birdwatching_Malaysia in February 2005

KUALA SELANGOR

The main habitats here are mangrove forest, a man made brackish wetland scrub & open country vegetation.

Some of the bird species found here include Mangrove Pitta, Whistler, Blue Flycatcher, Laced & Brown capped Woodpeckers, Common & Greater Flamebacks, Flyeater, Jungle Fowl, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Lesser Adjuntant Stork, Brown-throated, Olive-winged & Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds, Oriental White-eyes, Chestnut-bellied Malkoha, Tiger & Brown Shrikes, Great Tit, Pied Triller, Asian

Golden Plover, Common Greenshank, Common Redshank, Buffy Fish Owl, Large-tailed Nightjar, etc.

Wildlife we hope to see here include the Silver-leaf Monkeys, Crab-eating Macaques, Plaintain Squirrels,

Monitor Lizards & Smooth Otters.

ULU YAM - abandoned mining ponds & wasteland. The main habitat is wetland & open country scrub.

Some of the bird species we hope to see here are Yellow-vented Bulbul, Grey Heron & Purple Heron, Yellow & Cinnamon Bittern, White-breasted Waterhen, Pink-necked Pigeons, Plaintive & Rusty-breasted Cuckoos, Stork-billed, Black-capped & Common Kingfishers, White-browed Crake, Barred Buttonquail,

Cotton Pgymy Goose, Lesser Whistling Teal, Blue-breasted Quail, etc. etc.

GAP - located at an altitude of about 2,600 ft a.s.l. The habitat here is of pristine upper hill forest with lush undergrowth. Birding is done along the main roads.

Some of the bird specis we hope to see here include Black Laughingthrush, Sultan Tit, Blue-winged Leafbird, Ashy & Ochraceous Bulbuls, Orang-breasted & Red-headed Trogans, Bamboo Woodpecker, Silver-breasted

Broadbill, Hooded Babbler, Rufous-fronted Babbler, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Marble Wren-Babbler,

FRASER'S HILL - located at an altitude of 4,000 ft a.s.l. the habitat here is of pristine sub-montane & montane

forest with moderate size trees & lush underegrowth. Birding is done along the main roads & forest trails.

Some of the bird specis we hope to see here include Pygmy & Streaked Wren-babblers, Lesser Shortwings,

Silver-eared Mesias, White-browed & Black-eared Shrike-Babblers, Chestnut-capped & Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes, Green Magpie, Slaty-backed Forktailed, Long-tailed Sibias, Blue-winged Minlas, Malayan

Whistling Thrush (one of two montane endemics), etc. etc.

Wildlife we hope to see here includes the Siamang, Banded-leaf Monkeys, Himalayan striped Squirrels, wild

Boars & Sambar deers.

TAMAN NEGARA - pristine lowland rainforest with very tall trees dominated by the dipterocarpus family.

Birding here is by small motorised boats & well kept jungle trails.

Some of the bird species we hope to see here include Garnet, Banded & Giant Pittas, Malaysian Peacock

Pheasant, Great Argus, Crested & Crestless Firebacks, many species of Babblers, Bulbuls, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Flowerpeckers, Malkohas, Spiderhunters, Rufous-collared, Banded, Blue-banded & Oriental

Kingfishers, 04 species of Trogans, Masked Finfoot, Rhinocerous, Helmeted, Oriental Pied, Wreathed, Wrinkl & Black Hornbills, etc. etc..

The wildlife in Taman Negara is amongst the richest in the world but due to the nocturnal habits & lush

vegetation it's difficult to spot big game animals such the Asiatic Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Seladang, wild Dog,

Honey Bear, Panther, etc. etc. We are more likely to see Mouse-deers, several species of squirrels including

Grey-bellied, Giant Black, Prevost, Sleander& Black-banded, Treeshrews, etc. etc..

