Borneo Bird Club

Bornean green magpie

2012-01-08T11:47:00.004+08:00

Bornean green magpie
(Cissa jefferyi)

ENGLISH VERSION

Bornean Green Magpie
Cissa jefferyi

Short-tailed Green Magpie (Cissa thalassina) has been split into Javan Green Magpie C. thalassina and Bornean Green Magpie C. jefferyi.

The race Cissa jefferyi is endemic to the island of Borneo, found in foothill and true montane forest between 300 to 2,750 metres although rarely below 1,400 m elevation is dark and almost uniform apple-green with yellow wash on the forehead.The eyes are bluish-white to whitish with pale blue orbital ring and narrow red eye-ring. The black mask is broader above the eye than in nominate race, and tapers almost in a point, whereas it is flatter in C.t. thalassina. Its voice is sweet and musical with a series of 4-5 clear notes “swe-swi-swee-swi-swe-sweet” repeated after short pause with some variations. It also utters a penetrating “sweeeii” and a repeated “swe-swe-gurg” or “swe-gurg”.

The Short-tailed Green Magpie feeds mainly on snails, various insects and their larvae, small frogs, lizards, snakes, birds’ eggs and nestlings, some fruits and carrion. This species is often seen alone, in pairs or in family groups according to the season or even amongst a mixed flock of laughing thrushes, drongos and treepies. They forage in the dense undergrowth, on the ground, through shrub layers, clambering between the hanging vegetation, and sometimes reaching the upper canopy. It often feeds near the limit of the tree-line. They cross open areas from thicket to thicket, but it prefers the cover of vegetation.

MALAY VERSION
Short-tailed Green Magpie (Cissa Thalassina) telah dipecahkan kepada Javan Green Magpie C.thalassina dan Bornean Green Magpie C. jefferyi.

Spesis Cissa jefferyi adalah endemik kepada kepulauan Borneo, boleh ditemui di kaki gunung dan hutan gunung di antara 300 ke 2750 meter walaupun jarang di bawah ketinggian 1,400m, warnany adalah gelap dan hampir seragam epal-hijau dengan segelintir kekuningan pada dahi. Matanya seakan putih-kebiruan atau putih dengan orbit biru pucat dan cincin-mata berwarna merah yang nipis. Garisan hitam di atas mata adalah lebih tebal berbanding dengan spesis lain, dan kian hampir di mata, sedangkan ia mendatar dalam Ct Thalassina. Suaranya merdu dan berirama dengan siri 4-5 nota jelas "SWE-swi-Swee-swi-SWE-sweet" berulang selepas jeda pendek dengan beberapa variasi. Ia juga berbunyi "sweeeii" dan berulang-ulangan "SWE-SWE-gurg" atau "SWE-gurg".

Makanan utama Short-tailed Green Magpie adalah siput, serangga dan larvanya, katak kecil, cicak, ular, telur dan anak burung, beberapa buah-buahan dan sisa bangkai. Spesis ini sering dilihat bersendirian, berpasangan atau dalam kumpulan keluarga mengikut musim ataupun di kalangan kawanan spesis laughing thrushes, drongos dan treepies. Ia mencari makanan dalam semak padat, di atas tanah, melalui lapisan renek, antara tumbuh-tumbuhan gantung, dan kadang-kadang mencapai kanopi tinggi. Ia selalunya mencari makan berhampiran had garisan pokok. Mereka melintas kawasan-kawasan yang terbuka dari belukar ke belukar, tetapi ia lebih suka penutup tumbuh-tumbuhan.

Migratory bird watching trip to Penampang padi fields

2012-01-08T10:50:00.007+08:00

Borneo Bird Club

Migratory bird watching trip to Penampang
18 December 2011

The boys and girls in the padi outing..

Sandakan Borneo Bird Club organised a migratory bird watching trip to Penampang paddy fields on 18^th December 2011, more than 20 birding enthusiasts, young and old, beginners and old -timers, showed up for the event. The old-timers brought with them an array of birding equipment, field scopes and telephoto lenses, participants new to the hobby have an opportunity to experience using them in the field.

Telephoto, telescope and tele-eyes is required when birding here...

Penampang paddy fields are a heaven for wintering waders and waterbirds in Sabah. These birds fly thousands of kilometer southwards every autumn from northeast Asia from August to early December, thousands pass through our shores in Sabah, some spend their winter here, some continue south all the way to northern Australia after a brief stop for refueling in suitable habitats. This extensive stretch of paddy fields is one of the important areas in Sabah where these birds stopover for refueling and spend their winter.

mixed flock of intermediate, cattle and great egrets, the 'opportunist' one in the fields

Wandering whistling duck (L) and Javan pond heron (juvenile) (R)

the elusive Buff-banded rail
Denis Degulacion ©

They will return to their breeding grounds next spring in late February to April, by than some of them would have partially moulted into their attractive spring plumage.

Cinnamon bittern (L) and White-browed crake (R)

Many migratory birds were sighted there on that day, including waders and forest birds, a number of resident birds were also seen.

