If possible, it is always good to spend a bit of time checking out the eye-ring of the Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera crysogenys.  The similar looking Spectacled Spiderhunter has a full and broader eye-ring whereas the Yellow-eared has a thinner and incomplete eye-ring.  In the field these spiderhunters defend their favourite fruit and flower bunches aggressively.

The Osprey Pandion haliaetus is a truly global bird found in all continents (except the Antarctic).  In Borneo, small numbers from Eurasia find their way here during the northern winter, instinctively settling near wetlands, fish being their main diet.  I have always being amazed by the sight of the bird howering and then plunging into the water and to emerge flying with a fish.

For visiting birders, there are birds here you have to get to know quickly and the Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier is one of them.  This is one of the most common garden and forest edge birds around and getting familiar with it will save you and/or your local bird guide a lot of anguish.  Happy New Year and let’s get on with it!