I still remember the first time I tried to track an Oriental White-eye — it felt like I was playing a game I was too slow for. These little birds are quick, darting through branches like flashes of green and yellow, never sitting still long enough for me to catch my breath, let alone focus my lens. As a beginner in birding, I honestly felt they were testing my patience and pushing my limits in the best possible way.
What kept me hooked was their eyes — those delicate white eye-rings that give them their name. Up close, they look like little frames highlighting a sparkle, making their gaze look curious and almost mischievous. Paired with their bright olive-green plumage and soft yellow throat, they’re nothing short of striking when the sunlight touches them.
Every failed attempt to track them only taught me to be more alert, more patient, and more in tune with the rhythm of nature. The Oriental White-eye may be small, but for me, it was a big reminder: birding is not just about spotting and clicking, it’s about slowing down, observing, and learning the pace of the wild.
Lens and Landmarks 