it come to us with beautiful pose.
– it was a quiet afternoon, on the boat we have nothing much except this bird come say help and eating in-front of us . One of most common trogon of Lowland
– 非常安静的下午，只有这鸟出来看看我们。马来西亚蛮普通的咬鹃。
202307, Sukau, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202302
– raining morning this bird seem enjoy the first light and stay quiet for us.
– 一大早下雨，森林总是暗暗。这鸟很享受的静静的享受第一道光。
202302, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
update 202203
– very lucky morning after got the Red-naped Trogon. This bird coming to join us and allow us take some good photo.
– 非常幸运，拍到红枕咬鹃后。这鸟也飞来让我们拍。
202203, Negeri Sembilan
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update 202101
- captured this 201805 at Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
lucky to have this low, near, and stay long
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update 2013 Jul 9
Scarlet-rumped Trogon , 紅腰咬鵑 (female)
Scarlet-rumped Trogon , 紅腰咬鵑 (male)
update 2013 Jul2
Scarlet-rumped Trogon 紅腰咬鵑 (male)… the body so shine …
update 2013 May 3
Scarlet-rumped Trogon , 紅腰咬鵑 (male)
Scarlet-rumped Trogon , 紅腰咬鵑 (female)
4. Cinnamon-rumped Trogon, 橙腰咬鹃, 橙腰咬鵑, Harpactes orrhophaeus, ズグロキヌバネドリ, KESUMBA KECIL PINGGUL PERANG
– very rare and shy bird
– look confuse with Scarlet-rumped sometime but with rumped color, call different, female, behavior and belly color different
update 202412
I still remember that quiet, hot afternoon. Despite spotting this bird, the guests showed little excitement due to the humidity. Everyone had a good view, and I took the opportunity to move to the back for a great photo session with this rare trogon.
– a hot afternoon, we spent our hot day mostly with few different Woodpeckers .. before we want to go for some relax waiting birding.. I saw a “red dot” near ground ..I first thought is Garnet Pitta .. but after use my bino .. it is a Trogon and first impression it is Cinnamon-rumped and shout “come come come”… most of us still want to better confirmation and wait .. after few locate of it flight finally it show us the back view .. follow by call …. and everyone with big smile …
– 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 ..
– 2023 几乎忙完了。剩下的都是目标鸟团。下团，久主要这鸟。有点压力，几天就这鸟。
202307, Johor, Malaysia
update 202308
– another good spot for this bird for last week tour. Seem very active recently.. good time to see it again but I am busy
– 另一个地点见到它。好像那都很活跃。可是我很忙没时间拍更好的照片。
202307, Johor, Malaysia
update 202307
– very lucky morning, we decided to have a walk after got the main target of the “Rail-Babbler tour”. I heard a weird call, and saw something orange fly low, first bird I guess is Cinnamon-Rumped Trogon. But the call the bird consistent make is different from the ordinary call. But a bird just fly infront of us ~10feet away. Bingo.. it is the star bird. This bird very tame compare to other , stay calm, close and allow us move and get close to have some good photos.
– male with black on head , chest, female with brown
update 202506
It’s nearly impossible to miss this bird at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah—it’s usually very common. On our last trip, it was a bit shy, but this time it was back to its usual self, coming really close. This shot was taken at around 400mm on a full-frame camera. From up close, it’s easy to see why its Chinese name translates to “Purple Crown.”
– another humid and hot afternoon, we missed all the trogon in the morning. But lucky to have this even so hot so close and stay for scope view.
– it is not as common as in Borneo lowland forest but it is quite easy to find one in Peninsular Malaysia lowland forest
– 早上一只咬鹃也没看到，中午这么热还以为吃白果。可是还好，没很久就看到这一只站很久+底。
202405, Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202404
– a “purple” head trogon than wont be missed, and pretty common bird to be seen at Sepilok, Sandakan.
– 有如其名，紫顶。在山打根RDC蛮普通的。
202403, Sepilok, Sabah
#####
update 202310
– always a beautiful bird to be seen, lovely and big bird.
– this is a picture captured with CANON RF100500 with 1.4x TC which gave us very good image quality with 140mm – 700mm with 700mm at F10. I use it quite often .. for birding, it is always need longer focal length. with the new CANON RF200-800 even it is F9 at the longer side. But with the new camera better ISO performance and new denoise software. the light weight 800mm definite one of the best option for birding … I am waiting …. lets see when I have it on hand
now, the 800mm at F9, longer focal length with “smaller” aperture and overall smaller size, lighter… so what’s the reason to complaint ?
– a hot afternoon with my Japan guest, my suggestion sitting near the shade and hope for something. when we enjoy ours coffee and heard this bird calling than follow by some good photos.
– beside Gray-and-buff Woodpecker, this Trogon also enjoy shade with us
– male, with the redhead, white neck-breast red underpart. female with mostly brown-yellow
update 202505
Everyone seems to be having a hard time spotting this common bird at KNP lately. But we were lucky enough to see it twice in a single day. The excitement among birders over this bird still strong
It’s a fantastic morning! We started with Whitehead’s Trogon, a Spiderhunter, and a Squirrel, along with many other endemics. The Trogon gave us a great view, bringing smiles to our faces.
