On February 24th, 2026, I had the pleasure of hosting Chris from Australia for his very first birding excursion in Malaysia. Since Chris is relatively new to the hobby and specifically keen on seeing Kingfishers and Woodpeckers, I knew exactly where to take him: the coastal bounty of Kuala Selangor and its surrounding patches.
The Morning Harvest
We kicked off the day in true Malaysian fashion with a simple breakfast of roti canai before heading into the field. The birds didn’t keep us waiting! Our list started strong with a Collared Kingfisher, followed by a steady stream of sightings:
Kingfishers: Common, White-throated, and eventually the magnificent Stork-billed Kingfisher.
Woodpeckers: Laced Woodpecker, Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, and a Common Flameback. We even caught a glimpse of a Greater Flameback flying by!
Raptors & Others: A lone Black Baza, several Crested Serpent Eagles, a Crested Goshawk, and two vibrant Dollarbirds.
We also encountered a variety of Sunbirds—Crimson, Ornate, and Brown-throated—which provided a wonderful splash of color to our morning. Sadly, we did come across a Barn Owl that had fallen victim to a roadkill, a somber reminder of the challenges wildlife face.
Lunch with a View
At midday, we retreated to a local restaurant for some flavorful Chinese dishes. Even during our break, the birding didn't stop—a Lesser Adjutant made a surprise appearance when we were about to finish our lunch. It was the perfect "side dish" to a great meal!
The Mangrove Specialty
In the afternoon, we headed to Port Klang with one target in mind: the Mangrove Pitta. Nature smiled upon us, and it took less than 10 minutes for the bird to appear. It hopped closer and paused just long enough for us to capture some photographs before retreating into the shadows. Despite the heat and the relentless sandflies, seeing such a localized beauty was well worth the itch!
The Final Search
We ended our trip at a local patch known for the Barred Eagle-Owl. As we arrived, a drizzle began to fall, but I was determined to find it for Chris. After a patient search, I finally spotted those unmistakable head patterns and one large eye peering back at us through the foliage. While the owl stayed (almost entirely) hidden and the rain eventually forced us to pack up, the sighting was a thrilling way to cap off the day.
Though we left with a tiny bit of "rain-induced" disappointment for not getting a clearer view of the owl, it couldn't dampen the spirit of the day. With a long list of species and several "lifers" for Chris, it was a productive, memorable, and successful birding trip!
