There was heavy overcast at Tanjong Karang during the larger part of the morning. In contrast Jeram, the weather turned out to be  a hot mid-day sun. We started off with Tanjong Karang around 8.15 am. A fairly dark morning and the lighting then not suitable for photography at all. By the time we reached 9.00 am, the morning sun behind the thick clouds did brighten up the open fields marginally. That was when more Bee-eater came out. In reverse manner, the Chinese Pond-Herons which was earlier present in great numbers, were slowly getting unseen in the open fields.

The Weaver birds, Koel  and other common open country birds began dominating the scene until noon.

I In Jeram, we did not see much diversity, well apart from the Egrets. The mudflats were however filled with flocks after flocks of Red Shank 

Traditionally before the planting and subsequent flooding, the field would be ploughed. That would be the time, the leveled plots would then be coated with a thin layer of water. This type of environment, we would get to see Waders in great numbers. Knowing that it is still a couple of weeks more to Christmas, we decided to check out the place. More so, to collect extra pictures of the Blue-tailed Bee-eaters.

The fields, cleared of debris's from previous harvest, almost prepared by now. Moving in between plots, we met up with this group of Wood Swallow. They were enjoying the morning sun, and we enjoyed their company

In the early part of the morning, as I said earlier, there were a fair number of Chinese Pond Herons scattered all over the fields. The moment they saw us, they would take flight to a new spot, some safe distance away. As we moved nearer, they distanced themselves, move further to keep pace. We did not get any picture for the day. The Yellow Bittern too, gave us a hard time. They would cleverly hide themselves along the banks of the ditch. Took flight at the last possible seconds we were very near to them That really left us frustrated, kicking ourselves as to why we could not spot them while we were some distance back.

The more co-operative models Left - Purple heron standing well over 150 feet away as a safe distance     Right - Bee-eater who are always is close as 15 feet.

Then was a lone Brahnmny Kite perched but watching our every move. We could not get that close for proper picture. The Egrets were also there in full force. Quite some distance away, we were not interested as there are easier places like those in Bidor where we could get better pictures

Koel are very ostentatious birds. They would call and mark their presence. This morning, we spotted a female crossing our path and landed in tall mango tree with thick foliages. Could not find that bird, it took off after a while. The male however chose a more obvious spot and allowed us plenty of time to do target practices

The whole morning, there was always birds in our sight. We were quite focused in our mind. Getting birds in different angle and under all lightings conditions to do our collection and at the same training our skills. With those two points in mind, there was never a dull moment.

The Oriole a familiar face in the urban scene was also there. I took the opportunity to top up my quota of pictures on them. They are temperamental birds, in a certain way. Sometimes they seemed "domesticated" showing no fear of human. At other times, they will take flight as soon as we get close.

Less glamorous  residents came out in late noon. There were the Brown Shrike, Baya Weaver and this time, the Yellow bittern. This one was hunting in open field.  Occasionally, a Little Heron would fly by.   The Wood swallow and the Black-winged Kite was always somewhere around the place.

After the Rice field, we thought of hiding away from the sun which was making its presence felt. There was this shed in Jeram. Under shade to take our time in getting pictures of Heron and Tern. The period was one of rising tide. Most of the mudflats at the banks were submersed. The birds that we wanted, were in the distance. So after a while, we left this shaded paradise and make our way for lunch.

Along the way, we would check out the mangrove forest. That wishes of ours turn out well. We saw 2 Black-capped. But, as usual not able to get any pictures. Then, last destination, we turned our attention to the mudflats along the shore

To our delight, the rising tide was narrowing the width of the mudflats. Whatever birds feeding in the vicinity were driven nearer towards the shore where we stood. The down side, as you could see from this picture, most Red Shanks were having their afternoon nap. Never mind, all we missed was their active eyes. Apart from that fact, we got the birds.

We have no compliant about this day. Full of action and plenty of birds to work on. Others not there may feel that pictures taken were that of thrash birds. But who cares? As long as we continuing to get better pictures. Even using thrush birds as  models.