Flock of Black headed munia (L) and Red avadavat (R)

Some lucky participants had a glimpse of the newest bird in Borneo, Red-billed Starling (Sturnus sericeus), which was recorded for the first time in Borneo just a couple of days ago in the same vicinity. The importance of the area is also demonstrated by having some birds, like the Red Avadavat (Amandava amandava) and Black-collared Starling (Gracupica nigricollis), which are hardly found anywhere else in Sabah and Borneo.

Plaintive cuckoo, the 'caterpillar hunter' at the okra fields (L) and White-browed crake (R)

Other interesting species sighted include the Red Avadavat, a brilliant looking red bird, which was originally from released caged-birds and has now established very well in the area.

Red avadavat
Almost a resident in the area...

A lovely morning with the view of Mt. Kinabalu on the backdrop
The bushes on the left is the hidden 'cove' of many padi n grass birdlife including the White-browed crake.

A total of 38 bird species recorded during the 3 hours outing:
Recorded by : Carol Angkangon
Reference: Phillipps’ Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo by Quentin & Karen Phillipps

White-breasted Waterhen

Striated Grassbird

Cattle Egret

Little Egret

Intermediate Egret

Great Egret

White-browed Crake

Yellow Bittern

Little Ringed Plover

Yellow-bellied Prinia

Spotted-necked Dove

Common Sandpiper

Red Avadavat

Eurasian Tree-sparrow

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Oriental Reed Warbler

Chestnut Munia

Red-billed Starling

Glossy Swiftlet

Spotted-necked Dove

Brown Shrike

Scaly-breasted Munia

Zebra Dove

(Davison: Peaceful Dove)

Brown-throated Sunbird

Dusky Munia

Pied Triller

Crested Myna

European Starling

White-browed Crake

Black-winged Kite

Black-crowned Night Heron ( Common Night Heron)

Cinnamon Bittern

Common Moorhen

Striated Heron

Lesser Coucal

White-breasted Woodswallow

Buff-banded Rail

Plaintive Cuckoo

Thank you to all members and friends for the participation, looking forward to the next outing in February 2012!

Write-up : Wong Tsu Shi

Photo: Cede Prudente Photography © 2012
Compilation: Emelyn Asmawil

Rare bird sightings in Sabah - 4th Quarter 2011

2012-01-07T23:17:00.000+08:00

The followings are records of interesting bird sightings; some rare, some very rare, including one new addition to Bornean list (Red-billed Starling), in various parts of Sabah compiled from Internet postings, photo sharing blog and personal communications throughout the 4th quarter of 2011, feel free to email me if I missed out anything, left out any observer or made any error, so that appropriate amendments could be made.

A big thank you to all observers who have shared their observations.

These information will be very useful if they are centralized in one place instead of scattered all over the internet.I have, therefore, self appointed myself to make a list every month from all information available to me and will post it at my blog, Borneo Bird Club's Blog, and Borneo Bird Images when the appropriate web page is ready. By doing so, I hope these records will be stored permanently and readily available to everyone interested in such info.

All sightings included here are supported by photographs made by the observers.

October 2011

November 2011

December 2011

Happy birding.

MIGRATORY BIRD WATCHING IN PENAMPANG PADI FIELDS

2011-12-09T17:10:00.000+08:00

Borneo Bird Festival 2011 Photo Essay

2011-11-10T12:28:00.008+08:00

The Happenings and The Success of

Borneo Bird Festival 2011!

The Borneo Bird Festival (BBF) 2011 held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) from 14^th to 16^th October was participated by more than 3,000 visitors, both local and international and was packed with challenging and educational activities and globally informative talks. The festival was jointly organized by the Sabah Tourism Board, Borneo Bird Club and Sabah Forestry Department with support from Nikon (Malaysia) and IJM. It was generally aimed to create public awareness of the various magnificent birds of Borneo and the importance of conservation and ecotourism activities. It was also meant to promote birdwatching in Sabah, which is relatively new and potentially essential in generating revenue for the state tourism sector.

Some 25 exhibitors from various government agencies, NGOs, private sector as well as individuals showcased their products and promoted their activities.

Booth activities

The General Manager of the Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Irene Charuruks toured the exhibiting booths in the late afternoon on 14^th October.

Datuk Irene Charuruks touring the booths.

A dinner reception was held at the Keruing Café, RDC. Among the dignitaries was YB Datuk Zakaria Idris, the State Assemblyman for Gum Gum.

Welcome Everyone!

During the reception, BBF 2011 also paid tribute to the late Choo Tse Tsen and Lee Teck Seng who have contributed significantly to the birding activities in Sabah. (We say,“They are happily birding in paradise with its finest forest and featherly delights”.)

The rest of the days were furnished with birding activities such as bird race, guided birdwalk, bird photography, photo exhibition, digiscoping workshop and various displays of birdwatching equipment.

Ppppiiiiiittttt...let the bird race begin! from Mr. Gary Albert

(left) Under this misty surrounding, these guys looks exactly the same. Spot the difference!
(right) Mr. Birder 2011?

