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Krau-Fraser's Hill 25-26th September 2017

Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Edwin and wife have been to Malaysia a few times for birding but limited to mangrove and lowland forest, so this is their first time to go up to the highlands. Before we go up to Fraser's Hill, there are specific targets to hit in Krau. And sadly, no Rail-babbler - not even a sound! A flying Red-bearded Bee-eater and great views of Green Broadbill in the morning. We arrived at the hill station and (almost) instantly rewarded with a family of Malaysian Partridge. We end our trip with a visit to the coastal mangrove for owls found a Sunda Scops Owl as well Large-tailed Nightjar. Other highlights during this short 2 days 1 night trip include (but not limited to) male & female Banded Kingfisher, Orange-breasted Trogon, Red-headed Trogon, juvenile Blyth's Hawk-eagle, a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbill, Pygmy Cupwing, Large Niltava, Rufous-browed Flycatcher, Silver-eared Mesia, Black-and-Crimson Oriole, Black-and-Red Broadbill, Black-and-Yellow Broadbill, Dusky Broadbill, and so much more!

Almost instantly!

Birding in hill station



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Krau-Fraser's Hill 22-24th September 2017

Went birding with South African guests in Krau and the premier site, Fraser's Hill. It was pretty humid and slow birding in Krau when we were there, so we cut short of birding (only limited to 2-3 hours morning birding). We did pretty well with various species of woodpeckers at 1 spot (within a few minutes) - Banded, Crimson-winged, Checker-throated, Buff-rumped, and Maroon, then not too far away Buff-necked. Up in the highlands we nailed 2 more species - Bay and Greater Yellownape. The guests were shocked and so am I! Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Black Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Black-and-Yellow Broadbill, and Black-and-Red Broadbill gave us superb views too. 

When we were up in the hill station, we make our visit to the partridge ground. It was quiet, and we thought nothing will show up so we walked away as we got distracted by other birds but when we turned around Malaysian Partridge showed up and it showed up well for us!!! 

Other highlights from this trip was fantastic view of Green Magpie, Collared Owlet, Red-headed Trogon, Long-tailed Broadbill, Fire-tufted Barbet, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Red-bearded Bee-eater, and many more.

Something distracted us for a while

Siamang high up in the tree

Red-headed Trogon right next to the car

Tried our luck at the waterfall - too crowded and a bunch of motorcyclist went into the path (no respect for nature!)






    
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Taman Negara targets

This is Thomas first trip to Taman Negara. We have a few targets in mind. It was experience of birding in one of the world's oldest rainforest that counts. something different from birding in the open area or roadside birding. Physical involvement, one need to be fit, able to walk for few hours under humid condition, up and down staircase as well as sitting in a small boat cruising the river for 2-3 hours birding. Not all birds are easy to see, some will be skulking behind bushes, hopping high up in the trees, they can be calling nearby but not always easily visible - if you are just 1 degree off the viewing angle, you will not see the bird! On the way back to KL, we stopped by at Krau and nailed one more target while the elusive Rail-babbler remain a target in the list.

However, I must admit we just pretty good this trip -  Diard's Trogon, Red-naped Trogon, Blyth's Frogmouth, Malayan Peacock Pheasant, Crested Fireback, Chestnut-backed Scimitar-babbler, Green Broadbill, Banded Kingfisher, Rhinoceros Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, and many more!

Read more about our trip to Taman Negara on Thomas own blog at https://madaboutbirdingandtravel.wordpress.com/2017/11/10/visit-to-taman-negara-malaysia/ and https://madaboutbirdingandtravel.wordpress.com/2017/11/14/visit-to-taman-negara-contd-malaysia/

Diard's Trogon in full view!

It rained in the evening (Day 2)

Heard the call of Scimitar-babbler. It was high up and still good enough for viewing and taking photograph.

On our last morning in Taman Negara, boat ride to enjoy the view of big trees along the river.

Wow! the water level is high today. the parking area near the floating restaurant is submerged!





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3 Days in Fraser's Hill with a pro-ecotourism

Sunday, September 10, 2017

A pleasant birding trip to Fraser's Hill. We have covered the hill station, old road, new road and the Gap. Our birding starts after we finished breakfast in KKB, as soon as the sun rises, we managed to get the species in open area including 3 species of cuckoos - Plaintive, Banded Bay and Little Bronze in less than 30 minutes which David was so amazed!

