Scarlet Minivet

Passeriformes - Campephagidae - Pericrocotus speciosus (Burung Matahari Besar)

Brilliantly-colored forest bird, typically encountered in flocks. Coloration varies significantly throughout wide distribution, with males ranging from black-and-crimson (most of mainland Asia) to black-and-yellow (southern Philippines) and black-and-orange (Java and Bali). Females are predominantly gray-and-yellow, but southern Philippine and western Indonesian birds are black-and-yellow. In all subspecies, note colored “blotches” on the wings (other minivets have cleaner wing patterns) and female’s yellow forehead. Gives high whistled “wheeep” notes, often when flying over the treetops.

(eBird)

Humility in being first, being only.

Rufous Piculet

 Piciformes - Picidae - Sasia abnormis (Belatuk Kerdil/Belatuk-Kerdil Api Melayu)

Absolutely miniscule woodpecker. Tailless and round-bodied, resembling a wren or cupwing in shape. Olive above and orange below; lacks the white brow patch of White-browed Piculet. Forages in dense secondary growth from lowlands up into the foothills, often in bamboo stands. Clambers around in and flutters between low-lying vegetation, seldom high up in the canopy. Makes sharp squeaks somewhat resembling shoes rubbing on wet floors. Drums are surprisingly loud for its size.

(eBird)

Yin and Yang, no absolutes; let go, no ownership.

Paddyfield Pipit

Passeriformes - Motacillidae - Anthus rufulus (Apit-apit Biasa) 

A sparrow-sized, resident pipit with brown plumage that varies in tones in different parts of its range. All birds have a bi-colored bill with a curve to the tip of the upper bill. The breast is streaked and the upperparts have variable amounts of streaking. Juveniles show distinct and dark mottling on the upperparts. It is common in open habitats such as wetlands, farms, fields, and even large parks. Very similar to Blyth’s and Richard’s Pipits, but relatively compact and has a more distinct eyebrow, fainter or no streaking on the back of the neck, a larger head, and a shorter tail than either Blyth’s or Richard’s. Calls include short “tsip” and “tissip” notes.

(eBird)

Claim if one must; move on.

Zebra Dove

Columbiformes - Columbidae - Geopelia striata (Merbok Biasa) 

A small, grayish brown dove with dark bars on the breast and back, and bare blue skin around the eye. The call is a rapid series of short “coos,” higher pitched and faster than Spotted Dove. Native to Southeast Asia, but introduced to many islands, including the Hawaiian Islands, French Polynesia, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. It is generally quite abundant throughout both its native and non-native range, especially in urban and suburban areas; typically not found in dense forests.

(eBird)   

Display but not exhibit.

Spotted Dove

Columbiformes - Columbidae - Spilopedia chinensis (Tekukur Biasa) 

A common garden bird throughout much of Asia, found in open forests, fields, and parks; introduced to several regions around the world. Often tame and approachable. Brown overall with a rosy breast and a unique white-spotted black nape patch. Plumage shows slight regional variation: western birds have dark centers to wing feathers, lacking in eastern birds. Turtle-doves are larger, have black centers to wing feathers and stripes rather than spots on the neck. Coos loudly and often: “coo-a-roooo”.

(eBird)

Understand absolutes to achieve balance.

Black-headed Bulbul

 Passeriformes - Pycnonotidae - Microtarsus melanocephalos (Merbah Kepala Hitam)

 Olive-yellow bulbul with a black head and unsettling sapphire eyes. Broad black band across the tail is especially noticeable when seen from below. No other bulbul in its range sports a crestless dark head, but look out for the slenderer and longer-billed leafbirds, whose dark throats may cause confusion when seen from below. Extremely rare gray morph replaces all yellow with gray, and intermediate birds have both yellow and gray patches. Inhabits broadleaf and mixed forests as well as edges, often in areas close to water. Usually seen in pairs or small flocks in the upper layers of lowland and foothill forest. Unlike many other bulbuls, not particularly vocal; gives occasional “chew” or “chep” notes, often while flying.

(eBird)

The purity of having, and not displaying.

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird

 Passeriformes - Nectariniidae - Chalcoparia singalensis (Kelicap Pipi Merah)

Tiny sunbird with a short sharp bill. Male’s metallic green upperparts, wine-red cheeks, and bright orange throat and chest are unmistakable. Female is less distinctive, but note her size, bill shape, and bright orange throat. Found in forest, forest edge, and gardens from lowlands up into hilly areas, typically foraging actively in upper levels of trees. High thin song variable, but usually incorporates whistles and twitters.

(eBird)

There is no claim, there is no letting go.

***

Chapter 2

Nourishing [one’s] person

l

In the world, [when] all know beauty in its acting as beauty, then [there is] ugliness only.

ll

[When] all goodness acting as goodness then [there is] not goodness only.

lll

For existence [and] non-existence mutually are produced.

The difficult the easy mutually are perfected.

The long [and] the short mutually are shaped.

The high [and] the low mutually are inclining.

Tone [and] voice mutually are harmonised.

The before [and] the after mutually follow.

lV

Therefore the holy man dwells in not-doing in his business.  

He practices not-saying in his education.

V

The ten thousand things arise there! and not he refuses [them].

Vl

He produces and not he owns.

He acts and not he claims

Merit he accomplishes and not he dwells.

Vll

Forasmuch just [as] not he dwells therefore not he departs.