RDC canopy walk is one of the best locations for bird watching. The VIP's and the rest of the bird enthusiasts are busy with their cameras. click..click..click.. hear that?

A children bird camp was also organized for students from various schools in Sandakan to expose them to the birding activities and to learn about the diversity of birds in Borneo.

"You are young, you should learn". Have you heard that from your elders? You know what kids, they are always right.... never been left..... behind from providing you the best lesson. Today, you learn about Bornean Birds. Let's fly!

Besides that, various other activities were arranged for kids, such as bird colouring and painting contests, creative bird drawing, stone painting, sand art, bird tattooing, face painting as well as batik painting.

Alone or with someone's guidance, kids love learning while playing at the same time.
(left) this two lovely girls are happily and seriously doing sand art. (right) kids being assissted in bird colouring.

This year, the talks held at the RDC’s Kabili Theatre were equally interesting and informative, with speakers from UK, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Philippines and Malaysia.

(That’s what we mean by Globally Informative Talks. Amazing!)

Venues for the talks - The newly finished Kabili theatre, a world class hall

(left) Mr. Steve Shunk talks about Bird Tourism as a major sector in Nature Based Tourism in the World & on Borneo’s Woodpeckers: Anatomy & Adaptation. (right) Mr. Samson Ho talks about IBAs in Hong Kong, an Experience on Conservation, Education and Management.

Mr. Quentin Philipps, UK, talks on Successful Swiftlet Farming by Understanding Swiftlet Ecology. The 2nd edition of his book featuring the spectacled Flowerpecker was published this year and sells it at this BBF.

(left) Mr. Alex Tiongco, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines talks about Philippine Endemic birds Species. (right) Mr. Wong Tsu Shi, Borneo Bird Club talks about Waders Migration to Sabah.

(left) Datuk Irene Charuruks presents a memento, a book "Birds of Borneo" to Mr. Cede Prudente of Borneo Bird Club, who talks about Birding and Wildlife Photography in Sabah.

The most awaited time was the awarding ceremony not because of the material prize, but the enjoyment and fulfillment it brought.

BIG THANKS to the untiring support rendered by everyone in making BBF 2011 a resounding SUCCESS!

Thank You Guys....

More Photos of Exhibitors...

Tabin Wildlife Holidays (left), Tribute to 'Chien and Ah seng' (right)

Borneo Nature Tours (left), Imbak Canyon and Maliau Basin Team from Yayasan Sabah (right)

Eco Institute Hongkong (left), Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (right)

Canon Marketing (left), Nikon Malaysia (right)

Borneon Sun Bear Conservation (left), Jason Reyes(right)

BBF 2011 Committee (left), Borneo Books (right)

Bird Photography Competition 1st public judging

serious...Bird Race Judging

See you at Borneo Bird Festival 2012!

Article Contributed by: Dr. Arthur Chung
Photos by : Jollence Lee

2011-10-22T11:16:00.004+08:00

Tribute to our Nature 'ambassadors' of Sabah, Malaysia and Borneo

2011-10-19T13:21:00.024+08:00

3rd Borneo Bird Festival 2011

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan

Sabah, Malaysia

14-16 October, 2011

Compiled by Dr. Arthur Chung

and THE WINNERS are...

Category : Bird Photography Contest (DSLR)

1st Prize Winner - Fung Shuk Vun@Nicole
Represented by Wendell

2nd Prize Winner - Dennie Angkee

3rd Prize Winner - Alphonsus Loinsang

Category : Bird Photography Contest (Digiscoping)

1st Prize Winner - Alven Chang
Represented by Eugene

2nd Prize Winner - Hamit Suban

3rd Prize Winner - Jason Bugay Reyes

Category : Bird Race

1st Prize Winner - Team BRL ( Danum's Borneo Rainforest Lodge Team)

2nd Prize Winner - Team Kinabalu Birding

3rd Prize Winner - TWR-REM

The organizers with friends and fellow birders

Borneo Bird Festival 2011

2011-09-23T08:07:00.010+08:00

Borneo Bird Festival 2011

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan

Sabah, Malaysia

14-16 October, 2011

BORNEO BIRD FESTIVAL PROGRAMME: http://www.borneobirdfestival.com/programme-outline/

GUIDED BIRDWALK & TALK ON INTRODUCTORY TO BIRD WATCHING & BIRD MIGRATION TO SABAH BY TS WONG

2011-08-20T11:06:00.001+08:00

Borneo Bird Club Birdwatching & Nature Escapade to IJM Plantations

2011-06-13T10:09:00.003+08:00

Borneo Bird Club, Sabah, Birdwatching & Nature Escapade to IJM Plantations “ Hundred-Acre Wood” at Sungai Sabang, Sugut, Sabah 10 & 11 June 2011

Big thank you to IJM Plantations Berhad for the hospitality.
Participated by 15 Borneo Bird Club members

Sugut River

The Boat to Sabang, Sugut.

Adeline Choy and GAry Albert
The Welcoming address...

