Pond-Heron in flight at San Juan, La Union

I visited the swampy field near San Juan town proper (La Union) this weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a Pond-Heron in the area.

 

It's virtually impossible to differentiate from afar a Chinese Pond-Heron from a Javan Pond-Heron when in non-breeding plumage. Whatever it is, this could just be the first record of a Pond-Heron species in my home province.

 

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Pond-Heron, either Chinese or Javan (Ardeola bacchus or speciosa)

Habitat - Ricefields and marshes, rare in the Philippines. 

Shooting info - San Juan, La Union, Philippines, January 26, 2014, Canon 7D + EF 400 2.8 IS + EF 1.4x TC II, 560 mm, ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/1600 sec, manual exposure in available light, 475B/516 support, major crop.

 

 

Shooting info - San Juan, La Union, Philippines, January 26, 2014, Canon 7D + EF 400 2.8 IS + EF 1.4x TC II, 560 mm, ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/1600 sec, manual exposure in available light, 475B/516 support, major crop.

Larger Version

Red Turtle-Dove in flight

Whoever included the word "turtle" in this bird's name must not be describing its speed in flight, as it can whiz by like a lightning bolt from nowhere. I got lucky to catch this incoming one in Candaba under good light, thanks to the amazing AF capability of the 1D MIV plus the venerable 500 f4 IS.

 

This species ranges in a wide area in Asia, where it is usually found in open areas in the lowland. It has a total length of about 9 inches.

 

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Red Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica humilis, resident)

Habitat - Open country or lawns. 
 

Shooting info - Candaba wetlands, December 29, 2013, 1D MIV + 500 f4 IS + Canon 1.4x TC II, 700 mm, f/7.1, ISO 640, 1/2000 sec, manual exposure in available light, 475B/516 support.