Spirit of Nature

Update Jun-13,'09: It is Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius), not Long-tailed Tit - typically found in shrubs and gardens. Tailorbirds get their name from the way their nest is constructed (the edges of a large leaf are pierced and sewn together with plant fibre or spider's web to make a cradle) in shrubs. It lays 3–5 eggs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Tailorbird
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Interesting quote; "I am in the habit of looking not so much to the nature of a gift as to the spirit in which it is offered." – Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)


Sighted today - a nest amongst Sanchezia Speciosa (see 'Patio'), so small possibly made by small birds (black upperside with yellow belly), about 3-4 inches in height. Its size and shape like a Finch, a Wren or a Flycatcher, or maybe a Nuthatch. I did a search, but couldn't find its closest resemblance http://natureimages.net/oiseaux/birds.html

After 2 days of the empty nest, we had a good view of the little bird again, followed by its partner a minute later. Looks like the Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus). (refer to update Jun-13,'09)

1. http://www.bto.org/gbw/Species/BIRDS_LOTTI.htm
2. http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/families/longtailedtits.asp

Making its presence felt from its gregarious chirps (louder than treehouse sparrows') - surprisingly from a very small frame. So small and light that springy Sanchezia shrub could support its weight. Finally satisying our curiosity, it hopped about, acrobatically, to inspect it's nest-in-making. Quite a smart fella, it could strip thin long leave from our Manila palm to make its nest.

Also a new and friendly dragon fly, almost 3 inches long from head to tail. It stayed on our Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) for that day.


Up Close & Personal with Long Tail Tit (refer to update Jun-13,'09) ; footage caught it red-handed for pinching coco-peat from a pot of Sui Mui (Wrightia Religiosa).




Update Jun-13,'09: Tailorbird grows to about 13 cm (about 5 in) in length and feeds primarily on small insects. Its characteristically stitch leaves together with plant fibers to make nests - stabs the edges of one or more broad leaves with its needlelike bill, threads vegetable fibers through the holes, and draws the leaves together, making a cuplike pocket. The nest is lined with grass or other soft material. The female typically lays three to six eggs. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761587895/Tailorbird.html