INTRODUCTION

In July/August 2007 I had planned a 2 week trip to Sumatra. As I used Kuala Lumpur as a hub for the journey to Padang on Sumatra, I decided to use the stop-over at Kuala Lumpur on my way back for an extension in Malaysia.

I had birded Malaysia way back in 1987 and this time I focussed on 2 sites only to try to find some species missed on previous trips to South-East Asia and so I spent 9 days in Taman Negara and another 3½ day at Fraser’s Hill.

At first I was a bit sceptical about the situation in Taman Negara N.P., as I had the assumption,  that compared to 1987, it must have become more touristy and overrun by “normal” tourists. But actually the birding was great, the scenery and forest still astonishing and except for the trails close to the HQ area, I was never really bothered by other people. And even the trails close to the HQ gave me great birds. See the annotated list.

I also liked the atmosphere in the evening when I had dinner, often in the company of a few other birders, on the floating restaurants.

You can spend 1 week, 2 weeks or even 3 weeks at Taman Negara and still see new birds on your last day in the area. Actually for first time visitors I would say that 2 weeks is the minimum you should stay at this place.

As there are already plenty of reports of these sites available I will not provide many details of the 2 sites. You can obtain a trail map at the main office of Taman Negara NP and a map of the trails around Fraser’s Hill is provided free of charge by the small nature education/tourist office on the main square of Fraser’s Hill. This is the place to contact Mr. Durai who might give you some up to date info about birds, accommodation and transport. Through him I arranged a taxi driver called Sami for the transfer from Fraser’s Hill to Kuala Lumpur.

In Taman Negara the most productive trails for me were the River Trail, the Jenet Muda Trail and the trail between Gua Tengeling and the Yong/Blau Hide.

At Fraser’s Hill I mainly birded the Hemnant Trail, the Bishops’Trail and along several roads around town. I did not bird down towards the Gap this time.

VISA

No visa is required for Malaysia.

MONEY

The currency used in Malaysia is the Ringit. (MR)

During our stay the exchange rate was:

1 € =               ± 5 MR
1 US$ =          ±3.35 MR

I took some traveller cheques, cash Euros/Dollars and a credit card with me.

When I arrived at the airport of Kuala Lumpur I took roughly 1500 MR from the ATM machine at the arrival hall.

I used the credit card to pay for the accommodation at Taman Negara and the 1500 MR were sufficient to cover all other expenses during my stay.

GETTING THERE

I flew with KLM from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur for which I had to pay € 900,- including all taxes.

GETTING AROUND

To travel from the airport to Taman Negara I used a taxi. You find a taxi counter at the arrival hall of Kuala Lumpur Airport where you can book a taxi straight to Kuala Tahan – Taman Negara. This is easy, fast but not cheap. I had to pay 320 MR for the 5 hour trip.

But if you can share the costs with other birders it is cheaper and convenient.

For the trip from Kuala Tahan to Fraser’s Hill I used the bus to Jerantut (very cheap) and from Jerantut to Fraser’s Hill a taxi. This cost me 160 MR.

I also used a taxi from Fraser’s Hill straight to the international airport of Kuala Lumpur. (180 MR)

ACCOMODATION – FOOD & DRINKS

Very good and cheap accommodation can be found at various guesthouses at Kuala Tahan. Everything between 40 to 200 MR for a double room with breakfast included.

I decided to stay at the other side of the river inside the National Park, where I had a very nice room for which I had to pay 200 MR after some negotiating.

Some reports mention that it is a disadvantage to stay outside of the National Park because of  the fact that you are unable to cross the river early enough in the morning to be on the trails for the morning bird activity.

That is actually not true. Birders were crossing as early as 7.00 am without any problem and another thing is that there was much more bird activity a little later in the morning than just after dawn. Crossing over late in the evening is no problem either.

So in retrospect I would opt for a nice guesthouse (± 70 MR. for a double) at Kuala Tahan and to cross the river which takes less than a minute and cost only 1 MR.

Officially you can have breakfast from 7.00 am onwards but I had daily breakfast from 6.45 – 7.00 am. I also took bread and some cake with me on the trails. AND PLENTY OF WATER.

There is a small shop at the Mutiara Resort (and in Kuala Tahan) where you can buy mineral water but I also used a water cooker in my room to supply myself.

A had a few meals at the main restaurant but most of the time I had excellent and cheap lunches/dinners at the floating restaurants. Beer at the main restaurant of the Mutiara Resort was ridiculously expensive. A glass of beer was more expensive than a complete meal!!

You can buy a can of beer at the Hill View Resort at the other side of the river for a more reasonable price but it is still expensive. There is no beer at the floating restaurants.

At Fraser’s Hill I stayed at Fraser’s Silverpark. Here I had a huge apartment for 124 MR. An advantage is that it is close to the entrance of the Bishop’s Trail.

I had all my meals at the small restaurants in the centre of town.

LANGUAGE

This is not a problem as most people speak English.

WEATHER

The weather during my stay was excellent. During 9 days in Taman Negara I experienced only a little rain and overcast weather conditions on day 8.

