– a very cute active bird that moving in flocks and with other birds as well
– overall orange with black on face
– 非常可爱，通常群体活动。橙+黑脸
update 20231220
– I am walking suddenly saw a flocks of birds and I know must be good chance to see this cute bird again.. 15-16 years ago managed to photograph this bird and I say I will back again aas those time using 30/40d with 100400 EF but version1. Finally managed to have few keeper as it moving real fast and high
had been birding at Taiwan 2005-2007 but it was way too long ago, recently a casual trip to Taiwan.. plan some time for Birding and let’s start Birds of Taiwan here
Secretive, handsome endemic pheasant of Taiwan’s mountains. Male slaty blue from nape to flanks, with contrasting white upper back, brown mantle, and dark gray wings; female mostly rich brown with pale markings above. Both sexes have red facial skin, more extensive in male. Forages quietly in pairs in the forest understory, occasionally along forest edge on trails or roads. Both sexes give subtle clucking calls and a high-pitched squeaky alarm call. Male has white in tail and back, unlike Mikado Pheasant; female distinguished by richer plumage tones, broader tail, pale bill, reddish legs, and unmarked underparts. [Ebird]
update 202312
– finish my Taiwan trip last 10days ago and now finish Sumatra, 2023 going to end… a busy year and another busy year coming… what’s everyone plan ?
– I had the same Pheasant 16years +- ago but I remember it was either 30/40d 100400 and misty, dark … so I don’t even remember I had keep the photo or not. But finally this time I got opportunity to see it for longer time, better weather … hope see it again future
– a casual trip to Taiwan, spend some of the time for birding and while going down from DaxueShan (大雪山）, stop by ~17 years ago spot and update by local birder the bird can be found there but not very promising due to no feeding allow policy apply. But I am just walk up and down birding at the famous 23.5k got some birds and meet up Kuan-Chieh Hung (Taiwan Bird guide) with guests. After some chit chat session, one of the guesst say .. come come come .. which not really at casual location. 1 male and 3 female relaxing for more than 5 minutes
– female see very beautiful with so much body pattern
a montane common endemic, normally moving in flock feeding together make a lot sound
高山特有种，蛮普通。通常群体活动。
update 20240105
– so many good pictures opportunity, December in Taiwan but I am there not just for Photography … lets plan 2024 ? 2025 ? Autumn color with birds .. 😀
– this endemic normally moving in group and active making soft call
– 这特有种通常群体活动，蛮普通。叫的很小声。
– 台湾12月很多红叶，应该可以拍些好照片。。2024，2025再去？
202312, DaXueShan, Taiwan
update 20231218
– the only species that I saw 2 day in the row at DaXueShan, lovely and moving fast as other Yuhina.
– the RF200800 does not failed me to fast lock focus and track the bird even I missed quite a lot due to low light (low shutter speed while moving the lens direction fast) but as long as the bird stand still for a second or more most of the continuous series I had more than 70% keeper.
– while I am spending time to look for the Pheasant, this bird keep entertain me.. even at ours’ accommodation area, 1 pair seem very tame and flying around
Critically endangered, highly distinctive stint with spatulate bill tip that can be difficult to spot at a distance when held in profile. A coastal mudflat specialist, it stays close to wet and muddy areas near or in water, unlike Red-necked Stint, which often feeds in much drier areas. Breeding adults have a rusty head that resembles that of Red-necked, but the head tends to be darker and the rusty color extends farther down the breast. Nonbreeding adults and juveniles lack the rusty head, have prominent fine stripes on the crown, dark ear patch, and are overall paler than Red-necked. Flight call a soft “prreee.” [Ebird]
– lucky day, while ours trip there… friend told us, everyone is at a mud beach for this bird and may be I can try my luck… so I try my luck in one morning .. and bingo less than 10 minutes wait the bird came really close for very good view, picture and video
– 蛮幸运的台湾行，当我们到新竹区。朋友让我知道，这明星鸟就在我的酒店不远处。所以我就用个早上试试运气。当我到了，很快就见到这鸟可是蛮远。等了10分钟左右。这鸟居然飞来很近。
#####
update 20231219
– after some official stuff and follow by family trip, spent morning session at the “螃蟹步道“. just 30minutes spent, when I arrived I managed to see it far away which 80-120m… and I managed to captured and quite happy with it .. than continue with other birds that come real close.. not long 2 birds spot by local birders and I rush there and managed to have quite good series picture for this rare bird.. managed to have this star bird get close and with my lucky CANON RF200-800 (now I name it as Lucky 28) …
– a very cute active bird that moving in flocks and with other birds as well
– overall orange with black on face
– 非常可爱，通常群体活动。橙+黑脸
update 20231220
– I am walking suddenly saw a flocks of birds and I know must be good chance to see this cute bird again.. 15-16 years ago managed to photograph this bird and I say I will back again aas those time using 30/40d with 100400 EF but version1. Finally managed to have few keeper as it moving real fast and high
