On 29 July 2012, i decided to drive down to Sg Tekala Forest Reserve, Semenyih for some birding. I have no particular birds to see but it was more for the reason that i have not been to this place for many years. As i have been birding in the jungle for ages, I was given a great incentive to continue this hobby with the sighting of the Black-and-White Bulbul.
Background
Black-and-White Bulbul or its scientific name: Pycnonotus melanoleucos is about 18cm (7in) which is just about the size of a black-headed bulbul. Here is what an expert has to say:
Location and time
"The species is nomadic and rather uncommon but most frequently seen in Panti, Johore and Taman Negara (both Sungai Relau and Kuala Tahan) but even then is not that often recorded"
On 29 July 2012 (Sun) i spotted a male and its fledged young from the main road away from the Sg Tekala Waterfall area. The first image recorded in my dslr was at 11.31am and the total observation time was probably between 10 - 15 minutes. The area was surrounded by broadleave trees as well as other mix lowland forest trees on both side of the road. There was also a pond nearby. There was a fruiting tree at the location which has some small round berry-like fruits hanging on its branches. That was the fruits which the B&W Bulbul has fed on. The trees around the area were not high though. The distance between where i stood and the birds was about 30 feet away. The road was quite quiet with occasionaly some cars and motorcycles as well as cylist zooming past.
Weather condition
It was a bright and sunny day.
Calls
Occasionaly an audible short "Pit" was heard - mainly from the adult bird.
Behavior
I was at the location looking at some bulbuls (namely red-eyed, hairy backed) as well as about 3-4 blue-winged and lesser green leafbirds foraging amongst the leaves. There was certainly a hype of activity at that time and then came the B&W Bulbul from the corner right of my view. Initially i thought the bird could just be an Asian Glossy Starling due to their similar black plumage body but when i spotted the white patch, my jaw drop down like a bean bag and i knew this could just be "that" bird. Then came the fledged young. Saw the adult bird going around the tree looking for berries to feed the young. Most of the time they kept themself to the mid-storey of the jungle. After awhile of feeding frenzy the young rested on some branches with its parent resting closely below it. The female which is reportedly to be brownish in color was not anywhere nearby. Feeding was done by the adult male with some occasions whereby the fledged young tried to grab some berries by its own. They were mainly confined to themself. Did not see any birds or other bulbuls disturbing them as well. This could mean that they were probably in the area for sometime. After the bulbuls flew to the opposite side of the road, they however did not follow them but instead flew deeper into the forest. The leafbirds were however seen continuing with their foraging activities.
Images
Here are some of its images:
The adult B&W Bulbul (male)
The male bird tends to its fledged young
The male bird with a berry between its bill
Checking whether he is still hungry
There you go.
The young one trying himself with a berry
Resting after filling up their stomach
The sighting of this rather uncommon bulbul in Semenyih certainly light up this place once again. I would not be surprise if they would one day find their way to Perdik which is just about 18 km away. I wish to thank all those people and sifus for their compliments and encouragements. Meanwhile let us all hope that the fledged young B&W Bulbul will grew up quickly to be an adult bird and have many more offsprings for this place and beyond.
"Sungai Tekala used to be a terrific locality but I guess all is not lost if you can still see this rare Bulbul there" - YC
"BW bulbul was a great find and the fact that it has a fledgling proves that the forest is good enough for this species" - ATiah
HAPPY BIRDING TO ALL !!
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