It was actually very dry and I encountered only a few leeches.

But of course it was very, very humid and very hot at Taman Negara.

At Fraser’s Hill some foggy and chilly mornings and a few short rain showers. Rather hot at noon. Only some leeches one day at the Bishop’s Trail.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Malaysia is generally a very safe country and I had no hassle whatsoever.

As the food was excellent I had no food-related problems.

BIRDING

I spent 9 days in Taman Negara but I could easily have spent another week in this National Park and I won’t be bored. Birding in tropical lowland rainforest is difficult but patience can give you great rewards. As I said before I tried to fill in some gaps of my Asian bird list and I succeeded in finding 9 lifers: Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, Gould’s Frogmouth, Rufous-backed Kingfisher, Checker-throated Woodpecker, Buff-necked Woodpecker, Olive-backed Woodpecker, Garnet Pitta, Rufous-chested Flycatcher and Maroon-breasted Philentoma.

Besides these species I saw some other nice species like Malaysian Rail-Babbler (good views this time), Crested Fireback, Blue-banded Kingfisher, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, Banded Kingfisher, Red-bearded Bee-eater, White-crowned Hornbill, Banded Pitta, Blue-winged Pitta, Chestnut-naped Forktail, Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler, Large Wren-Babbler, Grey-headed Babbler, Black-throated Babbler and Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler.

Other species hoped for but not seen include Crestless Fireback, Long-billed Partridge, Large Green Pigeon, Jambu Fruit-Dove, Large Frogmouth, Oriental Bay Owl, Black & White Bulbul and White-necked Babbler, but these are all difficult to find.
As I was not interested in recording a high number of species I did not do justice to certain groups of species like for instance the barbets.

In Fraser’s hill I focussed mainly on the high altitude birds around Fraser’s Hill itself.

Highlights were the brief observation of a Rusty-naped Pitta and a couple of endemic Malayan Partridges along the Bishop’s Trail.

I had seen Malayan Whistling-Thrush back in 1986 but I tried several early mornings to observe the species again on this trip but I only heard it once.

REFERENCES

Books

A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia: Craig Robson (2002 edition)
Threatened Birds of the World   Birdlife International & Lynx Ed.
Distribution & Taxonomy of Birds of the World  Sibley & Monroe

Trip Reports/Articles. These can be found at: Surfbirds.com,  Birdtours.co.uk and Worldtwitch.com.

Peninsula Malaysia, July 4th – August 5th, 1999, Wim Veraghtert
Malaya (Peninsula) Aug-Sept. 2006,  F.Derriks-P.de Groot Boersma
Malaysia Birding, Frank Rheindt
Taman Negara & Fraser’s Hill, Peninsula Malaysia 20 April – 1 May 2007, Remco Hofland

ACKOWLEDGEMENTS

I like to thank Sam Woods and Bram Demeulemeester who were excellent company at Taman Negara and my friend Wiel Poelmans who birded most of the time with me at Taman Negara and Remco Hofland who gave me recent info about birding in Taman Negara.

Henk Hendriks he.hendriks@wxs.nl

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday August 4   Padang (Sumatra) – Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur – Taman Negara 17.00 – 19.00 Swamp Trail

At 11.00 am I arrived in Kuala Lumpur together with Wiel Poelmans on an Air Asia flight from Padang. We had just finished a 2 week birding trip to the Gunung Kerinci area on Sumatra.

After collecting my luggage I went to the ATM machine in the arrival hall and changed 1500 MR. Next I booked a taxi to Taman Negara for which I had to pay 320 MR.

Then I said goodbye to Wiel, who would stay at the airport as his wife would fly in from Amsterdam later that day. They had planned a 4 week-trip in Malaysia together.

Drove from KL to Kuala Tahan with only a short lunch break at Jerantut.

I had not arranged anything beforehand so I just showed up at the reception of the Mutiara Resort. After some negotiation I got a nice room for 200 RM., which is still expensive.

Dropped my gear and birded from 17.00 – 19.00 pm. along the Swamp Loop Trail.

As soon as I entered the forest I had excellent and close views of a pair of Crested Fireback, soon followed by a pair of Crested Wood Partridges. A ♀ Banded Kingfisher gave also nice views. A fine start of my stay here.

Had dinner at the resort restaurant which was ok.

Day 2: Sunday August 5      Swamp Loop Trail, Jenet Muda Trail, Swamp Trail, River Trail.

Got up at 6.00 am. and decided to check the Swamp Loop Trail before first light. The first bird I heard calling when I started along this trail was a Gould’s Frogmouth. As the bird was calling very close to the trail I went in and sure enough within minutes I found the frogmouth and had good views in my spotlight. Had a quick breakfast and continued to the Jenet Muda Trail. I birded this trail extensively until 14.00 pm. I did not see the Great Argus at the top end of the trail but I had one calling close to the trail lower down.

When going of trail after some Black-throated Babblers I got lost!! This was of course not something to take lightly. I was alone, nobody knew about my whereabouts,so nobody would miss me. I decided to follow a small stream which most likely would cross the trail somewhere.

