It's good to meet Alan and Sonya again after more than 10 years. Previously, I guided them in Taman Negara Kuala Tahan. This time around, they requested to visit Fraser's Hill and drop them off at Cameron Highland. Instead of going directly to Fraser's Hill on the first day, I took them to Kuala Selangor to show them the coastal habitat and rice field so that they will be able to compare the type of birds, wildlife and weather condition.

Alan have not tasted Durian before, surprisingly both of them can finish the small fruit.

When we arrived in Cameron Highland, the weather is not the most favorable to look for birds. However, we still proceed to explore the areas.

Some of the highlights for the trip:

Red-headed Trogon

Silver-eared Mesia

Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush

Black Laughingthrush

Pygmy Cupwing

Fire-tufted Barbet

Black-browed Barbet

Mountain Fulvetta

Streaked Wren-babbler

White-throated Fantail

White-throated Kingfisher

Laced Woodpecker

Greater Flameback

Rufous Woodpecker

Brahminy Kite

Crested Serpent Eagle

Other wildlife:

Silvered Langur

Long-tailed Macaque

Pig-tailed Macaque

Short-tailed Gymnure

Grey-bellied Squirrel

Red-bellied Squirrel

Himalayan Striped Squirrel

Giant Mudskipper

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As I continue to immerse myself in the world of birds and nature, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with others and to educate and inspire through my images. Your support and patience are truly appreciated as I strive to showcase the wonders of wildlife in the most authentic and impactful way possible. Together, we can raise awareness and appreciation for the importance of conservation and preservation of our planet's precious ecosystems. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

*UPDATE: After a series of consultations, the issue affecting my mobility has been identified. As a result, I will need to attend therapy. My travel plans must be tailored to minimize the amount of time spent walking, trekking on uneven terrain, and to avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting.*

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After more than six long years apart, we’re beyond thrilled to finally come together for a long-awaited and exciting reunion! What makes this gathering even more special is that it's not just a visit—it's a celebration of friendship, shared passions, and new adventures. Andrew and Jenny, seasoned travelers who have explored Malaysia on several occasions before, are no strangers to its diverse birdlife. Their visits were often centered around bird photography and local food in the past. This time is no exception, they’ve returned for the same reasons.

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As I continue to immerse myself in the world of birds and nature, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with others and to educate and inspire through my images. Your support and patience are truly appreciated as I strive to showcase the wonders of wildlife in the most authentic and impactful way possible. Together, we can raise awareness and appreciation for the importance of conservation and preservation of our planet's precious ecosystems. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

*UPDATE: After a series of consultations, the issue affecting my mobility has been identified. As a result, I will need to attend therapy. My travel plans must be tailored to minimize the amount of time spent walking, trekking on uneven terrain, and to avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting.*

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This month, I’ve made several trips to Taman Negara, each time guiding different guests, all eager to experience the park’s renowned birding opportunities. Among avid bird enthusiasts, there’s always a personal wishlist of species to spot, but a few birds stand out as the ultimate prizes. TheGreat Argus and Malayan Peacock-Pheasant are high on everyone’s list, captivating the imaginations of all who venture into the park’s dense jungles. However, Taman Negara is home to many great species. The park’s rich biodiversity also includes a variety of other extraordinary birds, each with its own allure. Among them are the brilliant Garnet Pitta and Malayan Banded Pitta, whose vibrant plumage enchants any birdwatcher lucky enough to glimpse them. The Large and Striped Wren-babblers, both notoriously difficult to spot, add an element of excitement to the search. Then there’s the mysterious Rail-babbler and uncommon Cinnamon-rumped Trogon, whose elusive nature makes it the subject of fascination for many birdwatchers. Taman Negara truly offers an unparalleled experience for bird lovers, with each visit providing new opportunities to witness the beauty and diversity of Malaysia’s avian inhabitants.

Malayan Peacock-Pheasant

Great Argus

Malayan Weasel was too fast for me to react!