– a very fast moving tiny bird with very soft call bird, it is so difficult to have a open picture .. but with the current new mirrorless animal detect and tracking. It is some how quite easy to have some picture even at complicated environment like this
– 非常小+快的小鸟。叫的很小声。也喜欢在丛里跳来跳去。现在无反的动物+动物眼的 AI ，被不大可能做成比较容易。只要一有机会，我都有办法拿下它。
Small, pale plover with broken black collar, sandy upperparts, grayish legs, and rather fine black bill. Breeding plumage has black mask and black tabs at sides of breast (not a complete band). Nonbreeding plumages have black replaced by brown. Mainly coastal, on sandy beaches, dry mudflats, and at salt ponds, usually near water; also locally inland. Migrants will join with flocks of other shorebirds. [Ebird]
– a bird that not really so common at Malaysia and so far I only saw it here non-breeding plumage. Finally I see breeding plumage at such close range and very good focal range (800mm +1.4 = 1120mm .. also use on R7 .. ===1792mm)
– I still remember years ago, when we had one visit Malaysia.. drove 2 hours… sit in the hide before light … the bird stand 200-500m away .. and here (Taiwan) so easy and so many … and now I shooting with 1792mm (R7 with 1.6 crop, 800mm + 1.4x tc).. the plumage also look good .. check out the CANON RF200800 update for actual size JPEG
– I am checking whats bird in the bird wave, this bird sudden fly down and feed infront of me just 10 feet away. when view close it look beautiful instead
Finally, very first 800mm Full frame zoom lens available on my hand and very soon delivery to end user …
just a some of my thoughts before my first impression of the lens.
Part1 – F7.1 – F.63 Know what (20231214)
Part2 – Physical different (20231214)
Part3 – field test Full Size Jpeg sharing (20240113)
– add on R7+RF200800 (20240103)
– add on R7+1.4x+RF200800 (20231224)
– Sumatra Graceful Pitta
Part4 – real field test experience AF accuracy, handling (need more time to gather more information here) (20231221)
Part5 – 800mm !!! (update 20231222)
################################################
Part5 – 800mm !!!
– birder always want longer reach most of the situation, and now full frame first 800mm and it is compatible with 1.4x and 2x TC .. for minimum impact the image quality I am using 1.4x on both R3 (1120mm) & R7 (1792mm)。click on the picture for full size jpeg
Part4 – real field test experience AF accuracy, handling
– I am shooting Handheld for or Tripod
– AV mode with manual ISO, wide open Aperture default
– Center Zone AF, Animal Detection, Eye detection ON, occasion MF with Focus peaking. AD-On button set to “5points AF, Animal Detection, Eye detection ON” (for situation where main subject surrounding with obstacle)
update 20231221
Sample3 – Fast and small subject
– a very small, fast moving subject and prefer at bushes .. the lens and R3 get the bird detect and look for eye almost seamless .. (AF center zone, Animal detection, Eye detection)
– a very fast moving tiny bird with very soft call bird, it is so difficult to have a open picture .. but with the current new mirrorless animal detect and tracking. It is some how quite easy to have some picture even at complicated environment like this
– 非常小+快的小鸟。叫的很小声。也喜欢在丛里跳来跳去。现在无反的动物+动物眼的 AI ，被不大可能做成比较容易。只要一有机会，我都有办法拿下它。
a very simple test on a raptor flying on very windy harbor at Taiwan.Setting
– CANON R3
– ISO3200, F9, 1/2500, 800mm
– Animal Detect, Eye detectio, Tracking On
– point the view finder to the subject, half press the shutter button allow it lock the focus and from the view finder can see the focus tracking just continuous track the subject.. than follow by continuous press the shutter button
– we can see how good is the CANON system while the Background change do not affect the tracking at ll
####
here sample 1
*** it is not easy to shoot small subjects under close range 800mm, either good practice, shoot shorter focal length. So far this length lock focus fast when from near focus point to further focus point. ****so important to always try to shoot nearer focus subject before point toward the main subject for the long focal length (500-800mm especially this lens at 800mm)
– Fast moving subject, seldom sit still for more than 1 second
ISO10000, 1/30, 707mm Original JPEGISO10000, 1/30, 707mm Noise Reduction – Adobe Photoshop ACR AI + Topaz
Sample 9 with CANON R7with RF200800
Blue-winged pitta, 马来八色鸫, 馬來八色鶇, Pitta moluccensis,ミナミヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT SAYAP BIRU
– CANON R7, CANON RF200800
– ISO6400, F8, 538mm, 1/50
update 20240103
– 2024 official day1 working, it is faithful start … we arrive the “feeding spot” but without put any “food” the bird just stand there waiting so are we shoot at feeding bird ? … but it is real challenge having long focal length + high megapixel camera … CANON R7 + CANON RF200800. I am shooting ISO6400, F8, 538mm, 1/50
many keep talking the F too small for the lens, lets be fair to every brand… for current situation, we need something smaller size mean smaller aperture !!! than how small aperture you accept ? if you 90% stay inside rainforest, you know F4 is not big enough for many cases .. so anything smaller F5.6,6.3,7.1 make small different .. than why keep ask why it is F7.1 ? simple smaller size and lighter .
