Nesting Gerygone

[Mark Jason Argallon]

I haven't been out to go birding since the first week of January 2012 and I feel caged. I have to settle with backyard birding while I dream of Candaba or Palay-Palay or Olango.

My Mom, as some of you may remember, is a very good spotter. She has the keenest eye for birds, frogs, lizard or bugs. Not bad for senior citizen. Last February, she told me that she saw some small birds building something that appears to be a nest. I took my bins and confirmed that it's Golden-Bellied Flyeater and they are indeed nesting.

The nest is situated in a Santol branch about 10 feet high. So it's pretty near to be observed even without the aid of bins. I was thrilled of the opportunity to observe the nesting behavior and to take a good photo of the bird, since I haven't got a good image yet of this bird that I can confidently post here. ;D

February 18, 2012
Manual, 270mm, F/7.1, 1/160sec, ISO-640


Manual, 450mm, F/7.1, 1/160sec, ISO-500, w/ flash


February 25, 2012
Manual, 500mm, F/7.1, 1/160sec, ISO-280, +2ExpComp


Manual, 500mm, F/7.1, 1/200sec, ISO-250, +2ExpComp


Manual, 500mm, F/7.1, 1/200sec, ISO-800, +2ExpComp


Manual, 500mm, F/7.1, 1/160sec, ISO-800, +2ExpComp


Manual, 500mm, F/7.1, 1/160sec, ISO-800, +2ExpComp


Manual, 500mm, F/7.1, 1/250sec, ISO-800, +2ExpComp

[Dennis Alfaro]

great photos Mark!, glad you had an opportunity to observed them and take photos as well

[Mark Jason Argallon]

Mar 1, 2012 3:04:51 GMT Dennis Alfaro said:

great photos Mark!, glad you had an opportunity to observed them and take photos as well

many thanks, dennis! i will observe more. i hope the birds won't get too disturbed, since our neighborhood is quite noisy. i will try to observe stealthily as well since there's a bird hunter just near our compound.

[Bob Kaufman]

Excellent documentation, Mark! This is the kind that Des wants bird photographers to do. ;D

[des]

Mar 1, 2012 7:49:26 GMT Bob Kaufman said:

Excellent documentation, Mark! This is the kind that Des wants bird photographers to do. ;D

Indeed! Thanks Mark. But don't do it for me, do it for everyone who ever has a question about birds

[Mark Itol]

Wonderful documentation of this bird, Mark. Backyard birds always present great opportunities for practicing and for observing. It's nice to know you your mum also has a keen interest on our friends.

[Ely Teehankee]

I am happy for you that your Mom has discovered this nest. Now you will not have to think of those far away places when you have one right in your garden. The exciting part is when the hatchlings are being fed and you will have the rare opportunity to take as many pictures as you want. In two to three weeks time you are going to be surrealist father of the birds. LOL. This bird by the way is quite difficult to photograph as you have experience. Well done Mark & Mabuhay.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Excellent photos and documentation, Mark.

[Mark Jason Argallon]

Mar 1, 2012 7:49:26 GMT Bob Kaufman said:

Excellent documentation, Mark! This is the kind that Des wants bird photographers to do. ;D

many thanks, kuya bob! yeah, i know that kuya des would appreciate such documentation.

[Mark Jason Argallon]

Mar 1, 2012 11:31:36 GMT Mark Itol said:

Wonderful documentation of this bird, Mark. Backyard birds always present great opportunities for practicing and for observing. It's nice to know you your mum also has a keen interest on our friends.

many thanks, mark! it is indeed a great opportunity for practice and observation. even if i have been experiencing lifer drought, i would say that observing a part of the life cycle of a bird is already a blessing!

[Mark Jason Argallon]

Mar 1, 2012 17:46:28 GMT Ely Teehankee said:

I am happy for you that your Mom has discovered this nest. Now you will not have to think of those far away places when you have one right in your garden. The exciting part is when the hatchlings are being fed and you will have the rare opportunity to take as many pictures as you want. In two to three weeks time you are going to be surrealist father of the birds. LOL. This bird by the way is quite difficult to photograph as you have experience. Well done Mark & Mabuhay.

many thanks, kuya ely! oh, i'm so excited to see the hatchlings. that is why i try not to be keen how long i stay below their nest so as not to disturb the birds and not to attract much attention from other people in our neighborhood who still doesn't know how to respect the existence of our avian friends.

and yes, thanks to my mom! one of the many reasons why i love her so much.

[Mark Jason Argallon]

Mar 1, 2012 22:08:53 GMT Ramon Quisumbing said:

Excellent photos and documentation, Mark.

many thanks, kuya ramon!

by the way, i tried to measure the height of the nest from the ground this morning, it's really about 17 feet above the ground and not 10 feet.

[Mark Jason Argallon]

here's a video of the gerygone building nest.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnoaG9XN1vs&feature=youtu.be