Up on the Poui tree

Scaly-breasted Munia

Olive-backed Sunbird

 The Poui tree (Tabebuia rosea) is starting to flower, though not profusely.  It has started to attract many birds to come for various reasons.  The Scaly-breasted Munia which has been absent on the scene for quite a while sprang a surprise.  They were a small company  and seemed happy with the presence of tiny insects and ants on the branches and leaves of the Poui tree.  The male Olive-Backed Sunbird was busy piercing the tubular base of the Poui flower to get direct access to the nectar.  A third bird came along and joined the list of common birds seen at the garden today.  It was the Asian or Philippines Glossy Starling so easily recognizable for its red eyes and glossy black body.

Asian or Philippines Glossy Starling

Left to right - Mango tree,Eugenia oleina, Poui tree

Need to include the Pied Triller in list of common garden bird

 The Pied Triller ( Lalage nigra ) - Sewah Kapas (Malay) hanging on to the Coconut leaves

Pied Triller in CU

 The Pied Triller or in Malay "Sewah Kapas" was seen in the garden today.  It was having fun at the coconut leaves.  Gazing and watching the insects on the ground.  Many times it scooped at the insects on the lawn and then rested on nearby twigs for a little rest before the next sortie.  I am amazed at the relative prevalence of this bird in Kuching.  It therefore must be included in the list of common garden birds of Sarawak.

The back garden where the Pied Triller found game.

The oleina trees and the flowerpecker

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker at the Eugenia oleina branch
Location : Back garden.

Male, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker

 In the garden.  The Orange-bellied Flowerpecker sang melodiously to attract a female bird.  It is encouraging to see it and its female partner moving about the garden in joyous fun.  It is a very attractive bird for is contrasting orange and metallic blue colours and short sharp calls.  The female is however of dull complexion.  On this visit, the garden seemed to growing more dense.  At the back of the garden, facing east,  the few Eugenia oleina trees have become a green screen and its coolness and shade have made the place a favourite spot for the flowerpeckers to rest and preen.  

The green screen at the back garden, provided by the Eugenia oleina trees.
At foreground are the fronds of the Foxtail palm.  The fruits at the background belongs to the Carpentaria palm.