We have plenty of birds in and around our own plantation, but to photograph them is not easy. Locals often hunt in the plantations for squirrels, which are considered a pest. They feed on most of the fruit trees and can destroy entire harvests. Hunting out of need often turns into hobby, and that’s when some hunters shoot on anything that moves.
The birds around us are therefore incredibly shy, and most of them flee with the slightest notice of something odd around. That includes me, no matter how well-camouflaged I sometimes am.

Patience and either a fairly long lens or well-placed camera and remote trigger do eventually get results, but it took time to find out which birds like to feed on which trees or flowers. I am not a birder at all, although I slowly start to get the hang of it.

Photographing birds in and around the West Bali National Park is a lot easier, as the birds are less skittish and there are a couple of excellent bird hides, maintained by local farmers and park rangers.

Here a collection of my bird photography, taken in and around our plantation and the West Bali National Park.

If you’re interested in bird watching or photography feel free to contact me, we can help arrange that.