Tommy's travelblog

A trip to The Strood, 22 Nov 2011

2011-11-22T20:20:00.000+04:00

A trip to The Strood to twitch (or not to twitch) a Red-breasted Goose

Cape Town, 11 Nov 2011

2011-11-11T20:30:00.000+04:00

Cape Town layover
Out birding with Per Holmen, 11 Nov 2011
Per picked me up at the hotel at 6 am, heading for Pooi-Els which is a coastal site appx one hour from Cape Town in the direction of Hermanus. We spent a couple of hours here, walking along the gravel road looking for my target species; Cape Rockjumper. As we walked back towards the car I spotted a potential Rockjumper flying onto a rock at a distance, and we eventually came across a splendid male feeding his grown up baby. The female was seen briefly as well.
After Rooi-Els, we stopped at Macassar Water Treatment Plant for some photo-ops, then a short stop at Strandfontein WTP for Maccoa Duck.

September in Central Park, New York City

2010-09-23T15:23:00.017+04:00

I was lucky enough to get a layover in Manhattan on EK 201 before it goes to the A-380 at the end of October. This is probably my favourite city on the Emirates worldwide network, so I was really looking forward to this.
Excitement started already approaching JFK on September 22nd, with Prez Obama himself scheduled to land in his Air Force One around the same time we were scheduled in.
Luckily we did not get delayed, and The Man himself touched down 10 minutes after us:

Air Force One on approach to rwy 31L

On short final

We have touchdown

Nice paint-job

I woke up early (as usual in New York) on Sept 23rd, blue skies and already 20ºC (69ºF) outside. Ditching the sweater for a T-shirt, expecting to see 30ºC (86ºF) by noon as promised by the meteorologists, I walked towards Central Park and The Rambles.
Birds were around, but apparently in far fewer numbers than 3 days ago when the wind had brought a great fall in New York City. I was still happy with the selection, not so much with the lack of light. All photos are ISO 1600-3200.
Halfway through the morning I met a super-nice birder/lawyer by the name of Mike and we hung out for the remainder of the morning. Birding is always nicer in good company.

Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe

The Phoebe met me just as I approached the Boathouse, and I have not seen this species listed in any recent Central Park birdlist. Too common perhaps......

Common Grackle, Quiscalus quiscula

Common Grackle is abundant in Central Park

Magnolia Warbler, Dendroica magnolia

This first-winter or female Magnolia Warbler came out in the sunlight for a few seconds

Downy Woodpecker male, Picoides pubescens medianus

Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens medianus

A family party of Downy Woodpeckers were quite approachable

White-throated Sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis

White-throated Sparrows has just started to arrive in the park

Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotilta varia

The star of the day was this amazing little warbler, an unforgettable Lifer for me in Florida in 1986 and always a thrill to see

Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotilta varia

Swainson's Thrush, Catharus ustulatus

One of the Swainson's Thrushes seen today

Swainson's Thrush, Catharus ustulatus

American Treecreeper, Certhia americana americana

The American Treecreeper has arrives in Central Park in the middle of September

Black-throated Blue Warbler, Dendroica caerulescens caerulescens

Black-throated Blue Warbler - what a stunning bird!!

Wood Thrush, Hylocichla mustelina

This trusty Wood Thrush was seen by the little pond in the Ramble, apparently a pair had bred here this summer

Wood Thrush, Hylocichla mustelina

Veery, Catharus fuscescens

A brief glimpse of a Veery

Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis

The Cardinals were showing off

Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura carolinensis

Thios Mourning Dove had found a sunny spot in the bush and enjoyed a lazy morning

Goodbye

The last bird of the day was another obliging Black-and-White Warbler

Police line-up?

Arriving back at my hotel, an amazing amount of New York's finest were milling about. Apparently the President was about to visit my hotel.