– after failed to get main target of the trip, spent few hours in KNP and seem few groups looking for this Trogon. We just casual looking for anything.. all of sudden a Juvi fly and perch in-front of me and calling all the people I know and everyone smile .. few moment the juvi seem still stand close to either adult male or female ..this is one good moment where papa with daughter .. remind me and JieXi
– new workflow with new DXO pure Raw, seem faster than my previous workflow but the picture seem look flat …
– it is beautiful, and really sometime because too many sight or view make many think this is not as beautiful as other. But see by yourself, it is sure a beauty from Borneo
– we already got this Trogon in the morning with satisfy picture. But Amy asked, can we see the Trogon again … and I just replied it can be any where while we driving … she shout “Trogon” .. haha better view
– 3rd bird of first day here, after Everett’s Thrush & Mountain wren-babbler. What a day…
– 来到神山第一天第3只鸟，比埃氏地鸫, 山鹪鹛晚了一点。非常兴奋的一天。
202402, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202309
– it is raining, the rain drop hit on the trogon head .. why so much rain 2022-2023
– 见到这鸟时真在下雨。雨真好下到他头上。2022-2023 真的和多雨
202309, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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– one of the very few target for this small group, very soon in the morning we have very good view and some rain. After rain stop we have even better picture opportunity
– we always keep looking for the male, because it is bright red more beautiful and easier to spot .. the female is lovely too ..
– 通常我们都会找雄鸟，因为漂亮与容易找。其实母鸟也很美
202308, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202305
– 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.
– a wet morning with some rain after 10am. Lucky moment, immediate got down from car we got ours’ Bornean Green-Magpie less than 20m from car park. Follow by less than 500m for this lovely Trogon. Always love to see one
– another “experience” to get this bird. think my 2nd time to walk so much to see the bird.
– as usual it is wonderful and beautiful bird to see
– 应该第二次走20+公里（1天）找它。*（当然不是单单找一只）。可是看到它的美。是值得的。
202210, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202209
– a female bird that sit close and low for us instead the male little bit high but overall still a good look for the amazing bird
– 这次，母鸟很乖。公鸟站的有点高。可是还是把这漂亮的鸟拿下。
202209, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202105
– a female of this special Borneo endemic. Which overall brown-white
– normally perch low and quiet
– 婆羅洲特有種。母鳥。棕-白色。通常靜靜的站離地很近。
201804, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202105
– another old picture, before I delete off the folders.
– one of the most interesting Borneo endemic
– 婆羅洲很漂亮的特有種。
– 很少會有人不喜歡他。
201410, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202001
#
update 2020 May2
Whitehead’s trogon,灰胸咬鵑,Harpactes whiteheadi, ノドグロキヌバネドリ, KESUMBA GUNUNG BORNEO
update 2018 June 3
– just another capture of this beautiful bird
update 2017 Sept 16
update 2016 Oct 8
(female)
(male)
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Whitehead’s trogon 灰胸咬鹃
7. 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
– very common at sub-montane-montane
– almost same call like Red-naped Trogon
– male with RED-head, all front part , female with brown-head and red-front-under part
update 202603
It might not have been our main goal for the trip, but who could possibly say no to such a beauty? While we were trekking in search of other species, this bird’s soft calls led us right to it, granting us an incredible view.
– 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
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– it is a pretty bird, the male overall red look ao 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
#####
update 202302
– a common bird to be seen at Fraser Hill, seldom miss it
– the male is overall redish, female is brown
– 福隆港蛮普通的鸟。几乎很少会见不到他。
– 雄鸟很红。雌鸟棕
202302, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202107
– a sub-montane overall red for male and brown for female
– a bird that you can see from Fraser Hill
– 公鸟红，母鸟棕。福隆港的美丽的鸟其中一种。
update 2016 Oct 4
male
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51. Sumatran Trogon, 苏门答腊咬鹃, 蘇門答臘藍尾咬鵑, Apalharpactes mackloti, スマトラキヌバネドリ, Luntur Sumatera
– very brightly colors Trogon and very similar to Javan Trogon.. it is so many colors put on this Sumatra endemic
– 颜色非常鲜艳，与爪哇岛的非常像是。苏门答腊特有种。
update 202512
2025 has been so hectic that I didn’t even get a chance to visit this place—I really miss both the location and its birds. This stunning endemic trogon from Sumatra remains one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Indonesia.
– On the last day of the trip, the bird came incredibly close and low, but the heavy mist made it difficult to capture a clear shot. I attempted to photograph it in flight and managed to get a few shots, though the image quality suffered due to the mist and low light conditions.
– One of the primary reasons to visit Sumatra Island in Indonesia is to witness this incredible endemic species. I must say, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of this bird when viewed through binoculars or a camera lens.
– Like other Trogons, it feeds incredibly quickly, finishing its meal in mere seconds.
– One of the primary reasons to visit Sumatra Island in Indonesia is to witness this incredible endemic species. I must say, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of this bird when viewed through binoculars or a camera lens.
– During our 6-day photography trip, we encountered this bird multiple times. On the final evening, despite the misty weather, we were fortunate to see it flying around to feed. It was the perfect chance to capture some shots of it in flight (BIF). The new Canon R1 made photographing BIF much easier, even in the challenging jungle environment.
– It’s an incredibly striking bird, with colors that might seem mismatched but come together beautifully in a single species. Truly stunning, and it’s fairly common in Sumatra’s sub-montane and montane regions.
– Returning to the Center-East for a bird photography group, we were fortunate to spot this bird on the very first morning. A stunning male appeared, displaying a vibrant array of colors on its back.
– just another beautiful bird that we saw it before heavy rain. It was under the shade very dark. Bird color cannot been seen, push the ISO10000 at F9 shutter speed still 1/30s …
– it is going to end the Sumatra Birding tour here, it is enjoyable we only hit into rain end of the tour which is amazing. My 2023 end with the memorize trip here. But overall is wet, muddy and few places of landslides. As we just concentrate on west-center, we mostly at Sub-montane or Montane birding. I am mostly using CANON RF200800 and CANON R3 for rainforest environment. It is challenging with such long focal length with small aperture (will share more experience later regard the lens)
– this bird seem quite common any where here, we seen and heard almost any where even night roosting at montane area. Such a beautiful bird and hope to see the Java version soon (which I missed 16 years ago)
– another Christmas spend with my best guest, buddy .. this time choose have special target tour to Sumatra. After whole day travel, we arrived first birding accommodation from 4am – 4pm .. 1+ hour flight and ~7hours drive ..next day morning, we decided to change ours original plan for Ground Cuckoo, but I didn’t see one and only heard twice for almost whole day in a very lovely forest.
