After a brief period in the mangroves and forest at Kuala Selangor, where Barred Eagle-Owl at a day roost stole the headlines, (as well as Mangrove Whistler and Mangrove Blue -Flycatcher), we were on our way to Borneo. Our first port of call was Sandakan before we were whisked away to Sepilok in the dark of night. The following day we went on an unsuccessful hunt for Borneo's star resident: the endemic species and family, Bornean Bristlehead. We did however pick up a flock of Bornean Black Magpie for our considerable troubles in searching in the intense heat and humidity.
However, for an owl freak like me there was only ever one highlight on this day: a stunning Oriental Bay Owl behind our resort. It had rained in the early evening scuppering our plans for a nightwalk. We sneaked in a Red Giant Flying Squirrel anyway in the rain, looking very reluctant to fly, and waited it out. Post supper the water droplets hitting the pond in our resort had ceased and we could not resist a short search for the Bay Owl. We were pretty incredulous when just 20 minutes or so later we had this beauty staring back at us and calling in the spotlight. The tour highlight for me, hands down so far (I know we had Rail-Babbler and pittas and other such delights but just take a look at this thing!!!) We also added Brown Hawk-Owl for good measure just fifteen minutes after the Bay Owl right above the cabins!
More to come from deepest, darkest Borneo...
3 comments:
Blimey, your Oriental Bay Owl shots have totally destroyed me!!! This is one of my all-time wants alont with Sooty Owl! Truly amazing photos!
Whew, the Owl images, those eyes, amazing!
Well Lee I could say the same about your Tawny Owl photos. They have not gone unnoticed!
Post a Comment