Glamor of the Lamma

A lot of photos have been taken throughout this week. But they contain no birds. My job duties involve nature photography. There are also some difficulties in my work.

Last Sunday, I went hiking in Sok Kwu Wan on the Lamma Island. The hiking trail surrounds the western side of the Lamma Island. Except Black Kites, there were nothing much to see. I heard an Emerald Dove calling but failed to spot it. Finally, a glamorous Fork-tailed Sunbird was seen hanging around a banana tree, licking the nectar secreted from its downward-pointing flowers.

Seeing this sweet-lover is a real treat after an exhausting hike. The sunbird generously allowed me to take good photos of it. I hope that such surprise will occur in my job requiring photography. So I will eventually acquire photography skills. And I am not just talking about nature conservation through photography, but be a part in it.

A short break from my duties

Starting from 20150901, I have been appointed a research assistant in the Department of Geography. During my undergraduate career, I worked in a similar post for two years. So I am fairly familiar with the duties involved. But it is the beginning of the school term, who knows what will happen in the coming days? Anyway, a pledge has been made. The enthusiasm for birding will not dwindle! Let's rise earlier! The birds are there!

An Asian Brown Flycatcher was catching air-borne insects. It perches on a remote branch. When it chases its prey, its wings inevitably touch the leaves along the flying path. The weak sound can give birders a huge notice of its presence.

Then a flock of Greater Necklaced Laughingthrsuh was seen feeding on the forest floor. Apparently the mature birds are showcasing the way how to locate insect by flipping over leaves below its head. So younger birds can find food on themselves by imitating the same action.

Squirrels are seen again. They are not feasting on the tangerine-like fruits now. They have switched to the legume-bearing plants. Trees of Blakeana spp. are their restaurant today. The squirrels first pick a pod. Then, on a flat horizontal branch, they sit and slowly work out the pearls inside.

All creatures got something to do. People may say they are forced to do these things out of survival. But I see a meaning in it. Every action refines the vital survival skills they need. Later in their life, they will pass their prowess on to the new-born generation. It somehow encourages me. No matter how harsh the situation is, I can acquire knowledge in it and benefit the people around me.

A relaxing walk on Lung Fu Shan

I submitted my thesis last Friday. There is much satisfaction in doing it. All I need to do is wait. Yesterday a letter was received, acknowledging the submission of the thesis and reminding me of the oral examination in November.

The weather was not good. Occasional showers and dark clouds were around the clock. There was not much to see. Two Mountain Tailorbirds were heard. Due to the dim light, no acceptable photographs were taken. An interesting scene to see was a Black-throated Laughingthrush shaking off the water after taking a bath. Puddles were forming everywhere after the persistent rain. They became bathtubs for birds.

Trees from the genus Schefflera were attracting butterflies. Blue-spotted Crow is a common species. There were dozens of them flying around the flowers of a tree in full bloom.

Then a Common Birdwing came. Other butterflies flew away when it arrived. It is a majestic individual. A long time ago, I saw one inside the HKU campus. It seems that they can tolerate a bit of habitat modification.

Since late August, animals on Lung Fu Shan have been in a feeding frenzy for a tangerine-like fruit. This Pallas's Squirrel is no exception. It completely ignored my presence as it was enjoying its trophy.

On the way downhill, more common birds were seen. There are several Norfolk Island Pine. Birds love perching on their top. By tweaking the brightness and contrast, this photo is transformed into a piece of artwork.