The Boat ride

Black-naped tern
along the estuaries of Beluran

Black- winged Tern seen along the estuaries of Beluran

Crested Tern

White-bellied sea eagle

Borneo Bird Club

The best Bakery in the region!
Pan-de-sal was good...

Makan ketam and katam...
The Pineapple was the best in the world!

The room

The House in the club...

Mangroves around Sugut and the IJM Plantations “ Hundred-Acre Wood” at Sungai Sabang, Sugut, Sabah

IJM Plantations “ Hundred-Acre Wood” at Sungai Sabang, Sugut, Sabah

Timelapse Photography Session

Snake Commotion...

Star of the day

It rains in Sugut

The Avatar Tree in Sabang, Sugut
Sabah, Malaysia

Scarlet minivet

Wallace's Hawk Eagle

Photos: Cede Prudente Photography and Danie Liee
Photographs are property of Cede Prudente Photography , downloading is disallowed without written permission

Birdwatching & Nature Escapade to "Hundred-Acre Wood" - IJM Plantations

2011-05-25T13:42:00.006+08:00

Sandakan Borneo Bird Club (BoBC) is pleased to announce its first birding outing this June with a visit to IJM Plantations “ Hundred-Acre Wood” located at Sungai Sabang, Sugut.

Participation is limited to 15 pax and open to BoBC members only. Details of registration as follow :

Registration fee : RM 50 per pax

Trip Date : 10 & 11 June 2011 ( Friday & Saturday)

Closing date for registration : 3^rd June 2011

Contact person : Ms. Caroline ( Secretary )

Email : borneobirdclub@yahoo.com

Phone : 089 235525

Time

Details

DAY 1 : Friday, 10^th June 2011

7.00 am

8.30 am

9.30 am

12.00 noon

3.00 pm

4.30 pm

7.00 pm

8.00 pm



     Gather at IJM head office at mile 6

      Arrive at jetty and depart to Sg. Sabang by boat

Check into the Sabang Clubhouse of the “Hundred Acre Wood”

        Lunch at Clubhouse

Photography & Bird Watching:
Walk around at IJMP ‘Hundred-Acre Wood’
Tropical Rainforest Adventure
-       Arboretum and herbal medicinal garden
-       Sabang giant “Avatar” tree
-       Pitcher plant plot

Photography & ‘Hunting’: River cruise along Sg. Sabang & mangrove area/crabbing

Dinner

Photography: Fire flies /star trail shooting

DAY 2 : Saturday, 11 June 2011

6.00 am

8.00 am

9.30 am

1.30 pm

2.30 am

4.30 pm

Photography & Bird Watching: Morning walk in the ‘Hundred-Acre Wood’

        Breakfast

        Photography & Exploration: Trekking in the rainforest
        - Packed lunch

Back to Sabang Clubhouse- freshen-up and get ready to leave

Depart from Sg. Sabang jetty to Beluran
- On the way out visit to the islander’s-Kg. Kaniogan (optional)

         Arrive at Beluran jetty & back to Sandakan town. End.

Photography & Bird Watching: Morning walk in the ‘Hundred-Acre Wood’

The Club house and Accommodation

The IJM Jetty surrounding the Mangroves – River cruise along the Sungai Sabang, perfect place for Crabbing and search of Proboscis monkey

Pitcher plants at the ‘Hundred-Acre Wood’

Rhinoceros Hornbill

White-Bellied Woodpecker

Buff-Necked Woodpecker

White-Bellied Sea-Eagle

Fireflies and Star trail Photography at Sabang

Greetings and Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

2011-02-11T11:48:00.011+08:00

It is our pleasure to announce the 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM)

KELAB PENCINTA BURUNG BORNEO SANDAKAN, SABAH
(SANDAKAN BORNEO BIRD CLUB, SABAH)

Date: 19 (Saturday) February 2011
Venue: New Amphitheatre Hall, Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Time: 2:00 PM

Agenda:

2:00 to 2:30pm - Registration

2.30pm - 5.00pm

1. Election of Office bearers for March 2011 - March 2013 (2 Years)

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

5 Ordinary Committee members

2. Slide Presentation of the Club's Activities.

3. Fellowship Hi-tea

After the event, you can join us for the Flying Squirrel watching and Photography between 5.30pm - 6.30pm.

See you there and Happy Birding!

some Endemic Birds of Borneo

2011-01-20T16:24:00.004+08:00

Sabah has a remarkable range of habitats from montane forest to peat swamp, lowland rainforest to interior plains, and from the largest floodplain in Malaysia to coastal regions and islands that offer a truly exciting and rewarding experience for bird watchers.

A total of 622 resident and migratory species of birds have been recorded for Borneo, with 54 endemic species. Of major interest is the fact that 24 of these endemic species are found on either Sabah’s hill slopes or in its montane forest. The number of montane species is so significant that Mt Kinabalu, at 4,095m and one of the highest mountains in South East Asia is regarded as a distribution centre for all Borneo’s montane birds.

