The tide was good today, and I knew it was probably going to be my last chance to look at waders this northward migration season, so I headed for Teluk Air Tawar. Despite the excellent conditions, it was a big disappointment. The birds no longer roost near my vantage point, and almost no birds came within range even when the tide came up.
This Common Sandpiper landed close in the early morning, and I knew it wouldn’t stay. I only managed a single frame before it realised my presence and flew off, but I was more than happy with it. This is uncropped.
Whimbrels were my only other company – even the sand plovers stayed away.
Taken about 3 hours after the above shots, just as the tide pushed the birds into the mangroves.
A couple of male Ashy Tailorbirds spitting fire at each other were a welcome distraction from the hours of tedium!
At high tide, I decided to bypass the openbills and head to Air Itam Dalam, where an impressive array of flycatchers have been reported over the last 2 days, including Japanese Paradise and Green-backed. I was there for an hour and a half last night looking for the Japanese, but only succeeded in seeing a pair of incei Asian Paradise-flycatchers.
A record shot of the male.
Today, even approaching midday, there was plenty of action.
This obliging Banded Woodpecker feeding on ants was the first bird to entertain me.
Next up was a male Streak-breasted Woodpecker positively showing off! There you go – check out my streaks!
Which side would you like? Left? Right?
Or maybe a rear view?
A Ferruginous Flycatcher was added to the already impressive list of flycatchers seen in the last 2 days.
And the day ended with eye-popping views of a male Rubycheek at point blank range!
I’ve not been to this locality for a long while, but after today’s showing I certainly expect to be back more often.
Dig deep 
The birds at AHD certainly gave you a performance to remember. Wonderful shots.
Wow so many great shots here, Dave! I especially like the Streak-breasted Woodpecker. Never seen one in real life. The Common Sandpiper also looks very smart in its breeding plumage.
I have just read your last two posts, and as well as the great pics, they make fantastic reading. That is just incredible about the Openbills, and good that they are not going to be persecuted in any way, I do hope that some will stay and start to bread, that would be fantastic.
All the best Gordon.
Hi Dave,
This brings back memories when you took me to Air Itam Dalam a couple of years ago. I believe Streak-breasted Woodpecker was a new bird even for you that day, wasn’t it?
Great shots. It’s time to go back to the region again, it’s been too long.
All the best,
Vincent van der Spek
Good to hear from you Vincent,
Yes, high time the babbler was back in babbler territory!
Nice posture of ferruginous flycatcher. I’ll be doing Pilihanraya’s birding this sunday here..
Hi Hakim, Welcome back home!