here is one example
ISO1000 , F6.3 , 1/100
can replace
ISO1250, F7.1, 1/100
ISO1000, F7.1, 1/80
so the ISO just 1/3 stop ! to shutter speed slower by 1/3 stops .. big different ? but this lens with 2kg come with 800mm option which is many birder “wish” .. one of my HK buddy always say “一寸長一寸強“ mean we always need longer for birding not just reduce disturb, but walk less (haha joking) the longer the focal length allow us to get bigger subject without going too close to the subject.
but many more ask why F9… so for most the manufacturer provide 600mm F6.3 to have the 800mm we need use 1.4x teleconvertor. But than the bigger aperture will be at F9 too !!!! but than this lens before using the 1.4x tc already give us 800mm .. and it is 2kg .. all other xxx-600mm F6.3 … 2.1-2.2kg before adding tc !!!
so let’s go out birding with this lens ! stop ask why why F9 … and some ask why F7.1
I am hopping this lens arrive 10 days ago so I can bring to Sri Lanka birding trip but it arrive just before I am leaving to Taiwan – Indonesia.
Skip the open box, the lens weight 2050kg… I cannot reduce anything more like 100500, RF400mm F2.8 or RF600mm F4 as thetripod collard seem not easy to removed, the hood also cannot be changealready very light (thin and the only part of the lens look fragile).
The lens look long overall, but still manageable before zoom (extend)
– before the 100500 and 200800 extend compare to RF400mm F2.8
– after extend, overall the 200800 is really long to normal handling but when handhold still feel good before go to the field .
another great experience with great birders from Taiwan, we managed to seen 197 species of birds and all 34 endemics (with pictures and some record only pictures) for 10 days
非常幸运又台湾的鸟友，虽然非常多雨。我们在10天里也看到197种鸟，~10哺乳动物等。慢慢的分享。
1. Sri Lanka Bay-Owl, 斯里兰卡栗鸮, 斯里蘭卡栗鴞, Phodilus assimilis, スリランカメンフクロウ
lucky to see this rare owl at day time, after try for day2. It was after heavy rain everyone tired and wet. Everyone want to go back to Hotel for rest but local new is this owl spot some where ..we rush to the area with rain and it is there waiting for us
2. 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]
– small owlet like other owlet always like to be calling long at canopy and make other birds attention. But this endemic’s back of the owl simply awesome
– 与其他鸺鹠一样小小只。喜欢站高高，叫不停。可是这一只特有种背部很特别美。
update 20231211
– the bird just sit there !!! actually local make tree hole for them nesting so the area become territory of both bird… just look for them without call back or any action
5. Indian Peafowl, 蓝孔雀, 藍孔雀, Pavo cristatus, インドクジャク
An unmistakable, large ground bird. The unmistakable iridescent blue male spreads out its ornamental upper tail feathers when courting females. Females have a shorter tail, an iridescent green neck, and browner plumage. Found in forest, forest edge, and agricultural land. Often seen on paths or alertly feeding in the undergrowth. Can be fairly confiding especially when found close to human habitation. Its loud screaming “may-yow” calls are heard incessantly during the rainy season. [eBird]
– in Sri Lanka, the most common bird to be seen is not sparrow, crow .. but one of them is this beautiful and big bird which can found almost any where, urban, forest edge, forest etc.
