March 1-7, 2010: PHILIPPINE FALCONET, by Tina M.

[Romy Ocon]

Philippine Falconet (Microhierax erythrogenys, a Philippine endemic)
Photographed by Tina Mallari at Mt. Palay-palay, Cavite, in March 2010
40D + 500mm f/4 ; ISO 320 ; f/5.6 ; 1/1600 ; tripod
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{Admin's note - for the second week in a row, we are featuring a series of images as our FBPOTW. For this set, we are including the commentary as posted by the photographer to preserve the original flavor of the series.}

The Philippine Falconet was my target bird when I decided to join the WBCP bird watching trip to Mt. Palay-Palay.

When I saw this couple - I was GLUED to the spot like crazy

At first they were just hanging out ...


And then one of them decided to snuggle up to the other ...


Such a sweet couple these two were. Even if they were looking at different things, they were still very close and cozy ...


Ohhhhh no - cover your eyes if you are offended by these things <--- don't say i didn't warn you

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And then WHaM, BaNg ... they did it right in front of me !!! I was so embarassed by what I witnessed ... but i just kept on shooting


This is how the female looked after making whoooopeeee ;D ;D You just gotta love the look on their faces. Even the male looks funny.

[Romy Ocon]

Big congrats to Plain Idol for capturing this amazing series - excellent aesthetics, funny and great documentation work too!!!

[Ely Teehankee]

Congratulations Tina. Threse pictures are best examples of catching the "Moment". Mabuhay.

[Edu Lorenzo Jr]

wohooooo! I love seeing birds mate, not for the voyeur reasons, but it signals that they are breeding healthy.

Congrats on a well deserved award Idol!

[tina mallari]

Thank you so much IDOL Romy, Ely and Edu

[Neon Rosell II]

Woohoo!! Great series, Plain Idol Tins! Congrats! Talking of being at the right place and time with the right equipment. Knowing the birds habit also increases the chance of this encounter. But most of all the most important thing is, "the Indian that shoot the arrow." Awesome capture and narrative, really enjoyed it! ;D

[Ralf Nabong]

Congrats Ms. Tina for the recognition of this great series!

[mantarey]

Congrats Idol Tins. Well deserved recognition for this amusing documentation of the bird's breeding behavior in the wild.

[Toto Gamboa]

Wooooooow congrats to the Plain Idol! Rare captures like these really deserve all the accolades in this world.

[Tonji Ramos]

Great set Tina! Congrats on the Bird of the Week!

[Sylvia Ramos]

Congrats Tina!! Such a memorable series!