Now it's time to catch some zzzzzz's before the flight back to Dubai

And as usual, the days list:

23.09.2010 NYC; Central Park (New York, USA)

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) - 30

Eastern Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis borealis) - 1

Feral Pigeon (Columba livia 'feral') - 10

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura carolinensis) - 1

Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) - 2

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) - 2

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens medianus) - 4

Yellow-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus luteus) - 3

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) - 1

Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis hiemalis) - 1

Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) - 3

American Robin (Turdus migratorius migratorius) - 50

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) - 2

Veery (Catharus fuscescens) - 1

Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) - 2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula calendula) - 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa satrapa) - 1

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus atricapillus) - 8

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) - 2

American Treecreeper (Certhia americana americana) - 3

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata bromia) - 4

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris) - 100

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus domesticus) - 50

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus olivaceus) - 2

Northern Parula (Parula americana) - 3

Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia) - 4

Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens caerulescens) - 2

Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus pinus) - 1

Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) - 6

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) - 2

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) - 2

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas trichas) - 2

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) - 10

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis) - 8

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) - 100

A winter walk in a Melbourne Park, 14 September 2010

2010-09-14T17:03:00.001+04:00

Landed in Melbourne after a 6:45 hours flight from Singapore.
A beautiful sunrise greeted us just north of Adelaide, captured below with my newly purchased Canon S95 pocket-camera (a camera I can highly recommend by the way, for it's bright f2.0 lens and tiny size compared to the slightly better but much bulkier Lumix LX5 that would not fit in my pocket).

Sunrise north of Adelaide as seen from the flight-deck

It was a chilling 3 degrees when we touched down on RWY 27 (the short one) in our B-777 300ER, very much like a good Norwegian summer morning.

So after a quick breakfast I immediately went outside (no, just kidding - I actually went straight to bed).

Waking up around 1pm, I walked in the large park around the famous MCG for a couple of hours, enjoying the crisp blue sky and equally crisp spring wind.

A Magpie-lark enjoyed 25 minutes of dive-bombing my head (this can surely NOT be the breeding season for these cheeky buggers?) and I can only imagine it's glee when it placed a warm, white bomb spot on top of my noggin. Me not happy.

Anyways, with a runny nose and apple-red cheeks I retired to the relative warmth of my hotel room and prepared the photos.

Nice day, all in all.

Rainbow Lorikeet, Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus

The common parakeet in Melbourne

White-backed Magpie, Cracticus tibicen tyrannicus

A common, but great bird nevertheless

Noisy Miner, Manorina melanocephala melanocephala

Noisy Miner, Manorina melanocephala melanocephala - juvenile

Noisy Miner, Manorina melanocephala melanocephala

Common and often overlooked, the Noisy Miner is a superb little bird. I saw several adults find these small black beetles and feeding the young ones with them

Grey Butcherbird, Cracticus torquatus torquatus

Surprisingly vocal and tame. Look at the fantastic hook at the tip of the bill - this is not a vegetarian!

Crested Pigeon, Ocyphaps lophotes lophotes

I found a feeding flock of these magnificent pigeons in a corner of the park

Magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca cyanoleuca

This is the cheeky bird that relentlessly attacked me

Los Angeles and Blue Whale, July 2010

2010-07-28T21:04:00.004+04:00

Another 48 hour layover in Torrance saw me meeting up with long-time buddy Knut who flies the bus for JetBlue out of Long Beach.
Knut promised some whale action out of Long Beach harbour in the afternoon, after walking Huntington Beach Central Park and Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in the morning.

Weather was stunning with blue skies and 25 degrees, and a fabulous time was had by both.

Huntington Beach Central Park (help with the identification of the Empidonax flycatcher appreciated, a big thanks to Bob Reimer who identified the dragonfly below):

Pachydiplax longipennis (Blue Dasher)

Un-identified Empidonax

Knut and his lizard

We then moved on to Bolsa Chica and spent an hour on the boardwalk there:

Elegant Tern, Thalasseus elegans

Bolsa Chica might host the largest breeding colony of Elegant Tern in the US

Belding's Sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi

The endemic subspecies of Savannah Sparrow, common in the reserve

Round Stingray, Urobatis halleri

This stingray is common in the shallow waters in the reserve

Snowy Egret, Egretta thula brewsteri

American Great Egret, Ardea alba egretta

Least Sandpiper, Calidris minutilla

The Least Sandpiper is a common migrant here

Forster's Tern, Sterna forsteri

Forster's Terns can be seen here year-round

We caught the 3pm whale-watching boat out of Long Beach harbour, and saw a flock of Long-beaked Common Dolphins on our way out towards the deep channel off Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Two happy whalers from Norway