– 在斯里兰卡岛上，这鸟几乎哪都看到。大+漂亮
202312, Yala NP, Sri Lanka
6. Indian Pitta, 印度八色鸫, 印度藍翅八色鳥, Pitta brachyura, インドヤイロチョウ
A colorful stubby-tailed bird, also known as “Navrang,” translated as “nine colors.” Colors are most striking when the bird is in flight. This bird has long, strong legs and a stout bill, a buffy crown with a black stripe in the middle, a black eye-stripe, and and buffy underparts with bright red on the vent. Upperparts are green, with a blue shoulder patch. It is usually seen foraging on forest floors with thick undergrowth, catching insects in leaf litter. This bird is vocal, giving its characteristic two-noted whistle call at dusk and dawn. [Ebird]
update 202404
– it is quite common to see this pitta almost any where in center
– 在斯里兰卡中部，还是蛮普通的。
#####
#####
update 202312
– another common bird here, it is 99.99% bird for almost all local guide. We saw 5-6 birds just birding without looking for it.
Brown thrush with bold dark spots on the underparts, white spots in the wings, and black facial stripes below the eye. Occurs in pairs or singly, on or near the ground, in forest, forest edge, and gardens, mostly in the Wet Zone, but also locally in the Dry Zone. No other thrush on Sri Lanka shows distinct rows of white spots on the wings, and bold spotting below. Gives very high-pitched “sweeeee” call; song is a highly variable collection of rich, rising and falling, melodious whistles and warbles. [ebird]
update 202312
– another very common endemic, which found most of the lowland urban areas, forest edge, forest
– with very lovely call, not shy
– 斯里兰卡非常普通的特有种，几乎在很多点都看到它。还很会唱歌。
202312, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
8. Sri Lanka Junglefowl, 蓝喉原鸡, 藍喉原雞, Gallus lafayettii， セイロンヤケイ
Wild chickenlike bird. Male is burnt orange with dark streaks, cockerel-like glossy black tail, and a prominent red comb marked with yellow on the crown. Gray-brown female has white streaks and prominent barring on its wings. Terrestrial, found in pairs or small groups in forests of lowlands and highlands over much of Sri Lanka. Generally keeps to cover. Only confusion is with domestic chicken; note lack of white at tail base, and yellow marking on comb of males, and bars in wings of females in Sri Lanka Junglefowl. Song a harsh “chyok-cher-chow”. Also stuttering “kik-kik-kik-kik” notes. [Ebird]
– very beautiful and noisy bird and common almost any where too
– 非常漂亮，吵，蛮普通的鸡
update 202312
– a pretty common endemic bird, we didn’t really spend time looking for it just take picture whenever we meet it
– 非常普通的特有种鸟，我们也没特别找。看到就拍。
202312, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
######
9. Sri Lanka Blue-Magpie, 斯里兰卡蓝鹊, 斯里蘭卡藍鵲, Urocissa ornata, セイロンサンジャク
A large, long-tailed blue bird with a white-tipped tail, and chestnut hood and wings. Inhabits humid forest from lowlands to hills, where it often accompanies mixed canopy flocks, either singly or in small groups. There are no other large, long-tailed blue birds in its range. A noisy species. Sounds typically a series of high-pitched, piercing “clink” calls, as well as some rasping “krak” notes often given in a sequence. [Ebird]
– we only saw this at Sinharaja, few of them normally moving together .. the colors bright, big bird but many would say the colors combination just weird
– 我们的10天行，只在辛哈拉加森林保护区见到。都好几只一起行动。很鲜艳，可是颜色搭配有点怪。
202312, Sinharaja, Sri Lanka
10. Indian Roller, 印度佛法僧, 棕胸佛法僧, Coracias benghalensis, インドブッポウソウ
A brightly colored bird with various shades of blue on the wings, tails, and belly that are often more prominent in flight. Note the longitudinal white streaks on the throat and breast. Indochinese Roller has a purple-blue breast, a darker olive back, and is generally darker blue. Generally silent, but more vocal in breeding season with harsh calls. Prefers open areas, including agricultural landscapes, sitting on exposed perches including electric wires, occasionally pumping its tail slowly. Practically a resident roller with some movements in the western parts of its range. 【Ebird]
update 20231218
– wonderful moment to get close and stay long for us, it is so colorful
a very similar flameback woodpecker but female seem very yellowish
– 与我们的金背很像，可是母鸟很黄。
update 202312
– it seem not very common at Sri Lanka, local guide seem very worry to missed this species. When we arrived a village the bird just stand there for so long and sharing same tree with a Red-backed Flameback
Very small rufescent owl, with yellow-orange eyes, and sparse, light speckles on the underparts. Although does not possess true ear tufts it can show “false” ones when alert. Occurs within extensive humid rainforests in the lowlands of Wet Zone of Sri Lanka. Roosts singly or in pairs in the understory, but also found in upper levels of trees at night. Combination of small size, all rufous color, lack of prominent facial border, and only limited markings below separates it from all other owls on Sri Lanka. Song is a short “woOLoo”, rising in the middle. [Ebird]
– 被发现少于20年的斯里兰卡特有种。
update 20231222
– one of the bird I really want to see, we went same site for 2 days both day also not full open for picture but we had very good view of this very special endemic bird
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…
– quite common overall at Center – South Sri Lanka. it have similar call and behavior of Lineated barbet found at Malaysia
– 与马来西亚的斑头绿拟啄木鸟非常相似的叫声+动态。
update 202312
– we found this pretty common and have few opportunity to photography this bird at few hotel garden. The head give it a right name
– 斯里兰卡蛮普通，从中部到南部都是它的叫声。头部颜色就是它的名来。
20231129, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
16. Brown Fish-Owl, 褐渔鸮, 褐漁鴞, Ketupa zeylonensis, ミナミシマフクロウ
– a overall dull brown fish owl which quite rare at Malaysia but seem quite common at Sri Lanka.
