The Malkohas in Alaminos.. .

[Steve Albano]

This day was the start of my vacation leave and I was supposed to be on a RoRo boat
headed for Mindoro, to be with my wife and eldest daughter, who already went a day
ahead. However a close friend, asked me if I had in my portfolio the magnificent
Scale-feathered Malkoha. Negative, I replied, but the Red-crested Malkoha I have.

In short, his query resulted to a postponement of my trip for a day in exchange for the
digital capture of the the Scale-feathered Malkoha.

This unexpected invitation resulted to a wonderful experience which I would like to share to all.. .

The Scale-feathered Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus cumingi)

1D Mark III + EF400mm f/5.6L USM
Exposure 1/125, f/7.1, 400 mm, ISO 3200, +5/3 EV, handheld in available light.. .



Exposure 1/250, f/7.1, 400 mm, ISO 3200, +1/3 EV



Exposure 1/250, f/7.1, 400 mm, ISO 3200, +1/3 EV



As an added bonus, the Red-crested Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus superciliosus) delighted us with his presence.. .

Exposure 1/125, f/7.1, 400 mm, ISO 3200, 0 EV



Exposure 1/320, f/7.1, 400 mm, ISO 3200, 0 EV


Thanks for viewing.. .

[Ely Teehankee]

To see and photograph these two Philippine endemic birds is a good reason to rejoice. It looks like they were quite close as the pictures came out nicely. Well done Steve & Mabuhay.

[Steve Albano]

Apr 1, 2012 21:54:10 GMT Ely Teehankee said:

To see and photograph these two Philippine endemic birds is a good reason to rejoice. It looks like they were quite close as the pictures came out nicely. Well done Steve & Mabuhay.

Yes they are quite close but always in between leaves. Thank you.. .

[Michael R. Anton]

Nice captures Steve!

[Mark Itol]

A fine set of these beautiful endemic skulkers, Steve.

[steve pryor]

Hi Steve,
Nice shots!

Seeing as you are going to Mindoro, how about stepping outside a couple of minutes and shooting a fantastically clear, knock-your-socks-off series of Black-hooded Coucal if it wouldn't be too much trouble...

[Michael R. Anton]

Cool captures, Steve! Hope to get one soon.;-)

[Steve Albano]

Been having problems connecting to the internet. Only Smart/PLDT is intermittently available.
@ Ely - The Malkohas are visible in Alaminos, particularly inside the forest of Hidden Springs Resort.
Please check it out and you can do the day tour.. .

@ Michael - Thanks Michael - you can also schedule a day trip at Hidden Springs and capture these wild birds.. .

@ Thank you Mark.. .

@ Steve Pryor - I also saw a Lesser Coucal at Hidden Springs but I could not get a clear shot. It is of course a reason to come back. The Purple Throated Sunbird is also there.. .

The Black-hooded Coucal is on my top-list together with the Mindoro Hornbill and the Luzon Redstart. These very elusive/uncommon wild birds is my 2012 challenge.. .
Sofar my first day of birding resulted to eight (8) species, namely, Black-naped Orioles, Philippine Cuckoo Doves, Pied Trillers, White-eared Brown Doves, Lowland White Eyes, Jungle Crow, Coppersmith Barbets, and of course the Mindoro Bulbuls. Lets see what the rest of the week brings.. .