GOING WILD with Jon Skipper

MINGALABAR, Hello and Welcome to the February Edition of GOING WILD. 

LESSER WHISTLING DUCKS

Starting us off for the first edition of 2020 and also the Chinese New Year is this magnificent photograph captured  by good friend of Going Wild, Arti Maholtra. 

Early one morning quite recently I met Arti while she was out with her camera and stopped to say hello and catch up. 

Arti mentioned that she was off to the lake situated at the centre of Lotus Hill, Pun Hlaing Estate, where these birds can often be seen flocking at the moment and told me about what a lovely sight it is to see them all flying together. I’m certain our readers will wholeheartedly agree. 

Arti also managed to spot some other birds around the estate and kindly forwarded these photos for us to enjoy together -

COLLARED DOVE 

These doves are plentiful and can often be seen in pairs, although their shy nature makes them very difficult to get close enough to photograph. 

COPPERSMITH BARBET 

One of my personal favourites is the Coppersmith Barbet. The call of these chunky little green birds can very often be heard before they are able to be seen, as their loud, metronomic tune, which has been said to bear a resemblance to a Coppersmith beating a sheet of metal with a hammer, can travel across a notable distance. 

I also find that quite annoyingly, just as I think I’ve tracked one down and am getting close, the singing stops, and I’m left looking up into an empty tree .... 

Purely by coincidence, Uncle Potato has also chosen a Coppersmith Barbet as his watercolour submission for this months edition. 

We may just have to make this bird the Going Wild mascot unless of course any of our readers have any different suggestions ?

On that note, do any of our readers also like to draw or paint ? We’d love to see what you have to offer, regardless of your level of ability or age. 

GREEN BEE EATER 

Several species of Bee Eaters can be seen at Pun Hlaing and Star City with this variant being one of the most beautiful. The blood red eyes, vivid turquoise cheek feathers and midnight black coloured mask must make this bird one of the most striking and elegant creatures that can be seen throughout the entire country. 

UNIDENTIFIABLE MOTH / BUTTERFLY 

I certainly wouldn’t claim to know everything in detail about a great amount of the wildlife which surrounds us but I found this interesting little insect on a wall outside my apartment and have unsuccessfully tried my best to find out what type of moth or butterfly it is. 

At first I thought it wasn’t anything remarkable but upon close inspection I noticed the beautiful indigo coloration just below its head and took more interest in the subtle wing markings. 

If anyone can assist please let us know it’s local or English name. 

GOLDEN ORB SPIDER

For those of you who are unnerved by spiders, please don’t be alarmed. I took this photo deep inside the forest at Hlawga but couldn’t resist featuring it this month. 

Once you get over the initial shock of their size, which can be up to 6 inches / 15 cm across, the beauty of these animals can truly be appreciated. 

Their dark bodies and bright green and red markings make them appear quite sinister however they are not harmful to people and only bite the prey which is caught within their giant, golden coloured webs to immobilise them. 

WHITE LORIKEET IN A KATHIT TREE

Another dear friend of Going Wild, Daw Wai Wai, took the above photo of a White Lorikeet feasting on the flowers of this tree, known locally as Kathit, during her annual holiday in Perth, Western Australia, while she was visiting close relatives and taking in the fresh, spring air. 

Daw Wai Wai also provided this photograph of bees pollenating lavender, their honey must be exceptionally good. 

SUPERB STARLING

My friend and colleague Dora snapped these pictures while she was enjoying a break in Kenya. 

The Superb Starling was previously known as Spreo Superbus which is a name anything could quite probably be proud to bear. 

These remarkably gregarious birds feed on grains and insects amongst acacia trees and are quite unafraid of humans. I particularly like their jaunty walk which makes them come across as extremely dapper in their bright plumage. 

And finally, I promised last month to let you know the whereabouts of the Lanner Falcon who thrusted into orbit over LakeView Apartments after being overwhelmed by a murder of crows. 

Luckily he was spotted by his handler later that day perched at the top of The Residences, taking in the sights. 

He was easily coaxed down with a fresh quail and is now back on duty. 

That’s all for the February Issue of GOING WILD. 

As always, whether you’re away or at home, you’re  invited to send your submissions to me at : jonathanskipper@yomaland.com

Join us again for the March edition of GOING WILD.