– this bird flying in-front of us while we waiting ours target and having ours hot tea session. What a beauty, still remember ~18 years ago I missed my Java trogon … and today see this very look a-like endemic of Sumatra ..
A spectacular, mostly iridescent-metallic-green bird, with a scarlet belly, broad yellow bill, and white under tail. The face and throat of the male are green, while the females’ are dirty gray-brown. It sits upright and still in the canopy of riverine and lowland forest, watching for insect prey, then flying fast and directly to catch it. During the breeding season, its soft, deep, throaty “huooo-huooo” call makes it much easier to find. The similar Bare-cheeked Trogon differs by having a face with a large bare yellow skin patches that extend from cheek to bill–not small blue-green spots. Bar-tailed Trogon has a heavily-barred undertail and prefers montane forest above 900 m. [EBird]
The only possible trogon for our South Africa trip, we spotted it just once—and in heavy rain! Despite the downpour, it kept flying around, and we were lucky to see it perch for a while, giving us a great view. Its metallic green and red plumage is truly stunning.
This was another primary target of our tour. We successfully located the bird on our first attempt in the evening, securing fantastic views and photos. Despite the initial success, the group wanted to visit a second site, which provided even better photographic opportunities for this spectacular species. With 8 days remaining, our photo count has reached 308 species, with many more to come.
We photographed seven species of trogons at eye level and at close range during our birding trip in Costa Rica. It was truly incredible how each individual bird approached us and stayed long enough for everyone to get a great look. This particular bird was one of three trogons we captured in a single morning, making for a fantastic second day of our trip.
Finally, I make a trip to a beautiful Indonesia again and this round managed to visit East Java which include Papuma and Bromo for seascape and volcano view …
we reach Surabaya which a real busy city , car moving slow …… and we travel ~7-8 hours down south to Tanjung Papuma … spent 2 nights with mix of cloudy and clear days we enjoy the beautiful beach , sunrise, sunset and nightsky … and I am sure will re-visit this place very soon ……….
after 2 nights spending over here , we travel ~3.5 hours to Mount Bromo. another 2 “cold” days we had on the Lava View resort which give us beautiful 2 sunrise, nightsky but no luck for sunset …….. this place like other share a very beautiful volcano … we climb up for 2 viewpoint which I will share the view soon here (by update)…
1. Penanjakan 1 – easy to access but very limit space for photography
2. Penanjakan 2 – nearer to Lava View resort but need ~20-30min moderate hike but plenty of space for shooting .. 😀
*** both view are facing direct south which have sunrise on left ….
– simply another Papuma Beach Milky way .. think everyone come here is easy to get this view
update 2018 May 22
– this is from 2018 May Photohunter to East Java .. some capture as usual at this beautiful place
the sunrise view , and this is captured with Panasonic G9 80 Megapixel High-resolution Mode
– a nearer view with Mavic Air
– beside sunrise , sunset also can have good view here
– nightscape view at Mount Bromo always highlight of the tour
–
– after sunrise sessions, most the tourist will travel close to Mount Bromo with horse or by walk .. this could be good moment capture some good horse moment
– beside Mount Bromo, as usual we visit this lovely beach call Papuma Beach … sunrise, sunset , slowshutter and nightscape all can be attractive here
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update 2017 Nov 30
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update 2013 Jul 25
… Mount Bromo Dawn … 1. SIngh-Ray RGND 2 stops
update 2013 Jul 22
… rocky-rainbow … 1. Lee filter GND .6s 2. Lee filter Big Stopper | ISO 200 | 45.0 sec at f / 14 | 21 mm
update 2013 April 11
– sunset spot and good to be there low tide
… wave sky rocks … 1. Lee Filter GND 1.2s
update 2013 April 10
… stand Still , Papuma … 1. Lee Filter Big Stopper 2. Lee Filter ND .9 pro glass 3. Lee Filter Glass Enhancer
update 2013 April 8
– cold , windy .. and misty at lower level …………
… the mist trap …
update 2013 April 3
– a place with strong wave, whole beach is like facing from North-East – South-West .. full with rocks… take extra care of the wave and wet rocks
… fishing …
update 2013 March 26
– I wish I stay near our hotel for the closer view of this beautiful moment even the hotel facing west
1. Singh-Ray RGND 3 stops 2. Lee Filter Pro Glass .9
update 22 March 2013
… volcanoes … 1. Lee Filter Big Stopper 2. Lee Filter Glass Enhancer 3. Lee Filter .9 Pro Glass
update 20 March 2013
… misty crater … 1. Singh-tay RGND 2 stops 2. Lee Filter ND .9 Pro GlassPapuma Nightsky …
1. Blue-tailed Bee-eater, 栗喉蜂虎, Merops philippinus, ハリオハチクイ, BEREK-BEREK ZAITUN ASIA
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a near passerinebird in the bee-eaterfamily Meropidae. It breeds in southeastern Asia. It is strongly migratory, seen seasonally in much of peninsular India.
– anywhere… and stay nearby or stop the same spot for food
update 202302
– a casual day at Pulau Indah, a hot day… saw some birds but nothing special but with the R3 and 400mm F2.8. This just walk around and saw this bird flying around got many flying shots but think worth share this flying with prey.
The Red-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis amictus) is a large species of bee-eater found in the Indo-Malayan subregion of South-east Asia. This species is found in openings in patches of dense forest.
