Hi all,
A crazy end of afternoon (21 October) around the wooded area of the Red River Island, with 3 BIG surprises.
The first one was a
Racket-tailed Treepie, perching on top an isolated tree, not far from the edge. What the hell this guy is doing here, in the agricultural plain ?! I first thought it was a Drongo so I didn't pay much attention, until I noticed its characteristic head shape and bill.
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The second one is much bigger - and I am sure you will not believe me :(
While I was in the wooded area watching for the slightest movement inside the dense vegetation, I saw a large raptor flying between the trees and landing on a branch at 30-40 meters in front of me. I put my bins on it and I could not believe my eyes : a
Crested Serpent-eagle ! An adult (black nuchal crest, brown below, bright yellow cere/face-skin). During 20 seconds, I enjoyed great views. It finally detected me as I was moving a little bit to find a `hole` in the vegetation in order to try some shots.
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The third one appeared just before sunset : two medium-sized raptors landing at the edge of the wooded area. I first thought it was 2 Oriental Honey-Buzzards but when I put my bins on them, I noticed their long crests. I am now almost certain it is
Jerdon's Baza, a species already recorded on this patch (by Simon, last April)
Despite the distance, I tried some shots. That's not the best photos in the world, but maybe enough to confirm the ID.
The long erectile crest is well visible on the pic below.
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Apart those 4 guys, I spotted :
- 1 Thick-billed Warbler
- 1 Accipiter sp
- 1 Spangled Drongo
- 1 local Black-shouldered Kite (still not exterminate ?!)
- 1 female Asian Koel
- 1 Homo hunter ssp vietnamensis, dressed in full camouflage (even the hat)...
Sebastien