Miri my beloved city Famed for its beauty Near the coast of north-eastern Sarawak it lies Bordering the Abode of Peace Brunei. A view of Miri City ( Photo credit 洪雲熙 ) Miri has been touted as Sarawak’s most livable resort city That has indeed become a reality Life here moves at a more relaxed pace  Compared to hectic life big ...

I see many dead trees all around Miri and I used to wonder why they are not cut down. But now I know why. Standing dead and dying trees are called “snags.”  Such trees occur as a result of disease, lightning, fire, animal damage, too much shade, drought, root competition, as well as old age. Many dead trees remain standing without posing a threat ...

Don’t cry because 2021 is over, smile because 2022 is about to happen. It’s the end of 2021 and 2021 will be gone in six hours’ time. Though 2021 has not been a good year for me, I still salute to the experiences I have in the year. I welcome 2022 with great hope, joy and anticipation. Before I say ...

Under the revised MCO 3.0, outdoor photography is not allowed. As an avid photographer,  I feel like my wings have been clipped. I am going to miss “shooting” my avian models. I am going to miss my outings to Piasau Boat Club, Piasau Nature Reserve, Kuala Baram Wetlands, Miri Central Park and Coco Cabana. It is very frustrating not being allowed ...

Regarded as one of the noblest and most spectacular of all birds of prey, the peregrine falcon is reputed to be the world’s fastest bird as well as the fastest member of the animal kingdom, capable of reaching 200 miles per hour with its continuous powerful wingbeats. Its speed makes it a formidable hunter that preys on other birds in ...

The crested honey buzzard is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites. eagles, and harriers.  It is also known as the Oriental honey buzzard. It is long-necked with a small head (resembling that of a pigeon), and soars on flat wings. The head lacks a strong supraciliary ridge giving it a very un-raptor-like facial appearance. It ...

The pied triller is a smallish black and white bird in the Campephagidae family that is widespread and very common lowland resident  in Brunei, India, Indonesia, the Philiipines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. It feeds on insects and worms. Though this is a very common bird, I have only encountered it three or four times during my bird photography outings.

I have always been fascinated by owls. I recently had my first opportunity of seeing an owl in the wild at Piasau Nature Reserve. It was a barred eagle-owl that reminds me of Yoda of The Star Wars fame. The most striking thing about owls is their eyes. The eyes of an owl are not true eyeballs. Their tubular-shaped eyes, ...

In Piasau Nature Reserve, Authorities strive to preserve, A small colony of hornbills, With their long down-curved bills. The death of Faridah sparked a public outcry, At the brutal hands of poachers she died, Leaving behind a heartbroken Jimmy, Sad as a man running on empty. Like a phoenix rising out of ashes, Jimmy has emerged from his sadness, His ...

I have not been to Piasau Nature Reserve for more than two months. I remember seeing Jimmy and Juliet mating when I visited the reserve on October 19 so I have the sudden urge to visit the reserve this evening to see if anything has evolved from that mating. I was in for a little shock. I used to park ...