Like other bee-eaters, they are colourful birds with long tails, long decurved beaks and pointed wings. They are large bee-eaters, predominantly green, with a red colouration to face that extends on to the slightly hanging throat feathers to form the “beard”.
Like other bee-eaters, they predominantly eat insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets, which are caught in flight from perches concealed in foliage. They hunt alone or in pairs, rather than in flocks, and sit motionless for long periods before pursuing their prey.
Like other bee-eaters, they nest in burrows tunnelled into the side of sandy banks but do not form colonies.
– beautiful bird and it is not too shy to human but still not easy to get close
update 202409
– target bird no show so spend sometime with the beautiful bird instead.
– the bird keep open the tail while making call, but this happen very quickly. With the new CANON R5markii Pre-capture (it work continuous as long as buffer not fill up) … what a cool feature to have for Wildlife Photographers ..I half press shutter when the bird stand still, and open full press the shutter after the bird open the tail and call … everything happen before I full press the shutter .5s will be write full raw into my card .. so I have 15 frames of the bird open tail shots ..and without waiting, I can half press again and make this happen again
– one of the most beautiful and easy bird to be found and photograph, make me want to find this bird to show to young photographer, Dev. But this time we failed to found one at Fraser Hill but found this family of 3 birds at Bukit Tinggi.
– 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
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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
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update 202303
– it is fun to see how male keep catch insects to feed the female. Sometime the female will reject, we spent about 1 hour on this couple… lovely bird
This species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly coloured, slender bird. It is predominantly green, with blue on the rump and lower belly. Its face and throat are yellow with a black eye stripe, and the crown and nape are rich chestnut. The thin curved bill is black. Sexes are alike, but young birds are duller.
This species is 18–20 cm long; it lacks the two elongated central tail feathers possessed by most of its relatives.
– just before this bird fledge, it keep monitor before fly out
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5. Rainbow Bee-eater, 彩虹蜂虎, 彩虹蜂虎, Merops ornatus, ハチクイ, BEREK-BEREK AUSTRALIA
– a rare migrant to Borneo
– overall dull colorful like Blue-tailed
update 202309
– casual boat ride saw this abnormal (no so much blue) flying by Matthew on the boat than he shout “Rainbow” immediate I am excited after boring 2 hours of no targets show. my Picture Malaysia lifer.
10. Purple-bearded Bee-eater, 须蜂虎, 紫鬚蜂虎, Meropogon forsteni, セレベスハチクイ, Cirik-cirik sulawesi
update 202511
It’s always one of our main targets when visiting Central Sulawesi. We’ve been here for two days and managed to see this bird twice, though still from a bit of a distance. We’re hoping to get a closer look soon!
A truly special Sulawesi endemic for us. Two more target species to go in the next day and a half — wish us luck!
202511, Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
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51. Asian Green Bee-eater, 绿喉蜂虎, 綠喉蜂虎, Merops orientalis, ミドリハチクイ
A small, dainty bee-eater of open woodlands, farmland, and sparse human habitation. Mainly green with a bluish throat, slender black eye mask and throat band, rufous or slightly rusty crown and back of the neck, and central tail streamers. Juveniles are duller than adults and lack the long tail feathers. In flight, note the rusty underwing with a black trailing edge. Flies gracefully as it catches insects and other prey. Calls are a series of gentle liquid trills or more staccato notes. [ebird]
This beautiful Bee-eater was only spotted once, staying within the cactus area where its colors blended perfectly. I was amazed at how the camera managed to find and track the bird. I used the full-screen AF on my R1, which allowed it to detect the bird’s location effortlessly.
A large, spectacular, slender, carmine-pink-and-teal-blue bee-eater with a long pointed tail, black bill, and black facial mask. The immature is duller and shorter-tailed. It gathers in large groups that often attend bush fires, and it specializes in catching large flying insects, including dragonflies, butterflies, and locusts. Breeds colonially by burrowing into sandbanks. It has a complex three-stage migration; it generally breeds between 13–20°S from August–September, disperses south of the breeding area December–March, and then moves north of the breeding area April–August. “Trik-trik-trik” calls are more guttural than those of European Bee-eater. Similar Northern Carmine Bee-eater has a teal-colored (not carmine) chin and throat.
another bird that I really want to photograph, shame do not have very good opportunity to have good photo but overall good view and good moment for this very special looking Bee-eater.
At the current pace of posting, there’s no way I can share all — or even half — of the photos from Kenya.
Kenya is truly one of those must-visit birding destinations. Absolutely incredible!
This was one of the bee-eaters that got everyone excited!
We only saw it once during the entire 18-day trip in Kenya, but what a moment — such a stunning bird with its bright red color. Truly unforgettable!
1. Asian Koel, 噪鹃, 噪鵑, Eudynamys scolopaceus, オニカッコウ, TAHU ASIA
The Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus[3][4]) is a member of the cuckooorder of birds, the Cuculiformes. It is found in South Asia, China, and Southeast Asia. It forms a superspecies with the closely related Black-billed and Pacific Koels which are sometimes treated as subspecies. The Asian Koel is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of crows and other hosts, who raise its young. They are unusual among the cuckoos in being largely frugivorous as adults.[5] The name koel is echoic in origin with several language variants. The bird is a widely used symbol in Indian poetry.[6]
One of the most incredible highlights from our trip with a wonderful and lucky group of photographers from Taiwan. While this tiny bird usually stays high in the canopy, this time was different. It landed just 1.5 meters away at eye level, calling out right in front of us. It was a spectacular moment to witness its vibrant violet colors so closely.
While waiting for our main target, a few birds came close, giving us great photo opportunities. Among them was this lovely small cuckoo, which approached us to within 5–10 feet of the ground. It was a pleasure to see it up close, especially as it called loudly.
– another close encounter of this beautiful bird for guests so happy for everyone.
