Dairy Farm, Hindhede 11Feb17

From KH

Following yesterday's report of a male Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Con, Danny and I went Wallace Education Centre this morning, and sure enough the bird was there.

Before the star bird appeared, this distraction (Asian Brown Flycatcher) was keeping us occupied.

Other distractions include a pair of Chestnut-bellied Malkohas, a pair of Common Hill Mynas, and a slug.

On the way out, a confiding Emerald Dove was hanging out along the track. It has tags on its legs, which may explain its friendliness.

Then, a singing Eastern Crowned Warbler caught our attention. Key features: pale crown stripe, all-orangey lower mandible and yellowish vent.

Finally, a raptor flew overhead. It turned out to be a pale morph Changeable Hawk-eagle.

After lunch, Danny and I went to Hindhede Nature Park. Some of the common birds include a Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and a female Laced Woodpecker.

At one of the shelters, there were about 10 Spotted House Geckos of various sizes.

A Plantain Squirrel was busy collecting nesting material scrapped off tree bark.

Finally, a pair of Common Treeshrews were scurrying near the forest floor. Compared to the squirrel, the treeshrew has a longer snout, longer gape, and lower ears. The latter also often have more rufous back and less bushy tail.