Great Eared Nightjar @ Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Batu Putih, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Great Eared Nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) is a colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Batu Putih, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 6.3, EV -0.3     

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Indonesia

Bird photography and bird watching in Indonesia has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. It has been long well known to the birding community worldwide, primarily due to its uniqueness of endemic species. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers. 

Why North Sulawesi

Sulawesi formally known as Celebes is an island located on the eastern part of Indonesia archipelago. Well known for one of the best diving destination in the world. It is the eleventh largest island in the world. Geographically, the island is surrounded by Borneo island to the west, Maluku to the east, the Philippine to the north and Flores and Timor to the south. Due to its location, climate and geography the island is home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit North Sulawesi

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the island is during dry season; from June to September. During this period, temperature is between 20 - 32 degree centigrade with tropical humid climate on the lowland and 16 - 24 degree centigrade with subtropical rainforest climate on the highland. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

During the dry season, it is a peak season for tourists arrival, both local and foreign tourists. Expect more expensive accommodation and transporation during this period. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Tomohon Hill Station which can be reached in approximately two hours and one hour drive from Sam Ratulangi international airport respectively. The two locations are having different altitute and weather. Tangkoko Nature Reserve is located next to the beach whilst Tomohon is a highland.

How to go to North Sulawesi

Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi. It is also the biggest city, can be reached in approximately four hours by plane from Singapore. It can also be reached from Bali in approximately three and half hours and four hours from the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta respectively.  

At the point of this writing, there is no direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Manado. 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Sulawesi and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

Jerdon's Nightjar @ Kerala, South Eastern of India

Jerdon's Nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis) is a unique, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in the state of Kerala, South Eastern of India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, F 6.3, EV -3.0   

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography in India has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers. 

Why Kerala

Geographically, state of Kerala is located in the South Eastern part of India, with tropical weather. Kerala has an impressive biodiversity. Many parts on the state are covered by large tea plantation on lush hill stations and the remainders are low land area. State gavernment has taken the initiative to gazatte number of forest areas as bird sanctuaries and national parks. The factors have been primary reason for Kerala to be home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit Kerala

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during dry season; from August to April. During this period, most leaves have dropped so it is easier to spot any bird on the trees with less or no leaves. At the same time, no rain is expected and hence activities can be carried out whole day long, even to the night. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Munnar and Chinnar hill stations which can be reached in approximately two to three hours from Kochi city, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary which can be reached in just approximately one and half hour from the city center, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Kerela and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

Large-tailed Nightjar @ Sungai Rambai, Melaka, Malaysia

Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is a colorful, cute and attractive bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Sungai Rambai, Melaka, Malaysia. The bird is a resident to Sungai Rambai. It can be found around the paddy field area and surrounding plantation.

Sungai Rambai is another wonderful birding destinations in Melaka, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has large area of paddy field, mangrove forest, seashore, and streams. Melaka is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away, sightseeing and food. Adequate accommodations, restaurants, local food stalls and recreational activities are provided in the nearby town, Melaka. 

Sungai Rambai can be reached in approximately two and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car. The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Sungai Rambai includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds,  shore birds, bitterns, stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.

Large-tailed Nightjar @ Taman Rimba Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is yet another cute and attractive resident bird can be found in Taman Rimba Kiara. It can be found in the vegetation along the small stream around the park.

Taman Rimba Kiara is one of few parks located in the center of Kuala Lumpur city. It is a public park that serves a green lung for city folks. It is located at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, just half an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

The park is an important place for family get way, children activities, jogging and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. 

Taman Rimba Kiara has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 40 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of kites, eagles, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too. Other excellent nearby birding locations are Bukit Kiara Park and Taman Zaaba TTDI.

Large-tailed Nightjar @ Taman Rimba Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is yet another cute and attractive resident bird can be found in Taman Rimba Kiara. It can be found in the vegetation along the small stream around the park.

Taman Rimba Kiara is one of few parks located in the center of Kuala Lumpur city. It is a public park that serves a green lung for city folks. It is located at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, just half an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

The park is an important place for family get way, children activities, jogging and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. 

Taman Rimba Kiara has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 40 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of kites, eagles, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too. Other excellent nearby birding locations are Bukit Kiara Park and Taman Zaaba TTDI.

Savanna Nightjar @ Pulau Indah Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) is an attractive, very sensitive and fast action bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Pulau Indah Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. It is one of the most challenging bird to be photographed due to the color and its nature. Savanna Nightjar is a residence bird to Pulau Indah. The bird can be found at the forest edges a long the main roads in the island.

Pulau Indah Klang is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Selangor, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and has become migratory birds' destination too. The island has large area of mangrove forest, seashore, streams and lowland forest. Pulau Indah Klang is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away, fishing, sailing, kite flying and even drone flying. Small number of accommodations, local food and recreational activities are provided along the seashore of the island. 

Pulau Indah Klang can be reached in approximately one hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car, passing through the bridge connecting the mainland and the island. The island has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Pulau Indah includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.