Long-beaked Common Dolphin, Delphinus capensis

Blue Whale, Balaenoptera musculus

Yours truly in 400mm mode

Heermann's Gull, Larus heermanni

The Heermann's Gull is common along the Southern California coastline

California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus

Sea Launch platform for Zenit 3SL rockets

A day in May in Central Park, New York City

2010-05-16T18:48:00.020+04:00

Finally a JFK layover at our downtown Manhattan hotel!
After narrowly evading the ever-spreading ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajökull just west of Iceland by some creative thinking by Chris, we landed on-time on Saturday May 15th. Beer & pork was consumed in copious amounts shortly thereafter on 46th Street with my fellow aviators James, Chris & Al. It was good to be back! And a big thanks to Captain James ‘voice of Sam Elliott’ Whitlock for showing us this great eatery. Let’s do it again James!
A fantastic Sunday was spent walking in Central Park the following Sunday, after waking up confused at the ungodly hour of 03:15 am.
Blue skies once the sun decided to get up, lots of people around but also good number of birds. I walked from 6 -9 am after delivering my old MacBook Pro for repair at Apple 5th Avenue (open 24 hrs/365 days), then from 1-4 pm before picking up my repaired Mac and preparing for the flight back to Dubai.
Two lifers were seen, both self-found: Mourning Warbler (sorry Knut) and Bay-breasted Warbler.
Met Bob and enjoyed a nice chat with him while checking out the warblers flitting about. He is good company.
The park was alive with birders, birdwatchers and dudes. A very different scene from Dubai and the UAE where you would be lucky to bump into another birder.
It was also some kind of gay liberation day or something suchlike, making the park very busy (see bottom photo (pun not intended)).

Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla aurocapilla

Several Ovenbirds were seen: always a fun bird

American Redstart, Setophaga ruticilla

American Redstarts were conspicuous and often showing off their flashy tails

Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata bromia

This Blue Jay was feeding on termites in The Ramble

Mourning Warbler, Oporornis philadelphia

Here seen with lots of termites in the background

Mourning Warbler, Oporornis philadelphia

This AMAZING bird was found behind the Boathouse during my afternoon walk, and the first bird I saw after entering the park! It had been present since yesterday, and it was pure luck that I found it. It later moved to a termite mound that had thousands of winged termites flying off to the delight of the Grackles, Cowbirds, Thrushes, Warblers and Jays in the area

American Robin, Turdus migratorius nigrideus

This good-looking thrush was nesting nearby, and was very happy to feast on the escaping termites

Chestnut-sided Warbler, Dendroica pensylvanica

The only male seen

Chestnut-sided Warbler, Dendroica pensylvanica

This stunning female kept watch at the termite mound for over an hour

Black-throated Blue Warbler, Dendroica caerulescens caerulescens

Very unassuming compared to the flashy male. A termite wing was stuck to her bill

Grey-cheeked Thrush, Catharus minimus

Grey-cheeked is almost impossible to distinguish from Bicknell’s Thrush, but the song was apparently heard by other birders confirming its identity

Magnolia Warbler, Dendroica magnolia

The most numerous warbler in the park today

Swamp Sparrow, Melospiza georgiana georgiana

Bay-breasted Warbler, Dendroica castanea

A crap photo, but at least it shows my second lifer of today! Found just as I was leaving the park, with hundreds of people milling about

16.05.2010 NYC; Central Park (New York, USA)

Atlantic Canada Goose (Branta canadensis canadensis) 2

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) 6

American Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli) 1

Feral Pigeon (Columba livia ‘feral’) 50

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura carolinensis) 4

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens medianus) 1

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus olivaceus) 1

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata bromia) 8

Grey-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus) 2

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 30

American Robin (Turdus migratorius nigrideus) 2

Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 4

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris) 100

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 1

Northern Parula (Parula americana) 3

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) 3

Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia) 4

Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens caerulescens) 2

Myrtle Warbler (Dendroica coronata coronata) 2

Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca) 1

Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea) 1

Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 1

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 4

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla aurocapilla) 3

Mourning Warbler (Oporornis philadelphia) 1

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas trichas) 3

Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) 2

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana georgiana) 1

Eastern Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra rubra) 6

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis) 4

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus phoeniceus) 1

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula stonei) 10

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater ater) 4

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 3

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus domesticus) 100

Whatever happened to good old fashioned vaseline?