	Malaysia in February 2005 After many early mornings ...what is better than a few days by the superb beach in Langkawi!	This visit to Malaysia included the major birdwatching sights of Kuala Selangor Fraser's Hill Taman Negara Langkawi
	This tour was specially created for the British Army Ornithological Society. It included a wide variety of visits to birding areas as diverse as Fraser's Hill and Langkawi. All of the participants were experienced birders who had been to many countries worldwide. Feedback at the end of the tour was very favourable. The guide for Peninsula Malaysia is one of the world's best... and in Langkawi he is one of the best in Asia.
	KUALA SELANGOR The main habitats here are mangrove forest, a man made brackish wetland scrub & open country vegetation. Some of the bird species found here include Mangrove Pitta, Whistler, Blue Flycatcher, Laced & Brown capped Woodpeckers, Common & Greater Flamebacks, Flyeater, Jungle Fowl, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Lesser Adjuntant Stork, Brown-throated, Olive-winged & Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds, Oriental White-eyes, Chestnut-bellied Malkoha, Tiger & Brown Shrikes, Great Tit, Pied Triller, Asian Golden Plover, Common Greenshank, Common Redshank, Buffy Fish Owl, Large-tailed Nightjar, etc.	Wildlife we hope to see here include the Silver-leaf Monkeys, Crab-eating Macaques, Plaintain Squirrels, Monitor Lizards & Smooth Otters.
	ULU YAM - abandoned mining ponds & wasteland. The main habitat is wetland & open country scrub. Some of the bird species we hope to see here are Yellow-vented Bulbul, Grey Heron & Purple Heron, Yellow & Cinnamon Bittern, White-breasted Waterhen, Pink-necked Pigeons, Plaintive & Rusty-breasted Cuckoos, Stork-billed, Black-capped & Common Kingfishers, White-browed Crake, Barred Buttonquail, Cotton Pgymy Goose, Lesser Whistling Teal, Blue-breasted Quail, etc. etc.	A stop will be made there on the way from Kuala Selangor to Frasers Hill
	The road to Fraser's Hill GAP - located at an altitude of about 2,600 ft a.s.l. The habitat here is of pristine upper hill forest with lush undergrowth. Birding is done along the main roads. Some of the bird specis we hope to see here include Black Laughingthrush, Sultan Tit, Blue-winged Leafbird, Ashy & Ochraceous Bulbuls, Orang-breasted & Red-headed Trogans, Bamboo Woodpecker, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Hooded Babbler, Rufous-fronted Babbler, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Marble Wren-Babbler,
	FRASER'S HILL - located at an altitude of 4,000 ft a.s.l. the habitat here is of pristine sub-montane & montane forest with moderate size trees & lush underegrowth. Birding is done along the main roads & forest trails. Some of the bird specis we hope to see here include Pygmy & Streaked Wren-babblers, Lesser Shortwings, Silver-eared Mesias, White-browed & Black-eared Shrike-Babblers, Chestnut-capped & Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes, Green Magpie, Slaty-backed Forktailed, Long-tailed Sibias, Blue-winged Minlas, Malayan Whistling Thrush (one of two montane endemics), etc. etc.	Wildlife we hope to see here includes the Siamang, Banded-leaf Monkeys, Himalayan striped Squirrels, wild Boars & Sambar deers.
	TAMAN NEGARA - pristine lowland rainforest with very tall trees dominated by the dipterocarpus family. Birding here is by small motorised boats & well kept jungle trails. Some of the bird species we hope to see here include Garnet, Banded & Giant Pittas, Malaysian Peacock Pheasant, Great Argus, Crested & Crestless Firebacks, many species of Babblers, Bulbuls, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Flowerpeckers, Malkohas, Spiderhunters, Rufous-collared, Banded, Blue-banded & Oriental Kingfishers, 04 species of Trogans, Masked Finfoot, Rhinocerous, Helmeted, Oriental Pied, Wreathed, Wrinkl & Black Hornbills, etc. etc..	The wildlife in Taman Negara is amongst the richest in the world but due to the nocturnal habits & lush vegetation it's difficult to spot big game animals such the Asiatic Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Seladang, wild Dog, Honey Bear, Panther, etc. etc. We are more likely to see Mouse-deers, several species of squirrels including Grey-bellied, Giant Black, Prevost, Sleander& Black-banded, Treeshrews, etc. etc..
