Two Spiderhunters , Little & Large

21 June 2009, Kemensah, Selangor Took this photo of a Spiderhunter resting on a branch. Didn’t bother to confirm the ID thinking that it was a Spectacled Spiderhunter which I normally see in Kemensah. Upon further review, I’m almost certain that it’s a Little Spiderhunter (in which case , a lifer).

1. A Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra). Looks like she’s carrying an injury to the right shoulder but she seemed alright when she flew off after this shot was taken.

2. A rather robust looking Spectacled Spiderhunter (Arachnothera flavigaster) photographed in March 2009. Quite a large bird, probably the largest among the Spiderhunters.

On a more technical note, the Little Spiderhunter was shot using the Nikon D90 whereas the Spectacled Spiderhunter on the D80 using the same lens. The difference in clarity and noise level are very distinct. I think it was well worth the money spent on upgrading to the D90.