update 20240101
– a bird that sight by local village and brought us there, it was so far away (~60-80m) and so dark .. luckily my gear allow me lock the eye of the bird fast and accurate 😀
– 村里的人带我们去，这么远+鸟还是很害羞！还要很暗。
这鸟应该蛮普通。
202312, Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
17. Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot, 斯里兰卡短尾鹦鹉, 斯里蘭卡短尾鸚鵡, Loriculus beryllinus, ズアカサトウチョウ
– as other Hanging-Parrot small, always canopy. Sri Lanka endemic make no different
– 与其他短尾鹦鹉一样，小小+站高高
update 20240102
– while ours’ trip to Sri Lanka, so much rain while we planning to go out for more birds on day 2 but rain just too heavy for us. But it is glad that Sri Lanka is a place almost any where possible to birding. (ecxcept the forest reserve, bird really scared around) Included the garden of hotel, we got few good birds just at lobby of the hotel even raining
18. Small Minivet, 小山椒鸟, 小山椒, Pericrocotus cinnamomeus, コサンショウクイ
– pretty common small minivet
Males have slaty gray crown, cheeks, and back. Throat and wings black, tail black with pale yellow edges. Breast orange, gradually fading into yellowish-white underparts. Black wings show a patch of orange. Female is duller than male, with light gray upperparts, cheeks and crown; dark gray wings; white throat; and light yellow underparts. Both males and females show an orange rump. Usually seen in small flocks, frequently uttering high-pitched “swee swee” call as they continuously move around feeding on insects, sometimes catching them mid-air like flycatchers. Inhabits various forested habitats, especially thorny jungles, scrub patches, and open dry forest. [Ebird]
update 20240105
– while we had ours rest time at Yala National Park, found few birds feed on tree nearby. very lucky tick on this bird with female too
– a thrush as its name, it is “pied”… moving in dark area
– “黑白”鸫，总是在暗的地方活动。
update 202401
– a shy bird moving in dark with very obvious white browed
– 蛮害羞的鸟，总喜欢到暗的地方活动。
20240112, Nuwara Eliya (Victory Park), Sri Lanka
22. Indian Paradise-Flycatcher, 印缅寿带, 印度綬帶, Terpsiphone paradisi, カワリサンコウチョウ
– another “Paradise Flycatcher” split previously but it is quite obvious “crest”
A graceful looking flycatcher, the adult male sport a long ribbonlike tail. The males occur in two color morphs cinnamon and white. Both color morphs sport a glossy black head with blue ring around the eye, but white morph is entirely white below while the cinnamon morph has cinnamon upperparts and tail, and dirty white underparts. The females are cinnamon above with a grayish throat, a shorter tail, and they lack the male’s blue eyering. They make short aerial sallies after insects, usually returning to the same perch. Occasionally descends to ground to pull apart insects. Chiefly found in wooded habitats. Their call is a harsh “shreew.” [ebird]
update 202401
– a bird that we saw many locations but it is just like others Paradise-Flycatcher, active and shy .. moving fast and almost no stop more than 1 second
– 在斯里兰卡蛮普通在很多地方，环境都看到2这鸟。可是还是一个样子，害羞+动作快。几乎不停多过1秒
202312， Yala NP
23. Sri Lanka Wood-Pigeon, 紫头林鸽, 紫头林鸽, Columba torringtoniae, セイロンカノコモリバト
Large, plain gray pigeon with conspicuous black-and-white stripes on the nape. Underparts flushed mauve. Inhabits upper levels of forests and densely wooded areas in the hills and mountains, where occurs in pairs or small flocks. Combination of black-and-white neck markings and plain, unmarked, dark gray upperparts identifies this species from all other pigeons on Sri Lanka. Vocalizations include a single, deep “wooo”, and also an owl-like, double note “woo-oo”. [EBird]
update 20240115
– the only day we at Horton Plains NP, rain in the whole morning. We almost this endemic but found it very last moment while we leaving and we had ours late lunch because of this bird
– medium size of raptor, and it look very similar to Malaysia one except have “high crest”
– 体型中。与马来西亚凤头鹰雕很像除了冠很高。
update 202402
– before I forgot, another best moment when we at Sri Lanka.. this good looking raptor give us very good looking it is close and not happy
– 我去忙前，这是2023我最特别的其中一刻。这猛禽，真的很漂亮。站很近，看我们。有点不高兴。
202312， Yala NP
####
– our 2nd try for the Leopard at another entrance of Yala National Park, not very productive afternoon but we saw this raptor standing on ground and walk across the trail and looking at us !
