The Grey-chinned Minivet ( Pericrocotus solaris ) 17 - 19 cm

This is one specie in which the Male and Female have vastly differing plumage color. The Male have reddish, almost flourescent red feathers whilst the Female feathers are bright yellow. Both Male and Female have a common mixed black plumage. 

Have a nice day! Cheers!

The Crimson-winged Woodpecker ( Picus puniceus ) 24 - 28 cm

These photos were 're-discovered' when I reviewed some old folders of bird photos. They were shot and left in the raw format. I decided to edit some of them and have pleasure to share them here.

 

Have an eventful day! Cheers!

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo ( Dicrurus paradiseus ) 30 - 37 cm

When seen in-flight the long 'racquet-tail' always catches first attention. On a matured bird the tail is longer than the body! Another marvel of nature. The Drongo specie is also a great imitator of  other bird calls. On average it could mimic the calls of no less than 5 other species, including the that of an eagle! And it is also well known for standing it's ground and chasing away bigger birds which have intruded it's space or have wandered too close to it's nest.   

Here are pix with the tail in full display.

Start enjoying the natural beauty of nature! Cheers!

The Oriental Magpie Robin ( Copsychus saularis ) 19 - 21 cm

The Oriental Magpie Robin is very commonly seen in parks, gardens and open grasslands. this one decided that the afternoon sun is too hot for it's liking and decided to take a dip in the fast moving river. The super cool water is most inviting as it spent a good 15 minutes diving in and out and obviously enjoying the cool respite from the blazing sun. 

Pix below show the utter enjoyment this little fella is having! :-)

 
Spend some time with nature! Cheers!

A pair of Black-headed Bul Bul ( Pycnonotus arriceps ) 18 cm

I came across this 'couple' when out early, just before the start of the main birding trip. In the beginning they were both perched and foraging in separate trees. My attention was drawn away, albeit temporarily, when a Drongo Cuckoo appeared in the scene. After photographing the new arrival my focus returned to the Bul Buls. By this time the two were perched close to each other on the same branch! Not satisfied by the extended distance which separated me and the birds and having the desire to get better close-up pix; I inched closer, always conscious that any quick or noisy move on my part will frighten them away. It was a success! I managed to come to within a distance of about 40 ft. 

Here they are :

 

Have a fruitful day! Cheers!

The Gold-whiskered Barbet ( Megalaima chrysopogon ) 30 cm

This one had obviously found the heat of the noon day sun quite un-bearing. As it flew over a small stream to closer to my position  I could see it had it's beak wide open as a way to cool down. After some inquisitive stares in my direction it decided to go back to where it came. I noticed that there was another bird, most likely to be it's mate foraging in the same tree. 

Here are 3 photos for sharing.

Have a nice day! Cheers!

The White-headed Munia ( Lonchura maja ) 11.5 cm

Very often could be seen in large flock of up to 2 dozen birds or more. Favorite habitat are grassland, scrub and paddy fields. 

Have a fruitful day! Cheers!

The Common (Black-naped) Oriole ( Oriolus chenensis) 24.5 - 27.5 cm

Quite commonly seen in gardens, parks and secondary forest. Often as a pair making their presence felt by regularly making loud calls as they go about foraging for food. 

 

Have a productive day! Cheers!

The Scaly-breasted Munia ( Lonchura punctulata ) 12 - 12.5 cm

Scaly-breasted Munias feeding on seeds of wild weeds.

 
Cheers!

The Little Heron ( Butorides striatus ) 40 - 48 cm

Following images show the Little Heron hunting for it's meal.

  
Have a nice day! Cheers!

The Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting) 15.5 - 16.5 cm

Sharing improved images of the Blue-eared Kingfisher. 

Have a great day! Cheers!

MNS Raptor Watch 2011

Raptor Watch is held annually on the first weekend of March. For the year 2011 the event is held on March 12 & 13 (Saturday & Sunday).

However, the spring raptor migration actually begins in mid February and lasts till mid April. For those who are not able to come to the RW, you can still come anytime within this period to see the birds. Over th...e years of monitoring, MNS has discovered that the peak period to watch the most number of birds is the first weekend of March.

Despite the scientific data behind it, raptor migration cannot be guaranteed. Nature is unpredictable. A change in wind direction, haze and rain may deter the birds from flying across leading to a `no bird day’. Ref: MNS Raptor Watch website

Telling the story in pictures.

The morning sun breaking in the horizon. View from the Casa Rachado Resort

The clean beach line is a welcoming sight. 

By around 11 am the first wave of Raptors filled the blue sky!

From their lofty heights the Raptors looked like tiny birds dotting the sky!

As they flew lower their size becomes more apparent!

At closer range the full impact of their size become pronounced!

                                        The flight of these big birds are simply awesome!

                 Adult birds' wing span could reach over 6 ft from wing tip to wing tip!

                                            Simply great birds to observe and enjoy!

                            See how this bird glide with the vast wings fully stretched out!

                                        Soaring higher and higher with the noon day thermal

                                 Another angle of appreciating the bird's size and wing span!

                                        Struggling to keep in-flight!

                                          Going along with the wind!

                                The flight speed is determined by the wind.

                                                          Ballet in the sky~!

Join Raptor Watch in 2012! Cheers!