	Birds in the city A visit to the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.	Although some experienced birders don't like to visit the park... You have to ask a question. How do young people first get to see beautiful birds..... and then become more interested and in later days, become experienced birders...
	New wetlands projects	A visit to Putrajaya Wetlands
	Island birds - with some rest and relaxation	Langkawi.. island of dreams with a number of things to do with bird specialist and naturalists.
	YOUR ITINERARY FOR THE VISIT TO MALAYSIA
13 Feb	10.50 depart from Heathrow Airport on Malaysia Airlines
14 Feb	0745 arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport You will be met and transferred directly to Kuala Selangor	Palma Inn Hotel your base in Kuala Selangor
14 Feb	Rest of day to bird in open country, mangrove & mudflat habitat. Around the grounds of our hotel there are Black-naped Oriole, Common Iora, Pied Triller, Olive-backed Sunbird and Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker. At dusk we can search for Large-tailed Nightjar.
15 Feb	Early start for birding in Kuala Selangor birding around Kuala Selangor Herons will be a prominent feature with Grey, Purple, Striated and Chinese Pond all likely, whilst egrets such as Great and Little are possible. We should also find a number of kingfishers including Black-capped, Collared, Stork-billed and, with luck, Ruddy. The pools around the reserve are good for crakes and rails, with Slaty-breasted Rail, Ruddy Crake, Watercock and White-breasted Waterhen being possible. Amongst scrub and larger trees we may find Laced Woodpecker, Common Flameback, Greater Flameback, Brown-capped Woodpecker, Ashy Tailorbird, Brown Flycatcher, Ashy Minivet, and Black-naped Oriole. In the extensive mangroves we search for Flyeater, Mangrove Whistler and the beautiful Mangrove Blue Flycatcher. The common wintering phylloscopus here is Arctic Warbler.Sunbirds we may encounter are Olive-backed and Ruby-cheeked. Overhead we may find raptors in Brahminy Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle and possibly Black Baza.
15 Feb	In the early afternoon we depart for Fraser's Hill. After checking into our hotel for a three night stay	The Shahzan Inn is a perfect getaway retreat from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life or other major towns. You can feel the difference. The mild, cool and refreshing climate is so different from the tropical lowlands.
16 Feb	During our stay we undertake a thorough exploration of habitats surrounding this hill resort. Forest birding can be a rather feast or famine affair, with periods of little activity followed by periods of intense excitement when we find a feeding flock. Species in feeding flocks at Fraser's Hill usually include Grey-chinned and Scarlet Minivets, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Black-and-Crimson Oriole, Velvet-frontedNuthatch, the wonderful Blue Nuthatch , and a variety of warblers in Yellow-bellied, Chestnut-crowned, Mountain Leaf and Eastern-crowned. Flycatchers also associate with these flocks, with Little Pied, Verditer and Brown all being possible.
17 Feb	Birding along quiet roads which wind around the resort we may record Green Magpie, Large Cuckoo-shrike, Silver-eared Mesia and Black-throated Sunbird. During our stay we shall make an effort to find two species that skulk elusively through the undergrowth: Pygmy Wren-babbler and Lesser Shortwing. Walks along the forest trails will probably result in our first encounters with leeches but a good dose of insect repellent on our shoes or the use of leech socks should keep most of these harmless creatures away.
