Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Back to Bali Big Blue

Merely after  month coming back from Bali after my last dive, I am at Bali again joining my friends for another dive trip. However, the visibility is much worse than my last trip here.
It happens to be on a full moon and we see the highest wave on the shore and that make our entry to the water even more challenging. Is the worst visibility that I ever had for Bali. The visibility is only about 3m at max. This was due to the strong current that brought up the silts from the bottom.

As usual, Liberty wreck is one site we will go whenever we dive here.
The Liberty wreck become even more mysterious under the low visibility.

Is always exciting to see sea turtle  up-close.
Liberty wreck became our playground for a day.
Strong current also means that is easier to see garden eel up-close too without worry that they will burrow in as they are feeding most actively during strong current.
This is how bad the visibility today, anything after the fish about 3m away is almost disappear.
One last look at the nemo (clown fish) before we surface.

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.