AVIAN FIELD REPORT - Batang Kali Genting ( Post-May 2014)

The season of moths congregating at the the Radar station brought plenty of bird activity to the place. Many fledgling like the Streaked Wrenbabbler, Whitebrowed SB, Golden-throated Barbet,  and Large Niltava were seen that day. Silver-eared Mesia were as daring as the others. The highlight of the Green Magpie to appear was a dissappointment. The clear and hot morning was blamed for the no show. 

 

This Chestnut-tailed Minla aka Barred-throated/chestnut-winged is also having a nesting down the hill side out of sight as its catches moth in the air to bring it back to feed its babies.

The long tailed Sibia fledgling with grey eyes keeping close to its parent. The adults have red-eyes. 

There was a hive of birders in the hilltop of Batang Kali when it was reported a Cutia sighting there 3 weeks ago. Met Suhaimi, Bernard, Makus ,Yap and Lily there. Azizan & John T  were another two birders that I was not so familiar. 

This my first time I am seeing the white throated fantail, chestnut-capped LT as well as the Grey-throated babbler in the hill top. The warmer condition is a possibility and the moth seasonal. is the better bet.

Left photo - The male juvenile Large Niltava is so beautiful with its speckled rufous breast. Tot it was the Rufous-bellied which I have only seen once with Jason in Brincang CH.

The experience on that day was amazing as some of birds come as close as arm length and are fearless of our presence  especially the juveniles . We can only watch as they pop in and out to feed on moths and caterpillars on the shrub undergrowth . 

Above the WrenBabler fledgling came as close as 12 feet! First time I can shot full frame.

On the right the juvenile Eyebrowed SB with its rufous tinge to its 

The Chestnut crowned LaughingThrush and female L. Niltava were busy  collecting the feedworm for their nestling. In the case of the Niltava it may be a second nesting as the first broods  were also seen feeding nearby.

The Golden Babbler at its frenzy pace is still a challenge for my 7D to get a sharp photo. The Mountain Bulbul juvenile and its parents were approachable upto 20 ft as they too take moths from the ground and wall.