17 Feb	The birds in the undergrowth along the trails could include flocks of often noisy Black, Chestnut-capped and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes whilst at higher points in the middle storey and canopy we may find Red-headed Trogon, Lesser Yellownape, Banded and Grey-and-Buff Woodpeckers.
18 Feb	Small flocks of Siberian Thrushes winter at Fraser's Hill and it is along the forest trails that we hope to find this species. If we come across a fruiting tree we should find bulbuls coming to feed. There are several species in the Malaysian forests and we are likely to find Grey-bellied, Scaly-breasted, Black-crested, Red-eyed and Ochraceous.
18 Feb	Spiderhunters are a feature of peninsula Malaysia. We are likely to encounter Streaked and Little in this area. Amongst the rarer species occurring at Fraser's Hill are Cutia, the endemic Malaysian Whistling Thrush and Rhinoceros Hornbill. Finally we make at least one evening walk in order to search for Grey Nightjar and Mountain Scops Owl.
18 Feb	Today we make our way to Tembeling in order to catch the boat to Taman Negara. The boat trip takes about three hours. Apart from kingfishers, Red-wattled Lapwing and possibly an over-flying hornbill, we are unlikely to see many birds from the boat. However, we can marvel at the forests as we move away from civilisation and into the heart of the huge expanse of lowland rain forest.
18 Feb	Taman Negara Resort, which is situated in the heart of the rain forest, will be our base for 3 nights. The Resort has comfortable air-conditioned chalets. In the garden of the Taman Negara Resort can be seen Asian Fairy-bluebird (lots), Red-throated and Blue-eared Barbet, Large Niltava, Long-billed Spiderhunter and Straw-headed, Black-headed, Puff-backed and Stripe-throated Bulbuls. Oriental Magpie Robin, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Asian Fairy Bluebird, and White-rumped Shama.
18 Feb	overnight Taman Negara
19 Feb	Tahan river trail which starts behind the resort. After following the trail along the river where beautiful Oriental-dwarf Kingfisher (rufous-backed form), an be seen. From the Jenat Mudah trail to the right one may see Helmeted Hornbill flying over and Rhinoceros Hornbill, Great , Black Magpie, Large Green-pigeon and Chestnut-backed Scimitar-babbler. Today we explore the canopy walkway. There are excellent views of Fiery Minivets, Whiskered Treeswifts and the surrounding rainforest. We hope to find Black, Wreathed and Southern Pied Hornbills feeding amongst the canopy or to see them flying over the forest from one of the higher viewpoints. Such viewpoints allow us to search for Oriental Honey Buzzard, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and also swifts such as Brown Needletail, Silver-rumped Swift and Pacific Swift. Black-headed, Scaly-breasted, Yellow-bellied, Red-eyed, Spectacled, Streak-eared and Streaked Bulbuls. Pigeons, doves, Asian Fairy Bluebirds, broadbills, orioles and ioras should also feature.
19 Feb	Along the forest trails we may encounter gamebirds inhabiting the forest. We hope to locate small groups of punk-haired Crested Wood Partridges, Crested Fireback and the elusive Malaysian Peacock Pheasant.
19 Feb	The loud calls of the incredible Great Argus echo across the forest and we hope to see one on it's dancing ground.
19 Feb	Along the forest streams we may hear the piercing calls of White-crowned and, with luck, Chestnut-naped Forktail.
20 Feb	The undergrowth attracts a variety of babblers. Amongst the species occurring in Taman Negara are Ferruginous, Moustached, Sooty-capped, Rufous-crowned, Scaly-crowned and Black-throated.
20 Feb	A number of Pitta's are present with Garnet, Hooded and Banded the most likely species to be located. The undergrowth is also home to Malaysian Rail Babbler. However, much luck and persistence is needed in order to find this bizarre species.
21 Feb	Woodpeckers are a major feature of these forests, with Maroon, Crimson-winged, White-bellied, Great Slaty, Grey-and-buff and Buff-rumped likely.
21 Feb	Taman Negara is home to a variety of hornbills, with distinctive and rather strange retching calls of Rhinocerous Hornbill carrying across the forest.