– as other Peacock-Pheasant, it is shy and not easy to have a good view in the wild. This pair of Sumatra endemic, will show up at one of the feeding station but this male will chase any bird that come close make us only saw the main target Schneider’s Pitta (2 times before light, 1 time night)
– finish my Taiwan trip last 10days ago and now finish Sumatra, 2023 going to end… a busy year and another busy year coming… what’s everyone plan ?
– I had the same Pheasant 16years +- ago but I remember it was either 30/40d 100400 and misty, dark … so I don’t even remember I had keep the photo or not. But finally this time I got opportunity to see it for longer time, better weather … hope see it again future
– a target bird, we found one while ours night birding after we got ours Rajah Scops-Owl. Happy to found one, before we heading to “feeding spot”. But we only have 2 chance which happen before enough light for better quality of picture.
– Any how it is 20th Pitta for guest…
– Am using new CANON RF200800 which is small aperture lens. But with a travel tripod assist, I managed to have most the picture hit on at ~1/10-1/30
– 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.
– arrived the famous Tapan road, stop the first location as saw the whistling-thrush on the road and not long heard a not so familiar call and soon Dwi say it is a babbler and make some small effort to have it in view and not so open photo due to very lowlight. In the noon time very soon we have another chance to photograph it ..
– I still remember years ago, when we had one visit Malaysia.. drove 2 hours… sit in the hide before light … the bird stand 200-500m away .. and here (Taiwan) so easy and so many … and now I shooting with 1792mm (R7 with 1.6 crop, 800mm + 1.4x tc).. the plumage also look good .. check out the CANON RF200800 update for actual size JPEG
– 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…
202312, Sinharaja, Sri Lanka
https://liewwkphoto.com/blog/?p=11875https://liewwkphoto.com/blog/?p=2314
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update 20231222
– one of the bird I really want to see, we went same site for 2 days both day also not full open for picture but we had very good view of this very special endemic bird
– it seem not very common at Sri Lanka, local guide seem very worry to missed this species. When we arrived a village the bird just stand there for so long and sharing same tree with a Red-backed Flameback
– a very fast moving tiny bird with very soft call bird, it is so difficult to have a open picture .. but with the current new mirrorless animal detect and tracking. It is some how quite easy to have some picture even at complicated environment like this
– 非常小+快的小鸟。叫的很小声。也喜欢在丛里跳来跳去。现在无反的动物+动物眼的 AI ，被不大可能做成比较容易。只要一有机会，我都有办法拿下它。
a very simple test on a raptor flying on very windy harbor at Taiwan.Setting
– CANON R3
– ISO3200, F9, 1/2500, 800mm
– Animal Detect, Eye detectio, Tracking On
– point the view finder to the subject, half press the shutter button allow it lock the focus and from the view finder can see the focus tracking just continuous track the subject.. than follow by continuous press the shutter button
– we can see how good is the CANON system while the Background change do not affect the tracking at ll
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update 202312
– very common endemic, can bee heard and seen almost any where at DaxueShan
– I am walking suddenly saw a flocks of birds and I know must be good chance to see this cute bird again.. 15-16 years ago managed to photograph this bird and I say I will back again aas those time using 30/40d with 100400 EF but version1. Finally managed to have few keeper as it moving real fast and high
– after some official stuff and follow by family trip, spent morning session at the “螃蟹步道“. just 30minutes spent, when I arrived I managed to see it far away which 80-120m… and I managed to captured and quite happy with it .. than continue with other birds that come real close.. not long 2 birds spot by local birders and I rush there and managed to have quite good series picture for this rare bird.. managed to have this star bird get close and with my lucky CANON RF200-800 (now I name it as Lucky 28) …
– while I am spending time to look for the Pheasant, this bird keep entertain me.. even at ours’ accommodation area, 1 pair seem very tame and flying around
– the only species that I saw 2 day in the row at DaXueShan, lovely and moving fast as other Yuhina.