Borneo Bird Festival 2010

2010-11-09T07:34:00.442+08:00

2nd Borneo Bird Festival 2010

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan

Sabah, Malaysia

15-17 October, 2010

Launching speech by YB Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism,Culture and Environment Sabah.

Speech by Tengku Datuk Zainal Adlin, Chairman Sabah Tourism Board

Speech by Borneo Bird Club Pro-tem President~ Cede Prudente

Children's Presentation

Official unveiling of Borneo Bird Club

Flag-Off : Bird Race

Signing of Datuk Masidi Manjun for Life Member of Borneo Bird Club

Tea Reception at Keruing's Cafe

Guided birdwalk with visiting School Children

Bird photography and Digiscoping at Bornean Bristlehead by the lakeside

Children's Activities during the Borneo Bird Festival, Colouring, Birdwatching Basics, Bird Sculpture, and more

Guided Walks (top) and Awarding ceremony to Bird Race Winner to Participants to Children's Bird Camp

Painting Booth

Talk 1: Hornbills of The World and Their Status

by Professor Pilai Poonswad, Project leader, Thailand Hornbill Project

Talk 2: Monkey Eating Eagle of the Philippine

by Mr Dennis J.I. Salvador, Executive Director, Philippine Eagle Foundation

Talk 3:‘Biogeography of Bornean Forest Birds: recent evidence of Sabah’s unique history”

by Professor Frederick H Sheldon, Museum of Natural

Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, USA

Talk 4: Promoting Sabah for Birding & Eco-Tourism

By Quentin Phillips

Talk 5: “Shorebirds and Why they Migrate”

by Mr David Bakewell, MNS Bird Conservation Council Waterbirds Group

Event venue - Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok

Photo contest prizes giving

Bird Photography Contest

1st Prize Winner - Denis Ikon and Winning Photo

2nd Prize Winner - Jordan Sitorus and Winning Photo

3rd Prize Winner - Jolence Lee and Winning Photo

Digiscope Contest

1st Prize Winner - Karim Madoya and Winning Photo

2nd Prize Winner - Andrew Siani and Winning

3rd Prize Winner - CK Leong and Winning Photo

Bird Race contest prize giving

Bird Race 1st Prize Winner - Danum's Borneo Rainforest Lodge Team

74 species sighted

Bird Race 2nd Prize Winner - Bee Eater Team

72 species sighted

Bird Race 3rd Prize Winner - Taman Negara Flycatcher Team

67 species sighted

The Organizing team with friends and fellow birders

Photos: Jollence Lee

Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)

2010-11-08T14:07:00.006+08:00

Bird endemic to Borneo found at RDC Sepilok,Sandakan,Sabah
North Borneo

2010-09-29T17:33:00.001+08:00

1ST ASIAN BIRD FAIR, DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES

2010-09-20T13:09:00.000+08:00

Davao to host Asia's 1st regional Bird Conservation fair

MANILA—Birdwatchers, conservationists and eco-tourism promoters from all over Asia and elsewhere have their eyes on the Philippines, which is hosting Asia's first-ever region-wide bird festival.

The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines said the First Asian Bird Fair will be held in Davao City from 24-26 September 2010, tandem with the 6^thPhilippine Bird Festival, the country's premier avian conservation and eco-tourism event. The milestone event is co-hosted by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Davao City government.

The First Asian Bird Fair-themed “Nurture Nature, Save our Future”—is a common initiative of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, the Chinese Wild Bird Federation, the Wild Bird Society of Taipei, the Malaysian Nature Society and the Nature Society (Singapore).

The Asian Bird Fair, which highlights the respective bird festivals of the participating countries, seeks to enrich eco-tourism through birdwatching and promote the natural and cultural heritage of host cities.

The Asian Bird Fair and 6^th Philippine Bird Festival will be held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao on 24-25 September. Entrance to the Asian Bird Fair exhibit area is free of charge, according to organizers.

Highlights of the fair include the Bird Conservation Forum and turn-over ceremony to representatives of the Chinese Wild Bird Federation, host of next year's Asian Bird Fair in Tainan City. International and Philippine delegates will also tour the Philippine Eagle Center and Eden Garden Resorts while in Davao.

WBCP president Michael Lu said the fair will include photo exhibits, presentations and fun activities for the young “and young at heart.” Children can also look forward to a guided tour at low tide of the tidal flats fronting the Waterfront Insular Hotel, where children can have a close look at marine species like fiddler crabs and mudskippers as well as spectacular views of herons, egrets and shorebirds.

Lu expects the event to draw bird watchers, conservationists, eco-tourism promoters, sustainable development providers, and nature lovers from around the country, Asia and Europe.

Alice Villa-Real, chair of the committee organizing the 1^st Asian Bird Festival and 6^th Philippine Bird Festival., said the latest initiative is a significant move to draw attention to pressing conservation issues.

“We can make a significant difference to protect the rich bird life and habitats of our islands, whilst promoting responsible enjoyment of nature and encouraging related sustainable businesses in the local communities,” Villa-Real pointed out.

