Missing in Action

Well, Not much to say here..Just informing my fellow followers that I'm gonna missing again for a week maybe..I'm going for a home stay program at Kpg Telebu, Sebuyau starting tomorrow..Already finished packing all my things, gonna sleep soon...Tomorrow need to wake up early...Not wanna miss the bus ok??

About my new camera, just discover that it has smile detector..haha~ I'm so excited..(jakun nar) Well, that all for now..I'll update about the program once I get back soon..And, also a lot of photos...Wait and See...Gonna miss this blogging thing for a week....

P/S: I can't sleep..Why?? Am I excited for tomorrow, but I've joined this program also last year, there's no need for me to feel nervous..Maybe, I'm excited to meet my previous mom...hihi~ Gotta go...

READ MORE - Missing in Action

Red and Green for Christmas!

        Put some color into your holiday this year! Our eCrater Store Network scavenger hunt this week was to find items that are red and green. I found several rare and unique glass items that are sure to make your holiday be colorful. I didn’t forget to find some color for you to wear, the broach and scarf will certainly add the perfect touch to your favorite outfit!
       Be sure to check out these, as well as many other items, on the eCrater Store Network website. We welcome all shoppers and eCrater Store owners to join! 



Moon and Stars Vintage Green Cannister from BargainExpress

Rose Brocade Case from BarbsBargains


Wilton Iridescent Christmas Tree Cake Pan from EccentricThrifter

Art Nouveau Ruby Stone Broach from What Not Shopper

Avon 1983 Summer Fantasy Serving Tray from CarolinaBluelady

Vera Green Scarf from Look Again

 

 

READ MORE - Red and Green for Christmas!

Kuching Blackout?

Wake up around 12PM, then went out in the afternoon with Nurhafeezi, one of my classmates...He asked me to accompany him to buy things before he going home tomorrow...It was quite strange when I realized that all the traffic light in Kuching City was all down...First, wondered what happened, then as we got to the Satok Supermarket I realized that Kuching was in big trouble..B.L.A.C.K.O.U.T

All the shops including KFC, MCD, ATM machine was not functioning at all...Some of the shops then close their shop, while others try to continue their business in the dark, even though it quite dangerous actually...It was such a weird experience to me, walking around the shops in dark...

Luckily, 3 hours later the electricity was back..I was so relieved, I don't want to sleep in the dark this night...

Lots of Lot,
READ MORE - Kuching Blackout?

HandPhone Questionnaire

Came across this questionnaire on Mavis's Blog

1. When did you own your 1st mobile phone ?
When I was 15 years old, in the year of 2005...

2. What is your 1st mobile phone brand?
If I'm not mistaken, LG 110 i

3. Color of your 1st mobile phone?
White, and a bit of blue..

4. What is the latest mobile phone you have now?
Express Music 5300, Mini N95, Nokia 2600c

5. How many years already using the phone?
Express Music 5300-3 years, Mini N95-just got it from my BF this year, Nokia 2600c-a present from my mom early this year..

6. What is your favorite color?
Pink and Black..

7. 1st Korean drama that you watch? 
Stairway to Heaven

8. When is your 1st accident?
Don't quite remember when, but it just a minor accident..


9. What time is it now? 
12.10AM

10. What is your favorite brand?
A lot actually and I'm not the kind of girl that into the branded things..But, my clothes mostly from Diesel..

11. Since you entered university, how many times you cut your hair? 
Not more than 3 times if I'm not mistaken..But, do treatment once in a month..

12. What is your favorite sport?
Badminton..Family official sport..

13. What is your favorite number? 
5

14. Your dream guy?
I want someone who can understands me more than me understands myself..

15. Your target age to marry? 
If possible I want to have a family before I get 30..
16. What is your pet's name? 
I don't have any, but if I do, I would call its Cutie..

