In the Philippines I had the possibility of seeing three species, of which two would be lifers so I was well happy to not only connect with all three but obtain photos of all three. Simply stunning birds.
Hooded Pitta
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Rainforest Jewels
One of the highlights of visiting South-East Asia is seeing some of the jewels of the forest, Pittas. Until recently there were 32 species of Pitta (2 species in Africa with the rest found through Asia down to Northern Australia) but taxonomists have been to work and split a few with over 40 species recognised now. They are stunning denizens of the forest floor, usually the deepest, darkest reaches of the forest floor making many species extremely difficult to see. To see many of the taxa often means having a deep understanding of the species habits as well as good skills in fieldcraft worthy of entery into the SAS.
In the Philippines I had the possibility of seeing three species, of which two would be lifers so I was well happy to not only connect with all three but obtain photos of all three. Simply stunning birds.
Hooded Pitta
Red-bellied Pitta
Immature Red-bellied Pitta
Steere's Pitta
In the Philippines I had the possibility of seeing three species, of which two would be lifers so I was well happy to not only connect with all three but obtain photos of all three. Simply stunning birds.
Hooded Pitta
Saturday, 26 March 2016
Digiscoping at Night
While on holiday many pre-dawn early mornings were spent in search of the many species of owls, nightjars and frogmouths present in the Philippines of which some were photographed but most only heard. Occasionally the camera and the bird connected and some nice images were captured. We never really thought that it was possible to digiscope (this is where the camera is attached to the telescope) at night so was amazed at the results and will definitely be trying it out further in the future.
Black-naped Monarch found on it's night time roost while searching for owls.
Cebu Hawk-Owl
Hooded Pitta found on it's night time roost while searching for the frogmouth
Palawan Frogmouth - An amazing bird that as you can see gave stunning walk away views
Philippine Eagle-Owl - One of those moments when you cannot believe what you are seeing. This bird came across the valley over our heads and landed in full view representing the first sighting on Mindanao since 1987. It doesn't appear it from the photo but it was that dark that the video taken first is pitch black so digiscoped it and got the above result, amazing.
Black-naped Monarch found on it's night time roost while searching for owls.
Cebu Hawk-Owl
Hooded Pitta found on it's night time roost while searching for the frogmouth
Palawan Frogmouth - An amazing bird that as you can see gave stunning walk away views
Philippine Eagle-Owl - One of those moments when you cannot believe what you are seeing. This bird came across the valley over our heads and landed in full view representing the first sighting on Mindanao since 1987. It doesn't appear it from the photo but it was that dark that the video taken first is pitch black so digiscoped it and got the above result, amazing.
Saturday, 19 March 2016
Philippines
It's a while now since we published anything on the blog but that is about to change as Wayne has just got back from a fabulous 2 week trip to the Philippines with plenty of photos. Still sorting through the photos but here are a few to start with.
Philippine Falconet
Red-bellied Pitta
Ruddy Kingfisher
Southern Silvery Kingfisher
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