International groups participating in the Asian Bird Festival are Chinese Wild Bird Federation, Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Malaysian Nature Society, Nature Society of Singapore, Wild Bird Society of Taipei, Shanghai Wild Bird Society, Wild Bird Society of Tainan, Hong Kong Birdwatching Society, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Borneo Bird Club, Hornbill Research Foundation, the Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association, Bird Conservation Nepal and the Oriental Bird Club.

Local organizations joining are Conservation International, Fauna and Flora International, Katala Foundation, WWF-Philippines, Isla Biodiversity Conservation, Birding Adventure Philippines, Kaakbay, Malagos Garden Resort, Monfort Bat Cave & Conservation Foundation, Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Philippine Wild Bird Photographers, My Zoo Foundation, Earth Island Institute, City of Alaminos (Pangasinan), City of Balanga (Bataan) and the Municipality of Candaba (Pampanga).

Event sponsors include the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the City Government of Davao, Team Energy Foundation, Primer Group, Aboitiz Power, Davao Light, Tanduay Distillers, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Taiwan, Fauna and Flora International, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, C. K. Lu Enterprises, Smart Communications, Department of Tourism, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Grand Men Seng Hotel and NCCC Mall.

Birds Of Borneo

2010-09-19T23:00:00.003+08:00

Some of my collections taken from Kinabalu National Park and Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah.

Digiscoped with Nikon Fieldscope EDG85 via Nikon FSA-L2 DSLR Photo Adapter on Nikon D300s

Black-sided Flowerpecker - Found mostly feeding around Medinilla sp fruits. Endemic

Sunda Bush Warbler - Confined above 1600m asl and a real skulker ! Greater Sunda Endemic

Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher - Another endemic sometimes seen on the forest edge but most of the time along the streams at the mountain. Endemic

Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker - Pretty and small Flowerpecker looked similar with Crimson-breasted Woodpecker. Endemic

Little Spiderhunter - One of the commonest Spiderhunter in the lowland forest.

Happy birding !

The Great Argus

2010-09-17T18:02:00.000+08:00

www.cedeprudente.com

The Great Argus is distributed in the jungles of Borneo, Sumatra and Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia. It feeds on forest floor in early morning and evening. The male is among the largest of all pheasants, with up to 200cm in length. It has very long tail feathers. The male's most spectacular features are its huge, broad and greatly elongated secondary wing feathers decorated with large ocelli.

Although, the Great Argus is not as colorful as other pheasants, its display surely ranks among the most remarkable. The male clears an open spot in the forest and prepares a dancing ground. He announces himself with loud calls to attract females, then he dances before her with his wings spread into two enormous fans, revealing hundred of "eyes" while his real eyes are hidden behind it, staring at her.

PHOTOS: CEDE PRUDENTE

www.cedeprudente.com

Rhinoceros Hornbill, Adult female and Young feeding on fig fruit

2010-02-13T14:18:00.012+08:00

One of the largest hornbills, the courtship and bonding of these birds are critical, as the female must trust the male to provide her with everything when she is incubating and raising chicks. These Hornbills lay their eggs inside tree trunks, the females stay inside with the eggs, while the male will bring her and the young food. Feeds mainly on fruits, insects and smaller birds..

Captured on Nikon D3s and 500mm lens at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan, Sabah. February 2010

Pied Hornbill in flight

2010-02-12T12:22:00.002+08:00

Captured on 300 frames per second slow motion scene

Labuk Bay, Sandakan, Sabah
Malaysia

New discovery - The 'Spectacled Flowerpecker' in North Borneo

2010-01-15T07:46:00.003+08:00

Latest from BirdingASIA 12, the biannual publication of Oriental Bird Club, DAVID P. EDWARDS, RICHARD E. WEBSTER & ROSE ANN ROWLETT described a new flowerpecker from Danum Valley, Sabah, believed to be a new species living in the canopy of Borneo. Go to the following link.

http://www.orientalbirdclub.org/publications/ba12pdfs/Edwards-Flowerpecker.pdf

Happy birding.

Cheers,
Wong Tsu Shi

Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodiei borneense)

2009-11-11T06:06:00.005+08:00

6th October 2009

Rare resident at the mountains of Borneo, this Collared Owlet was found during day time at Mt. Kinabalu recently and my lifer as well.