17. Your favourite flower? 
Roses..

18. Tennis. What is your opinion of this sport? 
I'm not really interesed in tennis...huhu~

19. Korean Dramas & Movies. Your favorite actors? 
As long as they are good-looking and cute..haha~

20. Malay Dramas & Movies. Your favorite actress?
Certainly Lisa Surihani, she's just so natural in acting, plus she's cute..

21. Global Warming. Reasons?
Its human fault who carelessly doing anything without think about the nature..

22. Favorite cartoon for all times?
Detective Conan, I'm so in love with this cartoon..And, I still keep buying the comic nowadays..

23. Things you LOVE about yourself?
I'm a girl who can forgive someone mistake easily, and I LOVE this part of me..I don't care either I'm hurt or not but most importantly, I don't hurt my dear friends...

24. Favorite song for all times? 
MLTR-That's Why You Go Away
M2M-The Day You Went Away
Westlife-My Love


25. Have you ever been in LOVE? 
YES, I've been in LOVE many time, and every time  I did, I'm theone who get hurt..

26. Sarawak Specialties that you LIKE?
Laksa Sarawak and Teh C Peng..

27. Places you want to visit? 
Korean, New Zealand, Australia..

28. You HATE...state at least three (3).
i. Cockroach
ii. Frog
iii.Lizard

29. Favorite fruit? 
Mango, Watermelon, Pear, And any juicy fruits..

30. Politics. Do you like politics? 
What is P.O.L.I.T.I.C?

READ MORE - HandPhone Questionnaire

Enjoy Mode ON*

On 26 November 2010 got meeting around 8PM at BHEP regarding our Homestay Program at Kpg Tebelu, Sebuyau...I've been to this Kpg before, actually last year..The same program also, and this year is the next phase of our project there..Last year phase was about research, where we conducting interview with the villagers about their economy..And, this year phase gonne be intervention..

Last year program I'm going there alone, without any of my friends..But, this year gonna be different, as I've drag Louie and Rita in with me..haha~ I don't like to be alone actually...I love this sort of activities ever since I was still in primary school..I"m just lovin it...

Finished the meeting around 10PM, went back home, then went out again with Rita, Louie, and Zebedee...Hammar had been back to his hometown tonight..huhu~ leaving the four of us now..We then went for clubbing at Meligai Keling at Bt 3..Not really feel the mood at MK, we then went to The Office..The place was so crowded with a lot students especially UNIMAS students..Well, everybody was free from exam at the time being...So, its gonna be time to enjoy for sure..

We had an open bottled that night, a RM150 Chivas as Friday night was also a Chivas night..Normally Chivas was RM250 if I'm not mistaken..We got some photos been taken there, but I can't upload it here for some privacy reason..hehe~

Went back home around 4.30AM as we had our breakfast first before going back..We was so damn hungry at that time..Lose a lot of our energy at the dance floor.. I didn't sleep or take a nap as soon as I got home..I stay up until morning because we send Zebedee off to airport..He was going back to his hometown also, leaving the girls behind..hehe~

The, around 9AM, 27th November 2010, we went back home and had a very nice and warm sleep..A very long sleep..And, we staying at home doing nothing this whole day..And, since it was the only time I'm free since my last paper 3 days ago, I used the time to update my blog..Thanks for reading...Sorry for the grammatical error..That can't be avoided, I'm poor in English...

Lots of Love,


READ MORE - Enjoy Mode ON*

Quotes

Someday someone will walk into your life and make you realize why it never worked out with anyone else.

I can't promise you a perfect relationship, but I promise that I'll stay for as long as you're trying.


When a guy and girl date for a really long time, they broke up, move on, but when they look at each other everyone can see they still love each other except for them.


Don't cry for a guy, let a guy cry for you. Because girls give and forgive, but guys get and forget.


READ MORE - Quotes

The British Are Coming . . . To Harns Marsh Preserve

Belted Kingfisher in flight was the first species of bird seen in my initial follow up visit to Harns Marsh Preserve this past week.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The kingfisher, near the end of my visit to the preserve, would offer its characteristic hunting technique for observation by hovering over the lake for a brief moment and then flew into the cypress stand.

