Monday 13 June 2011

The Common Myna


More often than not, I would have my breakfast out on the balcony, sitting in my chair, revelling in the beginnings of the new day and enjoying the view in front of me... the palm trees, the skies, the birds and butterflies!  Not to mention the fresh air!

It is definitely one of the best ways to start the day.  My first meal of the day is also often accompanied by the calls of the Common Myna as there is a family nesting on my roof. 

On this particular morning, I was greeted by a Common Myna staring at me with its face stuffed full when I looked across towards the palm trees!



Quite a sight! 

I couldn't help myself and had to laugh at it.

It was not just one but several termites clasped between its beak in such a way that it looked almost as if it was about to hand me a little flower!  But of course, these would be breakfast for the nestlings!

In recent weeks, there have been quite some rain in the evenings.  And with it, termite swarms after the rain.  Not that I actually saw any swarms but I have swept up some of the wings that they had left behind, an indicator of a termite colony in the vicinity.  They must have been trying to get indoor towards the light.  I am glad my windows and doors had been shut!




Swarms occur at different times of the year and day.  Research have shown that only a small percentage of the termite swarm would survive to form new colonies.  A big number of these termites would be eaten by predators or die from natural causes and environmental conditions before they can even find a mate or a nesting site.  Birds, bats and other insects are among the predators that would feed on these termites.



Looks to me these Mynas have been having a feast!




Saturday 4 June 2011

That Gomphidae!


This is the one and only photo that I have of this Gomphidae dragonfly.
And this was the one and only time that I had spotted this guy.

It was far away.
But I took a chance and got this pic.
I did think it might buzz off when I approach.
And it did.

So I had just this one and only photo of this dragonfly.
And I couldn't be certain which species of Gomphidae it is.
This photo was then filed away as "unidentified".
And there in the folder it did sit.

It has been over a year since then.
And recently with the help of Dragonflyman.
At long last!
A name it does have.

The Gomphidia machlachlani.
A robust dragonfly with pale markings on its body.
Hindwing length of the male is 41 mm.
Local in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Southern Thailand.

I have been hoping for another rendezvous with this dragonfly.
When will it be?