Endemic subspecies

Taken with Nikon D300s with 70-200mm 2.8 VR lens

Borneo Bird Festival, Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia

2009-10-04T09:28:00.008+08:00

Programme Outline - 1st Borneo Bird Festival 2009 (10 - 15 October 2009)

TIME / DATE PROGRAMME

9 October 2009 (Friday)

1030hrs Students Programme – Check In

10 October 2009 (Saturday)

1000 - 1600hrs Activities and Booth Exhibitions

1430hrs

Launching of the Borneo Bird Festival 2009
(by Y.B Datuk Masidi Manjun
Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah)

Launching of Books:

A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo (Ms Susan Myers)
Phillipp’s Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo (Mr Quentin Phillipps)

1600 - 2000hrs Bird Race Flag Off - Session 1

1600 - 1800hrs Guided Bird Tour and Photography

1900 - 2030hrs Guided Walk - Rainforest By Night

11 October 2009 (Sunday)

0630 – 0800hrs Guided Bird Tour and Photography

0500 – 0900hrs Bird Race - Session 2

1000-1045hrs

Birdwatching Equipment – Digiscoping
Speaker: Nikon Malaysia

1100 – 1145hrs

Bird Photography and Digital Workflow
Speaker: Mr Choo Tse Chien

1000 – 1800hrs Activities and Booth Exhibitions

1500 – 1700hrs Showcase: Environmental Message from Our Children (Student’s Showcase)

1700hrs Bird Race Prize Presentations

12 October 2009 (Monday)

0630 – 0800hrs : Guided Bird Tour and Photography

Presentation & Workshops (Rainforest Hall, RDC):

1000 – 1045hrs

The Egrets of Borneo: Habits, habitat, and how to tell them apart
(Speaker: Mr Quentin Phillipps)

1100 – 1145hrs

Frigate birds of Borneo: Habits, habitat and how to tell them apart
(Speaker: Mr Quentin Phillipps)

1200 – 1245hrs

Bird Calls: Best Practices and Techniques
(Speaker:Andrew Siani - Bird Guide)

1245 – 1400hrs Break for Lunch

1400 – 1445hrs

Birdwatching in Sabah
(Speaker: Mr Cede Prudente)

1500 – 1545hrs

Attracting UK Bird watchers to Borneo: Improving the “Borneo Experience” for wildlife enthusiasts
(Speaker: Mr Quentin Phillips)

1600 – 1645hrs

Bird Ethics
(Speaker: Mr Andrew Sebastian, Head of Communication, Malaysian Nature Society)

0900 – 1700hrs Activities and Booth Exhibitions.

1600 – 1800hrs Guided Bird Tour and Photography

1900 – 2030hrs Guided Walk - Rainforest By Night

13 October 2009 (Tuesday)

0630 – 0800hrs Guided Bird Tour and Photography

International Conference on Birding Tourism (Lecture Hall):

1000 -1045hrs

Keynote: Birding Tourism: A Celebration of Birds, A Thrust for Conservation
(Speaker: Mr Richard Grimmett, Head of Conservation, BirdLife International)

1050 -1135hrs

Important Birds Areas (IBAs) - Working Globally, Acting Locally
(Speaker: Mr Yeap Chin Aik, Head of Conservation, Malaysian Nature Society)

1140 -1225hrs

Exclusivity of Birds of Borneo
(Speaker: Dr Geoffrey Davison
National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, Singapore Botanic Gardens.)

1230 - 1400hrs Break for Lunch

1400 - 1445hrs

Birdwatching Tourism in Australia and Linkages to Nature-based Tourism in Sabah
(Speaker: Dr. Laurie Knight,
Queensland University of Technology, Australia)

1445 – 1530hrs

Promoting Birdwatching Enthusiasts from Japan
(Speaker: Mr Akira Hibi, General Manager, Shinwa Tours Japan)

1600 – 1800hrs Guided Bird Tour and Photography

1900 – 2030hrs Guided Walk - Rainforest By Night

14 October 2009 (Wednesday)

0630 – 0800hrs Guided Birdwalk and Photography

1000 – 1700hrs Activities and Booth Exhibitions

1030 – 1600hrs Workshop I : Nature Art & Sketching by Mr Teh Yew Kiang

1600 – 1800hrs Guided Birdwalk and Photography

15 October 2009 (Thursday)

0630 – 0800hrs Guided Birdwalk and Photography

1000 – 1700hrs Activities and Booth Exhibitions

1030 – 1600hrs Workshop II : Nature Art & Sketching by Mr Teh Yew Kiang

1600 – 1800hrs Guided Birdwalk and Photography

1630hrs Event Ends: Organizing Committee & Sponsors Splash!

Programme as per 11th September 2009

Other Programmes:

See you all there !

Scarlet-rumped Trogon (Harpactes duvaucelii )

2009-08-31T16:33:00.003+08:00

One of the commonest Trogon species in Borneo and found mostly along swampy and lowland forest.

Digiscoped with Nikon Fieldscope ED82, SRB-Griturn adapter and Fujifilm F31D at Myne Lodge, Bilit recently.

By Azahari Reyes @ Jason aka horukuru at http://horukuru.blogspot.com

Happy birding !

Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda)

2009-08-01T08:09:00.003+08:00

One of the resident Kingfisher in Borneo and preferred coastal, swamp and mangrove forest. Diet includes insects and small reptiles.

Digiscoped with Nikon Fieldscope EDG 65, FSA-L2 adapter and Nikon D3.

By Azahari Reyes @ Jason aka horukuru at http://horukuru.blogspot.com

Happy birding !