– small cuckoo with correct lighting, the violet so cool
– 客人高兴到极点吧。这么近距离拍这鸟。还要遇上光线好。
– 这鹃蛮小，要在有光线下看那紫。。。真的很美丽
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202402
– while looking at the busy work table, cannot resist to process another picture of this beautiful cuckoo .. look at the “violet” .. wow wow
– 虽然非常忙碌，可是还是决定再放一张这“紫”鸟。近距离看，真的很不一样。
202402, Congkak, Selangor
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– another day with my buddies, it is a boring morning but excitement happen after simple small stream crossing, sloop walk up .. this bird came down ~8 feet from ground, ~10 feet distance and few minutes for us .. lovely bird but noisy … go out birding is fun
– a very special moment start of 2024, this bird stand ~4-5m from ground and as close as 5m for us and just stand there calling for more than 5 minutes for us. lovely bird and moment
– a casual morning with 2 friends and checking the spot for guests tomorrow and next week. this bird seem stay at same perch for >30 minutes.
– as usual a noisy bird with lovely color
– 一个轻松的早上。这很吵与漂亮的鸟。竟然站了30分钟。
– 这么漂亮颜色的鸟。百看不厌。
202301, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202209
– under the hot sun, we almost call it a day. This bird calling loud and lovely as usual
– 大热中午，几乎要结束美好的·一天。忽然，这鸟大大的叫了几声。
202209, Perdik, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202205
– a bird with really lovely color, never get bore to see it again
– 它的颜色真的很不一样。看几篇都应该不会闷。
2022045, Ulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
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– congratulations to my buddy, finally got one close and “violet”, we together looking for this bird and photograph this bird >10times over the 10 years. But he always miss the good light to have the “violet” color. finally today this bird give us a good mement and >30GB of photos+videos
3. Asian Emerald Cuckoo, 翠金鹃 , 翠金鵑, Chrysococcyx maculatus, ミドリテリカッコウ, SEWAH-ZAMRUD ASIA
– male with dark blue-nish , female with green , orange head
– one of the most beautiful cuckoo here
– vagrant for Malaysia
update 202601
Back to reality in Malaysia so soon—where the birds are shy, active, and often hidden in dark forest light. But it’s the right season for some special species, including this beautiful African Emerald Cuckoo that has been returning to Taiping for years. Everyone is trying to capture it in their own way, and I was lucky to get a few nice shots as it flew toward us, taken with the Canon R6 Mark III.
这么快就回到马来西亚，重新面对现实——鸟儿害羞、动作快，又常在光线昏暗的环境中活动。好在现在是观鸟的好季节，其中就有这只美丽的绿咬鹃，多年来每年都会回到太平。大家都想拍出不同的角度，我很幸运，在它飞向我们的时候用 Canon R6 Mark III 拍到了几张好照片。
202601, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
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update 202206
– one of the most beautiful cuckoo seen, male with the vivid, electric green and female with bright metallic green. You must see it with naked eye to know how special the color.
4. Little Bronze-Cuckoo, 棕胸金鹃, 棕胸金鵑, Chrysococcyx minutillus, アカメテリカッコウ, SEWAH-DAUN BIASA
– a common small cuckoo normally found near mangrove area
– red eye ring
update 2020 April 6
Little Bronze Cuckoo,棕胸金鵑
5. Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo, 霍氏金鵑, 霍氏金鹃,Chrysococcyx basalis, マミジロテリカッコウ, SEWAH-DAUN AUSTRALIA
– a “summer” migrant , which migrate from south (Australia) … which is winter on south .. found near garden, mangrove area
Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo, 霍氏金鵑
6. Plaintive Cuckoo, 八声杜鹃, 八聲杜鵑, Cacomantis merulinus, ヒメカッコウ, MATINAK BIASA
– a most common cuckoo, it can be called even at night …
– male with gray head, orange belly and below, female with barring
update 202101
- a common cuckoo of Malaysia - male bird with grey head and wing. Rufous on front - calling loud and I even can hear it when I am driving so decide to stop my car checking where are the bird and one of them just stand not far away .. Birding Photography with Fujifilm X-T4 | liewwk Nature https://www.liewwkphoto.com/blog/?p=7438Cuculidae series: Cuckoo, Ground Cuckoo | 杜鹃科 | liewwk Nature https://www.liewwkphoto.com/blog/?p=2281
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– not that rare but sometime confuse with plaintive cuckoo female ..
update 202503
It was a laid-back birding session on day one. We first heard the bird calling from a distance, and soon after, it flew right above us, giving everyone plenty of time to snap photos from different angles.
– 2024 February seem very good for many different species of cuckoo, included this one almost seen any where with some good picture opportunity
– 2024 2月几乎是杜鹃鸟季节。今年几乎哪都看到，听到这鸟叫。还可以拍到不错的照片。
202402, Congkak, Selangor
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update 202402
– it can be the best season for this cuckoo, saw it and photograph it for last few weeks until now for quite low and close … especially this bird just stay there more than 30minutes for low and close .. calling non stop too
8. Indian Cuckoo, 四聲杜鵑, 四声杜鹃, Cuculus micropterus,セグロカッコウ, SEWAH BIASA
– one of the common hear cuckoo on winter migrant season
– obvious yellow eye ring, front barring
Indian Cuckoo, 四聲杜鵑
9. Sunda Cuckoo, 巽他杜鹃, 巽他杜鵑, Cuculus lepidus, スンダツツドリ, SEWAH GUNUNG MELAYU
update 202506
This spot is now one of the best in Borneo for seeing a wide variety of montane endemics and non-endemics all in one place. While some birds do come for feeding, many are also drawn by natural food sources like moths and insects. This particular bird seems to show up often—we hear it almost every visit and spot it on most trips too.