While we were waiting for the Malayan Peacock-Pheasant to make its elusive appearance, fortune smiled upon us in the form of an unexpected sighting: a Malay Weasel! This rare encounter marked only the second time I’ve ever had the pleasure of spotting one, the first being years ago when I was guiding Carsten through Bukit Fraser. The sighting was a delightful surprise, adding an unexpected thrill to our birdwatching excursion. It’s moments like these—when nature offers up its secrets in such an unexpected manner—that make these adventures truly unforgettable. The Malay Weasel, with its sleek body and curious demeanor, reminded us once again of the countless wonders Taman Negara has to offer beyond its famous bird species.

A group of Japanese birders were exploring the forest too when we were there. 

Everyone was overjoyed seeing a Cinnamon-rumped Trogon at almost eye-level

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As I continue to immerse myself in the world of birds and nature, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with others and to educate and inspire through my images. Your support and patience are truly appreciated as I strive to showcase the wonders of wildlife in the most authentic and impactful way possible. Together, we can raise awareness and appreciation for the importance of conservation and preservation of our planet's precious ecosystems. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

*UPDATE: After a series of consultations, the issue affecting my mobility has been identified. As a result, I will need to attend therapy. My travel plans must be tailored to minimize the amount of time spent walking, trekking on uneven terrain, and to avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting.*

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A trip to forest of Hulu Langat is always rewarding (as always) for me and the guests.

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As I continue to immerse myself in the world of birds and nature, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with others and to educate and inspire through my images. Your support and patience are truly appreciated as I strive to showcase the wonders of wildlife in the most authentic and impactful way possible. Together, we can raise awareness and appreciation for the importance of conservation and preservation of our planet's precious ecosystems. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

*UPDATE: After a series of consultations, the issue affecting my mobility has been identified. As a result, I will need to attend therapy. My travel plans must be tailored to minimize the amount of time spent walking, trekking on uneven terrain, and to avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting.*

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 Today, I went out with Ekaterina to cover 2 birding sites near Kuala Lumpur. In the morning, it was the forest in Hulu Langat followed by a short visit to the National Botanical Garden in Shah Alam in the afternoon.

Some of the highlights for today include (but not limited to): Yellow-bellied Prinia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Sooty Barbet, Red-eyed Bulbul, Spectacled Bulbul, Rufescent Prinia, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Little Spiderhunter, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter, Grey Wagtail, Gray-headed Canary Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker, Oriental Magpie Robin, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Grey-cheeked Bulbul, Black-and-yellow Broadbill, Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher, Baya Weaver, White-headed Munia, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Great Myna, Blue-winged Pitta, White-rumped Shama, Rufous Woodpecker, Hooded Pitta, Long-tailed Parakeet, Black-naped Oriole, Brown Shrike, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker and others

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As I continue to immerse myself in the world of birds and nature, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with others and to educate and inspire through my images. Your support and patience are truly appreciated as I strive to showcase the wonders of wildlife in the most authentic and impactful way possible. Together, we can raise awareness and appreciation for the importance of conservation and preservation of our planet's precious ecosystems. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

*UPDATE: After a series of consultations, the issue affecting my mobility has been identified. As a result, I will need to attend therapy. My travel plans must be tailored to minimize the amount of time spent walking, trekking on uneven terrain, and to avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting.*

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Fantastic birding adventure with Anna! Throughout the time out in the field, we found many species of woodpeckers, kingfishers and bulbuls.

Others:

Javan Myna 

Oriental Magpie Robin 

Eurasian Tree Sparrow 

Chestnut-naped Forktail 

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher 

Arctic Warbler 

Asian Fairy-bluebird 

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch 

Black-thighed Falconet 

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo 

Red-billed Malkoha

Scarlet Minivet 

Silver-rumped Needletail / Spinetail

Germain’s Swiftlet 

Orange-breasted Trogon 

Grey Wagtail 

Yellow-bellied Warbler 

Siberian Blue Robin

Ferruginous Partridge 

Whiskered Treeswift

Siberian Thrush 

Asian Tit (Cinereous)

Oriental Dollarbird

Whiskered Tern

Black-naped Oriole 

Oriental Pied Hornbill 

Greater Painted Snipe

Asian Glossy Starling 

Broadbills:

Black-and-red Broadbill 

Black-and-yellow Broadbill 

Bulbuls:

Red-eyed Bulbul 

Buff-vented Bulbul 

Black-headed Bulbul

Black-crested Bulbul 

Scaly-breasted Bulbul 

Grey-bellied Bulbul

Stripe-throated Bulbul 

Yellow-vented Bulbul 

Cinereous Bulbul 

Ochraceous Bulbul 

Hairy-backed Bulbul 

Olive-winged Bulbul 

Bee-eaters:

Blue-tailed Bee-eater 

Blue-throated Bee-eater

Flycatchers:

Asian Brown Flycatcher 

Ferruginous Flycatcher 

Mugimaki Flycatcher

Tailorbirds:

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird 

Dark-necked Tailorbird

Babblers:

Grey-headed Babbler 

Grey-throated Babbler 

Black-capped Babbler 

Abbott’s Babbler 

Buff-breasted Babbler

Pin-striped Tit-Babbler 

Swallows:

Pacific Swallow

Barn Swallow

Rufous-bellied Swallow

Ioras:

Great Iora 

Green Iora 

Common Iora

Sunbirds:

Red-throated Sunbird 

Brown-throated Sunbird 

Temminck’s Sunbird

Black-throated Sunbird

Flowerpeckers: 

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker 

Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker 

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker 

Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker 

Barbets:

Gold-whiskered Barbet 

Sooty Barbet 

Red-throated Barbet 

Black-eared Barbet 

Coppersmith Barbet

Spiderhunters:

Little Spiderhunter 

Purple-naped Spiderhunter 

Long-billed Spiderhunter 

Hawks, Eagles & Kites:

Crested Serpent Eagle 

Oriental Honey Buzzard 

Changeable Hawk-eagle

Brahminy Kite 

Black-winged Kite 

Eastern Marsh Harrier

Kingfishers:

Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher 

White-throated Kingfisher

Common Kingfisher

White-throated Kingfisher 

Stork-billed Kingfisher 

Collared Kingfisher 

Woodpeckers: 

Buff-rumped Woodpecker 

Orange-backed Woodpecker 

Maroon Woodpecker 

Crimson-winged Woodpecker 

Checker-throated Woodpecker 

White-bellied Woodpecker 

Grey-and-buff Woodpecker 

Banded Woodpecker

Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker 

Laced Woodpecker 

Greater Flameback 

Common Flameback 

Rufous Woodpecker 

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker 

Pigeons & Doves:

Little Green Pigeon 

 Pink-necked Green Pigeon 

Zebra Dove

Spotted Dove 

Feral Pigeon

Prinias:

Rufescent Prinia 

Yellow-bellied Prinia

Owls:

Buffy Fish-Owl

Barred Eagle-Owl

Leafbirds:

Orange-bellied Leafbird

Blue-winged Leafbird 

Swiftlets:

Plume-toed Swiftlet 

Germain’s Swiftlet 

Munias:

Scaly-breasted Munia 

White-rumped Munia 

Waders:

Wood Sandpiper 

Painted Stork

Lesser Adjutant

Asian Openbill 

Lapwings:

Grey-headed Lapwing

Red-wattled Lapwing

Herons:

Grey Heron

Purple Heron

Striated Heron 

Black-crowned Night Heron 

Mynas:

Common Myna

Javan Myna 

Egrets:

Cattle Egret 

Little Egret 

Medium Egret 

Great Egret 

Sandpipers & Allies:

Common Redshank

Whimbel

Common Sandpiper

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As I continue to immerse myself in the world of birds and nature, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with others and to educate and inspire through my images. Your support and patience are truly appreciated as I strive to showcase the wonders of wildlife in the most authentic and impactful way possible. Together, we can raise awareness and appreciation for the importance of conservation and preservation of our planet's precious ecosystems. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

*UPDATE: After a series of consultations, the issue affecting my mobility has been identified. As a result, I will need to attend therapy. My travel plans must be tailored to minimize the amount of time spent walking, trekking on uneven terrain, and to avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting.*

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