Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Monday, April 19, 2010

Kuala Baram calling ...

Rushed out of the house about 0630hrs this morning to check out the flats in Kuala Baram. The weather has been extremely fine these past few days ... the beach would look awesome in morning light.

Along the way briefly stopped by the side of the road across from Shin Yang's new oil palm plantation to keep a look out for Collared Kingfisher or maybe even a Stork-billed Kingfisher. There was only a very edgy CKF but no signs of the SKF. The SKF has only been sighted in the area twice last year. CKF is rather common, counted almost 30 individuals perched on the powerlines traversing Crocodile Farm to Kpg Batu Satu this morning.

A Striated Heron was feeding at the drain's edge but well hidden, intent on being invisible. Not far was a Little Egret, feeding alone. All round were little birds calling. Lively spot, even for a tiny 20m stretch between the beach and the Kuala Baram Road.

Shortly after, a Yellow Bittern flew directly towards the parked car but changed it's mind at the very last minute and swerved to the right into the mangroves behind the prawn ponds.

At the beach, it was already almost 0700hrs by then, there were still some waders hanging around: Common Sandpiper, 200-300 mixed flock of mainly Kentish Plovers, some Little Ringed Plovers and others too far to id. It's always special to be able see the early colors of the migrants before they make their way home for the summer. Fresh and bright ... especially so in present good weather.

A Great Egret was seen foraging further in the lagoon. A Pacific Reef Egret was around too, a brief appearance after being spooked initially but quickly disappeared again at a blink of an eye. Quick that guy!

Striated Grassbird was calling from the powerlines, while a few Yellow-bellied Prinia were rather vocal as well on the tall grass. In lower volume were the Chestnut Munia.

Another bittern was startled out of the grass on the other side of the retaining wall. Lighting fast!


Little Egret in flight composite.


Billowy clouds with blue-skies backdrop.


Rising tide, slowly. There was a couple Little Ringed Plover here this morning by the water's edge.


This mudflat is completely submerged on high tide days.

Sunday, April 4, 2010