Tuesday, April 19, 2011

ABC Wednesday & Camera-Critters #159: N is for Narcissus Flycather

Yehliu (野柳) is a small peninsula at the northern end of Taiwan.  According to my bird photography guide book that it is one of the premium spot to watch migratory birds.  They will congregate at the peninsula before making a dash across the ocean toward north in the Spring.

When I arrived at the place, I was not quite sure about the guide book's description.  The peninsula is also the premium tourist attraction of Northern Taiwan.  There were 10s of tour buses in the parking lot and hundreds if not thousands of tourists.  The guide books said, watched for the bird activities in the wooded park near the entrance.  Sure, except the noise from the a tourist operator's speaker, I heard no bird sound.  Not to be discouraged, I continued my hike with the tourists.  Occasionally some encouraging signs appeared.  A few serious looking photographers dressing in camouflage outfit carrying huge tripod and camera lens the size of an elephant walking passed me.

 At the end of the hiking path where the tourists stopped, there it is: "Bird Watching Trail".  I climbed the stairs into the woods and saw a group of photographers apparently from a club gathered excitingly.  Finally, I saw what they were gathering for.  One tiny colorful bird was flying and jumping in the woods.  I took out my camera and squeezed in between the photographers.  I got my first shot.  Leaving them, I continued hiking into the woods and saw the same bird in two more occasions.

I love this last shot I got for this bird.  The out-focused tree branches, leaves and light gave the image an almost painting-like feeling.  I found out later the name of the bird is Nacrissus Flycather (黃眉姬鶲), Ficedula narcissina. It is a rare bird in Taiwan.  Its normal summer habitat is northeastern China and Japan.  I wish it luck on its way back home.


In case you are wondering what the mass of tourists came to see at Yehliu? Certainly not the tiny colorful migratory bird!  They came to see this amazing rock formation at the ocean front of the peninsula, a real nature wonder! 

To see more entries of ABC Wednesday click here.
To see more Camera-Critters from around the world click here.

8 comments:

Roger Owen Green said...

beautiful bird.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Wanda said...

What a lovely little bird, and your capture is so perfect with the tree limbs and texture. Just stunning.

That rock formation is truly something to see. Thanks for sharing a truly nice post.

Cezar and Léia said...

This little bird is adorable and your pictures are magnificent!
Léia - Bonjour Luxembourg

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Thanks for sharing your bird photos. The other day I was wishing to see a brilliant-colored bird in its element. And now I have through your photos. :-)

Reader Wil said...

Your photos are very beautiful as usual! The rock formation is very interesting. Is it a remnant of volcanic activity?
Thanks for your visit and comment.

Carver said...

What a beautiful bird and a fascinating post. The photographs are amazing.

Amila Kanchana said...

Beautiful bird with very contrasting colors!

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful bird and awesome photos. Sounds like you found a great place to watch the birds.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails