Chasing the Silver-Eared Mesia in Fraser’s Hill
The cool mountain air of Fraser’s Hill always brings a sense of calm, but for birders, it also carries a spark of excitement. On the morning of 11th October, Steve met Adam at the airport, and together they began their journey to this charming hill station — a place known for its misty forests, crisp weather, and incredible birdlife.
I had arrived the night before to scout out the best spots for Steve’s main target species — the dazzling Silver-eared Mesia. When Steve and Adam reached the hill station, I met them at the hotel and helped check in so they could travel light. Steve was too eager to rest; he decided to skip lunch and head straight out in search of his dream bird.
Our first stop was quiet. The forest was still, filled only with the hum of cicadas and the occasional appearance of Buff-breasted Babbler, Rufous-browed Flycatcher, Long-tailed Sibia and Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush. Hours passed without a sign of the mesia, so we moved to another site, where luck finally began to shift. A few colorful species appeared — enough to keep Steve’s camera clicking — and as the light softened in the late afternoon, we finally heard faint calls in the distance. Moments later, a small flock of Silver-eared Mesias appeared, their plumage glowing beautifully in the golden light.
Steve managed to photograph them, though most perched teasingly on power lines — not the perfect background, but still a satisfying sight. Before dusk, we made one last stop and spotted Black-browed Barbet and Orange-bellied Leafbird, both adding a final splash of color to the day. Then the heavens opened — rain poured down, and we hurried for shelter at a nearby restaurant. Over a warm meal, we shared stories, calling it a day well spent.
The next morning dawned fresh and cool. After breakfast, we made our way back to the stakeout. I thought we’d be the first to arrive, but a small group of photographers was already there, also waiting patiently for the Silver-eared Mesia.
Not long after we settled in, I heard the bird’s familiar call nearby. Moments later, the forest came alive — a flock of mesias burst into view, dancing through the branches in a swirl of color. Cameras clicked in unison, capturing the moment we had all been waiting for. I looked over at Steve — his smile said it all. Mission accomplished.
With the main target successfully photographed, I knew Steve had another list of birds he hoped to see before his flight home. We spent the rest of the morning exploring the hill station, where luck continued to be on our side. We found the Fire-tufted Barbet, Red-headed Trogon, Lesser Shortwing, and even the shy Rusty-naped Pitta among other gems — each sighting adding another highlight to his growing photo collection.
A light drizzle in the afternoon gave us a chance to pause for lunch before one final birding session. As the day drew to a close, Adam drove Steve back to the airport, wrapping up what had been a short but wonderfully rewarding adventure.
Fraser’s Hill, with its misty trails and symphony of bird calls, had once again proven why it remains a treasured paradise for birders — a place where patience, passion, and nature always come together in perfect harmony.
Author’s Note
Fraser’s Hill is one of Malaysia’s classic birding destinations, easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur and home to more than 250 species of birds. The birding season is throughout the year but additional species can be seen from October to March, when migratory species are most active. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light and bird activity.
If you plan to visit, bring a pair of binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, and a light rain jacket — the weather here changes quickly. Most importantly, be patient, stay quiet, and let the forest reveal its secrets at its own pace. For birders, that’s where the true magic of Fraser’s Hill lies.
