The big 300 and beyond.
I was back in my hometown for the weekend so it was a chance to do some birding at Kledang Saiong again.
Day 1 was relatively unremarkable. The weather was cloudy and the forest was quiet. There was a family of Red Junglefowl (Domesticated) roaming near the park entrance. I later realized they were waiting for the park staff to come in and feed them.
Anyway, onto the highlights: First was a Buff-necked Woodpecker (lifer)that I spotted up a tall tree. Unfortunately, I could not get a better photo before it climbed higher and was obstructed from view. Regardless, this woodpecker will have the honor of making the 300th species on my lifelist.
A pair of Sooty Barbets were seen entering and leaving a hole on the tree. Unsure if they were foraging or preparing for the breeding season. My guess is the latter.
As I waited around, a pair of foraging Hairy-backed Bulbuls (lifer) came my way. They left as fast as they appeared but I’m happy I managed to get a decent shot.
Day 2 was much more exciting. The weather was bright and clear. As soon as I entered the park, I could hear a pair of Grey-headed Canary Flycatchers (lifer) calling. It didn’t take too long to locate them zipping around some trees. One even obliged for a photo by flying down to eye level.
As I watched the flycatchers, there was a bird wave incoming where mixed species of birds flock and forage together. There were some Plain Sunbirds (lifer) in the mix.
Some Crimson-breasted Flowerpeckers were also in the mix but my camera would not focus so I did not get a good photo. Amidst the chaos, I spotted a Green Iora (lifer) high up one of the trees.
After the wave passed by, I spotted a lone Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker (lifer) foraging in some shrubs. This one was rather relaxed and allowed me to take some photos as long as I kept my distance.
Things were starting to slow down when I heard another unfamiliar call. This time it was the Verditer Flycatcher (lifer). As I was searching for it with my binoculars, it flew directly to a small tree right in front of me. I wish I had this kind of dumb luck every time I went birding.
On the way out of the park, I spotted a pair of Black-and-yellow Broadbills, last seen in January this year. This bird is affectionately dubbed the “Cartoon Bird” in some birding circles due to it’s appearance.
All in all, it was a productive weekend of birding at Kledang Saiong (total of 7 new species sighted). On my next visit, I’m considering to apply for the permit to enter the forest reserve area. But details are sketchy on the price or what to expect inside the area. Anyway, more on that later this year.
eBird checklists:
1. https://ebird.org/checklist/S339789700
2. https://ebird.org/checklist/S340580107
The Salaryman Birder 
Leave a comment