Black Eagle

 Accipitriformes - Accipitridae - Ictinaetus malaiensis (Helang Hitam Asia)

Large and distinctive dark eagle of forested mountains and hills. Adults appear all dark from a distance, but closer inspection reveals pale barring on the primaries, secondaries, and undertail, as well as a bright yellow bill and feet. Readily separated from other large birds of prey in range by structure as well as coloration; Black Eagles have broad wings with distinct “fingers”(emarginated primaries) in the tip, as well as a long tail that is fan-shaped when open and slightly wedge-shaped when closed.

(eBird)

Soaring, circling
as if all matters is itself.

Too far, too dark

yet unable to ignore

simply too majestic

even from a distance.

Silver-eared Mesia

 Passeriformes - Leiothrichidae - Leiothrix argentauris (Mesia Telinga Perak)

Beautiful small babbler with a black head, bright silver ear, orange underparts, and a bright red wing patch. Travels in noisy flocks through hill and submontane forest, sometimes in single-species groups and occasionally with other species. Unfortunately a common target of the cage bird trade, and escapees are often seen outside of their native range; in some areas, such as Hong Kong, they have even established self-sustaining populations. Warbled song often given as birds move around in flocks.

(eBird)

A nosy dazzler

Always a feast for the eyes

Asks to be admired

But unself-conscious

How does it do it?

Sunda Cuckoo

Cuculiformes - Cuculidae - Cuculus lepidus (Sewah Gunung Melayu)

Typical Cuculus cuckoo: most adults are gray with black stripes on a white breast and belly, but some females are “hepatic”; they appear rufous overall with extensive barring. Virtually identical to Himalayan and Oriental cuckoos, which migrate through and winter in Sunda’s range; look for Sunda’s more contrasting darker gray upperparts, wider bars on the underparts, and buffier unmarked vent. Juvenile is dark grayish black above with white edging to the feathers. Like most cuckoos, more often heard than seen; listen for its 2–3 note hooting song, which averages higher than that of Oriental. A species of montane and foothill forest.

More heard than seen

typical, similar

words that strike

yet uncommon.

Flash after flash

patience tested

by avian, by human

patience won

as Patience stays true.

Dusky Eagle-owl

Strigiformes - Strigidae - Ketupa coromanda (Burung-Hantu Bertanduk Kelabu Asia)

A very large, grayish-brown owl with yellow eyes and distinctive ears. Note the fine barring and dark streaks on the pale underparts, and white patches on the shoulders. In flight, wings and tail are strongly barred below. Perches in tall trees, usually near a water body, where it waits for birds and mammals to pounce upon. The call is a distinctive series of low, guttural notes that increase in volume and speed before trailing off towards the end.

In flight, in call, in silence

awesome, most awesome.

Stepping back, involuntarily

an unnatural shudder

One I could have reached, grasped perhaps

one smaller yet more awe-inspiring.

Crested Goshawk

 Accipitriformes - Accipitridae - Lophospiza trivirgata (Helang-Sewah Besar Berjambul)

Powerfully built hawk of forests, especially hilly woods. Namesake crest is usually held low and not very visible. Adult has a gray head, brown wings, whitish underparts with thick orange-brown stripes in belly and streaks in breast, and white throat with black borders. Juvenile similar but with brown head, sparingly marked underparts, and very short crest. Appears stockier and relatively shorter-tailed in flight than other accipiters. Flying adults may also show a fluffy white clump of feathers on both sides of the tail.

(ebird)

You summon grit,

gripping focus.

The wait was over,

The injury was overcome, almost

I renewed the passage I was on

I renewed grit.

Blue-eared Kingfisher

Coraciiformes - Alcenididae - Alcedo meninting (Pekaka Bintik-bintik)

A diminutive dark blue kingfisher with no rufous on the ear-patch. It has an orange spot in front of the eye, white ear tufts on the sides of the neck, and an ultramarine-blue head and neck with darker blue bands giving it a scaly appearance. Upperparts glossy dark blue with paler blue central band down the back to the rump. White chin and throat with deep orange underparts. Males have black bill with brownish-red base, while females have almost entirely red bill. Juvenile also has dark blue upperparts, but has rufous cheeks and ear-coverts similar to Common Kingfisher. Inhabits well-shaded waterways in forested areas.

(eBird)

Young, learning, of failure and success.

* Propounding the essential - know what you do not know, strive without contending; The Way may be a tough way but it does not injure *

- know yourself, trust, stay your course -

Jambu Fruit-Dove

Columbiformes - Columbidae - Ptilinopus jambu (Punai-Gading Jambu)

The plum-red face and pink “blush” on the white chest of the cartoonish-looking male are unique. Plainer female and juvenile can be difficult to separate from female Black-naped Fruit Dove; look out for Jambu’s bright white eye-ring and orange bill. Generally uncommon and nomadic; roams widely across lowland and foothill forests, where it seeks out fruiting trees. Forages quietly in the canopy, typically singly or in pairs.

(eBird)

Sets its own pace, goes its own way, a natural.

* Alone standing - recognise and value what and where you are, and you'll not covet another *

- not wrong to be different, to not want -