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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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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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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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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