The Snail Kite and Limpkin were viewed as expected with a surprise in seeing about a half dozen juvenile Limpkin well camouflaged in the reeds I often hear the Limpkin calling from.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Killdeer were frequently seen in the grass along the shoreline of the marsh and in flight as well.

It was hoped to see waterfowl that I have yet to have the opportunity to observe in my study of birds.

The Killdeer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Harns Marsh Preserve seems fitting to be an ideal place to do this although no previously unseen sightings were made this week.

I also failed to see the Redhead again this week, nor did I see or hear any Sandhill Cranes on my first visit although a pair were seen flying west to east directly overhead nearly immediately upon arrival on my second visit to the preserve two days later.

The Common Moorhen above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Tree Swallows were in great abundance again and I couldn't resist the challenge of attempting to photograph them effectively with the long lens.

At the spot the swallows have favored most as noted earlier, I entered the water to get closer to the action and get lower to the ground.

The Wood Stork juvenile above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The lens was about 18 inches above the water's surface for about a half hour worth of observation.

The water was of course uncomfortably cold with no obvious presence of the alligator I had seen a few months ago.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The Tree Swallows were at one point congregating on a stand of tall grass which I took advantage of as best I could.

It was interesting to observe what appeared to be a concerted effort on the part of the birds to flatten the grass for a more comfortable perching opportunity over time.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Flight shots remained extremely challenging of the Tree Swallows as the lens wanted to focus on the vegetation more than the birds.

I am aware that I can adjust the lens' focus distance range to minimize this problem, but opted not to experiment at the time.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As I again contemplated a walk around the preserve, I was offered the opportunity for flight shots of the Snail Kite.

Further along my walk I caught sight of several Red-breasted Merganser.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Shortly thereafter I would again have the chance to observe an Eastern Phoebe.

In its company was a Red-bellied Woodpecker working a stately pine in a small stand of trees.

The Red-breasted Merganser above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

A solitary Blue-gray Gnatcatcher remained shyly in the shadows.

Other movement within the tree stand would lead to a sighting of Pine Warbler.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The more fortuitous second visit to Harns Marsh Preserve led to observation of feeding behavior of a Limpkin which was accommodatingly close to the shore line.

The bird had to go relatively deep for its quarry and came up with a meal.

The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I'm not sure if the Limpkin senses prey with its feet or forages simply with its bill or a combination of both . . . yet.

The decision to attempt to capture the bird entirely in focus at close range unfortunately led to the slower shutter speed that defeated success at the critical moment with the Limkin's head in motion at the time of consuming its meal.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Minutes later it was a great pleasure to meet BPNer, Chris Baker, and his wife Rachael, visiting the area from the United Kingdom.

In a review of a few of the images of the Limkin's feeding behavior, I noted a particular image seemingly showing movement of the bird, Chris offered subtle criticism without saying a word pointing at my choice of an f/9 aperture setting of the lens noted on the camera's monitor.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Chris told me that he and Rachael were staying adjacent to Little Estero Lagoon.

He noted that Roseate Spoonbills were flying in about 45 minutes before sunset quite predictably at the lagoon.

Chris and Rachael Baker above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Chris was evidently at Harns Marsh Preserve for some good Snail Kite and Limpkin action.

He was using Canon gear and noted that he typically uses all focus points in his photography successfully.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Chris mentioned observing a Limpkin at Corkscrew Swamp which I've yet to encounter at that venue.

He spoke of his Snail Kite observations at Joe Overstreet Landing and was disappointed with Venice Rookery before its recent manicuring.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The kites at Harns Marsh Preserve were prolific, but tantalizingly out of range for stellar photography of the species.

I believe Chris was content with capturing three of the kites in a single shot.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I'm looking forward to seeing the image at his newly created Pbase site where it can be determined additional details of the birds.

