Today was the day I waiting for with tip off on the location and site, I was hoping to make it Christmas lifer for my loved one Eileen. So we wake up as early as 4 am in the morning and head off to Batang Tiga by 5 am. Stop once to relief my stomach ache and also have breakfast.
We arrive just nice for the first light and without wasting time we headed to the site. By the time I turn my car we saw the first raptor. It was an aquila from the size and was later confirmed to be a Greater Spotted Eagle. To be precise this one is a first year bird. So the day have began without wasting a minute but the problem is the fog and lighting was not on my side. Focusing is in extream condition for me. Nevertheless we still go ahead.
 |
Greater Spotted Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
 |
Greater Spotted Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
|
 |
Greater Spotted Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
|
Immediately after this both Steppe and Imperial turn out. I decided to get my equipment ready and into the battlefield immediately. I was like one football field inside the ricefield trying to balance myself, the equipment and also rushing to the tree.
Here is an Imperial Eagle perch near a Greater Spotted Eagle. By the details of it and when in flight this should be another first year bird but the upperwing does look a bit worn. Size of the Imperial Eagle was obviously bigger then the Greater Spotted Eagle.
 |
Imperial Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
|
 |
Imperial Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
|
 |
Imperial Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
Last but not least was the Steppe Eagle. This bird fly pass in front of me followed the Imperial but has never perch together with the Imperial. Still this first year but was an magnificent to see since my last sighting of the Steppe Eagle was many years ago.
 |
Steppe Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
 |
Steppe Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
 |
Steppe Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
 |
Steppe Eagle
(Photo taken by Terence & Eileen) |
The day ended with
5 Greater Spotted Eagle
2 Steppe Eagle
1 Imperial Eagle
2 Eastern Marsh Harrier
2 Pied Harrier
1 Brahminy Kite
4-6 Black Shouldered Kite
A very impressive variety and number of Aquilas in a single trip. Well done! Must be the magic of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mun
Deleteyup!! diversity were surely high in that area.
Wahhhh...my turn to go back melaka la like this!have to persuade wife to go melaka then i can spend some time in the field...hehehehehhheeeee
ReplyDeleteYou should try this new year. they should be around still.
DeleteAny coordinates pls.
ReplyDeletemikebirder (mikekanovest@yahoo.com)
Responded to you. Have PM you to your email
Delete