Sunday, October 20, 2019

Back To Bali Within A Month

Merely after a month return from my last dive in Bali, I am back again! 
The route to our dive resort still fresh in my mind. Especially this view of the valley.
So as the majestic Mt Agong.
I stay in the different resort for this trip. Is exactly opposite to the famous Liberty wreck dive site.
After checking in, we get our dive gears ready for diving the next day.
I was here last month! The famous Liberty wreck entry point.
I did a quick intro to my friends who are having their fist dive in Bali.
Diving in this part of Bali, the wave at the shore made entry more chllenging.
After the shore, we take a stroll of this small dive village under the glorious evening sun.
Our room come with private balcony perfect for chit-chat and do star watching!
I even have this milky way taken right from the balcony.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Green Gems of North Thailand

With the accurate info from my friend, I arrive at the birding site at the right timing to see the green gems of North Thailand - Green Cochoa.
I was so happy to see this bird in full view! They are very timid and illusive. I have been to North Thailand several time trying to see this bird without success. They are not rare as you can hear their call but never had a chance to take its photo.
Is the raining season now in Thailand and this make photograph this bird even more challenging. Good that they are preparing to nest.
Only during their nesting season that they will stay still and this allowed us to take their photo in full.
Not just one but two. Both male & female will take turn to appear as they take turn to incubate their eggs.
So, can you tell which is male and which is female?
The eggs just hatched and the chick is too small to be visible from below.
This is the male bird without the gold patch on the wing and is ready with food in mouth to feed the chicks.
Not just Green Cochoa, I get to see other birds too.
Such as this Grey Cheeked Fulvetta busy manipulating this big worm.
Japanese White Eye
Yellow cheeked Tit
and Mrs Gould Sunbird.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Heading To North Thailand for Green Gems

It was a rather "busy" month for me with trips back to back. Merely a week after return from my Bali diving trip, I am on the move again and this time round flying north to Thailand. This was a last minute decision after received a call from my friend that I must go as this may be the best chance to see the green gems of North Thailand. They are very timid & illusive and I so far have not been able to have a glimpse of it.
I took the early morning flight so that I can go straight to the birding sight once I arrive at Chiangmai.
Can't remember how many trip have I been to Chiangmai, each time I will bring back different images of bird species.
The journey to the birding site is about 4 hours away, as usual we stop by for lunch before continue our journey to Doi Ankang.
Ice blended mango juice as dessert.
A new Japan garden (didn't see it the last time I was here), is time for a toilet break in this new park.
Cute toilet sign.
Another view of the garden.
Is time to set up my camera after 10 hours since I left my house this morning. I didn't take long for my target bird to appear right in front of me.
Just after a few photos, it started to rain. So we cut short the trip and proceed to check-in to the hotel at Fang.
Time to go for my favorite Thai cuisine after check-in.