An overflight of Rock Dove was a treat for me last seen at the preserve in the spring while I've otherwise only observed these birds on highway light poles in the local area.

The Rock Dove above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Glossy Ibis were very active and it what interesting to hear Chris note that he has yet to capture an image of the species he is overly pleased with as is the case for me.

As Rachael sported a pair of binoculars, she was keen to point out to us a Bald Eagle that got no closer than a quarter mile from our observation point in my estimation.

The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Another avid birding couple joined us for a while as the action unfortunately began to quite down in the waning hours of the morning.

It was interesting to hear the birder, with nearly 700 species seen, describe a purpose of the untold possibilities that exist with future observation.

The Glossy Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I was perplexed in attempting to identify his recommended resource referred to as TAM which was described as offering recent sighting alerts which he followed.

I think he meant to refer to TAS- or the Tropical Audubon Society which greatly benefits the east coast of south Florida.

The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

He was sporting an out of the box 80-400 Nikkor lens that he appeared very excited to make good use of.

At about this time, the unexpected happened with the approach of a shepherd mix at good speed.

The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The dog was very inquisitive with a playful nature that didn't comprehend the command to sit.

Its owner would arrive about twenty minutes later with a plea that someone grab the dog's collar.

The Common Moorhen above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

He apologized for the dog's behavior noting that it knew it was in trouble.

On the drive home, I passed an American Kestrel flying parallel to me on the north side of the highway.

The unexpected above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I pulled over to see that it had landed on a fence post well behind me.

As I got out of the car, a motorized dirt biker blazed by at his top speed which had caused the falcon to take flight into the field.

The American Kestrel above was photographed near Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I drove the car back to attempt to see the extremely colorful predator again and was lucky to see it had landed on another fence post and observed it briefly in flight over the field.

This experience with the falcon was hurried and will think better of the opportunity in the future.

The American Kestrel above was photographed near Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

If you encounter Chris and Rachael in your travels, you're in for some very enjoyable company.
READ MORE - The British Are Coming . . . To Harns Marsh Preserve

T.H.A.N.K.S.

Items for our eCrater Store Network scavenger hunt this week was to find one item that began with each of the letters: THANKS. Here's what I came up with. Click on the links below the picture browse the item at eCrater Store Network and while you are there feel free to browse all the wonderful items from other members. Please join the network if you wish, we welcome shoppers as well as eCrater store owners!


 








READ MORE - T.H.A.N.K.S.

A Gorgeous Redhead At Harns Marsh Preserve

After failing to make my monthly trip to Harns Marsh Preserve in October, the November 2010 visit was particularly rewarding.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I was surprised to see large tents certainly used for overnight camping south of the parking area upon my arrival.

There was no wildlife action evident at all before parking the car at the north gate access point.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Immediately upon getting out of the car, however, the unmistakable calls of Limkin could be heard to the north.

With great fortune, my first photographs taken were of Pileated Woodpecker flying overhead from the stand of trees directly in front of me and across the water.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It didn't take long for my eyes to focus on the surroundings and see the majestic Osprey perched in the early morning light.

A few Mottled Ducks were then seen floating in the water seemingly waiting for my next move.

The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

An overflight of Mallard was observed within the next few minutes.

A solitary Limpkin was working the shoreline and would prove to be the only one seen, though countless others of the species were heard in the preserve's tall grass.

The Mallard above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As I made my way to the north on a journey I didn't have a specific goal to accomplish, the thought of walking around Harns Marsh Preserve crossed my mind and I couldn't help but dread its distance.

The weather was initially relatively cool at 59 degrees, but was expected to warm up quickly which it did.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Not too far along my walk, I encountered a rarely seen (for me) Black-crowned Night-Heron at the preserve.

A mystery species seen in a flock of 23 I would later identify as Red-winged Blackbird with the assistance of local birding expert Wes Dirks.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

And very shortly thereafter a Wood Stork gave me a flyby that was so close, I couldn't fit it in the frame of the shots taken of it.

