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Post by tjparpan on May 11, 2008 23:05:18 GMT
I went to Candaba last Saturday to try my luck in capturing the Pheasant-tailed Jacana. I thought I would have had to abort my sortie since I got stuck in one of the muddy patches along the access road to the big pond. I had mud up to my step-boards! Luckily, I was able to get out of that predicament. I proceeded more cautiously, but the last short incline up to the big pond was really too muddy and impassable. I just parked on the side of the road and did my sortie on foot, without the benefit of a car-blind. While shooting what I could, I noticed a pair or two of birds with white and black plumage flying back and forth between the big pond and the fields across. I slowly moved closer to the area and I "sandwiched" myself between two small patches of trees bordering the road and waited. My persistence paid off! A lifer for me, the Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus). 1/800, f/8, 650mm, ISO800  1/1000, f/9, 650mm, ISO800  1/800, f/9, 650mm, ISO640  1/800, f/9, 650mm, ISO640  Right after taking these shots, I beat a hasty retreat since rain clouds and thunder were building in the distance, and I had no intention of getting stuck in Candaba. By the time I got on to the main road, it was raining so hard that the strong downpour and flash floods washed away all the mud on the car. When I got home, my car looked clean and fresh again! |
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Post by Romy Ocon on May 11, 2008 23:28:24 GMT
Wow.... amazing captures of this beautiful bird, your supreme effort is nicely rewarded TJ, congrats! I predict these photos will cause a PTJ-rush to Candaba. ;D
Caution to PTJ-seekers: the road to the big pond now might no longer be accessible even to 4x4s. Be prepared to take a walk from the first fishpond where the trail makes a dog-leg up to the big pond. Candaba is full of surprises at this time of the year, as many species (PTJ, Grass Owl, etc.) are easier to see during the breeding season.
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Post by Ralf Nabong on May 11, 2008 23:29:37 GMT
Great shot TJ! We al so got a glimpse of those two Jacana the last time Rey & I went there. Unfortunately, they were in the middle of the main pond. Too far to make a decent shot at them. I also went to Candaba last Saturday, but when we reached which looked like a big muddy crater half-way through, we decided to go back lest we risk being stuck in that pool of mud. Congratulations on your lifer! You're perseverance was amply rewarded.  |
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Post by tjparpan on May 12, 2008 0:14:35 GMT
Thanks Romy and Ralf!
Ralf, I have a feeling that muddy crater is where I got stuck. This was one of the few times I've actually engaged my 4-wheel drive and I reversed myself out of the deep, muddy rut.
Hmmm, breeding season. Looks like I still have a lot of reasons to go brave the mud! I wish I had a mountain bike. That would have made my life easier last Saturday!
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Post by tina mallari on May 12, 2008 1:17:49 GMT
Congratulations TJ !!!! This are indeed amazing captures. I'm so ingit !!! HehEHehHEHehEHHEhEe  Wency and I were supposed to go there yesterday but decided not to. I guess somebody was telling me - nooooo, you'll regret it because the road is too muddy. Would have walked miles to get captures of the Jacana though ;D ;D ;D
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Post by tjparpan on May 12, 2008 1:27:57 GMT
Thanks Tina! After that raging downpour on Saturday, I'm sure the access road would have been terrible! I hope it dries up quickly!
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Post by mantarey on May 12, 2008 2:03:05 GMT
Wow, amazing captures. Have to catch this beautiful bird too, we've been looking for this for quite awhile. Great job TJ.  |
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Post by Mark Itol on May 12, 2008 3:50:27 GMT
Great captures! Congratulations! |
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Post by tjparpan on May 12, 2008 4:06:59 GMT
Thanks Rey and Mark! Rey, if any of you are planning to return, let me know!
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Post by lenymanalo on May 12, 2008 6:12:39 GMT
Guys if the road to the big pond in Simang becomes impassable you can try your luck in the Poblacion areas where all roads are concreted. The Jacanas congregate at the ponds there at this time of the eyar.
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Post by Romy Ocon on May 12, 2008 9:44:42 GMT
Guys if the road to the big pond in Simang becomes impassable you can try your luck in the Poblacion areas where all roads are concreted. The Jacanas congregate at the ponds there at this time of the eyar. Leny, is that area near the place where the Pratincoles were nesting? |
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Post by Martin Alvendia on May 12, 2008 11:20:18 GMT
BIG BIG Congrats TJ! Wonderful capture of the Jacana! Envy.....
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Post by mantarey on May 12, 2008 12:17:04 GMT
Thanks Rey and Mark! Rey, if any of you are planning to return, let me know! I was actually there last Thursday late in the afternoon, the roads are really messed up. Let's try again this Saturday, we've got to find a way to get through.  |
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Post by tjparpan on May 12, 2008 14:23:38 GMT
Thanks Martin! Ray, let's see if the rains give it a rest. |
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