A cuckoo that is often heard but rarely seen gave us a special moment this time—it came close and was fully visible. A truly lucky encounter!
一只经常听到但难得一见的杜鹃，这次竟然靠近我们，展现了它的全貌。真是一个幸运的时刻！
202412, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
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– sub-montane/montane cuckoo … always hear but not seen
Sunda Cuckoo, 巽他杜鵑
10. Dark Hawk-Cuckoo, 婆罗鹰鹃, 婆羅鷹鵑, Hierococcyx bocki, クロジュウイチ, SEWAH-TEKUKUR GUNUNG
– sub-montane/montane Hawk-cuckoo … used to call loud dawn and dusk
update 202502
As usual, this bird is always calling but not easy to spot. However, this time it stayed long enough for all of us to get a good view.
像往常一样，这只鸟总是鸣叫，但不容易看到。不过这次它停留了很久，让我们都能清楚地观赏。
202502, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202410
– a birds that very common heard at both Fraser Hill & KNP .. but it can be very difficult to have good view .. it can be confuse with some Hawk Cuckoo
– when we on the way to Breakfast, sudden saw this bird stand so nice with backlight .. got the bird real close view
– 在福隆港，神山都很常的听到。可是要见到好，很不容易。
– 在我们去吃早餐的途中，竟然看到这鸟站很近。拍的还不错吧，大逆光。
202410, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
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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
– 在我们去另一个点时，看到这一只鸟站低。立刻叫停车，叫全部人下车。可是我也错过它望过来那一刻。
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202309
– another 1 out of 6 targets here, but this bird very shy keep flying around and finally it stop low and open for us. 3 more to go …
– sometimes can be confused with other Hawk-Cuckoo found here.
– Adult has gray upperparts, streaked white underparts, and a long tail with thick dark bars.
– Gives two distinct songs, a high “kiwit!” and a rapid-fire series of piping notes.
update 202409
– a bird always making call near forest edge, this year seem active bit too early ? Trying to looking for a target for my buddy but the target not sight but few good birds for good photo. Included this bird stay open and close for us
– another not so lazy morning birding, 7km walk with my ~10kg gear
Before calling it a day, this bird comes down low and keeps making call, feeding caterpillar…
15. 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
– grey head, orange front
– uncommon resident
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 …
16. Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, 乌鹃, 烏鵑, CuculidaeSurniculus, オウチュウカッコウ, SEWAH-SAWAI BIASA
update 202501
A common winter visitor here, but for the very first time, it came down to the Pitta feeding spot. Such a stunning dark-colored bird, especially when seen up close.
19. Greater Coucal, 褐翅鸦鹃, 褐翅鴉鵑, Centropus sinensis, オオバンケン, Bubut Besar
– pretty common found near the forest edge, open grassland
– wing shinning brown, and overall dark blue-black. with red-eye
– 在森林周边与开阔的地方非常普通。
update 202104
– I am in progress testing the Canon EF lens on Fujifilm Camere with a Fringer adapter. so I spend few days at the forest edge waiting for any birds that flying past and trying to use this setup to capture any pictures
– this bird seems near me and I managed to capture a series of it flying toward me.
– 这几天我在森林周边的开阔地方。试佳能镜头，富士机身, Fringer EF-FX pro 。任何鸟飞过我都 试试看看可以用区域对焦+追焦。
– large colorful ground bird normally very secretive which more often heard than seen
– iridescent purple-green wings, long dark tail, finely barred underparts, black head, and pale blue-green face and bill (Ebird)
– 大，紫青蓝，非常神秘的婆罗洲特有种。通常都是听到见不到的鸟。
– just got back from long Borneo tour, this bird appear last moment but everyone happy with the long and good view
– 刚完成婆罗洲团。这鸟当然是最被瞩目的鸟之一。它在最后一刻让我们看的完完全全。站了10多分钟。
update 202510
“There it is!” — I find myself saying this every time I see this bird, forgetting that “there” means nothing unless everyone is looking from the same angle, direction, and height. Fortunately, the bird stayed long enough for us all to get a good view. Truly a wonderful bird to observe!
Lucky moment again! We spotted a pair walking from left to right, then back again before climbing up a tree to check us out. Everyone got a look—some with a perfect view, others like me with a slightly blocked one. Still, the excitement was real! Just sharing a memorable shot from our March visit with another group to this amazing and beautiful place – Kinabatangan River.
– not really like 2023, miss and hit this bird on 2024… but it gave us a long, close view last week .. it is ~15m from us for more than 30s full open view.
– wonderful moment while looking for this bird so long open on tree calling non stop .. it is total excitement to get one in the wild ..
– 没几个人感受到我们的兴奋，这么害羞的鸟站哪叫很久。在野拍的到这么一只鸟是多么兴奋。
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update 202310
– off season, finally home to look at all the pictures… this was one of the most amazing moment with my group .. special bird, special moment and special peoples …
– just another special moment of this Borneo endemic, it is happy for everyone to managed to have good view of this bird think more than 20 of us. After ours boat spot it and we told other 3 boats all still managed to have a good view of it.
– not sure my note correct or not, but seem the breeding season ? within 10 days, 3 pair spot and reasonable tame (still shy when trying to take photo)
– Hoi Ling, finally I got the head of the bird .. but no tail yet
– this is one best moment of 2023 or my life for this bird. This particular bird stand 20m above ground and for more than 1.5 hours ! (after we spend 30minutes and back breakfast and told Dean – another bird group.. and the bird still there !)
– just another short targets trip to Sabah, managed to have almost all main targets (except Bulwer Pheasant) included this special Borneo endemic. We had good time >3 minutes to have good view but still little block from my angle .. any how am happy to have light hit on its’ body and show the color of its’ body
– it show so well with 2 stand close and open, but need to show other to have a view so finally I end up with this best view picture I had .. any one I really like to see it shy with us
– just another bird encounter during the Borneo tour, very high success rate this year so far and no one seem believe me this is a difficult bird as we got it mostly day1 morning.