– the RF200800 does not failed me to fast lock focus and track the bird even I missed quite a lot due to low light (low shutter speed while moving the lens direction fast) but as long as the bird stand still for a second or more most of the continuous series I had more than 70% keeper.
– we only saw this at Sinharaja, few of them normally moving together .. the colors bright, big bird but many would say the colors combination just weird
– 我们的10天行，只在辛哈拉加森林保护区见到。都好几只一起行动。很鲜艳，可是颜色搭配有点怪。
202312, Sinharaja, Sri Lankahttps://liewwkphoto.com/blog/?p=1971https://liewwkphoto.com/blog/?p=11875
– another very common endemic, which found most of the lowland urban areas, forest edge, forest
– with very lovely call, not shy
– 斯里兰卡非常普通的特有种，几乎在很多点都看到它。还很会唱歌。
202312, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
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update 202312
– in Sri Lanka, the most common bird to be seen is not sparrow, crow .. but one of them is this beautiful and big bird which can found almost any where, urban, forest edge, forest etc.
– the bird just sit there !!! actually local make tree hole for them nesting so the area become territory of both bird… just look for them without call back or any action
– we looking for last endemic bird of the tour, Red-faced Malkoha after got it with record picture .. heavy rain came and all wet, after basic lunch at village house. We thought of going back hotel for rest but ours local guide told us someone found Bay-owl .. without wait we straight go the spot for the owl
– it is pretty common at lowland forest of Borneo, and this year seem it is my lucky bird. Each time after meet up this bird, ours’ main target will appear very soon.
– one of the cute Borneo Endemic, it is small and confuse
– the Dawn picture captured with one of young photographer from Taiwan @葉哲亨 . He has my respect, even much younger than me .. the way he like and enjoy the nature. He also never go and want to go any “feeding” station for bird
– after spent 5 days in lowland forest without ours’ target, decided to spend last day in other kind of forest to have some new tick for customer. Never prepare anything, no worm just go to the “feeding spot” and wait. This bird appear and stand for long for us .. so this consider “feeding” ? (for me yes as without the feeding activities the bird wont be there for us)
– this Pitta would be mist difficult Pitta for myself, exclude the feeding spot picture or sighting. I have only 2 open 1-2s moment to have pictures and total <30s view over the years .. who have non feeding picture ? I know my best buddy and I spent our days and weeks …
– at the same fruiting tree, we had both dull brown-white flowerpecker. One with dark eye and the other pale eye .. but need to show customers the Brown-backed so I missed the chance again 🙁
– a visit to Merapoh Canopy walk, and there is fruiting tree just at right time. Managed to have few good birds and this is one good allow us for good photo
– Racquet-tail always attract us, even just the common Greater Racquet-tail at Malaysia. This colorful parrot with Racquet-tail, just another bird that I want to photograph i close range. finally it perch so just infront of us.
– a special target tour for Cinnamon-rumped Trogon, but 3 lowland forest we tried just too quiet. Just one Scarlet-rumped Trogon sighted and not other Trogon even make single call over 5 days.
– This bird was calling in the afternoon where we park ours’ car. I heard from far, no long the bird gave us good view and photography
– 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 ?
