Female Ruby-cheeked Sunbird

Female of the species - Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Chalcoparia singalensis)
Zone I

Note the ants being preyed by the bird.

I was pretty excited this morning after a short jungle trekking at Licuala Hill.  Just out of the jungle and into the open area my attention was directed at the 'Senduduk' plant where a tiny bird was actively attacking the ants at the terminal buds.  I quickly zoomed my camera at the target which seemed oblivious of me.  Since it was very early in the morning the lighting conditions were not that perfect but it does provide some 'environmental or mood' content to the picture.  For the record this is the first time that I encounter the female of the Ruby-cheeked Sunbird. Malays call the bird 'Kelicap Belukar'.

View of the 'Senduduk' plant (Melastoma malabathricum)  in the early morning light.
Location :Licuala Hill,  Zone I.

Kelicap Belukar ( Ruby-cheeked Sunbird) - female of the species

A Prinia's nest

Prinia flaviventris - the only prinia on Borneo

Yellow-bellied Prinia

 Just the other day I was given a good pose by the Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris).  This bird loves to build nest close to the ground.  I did not realise the presence of the nest until I was overcome by curiosity.  Why did the pair hang out at that particular place?  On closer look I chanced upon a nest nearby where the two birds were seen.  The nest is erected on two stems, a grass stem and the stem of a small 'Senduduk' plant (Melastoma malabathricum).  The materials that comprise the nest are obtained from the immediate surrounding, chiefly dried grass blades.

The prinia's nest.  The entrance of the nest faces a north-south orientation.
Location : Zone C

Three purple flowers

Bignonia magnifica
26 Sept'15, Zone C

Dendrobium species orchid
26 Sept'15, Zone C

Melastoma malabathricum
26 Sept'15, Zone F

The wild and ever flowering pioneer species

A pioneering plant species that is seen everywhere at the park in newly opened areas.
Location : Zone I

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The 'Senduduk' (Malay) or Melastoma malabthricum is a wild plant that produces purple flowers. Here the plant is being helped out in its pioneering ways by the Yellow-vented Bulbul that love its ripe fruits.  Ants and many other insects are attracted to its sweet tasting fruits.

CU of the Senduduk flower

( Note: It took me 3 hours to upload this picture due to the extremely poor internet connection provided by Celcom company in Bintulu.  But what the heck, passion is more important, even though it means too tons of patience)

Garden flowers in close-ups

Cat's whiskers (Orthisphon aristatus)
Family : Labiatae - Mint family

Senduduk (Malay) - Melastoma malabathricum
Family : Melastomaceae - Melastoma family

Red Ginger - Alpinia purpurata
Family : Zingiberaceae - Ginger family

Highlights today at the park

Male Little Green Pigeon - Punai Daun (Teron olax)

Little Green Pigeon - male of the species (Teron olax)

View from Zone I

Heliconia psittacorum - Golden Torch

Melastoma malabathricum - Senduduk (Malay)