When birds come a-calling at your garden

Brown-throated Sunbird (male).

I must admit to feeling a little jealous whenever my buddy Dr Samuel (Sam) Ong, a cardiologist, avid birder and photographer, sent me beautiful pictures of birds that he had taken in the wild both in Malaysia and overseas. I was in awe of his breadth of knowledge and his photography skills.

I am an ignoramus when it comes to our feathered friends, except for the common sparrow, crow, pigeon and myna. I am unsophisticated when it comes to identifying birds. I do not have Sam’s enthusiasm, energy and patience when it comes to pursuing these winged creatures.