Bulbuls are at home here

A pair of Yellow-vented Bulbul having rest on the Eugenia oleina branch

Yellow-vented Bulbul

 The Yellow-vented Bulbul is a resident of the garden .  A few species of birds have found the garden a comfortable place to build home.  Those happy to build homes here are the Chestnut Munia (Pipit), Spotted-necked Dove (Tekukur), Olive-backed Sunbird and the Yellow-vented Bulbul.  From early morning to sunset we will not fail to hear their various calls.  Wildlife is an essential element and litmus test for the Kambatik garden.

Leaves of the coconut, bamboo, durian, lumok and Eugenia oleina in a mixed planting plan at the back side garden.  The purple vine is Congea velutina.

Sample of Wildlife

Pictures show sample of wildlife (besides birds) on this 53rd trip to Kuching
Kambatik garden, Kuching.

A White-breasted Woodswallow came perching

The White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus) was seen perching on an electric cable just next to the side front garden.  It did not notice me in the beginning as I was hidden amidst the canopy of trees down below.  Being inattentive to my presence I could arrange to get a closer shot of the bird.  I am always excited to see the white contrast of its breast against a grey body.  Another feature of the bird that attracts me is the light blue bill.  This bird normally shows itself in a pair or in a small group.  Today it came alone.

Birdwatching at the side garden

A small flock of Asian Glossy Starling perching on the Poui tree.

 Just this morning  I realise how many birds one can shoot just a step out into the garden.  Here is the list of common garden birds I saw this morning, two of which were seen busy building their nests, viz the Pipit ( Chestnut Munia) and the Tekukur (Spotted- necked Dove).  Both of them had their nest built in the bamboo thicket.  Then there was a small flock of Asian Glossy Starling seen roosting on the branches of the Poui tree (Tabebuia rosea).  Of exceptional beauty in contrast was the Orange-bellied Flowerpecker.  Its brilliant orange breast appears  striking against the green leaves.  In the line-up was the Pipit or Chestnut Munia, confidently building its nest by flying in and out of the bamboo thicket carrying dried specimens of leaves and grasses in its beak.  All in all, it was a fulfilling moment of birdwatching in the garden.

Tekukur - Spotted-necked Dove

Pipit (Chestnut Munia) bringing material for its nest

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker

Side garden showing the coconut leaves (bottom right), purple flowers of the woody vine Congea velutina (center) scrambling over the broad leaves of the Lumok tree ( Artocarpus odoratissimus)and bamboo clump (top left ) .

Side garden showing at the center , the tall branching  Poui tree (Tabebuia rosea)

Morning breakfast of fruits from the garden

Selection of fruits from the garden for breakfast.

Ripe Ciku fruit on a branch - Manilkara zapota

View of the sunset from the front garden

Views of the sunset from the front garden
3 June'15

Enjoying the garden with birds and wildlife

Tekukur bird (Spotted-necked Dove)  at the side garden
1 June'15

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker
2 June'15

 It is something priceless when you can reap beauty that does not belong to you.  The garden is well established now and the fun is just about to begin.  Its time to begin to enjoy the garden with birds and other wildlife.   The joy of having the garden visited by these beautiful creatures is unspoken happiness.  The morning air today was filled with the twitter and calls of the Orange-bellied flowerpecker, Spotted-necked dove and Magpie-robin.  Closer to ground there were butterflies and dragonflies.  I noticed one dragonfly was resting on the Cape gooseberry plant (Physalis peruviana) belonging to the Tomato family, that has been growing luxuriously on this 53rd trip to Kuching.  I guess I'll have the gooseberry fruits for lunch later.

Lime Butterfly

Dragonfly

Dragonfly at the Cape gooseberry plant

The Cape gooseberry plant growing luxuriously

Ripe fruits will turn orangish yellow.