There is a special spot along the narrow road that winds along the spine of Gunung Ulu Kali, the high mountain range behind Genting Highlands that is well known to bird photographers. In a small section of recessed forest lives a pair of Snowy Browed Fly Catchers that are probably the most photographed birds of these species in Malaysia. The flycatchers are famous because they are not shy. In fact the most apt way to describe them is a pair of pretty posers. The spot is a must stop place for all the photographers on the hill and over the weekends there will always be a few hanging around waiting for the birds to appear.
This morning strong winds from the south west signaled that the bi-annual change in the monsoon was upon us. The air was clear and it was possible to see the Straits of Malacca and Frasers Hill in the distance. High clouds resulted in diffused lighting that was just perfect for photography.
We have photographed these birds many times and my hard disc is full of shots of them, but I have to say I think due to the light today’s results are about the best we have.
For those of you not familiar with the birds the male has a charcoal blue back, and bright orange chest with two distinct white eyebrows. The female is a pleasant yellow-grey. Both birds are small; little more than an inch in size. Except for these two, these birds are extremely shy, coming out of the dark forest for only a few seconds at a time. Consequently in any other circumstance their size and shyness makes them very difficult to photograph.