Birding Washington state

2010-02-06T10:38:00.000+04:00

Birding Washington state, one week in February 2010

A magic 5 days birding with buddy Knut Hansen in chilly Washington state, 3-8 Feb 2010.
We started in West Seattle on the morning of 3 Feb before driving up to the Waterville Plateau and Bridgeport State Park.
Okanogan Highlands were birded on 4-5 Feb with American Three-toed Woodpecker and Rosy Finch being target species. Waterville Plateau in the afternoon before reaching Seattle again.
Feb 6 saw us bright and early at the Nisqually River Delta before reaching Westport and my long-time target species of Rock Sandpiper. Overnight at Lake Quinault.
Olympic Peninsula on Feb 7 with Lake Quinault, Kalaloch beach and City of Forks before arriving at Port Angeles and target species Thayer's Gull.
Sequim was birded on 8 Feb before heading back to Seattle and Dubai.

30 hours in Jakarta

2009-09-28T21:14:00.047+04:00

On September 28-29th 2009 I spent thirty hours near Jakarta Airport, our layover hotel being the Sheraton Airport Hotel.
Luckily I had remembered to bring my camera before the 04:15 am departure (who needs to sleep anyway – highly overrated). The first day I only had time to photograph the numerous swiftlets outside the hotel before the sun set. The abundant swiftlet here is the Cave Swiftlet, but another larger species with a brown belly and greyish rump has me confused; after researching the various Swiftlets on Java, I am fairly certain they are Edible-nest Swiftlets, of the nominate subspecies, often called Thunberg’s Swiftlet.
Comments from birders familiar with West Java are warmly welcomed, please comment directly on the post.

September 28th 2009, late afternoon;

Cave Swiftlet, Collocalia linchi linchi

Note all dark rump

Edible-nest (Thunberg's) Swiftlet, Aerodramus fusciphagus fusciphagus

Spotted Dove, Streptopelia chinensis tigrina

Spotted Doves are everywhere and the commonest dove here. Insanely shy though

September 29th 2009, early morning;
I got up at dawn and spent three hours around the hotel area, walking as far as the DHL cargo building near the airport. It is a very busy environment with lots of people around from first light.
The birds are incredibly shy, probably because of the immense hunting & trapping pressure on Java, so getting close with my lens was not easy.

Javan Pond Heron, Ardeola speciosa speciosa

Javan Pond Heron; still a common bird here

Sunda Woodpecker, Dendrocopos moluccensis moluccensis

Sunda Woodpeckers were busily pecking away in the surrounding trees, another common species here

Small Blue Kingfisher, Alcedo coerulescens

A Small Blue Kingfisher at the hotel pond was a pleasant surprise

Long-tailed Shrike, Lanius schach bentet

One of my favourite birds on Java, the local subspecies of the Long-tailed Shrike. Common, beautiful and with an attitude (like most shrikes)

Red-breasted Parakeet, Psittacula alexandri alexandri

Red-breasted Parakeets are not easy to see on Western Java, so imagine my surprise when three bird landed right over my head

Sooty-headed Bulbul, Pycnonotus aurigaster aurigaster

Sooty-headed Bulbuls could be heard and seen all around, but also so shy it was almost impossible to get close. The above shot is a result of some really small steps over a long period of time!

Island Collared Dove, Streptopelia bitorquata bitorquata

Island Collared Doves are fairly common in the lowlands

Eastern Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis coromandus

The Eastern Cattle Egrets showing off their black legs in their non-breeding plumage

Then it was time to head back to the hotel again, for some more shots of the Cave Swiftlets around the little pond there

Cave Swiftlet, Collocalia linchi linchi

And as usual, a list of todays birds:

Eastern Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) – 3
Javan Pond Heron (Ardeola speciosa speciosa) – 15
White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus) – 3
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) – 1
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia ‘feral’) – 1
Island Collared Dove (Streptopelia bitorquata bitorquata) – 3
Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis tigrina) – 20
Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri alexandri) – 3
Thunberg’s Swiftlet (Aerodramus fusciphagus fusciphagus) – 20
Cave Swiftlet (Collocalia linchi linchi) – 400
Small Blue Kingfisher (Alcedo coerulescens) – 2
Sunda Woodpecker (Dendrocopos moluccensis moluccensis) – 6
Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach bentet) – 12
Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica javanica) – 50
Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster aurigaster) – 25
Bar-winged Prinia (Prinia familiaris prinia) – 1
Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis malacensis) – 3
Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trochileum trochileum) – 4
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus malaccensis) – 5
Javan Munia (Lonchura leucogastroides) – 10

Osaka layover, 17 August 2009

2009-08-17T22:46:00.001+04:00

On a 24-hour layover in Osaka, Japan, I found that we had changed crew hotel. We now stay close to downtown, and a 2 km walk to Osaka Castle Park.

