Hidden 'Jewels' of Kenyir

The word 'Kenyir' reminds me of those large 'toman, sebarau, kelah, baung' etc. which I used to get during my fishing trip in the 90s. Even though the authorities are still promoting Kenyir Lake as a great fresh water fishing destination, the truth is almost everyone who fish in Kenyir now days will be disappointed with the catch. In short - don't go to Kenyir if you only want to fish, it's not worth it !

Actually, Kenyir has much more to offer to the visitors besides fishing. Take a look at the images below, these were captured during my routine visit to the Saddle Dams. What makes it more interesting is that you can find various species of birds at these places such as Hornbills, White-rumped Shama, Bulbuls, Bee Eaters etc.


Saddle Dam F, where I shot the babblers which was posted earlier.

I've got White-rumped Shama at Saddle Dam D

Black-headed Bulbul and Great Hornbill from Saddle Dam E

So if you love nature photography and fishing, besides your fishing gear, bring your 'teles', wide angle and macro lenses as well - at least you'll have some 'catch' to take home....

Babblers of Kenyir

I didn't know that Black-Throated Babblers are quite rare in other places until I read Madi's posting. Even though  they are not as common as the Chestnut - Winged Babblers, their songs and calls can be heard almost everywhere around Kenyir Lake. I managed to get a few shots of this shy babbler recently while working at Saddle Dam F, Kenyir.

This Chestnut-Rumped Babbler is another common resident of Kenyir. You'll know when they're around by their loud & 'boisterous' singing ...

Mention the name 'Babblers' and the first image flashed in our mind is this very common and 'ever-friendly' Chestnut-Winged Babbler.

 

Lovely Couple

Birds are known to be 'mate' for life.... something which we the human race could not truly claim to be...

Take a look at this House Sparrow, they look so accommodating and lovely, don't they?

This Chestnut-Winged Babbler pair were always together, never let the mate stray out of sight even for a moment...........

It's the same with this White-Breasted Waterhen

Oriental Pied Hornbill too........

Mangrove Birds of Pulau Burung

Besides the 'water birds' commonly found at Pulau Burung, photos of  'mangrove birds' are no less interesting to capture.

This Collared Kingfisher is waiting for it's meal as the tide starts to come in

The Oriental White-eye showed up among the mangroves besides the pond

Raptors of Pulau Burung

Pulau Burung, Penang

I spotted this Crested Serpent Eagle near the entrance to the dump site. I started shooting from it's right side and a few minutes later 2 more photographers arrived and started shooting from the left side. This bird didn't seem to mind our presence except for it's occasional glance towards our position.

If we can turn our head like this bird, we probably won't be needing the rear view mirror in our car.....

On the way out of Pulau Burung, I saw this Brahminy Kite perched on the electric cable by the road side. Managed only a few shots before it flew off ....

180 deg head turn just like the Eagle....

Pied Fantail

Since I didn't get any birds in Permatang Nibong earlier, I decided to try my luck at another popular birding site in Penang, known as Pulau Burung which is - Bird Island in English. So, as the name suggests, there are many species of birds in this area. Besides a number of water birds in the pond area, I managed to get a few shots of the mangrove birds around the pond. Among them is this very friendly 'Pied Fantail'

I was sitting in the car when I saw this bird having it's 'breakfast' of flies on the ground   ....

Still having breakfast on the ground

Breakfast over! off to work now!

Sunrise At Permatang Nibong

Kg. Permatang Nibong, Seberang Perai, Penang

This is a popular 'Raptor & Water Bird Site' especially among Birders in the northern states. I was at the area recently but with my limited 'Birding' skill, I didn't get any decent photos of birds from the place. Instead I took some shots of the rising sun..........

Another shot from across the river

While waiting for the birds to show up, I took another shot even though the sun has risen quite high in the sky .....

Crimson-winged Woodpecker

Kg. Jenagor, Kuala Brang, Trengganu


It was quite late in the evening when this woodpecker finally showed up. I managed to get a few shots  before the lights were too low for photography.

The woodpecker must have disturbed the nest of some insects, notice the insects swirling around it's head...

Grey - breasted Spiderhunter

Kg. Jenagor, Kuala Brang, Trengganu

This very friendly Grey-breasted Spiderhunter allowed me to move in very close allowing me to get an almost  full-frame shot!

This one is even closer.

White-rumped Shama, Jeli, Kelantan

More often heard than seen, I've been trying to get a decent shot of this bird for quite sometime without any success! These are my best effort so far.....