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.

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)

A uniquely Kuching bird

Long-tailed Shrike at the Kambatik garden, Kuching.

Garden colours

 There's lots of excitement at the garden right now.  One bird that's uniquely Kuching has been hanging around the garden since we have been here about a fortnight ago.  The Long-tailed Shrike not only perches on the branches of the 'Kedondong' tree but often times seen resting on the Tabebuia rosea branches.  The garden is a pleasure to be immersed in.  The greenery is superb and is brightened by flowers and colourful foliages.  The presence of the Long-tailed Shrike has added a new list to the garden birds around our home in Kuching.  This adds another feather to the Kambatik's  cap.

'Kedondong' fruits (Spondias dulcis)

View of trees at the side garden - in the line-up are mango tree (left), Eugenia oleina with yellow- orange flushes, Tabebuia rosea tree (tallest tree ni the picture and the Pinang palm or Betel palm (Areca catechu ) on the righ, partly shown is the palm fronds.
4 April'15

A Triller in the garden

Pied Triller (Lalage nigra) - Sewah Kapas (Malay)

This is male of the species Lalage nigra - Sewah Kapas (Malay)
It has black wings with large white patch on coverts.  Underparts are white.  Bill, legs and feet are brown.

Surprise is a mild word.  It's really thrilling to see the Pied Triller came by the garden this morning.  This is the first time in my birding experience to have met the Triller.  I have never seen it in Bintulu.  And of all the places it showed itself in the Kambatik garden in Kuching.  It is not really a common bird in Sarawak and it was merely coincidental that I managed to photoshoot it this morning.  It was having a brief rest on the Tabebuia rosea branch and I happened to be just nearby for a close range shot.