The short-tailed gymnure is active both during day and at night. It lives in hilly and montane forests up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), and sometimes in humid lowland forests. It feeds mainly on insects on the ground but also sometimes takes fruit. It normally does not live any longer than 2 years.[ [Wiki]
update 202403
– it is so cute when we look close, lovely small animal
– 非常可爱+小的小动物。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202310
– it is always come to most the feeding station, tiny and shy
CONTACT me if you need advice or Bird Watching/Photography related services
Medium-sized slender bird, pale gray above, white below, with a small dark bridge between the bill and eye (lores) and faint partial white eyering. Immature lacks distinct mask of Black-faced Cuckooshrike. Dark morph shows large but variable black bib and breast, mottled or barred at the edges. Inhabits eucalypt forest and other woodlands in Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Call a high-pitched, two-note squeak. [Ebird]
– off season, finally home to look at all the pictures… this was one of the most amazing moment with my group .. special bird, special moment and special peoples …
– one of the star birds of Peninsula Malaysia and it was there for years … just wish no much disturbance because of any reason. And it is no one spot it is a national park for years .. just enjoy the nature and birding
– if everyone have a bird to attract you to Birding ? for me this is one of them, many years ago a garden nearby house… this bird build their nest same location for almost every years.. I spend many many time to look at them .. monitor especially with my love one (family, best buddies …)
– happy to see the chick still always looking for it’s parent before roosting
A spectacular chestnut-backed thrush with striking white facial patches, black-and-white wings, and bold pied markings below. Juvenile shows buff streaks on crown and back and buff throat. Terrestrial, feeding on the forest floor singly or in pairs within the lowlands and low hills. Unmistakable within its limited range on islands of Sulawesi and Kabaena. Mournful song is a phrase of several high-pitched whistled notes, “deee-der-doo” or “deee-der.” Calls include “chak” notes and a high-pitched “peep” call. [Ebird]
– it is a season where most of them not roosting at common area. We stay until dusk (~5pm) and managed to have good view of a pair of them .. just wake up with stretch wing
– a special owl, seem everyone wanted to have a look at Sulawesi (included the local) as believe lucky ? but it is always challenge to looking for one.
– a lovely Hornbill but sometime just tricky to have a sight but this year seem very stable at few location.. but any how still good to see this beautiful Hornbill
– arrived owling location earlier, trying for this nightjar .. and YES , it flying really low but today weather just bad .. ISO already up 32000 .. but show the CANON R3 no problem to focus and track .. .. hihi someone Z9 not focus 😀
– busy months 2023 end … now left over special target tours.. next one hope have luck to have good view of this bird again .. stress actually to find this bird ..
– arrived Halmahera, before anything go for this main target … due to long travel everyone seem tired but luckily the bird appear not that long compare to other waiting 😀 and it is huge in size, some with 800mm little bit suffer to take whole bird into frame
update202310
– as usual, even special target tour. we still spend some time for my lovely owls. Arrive here, not very long. There are 4birds calling and 2 of them perch near for us to take pictures.
– 如常，目标鸟团。我们一样晚上找找我喜爱的猫头鹰。到达折后，没等很久。4只鸟在叫，2只还让我们拍好好。
– a special almost represent Sulawesi as almost any where you can see symbol
A massive black-and-white megapode with a rose-pink breast and a diagnostic prominent knob on the nape. Found in lowland and hill forest, in areas near beaches or areas with volcanic sands in which they lay their eggs. Immatures show a blacker head with a white throat and a tufted crest. Occurs in pairs that forage on the ground and roost in trees by night. Often best seen at known egg-laying sites, either during laying sessions, or roosting in trees nearby. Generally silent, but occasionally gives a loud, bubbling “waow.” [Ebird]
update 202310
– another main target for a short Photography tour, not really a difficult bird to be seen but it stay far from the hide and very alert with sounds. But there are few individual come to the ranger area which gave some close pictures.
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– 4 years ago 5 of us went to West Papua for Photography and today 3 out of 5 we back to same airport and same Starbuck ..good memory … and hope tomorrow we have same good experience for the photography tour
– our simple no target day at Tomohon, come across this best spot for all the small birds .. good photography spot … so close and good lighting and background
– 2022-2023 so much rain across Borneo – Pen Malaysia … I forgot how many times I got all wet when in the forest .. how many times we cancel our drive due to heavy rain .. but bird still coming for food while heavy rain
– 2nd trip to Halmahera 2023 and see you next week … never get bored to see it making noise and dance even the journey there bit challenge … I am coming
– I didnt update any pictures for 2023, even I went to 2 feeding station for multiple times. This bird is amazing and I recommended look at yourself … the color and whole bird is un-real.
– it is always good to see this bird perch and most of the time we always tell guests .. see it is Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot flying … haha such a tiny bird flying …
– just another common heard, or high up view bird. but today it decided to come low and making call to allow us to capture some good photo of this endemic
– another tiny bird from far … but still amaze who can find this owl (me !!! haha I also wonder how I found it). no choice to be part of environment shot
– when I am at the feeding station (without feeding, how we can see it so well), it is boring so I am trying to have some “small like mosquitoes” series support one of my friend always like to shoot environment shots
– lucky night, ours activities start with this weird creature with baby
– 幸运的晚上，好是带小孩。
update 202403
– it is another lucky night, managed to see this cute animal feeding on leaf .. and next night with young .few months ago actually managed to see or record how it drink water on tree.
202312, Sinharaja, Sri Lanka