Borneo's Endemic Montane Blue-winged Leafbird

2009-06-29T21:22:00.013+08:00

This montane form of Blue-winged Leafbird was previously classified under Chloropsis cochinchinsis flavocincta . This form differs from the lowland forms in that the female has black throat, just like the male. This is abundant montane resident along the spinal chain from G. Kinabalu to Usun Apau plateau and G. Dulit, G. Tudal in Brunei and to Kayan Mentarang in East Kalimantan.

Montane Blue-winged Leafbird
(Chloropsis kinabaluensis)

This is the only form of Blue-winged Leafbird recorded in Sabah. The other lowland forms occuring in Borneo are not recorded in Sabah.

In The Birds of Borneo, An Anotated Checklist (2008), Clive F. Mann classify this form as Resident Breeding Endemic, Common name as Montane Blue-winged Leafbird, scientific name as Chloropsis kinabaluensis.

Taxonomic note: Seperation of C. (c) kinabaluensis from C. cochinchinensis follows Mees (1986) and Wells et al (2003). The two species would appear to overlap in altitude on Usun Apau Plateau, Sarawak. Use of Kinabaluensis in place of flavocincta follows Sharpe (1889), and is fully explained in Wells et al (2003).

Happy Birding.

http://www.pbase.com/wongtsushi

Rufous-collared Kingfisher (Actenoides concretus)

2009-05-26T19:23:00.007+08:00

26th May 2009

What a luck after seeing this Kingfisher many times while leading bird groups, only today managed to digiscoped both male and female at Lok Kawi Park together with Karim.

Digiscoped with Nikon Fieldscope ED82, SRB-Griturn Mk II adapter and Fujifilm F31D

Male

Pretty female

This species found mostly in primary and secondary rain forest and hunt nearby smaller streams or creeks. Diet include lizards, cicadas and worms.

Happy birding everyone.

Posted by Azahari Reyes @ Jason http://horukuru.blogspot.com

Helmeted Hornbill Call on Video

2009-05-25T12:03:00.013+08:00

Helmeted hornbill's major stronghold is probably Ulu Segama & Malua forests reserves.

This includes, Danum to be the best location to view and photograph. They were quite abundant in

the Kinabatangan area 10years ago, im sure they are still seen but perhaps, rarely now

due to habitat problems and lack of suitable nesting trees.

Capture with Nikon D90 and 500mm f4 , up on 60-70 metres Dipterocarp tree at BRL.

As you can hear, Rhinoceros hornbill echoing on the background...rather messy and not isolated sound.

Hoping that Nikon will incorporate an external microphone on the coming DSLR Video.

Bornean Ground Cuckoo (Carpococcyx radiceus)

2009-05-25T11:04:00.008+08:00

After many years of searching, always heard and spotted but not photographable! thanks to kenet and ah seng. Prompted by them and rush to the site from resang, finally a decent shot.

Was at menanggol couple of days ago and heard it. Good locations are still in Kinabatangan and BRL-Danum forests.

Shot from the boat on a tripod with challenging 1/80th of a sec.

ISO pumpd to 2500! Slightly raining condition and terribly low light.

Nikon D700 and 500mm f4

Comment: from comparison - i like Jollence shot reflected by sunrise and birds vivid colours was nicely exposed. So, mau cari lagi... this time with sunlight!!

www.cedeprudente.com

Whitehead's Trogon (Harpactes whiteheadi )

2009-05-22T16:13:00.003+08:00

Endemic and found mostly at the mountains of Borneo. One of the most beautiful Trogon out of 6 resident species here.

Equipments :

Digiscoped with Nikon Fieldscope ED82, SRB-Griturn Mk II adapter and Fujifilm F31D

Location :

Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

Posted by Azahari Reyes @ Jason a.k.a horukuru

The Formation Day

2009-04-12T06:47:00.002+08:00

Time	Details
DAY 1 : Friday, 10^th June 2011 7.00 am 8.30 am 9.30 am 12.00 noon 3.00 pm 4.30 pm 7.00 pm 8.00 pm	Gather at IJM head office at mile 6 Arrive at jetty and depart to Sg. Sabang by boat Check into the Sabang Clubhouse of the “Hundred Acre Wood” Lunch at Clubhouse Photography & Bird Watching: Walk around at IJMP ‘*Hundred-Acre Wood’ Tropical Rainforest Adventure* - Arboretum and herbal medicinal garden - Sabang giant “Avatar” tree - Pitcher plant plot Photography & ‘Hunting’: River cruise along Sg. Sabang & mangrove area/crabbing Dinner Photography: Fire flies /star trail shooting
DAY 2 : Saturday, 11 June 2011 6.00 am 8.00 am 9.30 am 1.30 pm 2.30 am 4.30 pm	Photography & Bird Watching: Morning walk in the ‘Hundred-Acre Wood’ Breakfast Photography & Exploration: Trekking in the rainforest - Packed lunch Back to Sabang Clubhouse- freshen-up and get ready to leave Depart from Sg. Sabang jetty to Beluran - On the way out visit to the islander’s-Kg. Kaniogan (optional) Arrive at Beluran jetty & back to Sandakan town. End.