7-10 November 2025 | A 4-Day Expedition with Sudip
There is a specific rhythm to a multi-day birding trip: the early starts, the quiet anticipation in the hides, and that sudden jolt of adrenaline when a target bird finally reveals itself. This November, Sudip and I hit the road from KL, heading north on a mission to settle some "unfinished business" from previous years.
We kicked things off at dawn with a lifer for Sudip: the Dusky Eagle-Owl. It’s a bird that never fails to impress, and we didn't have to wait long. Seeing this massive raptor in the early light was the perfect "appetizer" for the long drive ahead to Sungai Petani.
Day 2 was all about the Perlis-Thailand border. Last year in Pahang, we successfully found the female Malayan Banded-Pitta, but the male had eluded us. Today, we went into the hide with one goal in mind.
The morning was a masterclass in biodiversity. Before the main event, we were treated to:
• Black-backed Kingfisher & Ruddy Kingfisher (A double-header of brilliant colors!)
• Indochinese Blue Flycatcher
Then, the moment arrived. The male Malayan Banded-Pitta stepped out. With its barred underparts and fiery crown, it was worth every kilometer driven.
On Day 3, we moved into the forests of Kedah to track the Chestnut-necklaced Partridge. This bird is a notorious "ghost"—it played hide-and-seek with us for a while, calling from the shadows but staying just out of sight. When it finally emerged, the forest went quiet, and we had several breathtaking moments before a rival's call drew it away. Later that day, we were treated to a "dance performance" by 3 Forest Wagtails—their rhythmic swaying making for a fantastic photo session. We ended the day in the Penang swamps, chasing the silhouette of the Great Eared Nightjar. While they hovered nearby, they stayed just out of "perfect photo" range—a reminder that nature always keeps us wanting more!
Our final morning was a return to the nightjar site. Even though the "Great Eared" remained elusive, we enjoyed the peaceful expanse of the Penang paddy fields, soaking in the last few sightings of the trip. As the journey ended, Sudip headed off to Penang Island for work, and I began the long drive back to KL. It was a trip defined by patience, technical skill, and the satisfaction of finally checking off that male Banded-Pitta.
The Trip Tally
• Lifer of the Trip: Dusky Eagle-Owl and Malayan Banded-Pitta (Male)
• Most "Difficult" Bird: Chestnut-necklaced Partridge
• Surprise Highlight: The trio of dancing Forest Wagtails
