my Birding Sarawak: Magpie

Thursday, May 28, 2015

The Oriental Magpie-robin

The Oriental Magpie-robins are becoming more friendly. I have observed at least a pair that was building nest at the park and later saw their chicks flying around. This is good news for the park. I don't have to search high and low for them. Everyday many of them now come closer and closer to us and thus it is much easier to get better close-ups. The Magpie-robins are happy birds and produce one of the most melodious calls around here.

25 May'15
Location : Zone C

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

A fruitful birding at Likau beach

White-breasted Woodswallows on branches of the Ru tree

Took the afternoon off to do birding at Likau beach area which is reachable by a 40 minutes drive from the center of Bintulu town. At Likau (which is the entrance to the Similajau National Park) there is the Likau River which can be crossed by a suspension bridge. The Likau area is also the site of the National Park living accomodation for tourists or visitors and their administration and maintenance staff as well. The Semi-D chalets and hostels seemed new. The place was generally well-kept. There are tall Nibong trees around the park's buildings. Tall Ru trees are typical of the place and more are seen growing gradually into the sandy beach. The photos below are the result of a brief 2 hours birding around the Likau beach, between 1600 - 1800 hrs. What's interesting was watching the Eurasian Tree Sparrow in the act of catching and eating the green caterpillar snatched from the needle-like leaves of the Ru tree. As an interesting sideshow a group of monkeys with their young were seen playing near the beach across the Likau river. Overall, it was a worthwhile birding trip.