Tiger Shrike

15th Oct 2010

Tiger Shrike (Lanius tigrinus)

Tirjup Harimau * 虎纹伯劳 * チゴモズ * Bách thanh vằn

I made a last min quick dash to Panti this morning for the Tiger Shrike and I was not disappointed, it was at the usual spot at the end of the visitor’s car park. 

It must be hungry as it was constantly hunting for prey in the 30mins I was there . But I missed the shot of it with the giant praying mantis.  In fact every time it catches a prey it would perch far away from me, smashing the prey to death and looking at me cautiously before eating it.

It is good to know that this year the Tiger Shrikes came early and in much bigger number compared to last year. My rough estimate so far is about 20 just along the bunker trail alone. their calls can be heard very often.

( What is this again ? Edible? )

Strange that when I was a kid, I used to work in the farm during school holidays, and mum and dad would ask me to try pinching an unknown fruit and taste the juice with the tip of my tongue, if it is sweet eat it, if bitter, don’t eat. Wish I have the courage to tell the same thing to my kids now.

And this tasty looking little squirrel was just right in front of me when I was about to pack up for lunch and leave.