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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