– lucky customer to have 2 birds with good view and photos in close range and long
– a bird that after Bornean bristlehead and Bornean Gibbon which make our almost best Photography tour for 2022 so far
– 非常幸运的客人，拍到婆罗洲棘头鵙后再拍到婆罗洲地鹃。2只全看到，1只跑来跑去。
202207, Sabah, Malaysia
More Youtube video : Cuculidae series : Cuckoo, Ground Cuckoo | 杜鹃科 | liewwk Nature
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51. Bay Coucal, 苏拉鸦鹃, 蘇拉鴉鵑, Centropus celebensis, セレベスバンケン, Bubut Sulawesi
A reddish-brown cuckoo with a long, often shaggy-looking tail. Juvenile shows a pale eye and a paler breast and throat than adults. The species favors vine tangles within forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills, where it is usually encountered singly or in pairs. The entirely brown body, lacking black, separates this species from Lesser Coucal. Song is a series of “hoot” notes that often encourages other nearby coucals to respond. Alarm call is a harsh, short rasping “burr.” [ebird]
– as other coucal, shy, moving in bushes … very coucal call alike
– 有如其他鸦鹃，害羞，喜欢活动在草丛里。
update 202512
This is a very common but typically shy species in Sulawesi. Fortunately, we had a few great moments where it took flight in open view, allowing us the rare chance to capture some nice bird-in-flight photos of this elusive bird.
– a very beautiful Ground-Cuckoo and it is as beautiful as the Bornean Ground-Cuckoo. it is shy, move fast on ground
– 非常漂亮的地鹃，就如婆罗洲地鹃一样的美。通常害羞+在地上快速走动
update 202412
Before I get busy again, I’d like to share an unforgettable moment from our photography trip to Sumatra. On Day 1, one of our members faced a “viewfinder” issue with the Canon R5 Mark II. While everything in the viewfinder appeared blurry, the AF points were still visible, and remarkably, every captured image was perfectly focused on the right subject—especially the bird’s eyes!
Shooting without a clear view through the viewfinder is no easy task, yet it’s incredible how this member managed to capture all the key targets with perfect bird-eye focus, relying entirely on the camera’s animal eye detection system. This even included the rare and stunning ground cuckoo.
在我再次忙碌之前，想分享我们苏门答腊摄影之旅中一个难忘的时刻。第一天，我们的一位队员的佳能 R5 Mark II 遇到了“取景器”问题。尽管取景器中的画面完全是模糊的，但自动对焦点仍然可见，令人惊讶的是，所有拍摄的照片都完美地对焦在目标上——尤其是鸟的眼睛！
– Last year, after searching for this beautiful bird for two days with another group, we were rewarded with an incredible view. From that experience, we learned that waiting patiently wasn’t enough—we needed to act quickly. Determined, we formed another group to return a year later. This time, on the first day, we only heard the bird but couldn’t catch a glimpse of it. However, on the second day, our efforts paid off with an amazing sighting of this rare and stunning endemic species of Sumatra. Happy for the group!
– no one can explain how excited we were when we got this super good view of this bird after 2 full morning waiting and this beautiful bird give us amazing view at the “not common” spot
– 很难讲诉我们当时的心情，等了2天后。这鸟在“鸟点”外出现。真的太美，兴奋。
20231225, Sg Penuh, Sumatra.
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update 202312
– one of ours Sumatra birding main target
update 202312
– one of ours Sumatra birding main target
– we spend 1 morning at “promising spot” but bird no show, and spend next morning again but just heard it 2 times. But luckily we make decision to walk around and finally with the Dwi sharing the behavior of the bird… manage to have good view and picture.
53. Black-billed Koel, 黑嘴噪鹃, 黑嘴噪鵑, Eudynamys melanorhynchus, スラウェシオニカッコウ, Tuwur Sulawesi
A commonly heard but very shy bird, with a call resembling that of the Malaysian Asian Koel—though its “woo” is slightly shorter.
这是一种常听见却非常害羞的鸟，它的叫声与马来西亚的亚洲噪鹃相似，但“喔”的声音稍微短一些。
update 202505
It was a dull and cloudy day when we first heard the call a few times and caught a glimpse of the bird flying, but no one managed a photo. Fortunately, the bird began circling near us, and while everyone searched for a perch shot, I took the opportunity to capture it in flight.
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.
A small, greenish cuckoo. The male has barred flanks, white flecking on the wing, white patches in front of and behind the eye, and a distinctly red eye surrounded by a red eye-ring. The bronzy-green female has a diagnostic white patch in front of the eye, a plain back, and white patches in the wings. This common resident and migrant is not a habitat specialist, but it prefers riverine and wetland areas where its preferred brood-parasite hosts, weavers and bishops, are common. The distinctive call is a loud, rising, high-pitched “deee-deee-deee-deee-dederik”. [EBird]
A very beautiful and common cuckoo, often heard in almost any environment. However, it rarely perches because its calls attract other birds, especially weavers, that chase it away. The best chances to spot it are while it’s in flight, and we were fortunate to see it flying past us many times.
– another common species across garden, jungle, mangrove etc
– overall yellow-green with light brown throat
update 202209
– a common sunbird, but when look close it is such colorful and beautiful bird.