I spent the morning from 6-11 am walking around the entire park. Fairly birdless in the midsummer heat, but should have great potential during migration and winter.

Flying from Dubai to Osaka takes place during daylight hours, and we had some truly magnificent views over the Himalayas!

Over the Himalayas enroute to Osaka

Too close for comfort?

Himalayas towards the north-east

Large-billed Crow, Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis

Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus saturatus

Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax

Castle in the park

White-cheeked Starling, Sturnus cineraceus

Japanese Five-lined Skink, Eumeces latiscutatus

Moving into the park, more birds were seen, and a bonus were a brief view of a Japanese Five-lined Skink

Great Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo hanedae

Cicada, Cryptotympana facialis

And responsible for the terrible, never-ending choir of extremely loud buzzzzzzzing is this chap

Birdlist
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) – 3
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) – 1
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo hanedae) – 3
Eurasian Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax) – 1
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia ‘feral’) – 50
Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis) – 30
White-cheeked Starling (Sturnus cineraceus) – 40
Oriental Greenfinch (Carduelis sinica minor) – 8
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus saturatus) – 50

Queensland, July 2009

2009-07-18T09:22:00.000+04:00

A visit to Queensland, July 2009

Mascarene Martins in Mauritius, May 2009

2009-05-13T23:33:00.000+04:00

Being extremely lazy on this layover in Mauritius, I’ve only managed to walk the resort grounds here in Le Telfair, Bel Ombre.
Mascarene Martins are common around the hotel, and this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of photographing them. Amazing birds!

Mascarene Martin, Phedina borbonica borbonica

A 48-hour layover in Los Angeles, March 2009

2009-03-19T23:49:00.018+04:00

I spent most of today out on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, after the fog had lifted around noon. Visibility from the Marriott Hotel in Torrance was very limited from sunrise to noon, so I spent the time entering bird-records to the UAE database.
I had rented a car at the local Herz office in the lobby at $ 53 a day incl. insurance, to be returned before 6pm.
I started out with a couple of hours in the South Coast Botanical Garden where my target bird was Allen’s Hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin. It turned out to be the first species I saw once I had forked over the $ 7 entrance-fee, and turned out to be the common hummer of today.

Allen's Hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin

Hermit Thrush, Catharus guttatus

Common Bushtit, Psaltriparus minimus minimus

California Towhee, Pipilo crissalis senicula

Cooper's Hawk, Accipiter cooperii

House Finch, Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis

Great Basin Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis longipes

A really cool lizard, the Great Basin Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis longipes turned out to be very common here, a positive surprise.

After the Botanical Garden I drove to Point Vincente where I had seen California Gnatcatcher in the rain in February with Knut. The fog lingered in hazy patches offshore and it was markedly colder here than in the Botanical Garden. I saw a group of people watching the sea as I walked past the visitors center, and one of them called out “there it is!”.
What she had seen was a Grey Whale, Eschrichtius robustus swimming north very close to land. What a surprise! The large mammal showed itself twice more, but very briefly, so it was pure luck that I managed to get a photo of it’s back.

Grey Whale, Eschrichtius robustus

Desert Cottontail, Sylvilagus audubonii

After walking along the path a few minutes, I saw and heard a California Gnatcatcher, but it remained elusive and no photo taken. This will probably please Knut, since he got such a great shot last month.

I did however get a photo of what I’m pretty sure is a Desert Cottontail, Sylvilagus auduboni.

I stopped for a 45-minute walk at Ocean Trails, where I did not hear or see any California Gnatcatchers, but the weather was pleasant enough and the birds not too shy. I saw a young Sharp-shinned Hawk; markedly smaller than the young AccipiterI photographed in the Botanical Garden.

The male Ring-necked Duck tried to impress the female before they both flew off.

Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola

Ring-necked Duck, Aythya collaris

Common Raven, Corvus corax sinuatus

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter striatus velox

Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia

American Goldfinch, Carduelis tristis salicamans

As usual; more photos available on Flickr.

South Coast Botanical Garden, 19th March 2009
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 8
Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1
Western Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis calurus) 2
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) 1
Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) 8
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans semiater) 3
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos hesperis) 4
Southwestern Raven (Corvus corax sinuatus) 2
Common Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus minimus) 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula grinnelli) 1
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos leucopterus) 3
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris) 5
Audubon’s Warbler (Dendroica coronata auduboni) 6
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) 1
California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis senicula) 5
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis) 4

Palos Verdes Peninsula, 19th March 2009:Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 2
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) 10
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 4
Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis occidentalis) 100
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) 20
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias herodias) 1
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula brewsteri) 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus velox) 1
Western Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis calurus) 2
American Coot (Fulica americana americana) 70
Western Gull (Larus occidentalis wymani) 10
Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) 2
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) 2
Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya saya) 1
Southwestern Raven (Corvus corax sinuatus) 10
Common Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus minimus) 10
California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) 2
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos leucopterus) 1
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 50
Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata sordida) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 5
Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) 1
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) 6
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1
Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria hesperophilus) 5

A 48-hour layover in Manila

2009-03-13T08:36:00.012+04:00

I spent 48 hours in Manila, and went to Los Banos to visit my old buddy and birder Paul Bourdin who moved there last year.
I took a taxi from my downtown Manila hotel to the University gate where I met Paul at 06:45. I probably paid the taxi-driver too much at 2,500 pesos ($ 50), but he was such a nice guy.
Los Banos is appx 80 km south of Manila, and it took us 90 minutes to get there.
We spent the whole day birding inside the University Campus area, including the slopes of Makiling Volcano, the Los Banos Botanical Garden and the surrounding rice fields. Excellent bird seen!
A full species-list is included below, as well as a great area-description from my good friend Steve James of Abu Dhabi who visited the area in February 2008.

Paul in action

White-browed Shama, Copsychus luzoniensis luzoniensis

Rufous-bellied Eagle, Aquila kienerii formosus

Un-identified lizard

Un-identified butterfly

Indigo-banded Kingfisher, Alcedo cyanopectus cyanopectus

Un-identified spider with a bee

Brown Shrike, Lanius cristatus lucionensis

Intermediate Egret, Egretta intermedia intermedia

Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola

White-breasted Woodswallow, Artamus leucorynchus leucorynchus

More photos available on Flickr.

Los Banos University Campus, March 12th 2009
Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) 1
Cinnamon Bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) 1
Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia) 10
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) 1
Eastern Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) 30
Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis holospilus) 1
Chinese Goshawk (Accipiter soloensis) 1
Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus) 1
Rufous-bellied Eagle (Aquila kienerii formosus) 1
Spotted Buttonquail (Turnix ocellatus ocellatus) 2
Barred Buttonquail (Turnix suscitator fasciatus) 1
White-browed Crake (Porzana cinerea) 3
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) 30
Oriental Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum) 6
Greater Painted-Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) 4
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida javanicus) 2
Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica indica) 1
Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) 1
White-eared Brown Dove (Phapitreron leucotis leucotis) 5
Philippine Hanging Parrot (Loriculus philippensis philippensis) 8
Red-crested Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus superciliosus superciliosus) 3
Scale-feathered Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus cumingi) 3
Philippine Coucal (Centropus viridis viridis) 1
Philippine Hawk-Owl (Ninox philippensis philippensis) 3
Purple Needletail (Hirundapus celebensis) 1
Grey-rumped Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta marginata) 15
Asian Palm Swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis pallidior) 5
Indigo-banded Kingfisher (Alcedo cyanopectus cyanopectus) 1
White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis gularis) 1
Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris collaris) 1
Blue-tailed Bee-Eater (Merops philippinus) 10
Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala haemacephala) 6
Red-bellied Pitta (Pitta erythrogaster erythrogaster) 1
Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus lucionensis) 8
Ashy Minivet (Pericrocotus divaricatus) 30
Oriental Skylark (Alauda gulgula wattersi) 2
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica gutturalis) 20
Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica javanica) 10
Striated Swallow (Cecropis striolata striolata) 10
Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier goiavier) 6
Philippine Bulbul (Ixos philippinus philippinus) 15
Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis tinnabulans) 3
Clamorous Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus harterti) 3
Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus castaneiceps chloronotus) 6
Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis) 1
Striated Grassbird (Megalurus palustris forbesi) 15
Grey-streaked Flycatcher (Muscicapa griseisticta) 1
White-browed Shama (Copsychus luzoniensis luzoniensis) 3
Stripe-sided Rhabdornis (Rhabdornis mystacalis mystacalis) 8
Grey-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis birgitae) 10
Purple-throated Sunbird (Leptocoma sperata henkei) 1
Bicoloured Flowerpecker (Dicaeum bicolor inexpectatum) 1
Red-keeled Flowerpecker (Dicaeum australe) 10
Buzzing Flowerpecker (Dicaeum hypoleucum obscurum) 3
Balicassiao (Dicrurus balicassius balicassius) 8
White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus leucorynchus) 15
Coleto (Sarcops calvus calvus) 2
Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus) 3
Green-crowned Wagtail (Motacilla flava taivana) 5
Siberian Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis simillima) 20
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea cinerea) 2
Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus lugubris) 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) 100
Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura punctulata cabanisi) 50
Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla jagori) 1

