A Steppe Above The Rest

19th January 2013, Batang Tiga , Melaka

Species: Steppe Eagle Local Name:  Lang Padang Scientific Name: Aquila nipalensis Equipment: Nikon 1 V2 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8G + TC20EIII For me it’s definitely a step in the right direction since this is my  lifer . Correction (below) Species: Greater Spotted Eagle Local Name: Scientific Name: Aquila clanga

Red-Rumped Swallows

19th January 2013, Batang Tiga , Melaka

Species: Red-rumped Swallows Local Name: Scientific Name: Cecropis daurica Equipment: Nikon 1 V1 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8G + TC20EIII It was  windy  with intermitent drizzle throughout the day and these Striated Swallows were ‘sunning’ themselves on the dirt road, trying to get away from the blustery condition. An adult with dark plumage and  long tail-streamers As usually the case in the animal world the juvenile has lighter or dull colours.

Peregrine Falcon: Japonensis

19th January 2013, Batang Tiga , Melaka

Species: Peregrine Falcon Local Name: Lang Belalang Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus japonensis Equipment: Nikon D7000 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8G + TC1.4EII The Falco peregrinus japonensis is the migratory subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon.

Eastern Marsh & Pied Harriers

19th January 2013, Batang Tiga , Melaka

Species: Eastern Marsh Harrier Local Name: Scientific Name: Circus spilonotus Equipment: Nikon D7000 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8G + TC1.4EII Harriers seem to float effortlessly over the ricefield  in what appears to be a systematic  search pattern for potential preys. A female     My only photo of the male Eastern Marsh Harrier. He was simply too far away for any decent shot.   Species: Pied Harrier Local Name: Scientific Name: Circus melanoleucos Equipment: Nikon D7000 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8G + TC1.4EII An adult female Below: A juvenile Pied Harrier                              Equipment: Nikon 1 V2 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8G + TC20EIII Please do correct me if I’m wrong with the IDs.

Black-Shouldered Kite

19th January 2013, Batang Tiga , Melaka

Local Name: Lang Tikus Scientific Name: Elanus caeruleus    Equipment: Nikon 1 V2 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8G + TC20EIII                           Equipment: Nikon D7000 + Nikkor AFS-VR 400mm f/2.8G + TC1.4EII

Asian Openbills in Melaka

19th January 2013, Batang Tiga, Melaka

Local Name: Scientific Name: Anastomus oscitans Equipment: Nikon 1 V2 + Nikkor  AFS 400mm f2.8ED-VR They are currently the star birds, the local papers  even covered the news of their arrival  in several states of Malaysia. Birders and photographer alike including yours truly have  made their way to these locations so as not to  miss the opportunity to view these majestic storks in their hundreds. Paddy growers in the area are simply delighted with their presence since these birds feed on snails which   destroy the paddy plants.                     Melaka is the land of ‘Hang Tuah’ literally translated as ‘you’re lucky’,  I’ve been wanting to see this bird for a few years now, so looks like this year ‘I‘m in Luck’.