April 27
This morning we went out to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a protected area of islands and reefs off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. This was our only opportunity to see several species. Two of the species flitted past us repeatedly in a very unsatisfactory manner. We only got a quick view of these. We also saw a few other birds that weren’t on the target list for the morning, including a reef heron by the dock on the mainland.
The third, the Philippine Megapode, at least allowed its picture to be taken. The genus of Megapodes is named for the very large feet of this quail/ pheasant type bird. We had seen another of the genus on our north Australian trip some years ago. We also saw a great monitor, some sand skinks and a group of bats sleeping on the underside of palm fronds.
The weather was hot and humid. Not a surprise but it did likely reduce the bird activity. The rest of the day was spent traveling across Sabah to Lahan Datu on the south east coast of the province.
Pictured: Philippine Megapode, Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bats, Pacific Reef Heron, Asian Water Monitor
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