Description of the area, by Steve James

Hi Tommy,
Go by taxi to Los Banos from the airport, the airport is well south of Metro Manila, right next to the highway that goes south passed Carmona (on the highway) & Calamba just off the main highway.
Los Banos is very well known & quick to get to. It is about 80kms south of the airport. When you arrive in Los Banos turn right at the main road that goes to the University. Drive for about 5kms until you come to a big archway that signals the University grounds (which are many kilometres in extent). When I was there in February, they wouldn’t let taxis through the arch, but this is not a problem, because just before the arch, there are motorbike riders who will take you to where ever you want to go. They are very cheap.
(Note from Tommy: my taxi was allowed inside for a 10 pesos fee)
Now, if you only have 3 or 4 hours to birdwatch before you return to the airport, do this:
If you arrive in the morning or mid-day take a motorbike ride to the Botanical Gardens (it is about 3.5kms up the hill). You pay a small fee to enter. Walk for 100m past a picnic area, then turn left on the road. Good birding starts here. There is a river on your right, but keep on the road until you go downhill.
There is a little bridge & the road goes steeply uphill again. At this spot, walk back along the stream (the stream is on your left side, the road you have walked down is on your right, but high above you. There are plenty of birds here (even in the middle of the day) but 3 key species: Scaly feathered & Red crested Malkhoas & Indigo banded Kingfisher. All three are pretty easy to get & brilliant birds! If you miss either of the Malkhoas, then retrace your steps back to the bridge on the road. Walk up hill for 30m & take the steep track off to the left of the road. You should get both Malkhoas here. Red keeled & the uncommon Pygmy Flowerpeckers are pretty easy + 3 species of sunbird. I also had 6 Balicassiaio here, Phillipine Falconet & Elegant Tit! One & half hours is plenty of time here, don’t be tempted to walk the whole gardens, because there is a better option!
(Note from Tommy; we did not see the kingfisher here, but Paul sees them regularly)
Now, get a motorbike ride to the sportsfield (they all know it, it is huge). If no motorbike, then get a shared taxi. Place the sportfield on your right, get off the motorbike. Check the perimeter of the sportsfield by looking up the largest trees. You will see lots of birds, but the one to look out for is Lowland White-eye. It is getting really rare these days & is in groups, in bird parties.
Once you have the white-eye, then walk down the main road with the sportsfield on your right. Go straight, you will see a sign saying Dairy Husbandry & you will cross a small river. Just after this, there is a security man in a white booth on the left handside of the road. Say hi to him & tell him you are birding. Then take the first dirt track on your right (it is on the right handside of the main road). This is the famous buttonquail track. It doesn’t look much, but it is bloody good birding. If you arrive there mid day, or mid afternoon, then walk slowly down the track. You will see lots of open country birds, walk into the fields both sides of the road, explore large trees along minor watercourses. Keep on walking down the track, gradually, you will come to an area where there are houses/small farms etc. Check out all the trees here, I found it to be very good indeed. You can walk a long way down this track, but don’t, because if you have that much time go to the next option!
Birds I saw:
Barred Rail; Grey-faced Buzzard; Zebra Dove; Guaibero; Phillipine Coucal; Red crested Malkhoa; Grey rumped Swiflet; Asian Palm Swift; Barn, Pacific & Striated Swallows; Coppersmith Barbet; Phillipine Woodpecker; Stripe sided Rhabdornis; Yellow vented Bulbul; Phillipine Bulbul; Striated & Tawny Grassbirds; Grey spotted Flycatcher; Purple throated Sunbird; Hansome Subird; Olive backed Sunird; Red Keeled Flowerpecker; Brown Shrike; Long tailed Shrike, Eurasian Tree Sparrow; Scaly breasted Munia.