– from 50d, 80, 7dm1, 7dm2 I never convince APS-C sensor for my wildlife photography. But this R7, something really change my thought. have a look 125% crop
– 非常普通的太阳鸟，可是近距离看多么的漂亮。
– 从以前的佳能半幅相机，我从来不具有任何期望。可是这R7真的很不一样。
202209, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
update 2017 Jan 27
4. Temminck’s sunbird, 特氏太阳鸟, 特氏太陽鳥, Aethopyga temminckii, ミヤマタイヨウチョウ, KELICAP MERAH EKOR API
– Male overall Red-White, female is brown
– sub-montane & montane
– Quite common at Borneo, not that common at Peninsular Malaysia
update 202408
– it is not first time but good chance to record this moment a sunbird feed on small insect. It is keep few times to got the spider on mouth.
– 不是第一次看到太阳鸟吃昆虫。可是这次终于记录到他吃蜘蛛，可是他也不容易试了好几次才捉到。
202408, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202405
– a pretty common bird found Kinabalu National Park, which cannot be wrong active making continuous noisy call and “red”
– 在神山非常普通的鸟。很少会错，红+吵的小小东西就是它了。
202404, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202112
– after long lock down finally revisit this place and the bird still same come to say welcome back ..
– last visit was below post 202105
– 已很久没来这点，还好鸟儿都活的一样。上次来，已是5个月前。
202112, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202105
– another good bird that I didn’t see for long and it will be another lockdown begin today.
– again one pair show but we only keep our eye on male which is red-white-yellow
– Peninsular Malaysia mostly found near Mangrove. Borneo garden, mangrove, etc
update 202508
It’s a common sunbird, but I can’t remember the last time I had such a good view of a male. This time, it stayed low and gave us plenty of time for some great shots!
– This is a common bird found in Malaysia’s lowland forests, but it is often overlooked because both the male and female have relatively plain appearances, except for the male’s distinctive blue or dark forehead.
– During our chit-chat session, my buddy suddenly spotted something flying in. He was thrilled to notice it before anyone else—such is the joy of birding: the excitement of discovering it yourself!
– very similar to Brown-throated Sunbird but obvious show “reddish” cheek and throat
update 202508
After so many West Papua posts, it’s time to share a special moment from back home in Malaysia. This bird is sometimes mistaken for the more common Brown-throated Sunbird—but we were lucky to enjoy great views of this rarer Red-throated Sunbird before the heat of the day set in.
10. Crimson Sunbird, 黄腰太阳鸟, 黃腰太陽鳥, Aethopyga siparaja, キゴシタイヨウチョウ, KELICAP MERAH BIASA
– quite common sunbird
– possible urban garden, jungle edge
– male red overall and dark forehead
– female overall light yellow-green
Crimson Sunbird male
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101. Black Sunbird, 黑花蜜鸟, 黑花蜜鳥, Leptocoma aspasia, クロタイヨウチョウ, Burung-madu hitam
A small songbird with a long downcurved bill. Male is blackish with iridescent areas: crown glossed greenish or blue, and shoulders, rump, and tail glossed with blue. Throat iridescent reddish-purple in most of range, but blueish in the north Moluccas and Kai islands. Female is nondescript, with a grayish head, white throat, olive upperparts, and yellowish underparts over much of range. In the south Moluccas and Aru islands, underparts are grayish. Juvenile resembles female, but yellower on throat. Inhabits forest edge, open forest, gardens, and scrub in lowlands and hills. Male can be separated from dark-bellied forms of male Olive-backed Sunbird by glossy, iridescent crown and black back. Females differ from Olive-backed Sunbird by absence of eyebrow, absence of white tail tip, white throat, grayish head, and duller yellow underparts. Females lack eye-ring, unlike larger female Brown-throated Sunbird, and are less uniform underneath than female Elegant Sunbird. [EBird]
蛮普通的花蜜鸟，在苏拉威西等附近岛屿。光线不好时，几乎都是黑的。可是在光线好时，它真的很美。
update 202511
One of the most stunning birds in my opinion—and definitely not just “black”!
We missed it at the usual location where it only perched far away. But today, while we were escaping the afternoon heat in a shaded area, this beauty flew in and stayed for a long time right in front of us.
– a bird with good lighting, it become so colorful instead of “black”
– 在光线好的时候，这鸟不是黑的！
202304, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
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update 202304
– 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.
Breeding male is unmistakable: bright green with a long tail. Non-breeding male is duller but usually still shows some iridescent green and an elongated tail. Female is a big, dull sunbird with a long bill. Found in fynbos, moorland, grassland, scrub, and exotic tree plantations. Restricted to high elevations except in South Africa, where it occurs down to sea level. Song consists of “tyep” notes and emphatic rattles. Female similar to female Bronze Sunbird but larger, duller below, and with a fainter eyebrow. [Ebird]
During our first few days near Sani Pass, this was one bird that caught our attention every time we saw it. Its bright metallic green plumage and long tail were mesmerizing (we even saw it displaying to attract a female). Among the many sunbirds we encountered, this one truly stood out as exceptionally beautiful.
One of our team members discovered this beautiful sunbird repeatedly returning to the same flower to feed. Even though there were many other birds to look for, we still spent some quality time at this spot. I also took the opportunity to capture some BIF shots of this lovely bird.
Besides discovering many new bird families, even the familiar ones here in Kenya feel extra special. Many are incredibly colorful, and some—like this one—have long, elegant tails. When the light hits just right, their feathers shine beautifully. Truly a stunning bird from Kenya.
As of day 12, we’ve photographed 366 bird species!
Day 1 of our Kenya birding tour, and this was the fifth bird we photograph. It was incredibly close, completely ignoring our presence while feeding calmly on flowers near the ground. So far on this trip, we have photographed three different long-tailed sunbird species, a very rewarding start to the tour.
We arrived too early to check in, so we squeezed in a quick birding session. What a great decision! This stunning bird came down low and close, giving us fantastic photo opportunities. Within the first hour alone, I think everyone easily shot more than 500 frames of this beauty!