It was not David's first visit to Fraser's Hill. But he would like to see the species he had seen before as well as some of the species that he missed previously. Well, he did get what he wanted .... forktail, nuthatch, shortwing, flycatcher, partridge, magpie, cuckooshrike, and many more.

We ended the trip with 2 Whiskered Treeswift!
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Licensed Tourist Guide specialized in birdwatching and photography tour in Peninsular Malaysia. BSc Forestry (Parks & Recreation Management).

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Wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia
A collection of wildlife photographs in Peninsular Malaysia that includes mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Some photographs are taken with camera while some are taken with mobile phone whenever I get the opportunities to shoot while on a guiding assignment.

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You will see other interesting insects during your birding adventure with me. Here are some of the photos I have extracted from my hard drives..

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There will be some interesting flora that will definitely catch your attention while going out on a birdwatching trip with me. I am in the midst of compiling all the plants, please return to this website for updates. Thank you.

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Southeast Asia Birding
Sometimes I accompany my regular guests for birding trips out of Peninsular Malaysia. Check out what we found.
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Birds & Wildlife in Malaysia

About Me

I'm a bird watcher, digiscoper, photographer and a licensed nature guide. Welcome to my 'A Malaysian Birder' blog. I will post my bird sightings and photographs on this blog. I started bird watching while studying in university. After graduating with a degree in forestry specializing in parks and recreation management, I have been attached to the parks and gardens industry. My past work experiences involve conducting environmental education program, bird watching and many more. When I go out to the field, I will usually have my Leica Ultravid 10x32 binocular and Kowa TSN-501 spotting scope with me. This is the lightest setup for me as I prefer to go light these days. There are times, I will have my parabolic microphone in the field for recording bird calls.

In the past, I will have my Kowa BDXD 8x32 binocular, Zoom H2N recorder, Kowa TSN-501 and my favorite Nikon1 V1 with a 70-300mm lens. This is the lightest setup I have tried.

Bird Watching Tours

There are quite a number of birding groups from Australia, United States and United Kingdom that come over to Malaysia annually visiting the traditional key sites that include Kuala Selangor, Fraser's Hill and Taman Negara. There is not doubt that the 3 sites are the preferred birding sites in Peninsular Malaysia. So if you are coming over for birding and intend to hire a guide, you can send me an email at nature2pixel@gmail.com and go over to posting section to view photos and summary of trip reports with testimonials from past clients.

Besides following the traditional route, I also customized trip according to clients needs, preference and interests. So there are some local patches that I can introduce to all bird watchers, digiscopers and photographers.

Here are a few of my favorite birding spots around Kuala Lumpur.

• Kuala Selangor - the habitats include mangrove forest. Good for woodpecker and kingfisher. Some amount of walking is required on flat terrain.

• Fraser's Hill - one of the traditional key sites for birding in Peninsular Malaysia and still the best place to visit. Elevation between 900 - 1200m above sea level. The species found here are different from the city of Kuala Lumpur. Targets may include Trogon, Woodpecker, Partridge, Laughingthrush, Leafbird, Spiderhunter and Sunbird.

• Hulu Langat - one of the most visited birding spot due to its proximity from the city centre. Walking is required but on easy terrain in this lowland forest. Sometimes need to wait at fruiting trees. Generally a good spot for Broadbill, Kingfisher, and Babbler.

• Bukit Tinggi - An alternative spot if you do not want to spend too long hours travelling to Fraser's Hill. It's about 900m to 1,000m above sea level and you get a combination of lowland and highland species at this elevation. Walking is required but just a short distance. Traditional known for Broadbill, Hornbill, Partridge and Pheasant.

• Gombak-Ampang - Generally recommended for photographers targeting Blue-eared Kingfisher and at times during fruiting season, it attracts many species of Bulbul and Barbet. Located in urban area.

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Bird Video

I am also interested to take video of birds. Here are some of my favorite videos for your viewing. Video taken with Nikon1 V1 attached to a Sigma 500mm f4.5 and most of the time iPhone SE through the spotting scope. Editing is done on smartphone Power Director for Android device and I also like the iMovie on iPhone. Enjoy.

Recommended Field Guides

If you are interested to get a copy of field guides to assist you to learn and identify birds in Malaysia. Click the followings to find out more.