Both species of Buttonquail come out on the track in late afternoon. The Spotted is more common than the Barred. 400m from the main road stop & put up your scope, wait! You are now on the track looking towards the main road. Keep checking the track for both buttonquails crossing + Plain Bush Hen + Barred Rail!
You can do both the Botanical Gardens + the Buttonquail track in 4 hours.
Option 2: if you have longer than four hours & arrive in the morning, then get a motorbike ride to the Trees Lodge. It is in the Forestry Department section about 1.5 kms further up the road than the Botanical Gardens. Get off the motorbike the Lodge is on your right handside. Just to the right handside of the Lodge there is a large bare tree, without any leaves on it at all. There are some woodpecker type holes in the tree & a pair of Phillipine Falconets nest here. They are easy to see.
(Note from Tommy; not present in March 2009)
Walk on the main road, with the Trees Lodge on your right (by the way if you are there at dusk, Phillipine Hawk Owl is easy here). There is a booth, where you pay a small fee to enter the reserve. Birdwatch up the hill, walking slowly & quietly. Birding is great all the way. After 3.7kms there is a track to the Hot Springs (Hot Mud + a little water). Walk down here, carefully, Luzon Bleeding Heart Dove is on the path!!!! One of the great rarities! Lots of other species here as well. Then retrace your tracks back to the main track, keep on walking up hill until you come to a place with huts selling a few items. Walk past here & look out for a left hand track going to an old basketball court. Take a break here & put up your scope, good views of the forest from the clearing. Lots of birdies! Now I walked to the top of the mountain, which is a further six hours walk, as you get higher you get different birds. You won’t have time to do this, walk back down the main track the way you came.
Walk 200m past the Trees Lodge & at the junction get a shared taxi or motorbike back to the entrance (the archway). If you had your Manila taxi waiting for you, then that’s fine. If not, get a motorbike back to the main road (5kms). You can get a taxi back to the airport from here.
I saw the following on this walk:
Emerald, White-eared & Black chinned Fruit Dove; Guiaberraio; Phillipine Hanging Parrot; + both Malkhoas; Phillipine Coucal; Phillipine Drongo Cuckoo; Grey rumped Swiftlet; Pygmy Swiflet; Luzon Hornbill; Phillipine & Greater Flameback Woodpeckers; Spotted Wood Kingfisher (one of the best birds in the world)! Red bellied Pitta; Phillipine Trogon; Petchora Pipit; Phillipine Bulbul is the commonest bird; Black & White Triller; White’s Thrush; Ashy Ground Thrush; White browed Shama; Phillipine Leaf Warbler, Arctic & Lemon throated Leaf Warbler; Grey backed Tailorbird; Blue headed Fantail; Black naped Monarch; Yelow bellied Whistler; Elegant Tit; Sulpur billed Nuthatch; Stripe sided Rhabdornis; Grey throated, Handsome & Mettalic Sunbirds (+ all the commoner ones mention earlier); Red keeled & White bellied Flowerpecker; Yellowish Whiteye; Brown Shrike & Ballacassioao. I saw about 50 species along this track. I have omitted all the high altitude stuff, as you won’t have time to do the trek.
By the way, birding is good down hill from the Trees Lodge towards the Botanical Gardens. 100m past the trees Lodge, walking downhill, there is a Uni building on your right hand side. Go in here & there is a basic canteen for drinks, meals etc. It is very cheap. It often rains here, so be prepared!
Good luck & have a great day’s birding
Steve

Intervales, February 2009

2009-02-10T11:18:00.000+04:00

Intervales, February 2009