my Birding Sarawak: Iora

Sunday, August 13, 2017

The Common Iora at Taman Orkid, Kuching.

Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia) - Kunyit Kacat (Malay)

I saw a small family of the Common Iora while photographing orchids at the Taman Orkid or Orchid Park near Kuching on the 9th of August. It was the first time I ever had of coming very close to the bird. The little chick was preening itself and both of its parents were nearby for company. They were not so frightened to see me and upon being alerted of my presence did not move far away from the spot. Instead they move to immediate twigs and branches offering me even better light and location for creative shots. I share here the shots I managed to capture of these tiny but active birds.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Birds at Pustaka

Collared Kingfisher at the compounds of Pustaka

Stork-billed Kingfisher

I spent just a mere one hour for a quick tour of the Pustaka Sarawak grounds on the 16th of August. There is large landscape compound around the Pustaka (Sarawak State Library). On many of my earlier trips I frequently bump into the Stork-billed Kingfisher and on this trip it was there as usual. Two other birds that interest me on this trip was the Pied Fantail and the Striated Heron. The tiny Brown-throated Sunbird was of no surprise and so was the Common Iora. By the pond I noticed the Common Sandpiper and nearby the rockery the little Oriental Tree Sparrow. The Red- Headed Tailorbird was also seen among the leaves and branches of the Bungor tree. For a brief one hour visit to the park, I dare say the visit was very fruitful. The Pustaka can generally be reached in about 20 - 30 minutes by car from the Kuching City centre.