21 Feb	we take a boat trip up the forest streams to search for the elusive Masked Finfoot which regularly winters in Taman Negara. .
	The forest rivers and streams are also good for kingfishers and with luck we may obtain views of Blue-banded or Blue-eared
	As dusk approaches we can search for Malaysian Eared Nightjar and maybe a frogmouth. Bat Hawks hunting along the river near the park headquarters at dusk are also possible.
22 Feb	transfer from Taman Negara to Awana or Bukit Tinggi	Some detailed research will be done prior to arrival. This
	Overnight in either Colmar Tropicale or Bukit Tinggi. ColmarTropicale is based on the concept of the French city Colmar. A very well done version, appreciated by the French President Chirac, who was surprised how well it had been done.
23 Feb	The morning will be for birding in Bukit Tinggi or Awana area.
23 Feb	Transfer to Kuala Lumpur for a 2 night stay
24 Feb	KL for sightseeing/shopping
	Although the priority is to see the huge variety of birds in Malaysia, a visit would not be complete without a stay in the thriving city of Kuala Lumpur. Here you can enjoy an extra few hours in bed as well as see some of the great sights of the city. Today you will be taken to see parts of the Garden City. The Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park - the biggest in the world, the Orchid Garden. A special visit will be made to the National Monument. Today we will arrange for a meeting with Malaysian Armed Forces personnel, retired and serving.
25 Feb	After an early breakfast the group visited Putrajaya Wetlands and then to the airport. The depart for Langkawi at 1100 LANGKAWI, On the northwestern shore of Malaysia is the archipelago of the Langkawi islands. Situated just where the Indian Ocean narrows down into the Straits of Melaka, it was once a haven for pirates. Today it serves as a retreat for visitors near and far. Nestled against a dramatic backdrop of mountains are ancient lakes and forests, waterfalls and beaches, all of which enhance the wonder that is Langkawi. Blessed with a balmy climate that promises warm temperatures throughout the year, it beckons visitors seeking escape from day to day life. The archipelago of Langkawi contains 99 islands awaiting discovery and that is when the tide is high! At low tide, the islands can number as many as 104. Sanctuary of some of the most ancient rainforests in the world, they are teeming with exotic flora and fauna. The largest island of Langkawi itself, measuring about 478.5 sq km, is the only one with any real settlement. Almost as large as the island of Singapore, it is still very much undeveloped. Clad with jungles in the interior, it is fringed by lovely beaches scattered along its coast. The island is still very much a rural landscape with villages and padi fields. The island is steeped in legend, the favourite being the one of Mahsuri.	Holiday Villa Langkawi
26 Feb	Fly Like an Eagle The skies above Langkawi are dominated by magnificent Birds of Prey, the most conspicuous of which are the White-bellied Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster and the Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus. Both these species are adept at swooping down and plucking unwary fish from the shallow, sandy bays. The common, but stunningly attractive Brahminy Kite with its contrasting white head and breast and brown wings lends Langkawi part of its name; in Malay "helang" means "eagle".	Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus	White-bellied Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
26 Feb	Langkawi boasts a wide variety of birdlife, situated as it is near the narrowest part of the Kra Isthmus at the boundary of Thailand and Malaysia. Migratory birds from North Asia, which migrate south along the East Asian flyway to spend winter in Indonesia and Australia, will naturally be funneled through this area. Resident birds include a variety of Kingfishers which make the northern mangrove areas their home. Most notable is the rare Brown-winged Kingfisher Halcyon amauroptera, identifiable by its large size, orange head and breast and its dark brown wings. Most tourists, however, are more likely to see the brightly coloured sunbirds which frequent the flowering trees and shrubs in the grounds of their luxury hotel !
27 Feb	A full day to relax or do some more birdwatching. Other places to visit include the Crocodile Farm and even a round island cruise can be arranged. depart from Langkawi	HOMEWARD BOUND
	Berkeley Travel, C-4-2A Perdana View Boutique, Damansara Perdana. 47820 Selangor, Malaysia Phone +603 7713 3884 Fax +603 7713 3884 Please note Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of London time
	If you have some ideas and would like to discuss details of a tour, please contact	John Eyton in our Kuala Lumpur Office john@berkeleyinternational.net

Malaysia in February 2005

After many early mornings ...what is better than a few days by the superb beach in Langkawi!