A Wood Stork was also seen in the company of a Great Egret at close range while another stork was seen to perch with a pair of Black Vultures and a Turkey Vulture across the lake.

The Red-winged Blackbird above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It was at about this location that I observed Tree Swallows that were by far the most abundant species seen during my November visit to Harns Marsh Preserve.

It was nearly a year earlier to the day at this same wildlife venue that I was able to capture my first image of the species.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Although I tried my best to ignore these quite fast and extremely unpredictable birds due to my initial very fuzzy unrecognizable images captured of them, they would instill in me a passion I couldn't resist to attempt to photograph them and their behavior.

Of the hundreds of swallows that swarmed around me for an extended period of time, I would only see them at rest on a tall weed for mere seconds.

The Wood Stork juvenile with Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The Tree Swallows were otherwise constantly on the move and would be seen nearly until the time I left the preserve in the late morning.

The second most prolific species seen at Harns Marsh Preserve was American Coot.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

These relatively diminutive birds considering the somewhat unpleasant guttural vocal calls they made throughout my stay were very good cover for a new bird sighting for me.

The Redhead required intensive study for me to identify it in my Sibley guide, with the bird's yellow eyes the clincher.

The American Coot above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I saw no evidence of what may have caused them to take flight leaving the coots behind while the Redhead regrettably did not return to my observation area although likely remained nearby.

Tom Obrock's previously reported Blue-winged Teal was also observed within the group of waterfowl as was a solitary Common Moorhen.

The Redhead with American Coot above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As Black Vultures made flybys, a few Snail Kites were seen actively feeding on Harns Marsh's Apple Snails.

As I had the gumption to continue my walk, I encountered an Eastern Phoebe that I had just photographed for the first time a month earlier at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers.

The Black Vulture above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

And while walking even further I was able to observe a pair of Sandhill Cranes that I see infrequently at Harns Marsh Preserve.

As I settled down near a pile of discarded Apple Snail shells, the smaller of the cranes was meticulously preening itself for over a half hour.

The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It was interesting to see that it created a small hole in the ground with its beak near the shoreline.

The Sandhill Crane would put its beak in the hole every moment or so to cover it in water which it then used to preened its feathers.

The Sandhill Crane above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

At one point the cranes would call in almost perfect unison while other Sandhill Cranes across the marsh replied.

The Sandhill Crane has an exceptionally loud call and it was quite exhilarating to be so close to them in experiencing this auditory marvel.

The Sandhill Crane above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

When the cranes decided to move on, it was late in the morning and I decided to return to the car.

About a dozen Cattle Egret were feeding successfully on insects in the grass along the roadway.

The Cattle Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

About a half dozen Pied-billed Grebe were seen occasionally resurfacing for air with one coming up with a small fish in my observations.

A pair of Roseate Spoonbill were seen doing a rarely seen and unusual acrobatic midair dance.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As a small number of vultures were climbing the thermals in the area near the car, a bird that didn't quite seem to fit in was initially a mystery to me.

When an adult Bald Eagle flew into view a short while later, I was confident that I had earlier seen a juvenile of the species.

The Bald Eagle juvenile with Wood Stork above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I investigated my images of the Bald Eagle to be assured that it was a juvenile and not a second or third year sub adult.

I was pleased to see the Pileated Woodpecker again at the spot I had begun my journey as this species cannot always be expected to be seen at Harns Marsh Preserve.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

In all, there were 32 species of bird seen at Harns Marsh Preserve.

This post is something of an experiment in the presentation of images going forward.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I've learned that with the manipulation of images in CS5, the use of default in the reduction of image size, Bicubic (best for smooth gradients), leads to a less distorted image when presented here, as opposed to Bicubic Sharper (best for reduction).
READ MORE - A Gorgeous Redhead At Harns Marsh Preserve