After 45 long minutes I finally reached the River Trail!! This experience made clear to me once again that birders have to be careful when going of trail, especially when they are on their own. Other birds encountered that morning was a ♂ Banded Pitta, Crested Partridge, Rufous Piculet, a pair of nice Orange-backed Woodpeckers, a Buff-necked Woodpecker and a few very vocal Straw-headed Bulbuls.

From 14.00 to 16.00 I had a lunch break, followed by a siesta.

Birded the Swamp Loop Trail and the River Trail until 19.30 pm. At the first bridge over a stream, crossing the River Trail, I observed a fine ♂ Rufous-chested Flycatcher.

Day 3: Monday August 6    River Trail, Swamp Loop Trail

I had an early breakfast from 6.45 to 7.00 am. After that I birded extensively along the first part of the River Trail until 13.30 pm.

Best birds were a pair of very obliging Olive-backed Woodpeckers and lengthy views of a perched White-crowned Hornbill. At least 2 Large Wren Babblers were also seen.

Again a lunch break & siesta until 16.00 pm.

During lunch on one of the small floating restaurants I unexpectedly bumped into Wiel again.

I turned out that his wife had to work for another week or so for her company and she needed an internet connection to forward her work. So they had decided to check into one of the bigger resorts in Kuala Tahan for at least a week, so she could work and Wiel could continue birding in Taman Negara.

They had arrived late in the afternoon on the 5th. and Wiel told me that he had briefly seen a female Malaysian Peacock Pheasant that afternoon along the Swamp Loop Trail!!, a species that had eluded me so far.

The Swamp Loop Trail again from 16.00 – 18.00 pm. with Wiel. We did some excellent observations. When I was taping in a Large Wren-Babbler, suddenly a Malaysian Rail-Babbler walked slowly and unconcerned into my view. I had excellent and close views of this bird but unfortunately Wiel did not manage to find it again. We tried to tape it in but despite the fact that it immediately responded it never showed again.

A male Maroon-breasted Philentoma was another good find. We also met 2 other birders on the trail, Bram de Meulenmeester and Sam Woods. Decided to have dinner together that evening.

We had a good meal at one of the floating restaurants and talked about birds of course.

They intended to bird the Blau and Yong hide area the next morning and asked us to join them on the boat ride to that area.

Day 4: Tuesday August 7    Gua Tengeling to Blau/Yong hide, Swamp Loop Trail, Spotlighting along the River Trail

Together with Bram and Sam we took a boat to the Blau/Yong hide jetty. Bram en Sam birded towards The Yong Hide while Wiel and I decided to bird to Gua Tengeling, the bat cave area. We birded from 7.45 – 13.0 0 pm.

We heard a few times a Malaysian Rail-Babbler and despite the fact that we came close once, we never saw it. It was also frustrating that after more than one hour we were still unable to get views of a Garnet Pitta, despite the fact that it was calling fanatically from right above our heads.

When we met Bram and Sam again at the jetty they showed us the pictures of Garnet Pitta!! And they had also excellent views of 2 Malaysian Rail-Babblers!!

But we did have excellent views of a ♂ Rufous-collared Kingfisher and brief views of a pair of Banded Pittas.

We returned to Kuala Tahan for a lunch and birding break and birded the Swamp Loop Trail again from 16.30 – 19.00 pm.

I went also spotlighting with Bram and Sam along the River Trail from 20.00 – 22.30 pm but we only heard Sunda Scops Owl.

Day 5: Wednesday August 8 Gua Tengeling to Blau/Yong hide, Swamp Loop Trail

The morning was a repeat of yesterday’s exercise. This time, with the help of Sam and Bram, we actually found a Garnet Pitta. The bird was calling from high up in a tree and gave reasonable views in the scope. Later I decided to go of trail, was able to relocate the bird and this time I had fabulous close and lengthy views of the pitta.

We also taped in a pair of Fluffy-backed Tit-Babblers.

Birded the area until 13.30 pm. and left again for Kuala Tahan. Observed 3 Black-thighed Falconets on some dead trees near the main clearing/Tahan Hide.

In the afternoon again on the Swamp Loop Trail from 16.30 – 18.00 pm.

Day 6: Thursday August 9  Trengan Lodge to Kumbang Hide, Swamp Loop Trail

At 7.00 am we took the boat to Trenggan Lodge. Blue-banded Kingfisher was observed perched low down at the edge of the river.

From 7.45 to 14.00 we birded the trail from Trenggan Lodge to Kumbang Hide and back.

The birding was rather slow and somewhat disappointing.

Best species seen were our second Rufous-collared Kingfisher of this trip, a Chestnut-naped Forktail, Large Wren-Babbler, Striped Wren-Babbler (HO), Grey-headed Babbler and Crested Jay.         

In the afternoon the Swamp Loop Trail from 17.00 – 18.00 pm. Just behind the first bungalow we taped in a Blue-winged Pitta and we also had fabulous views of a ♂ Banded Pitta.

Day 7: Friday August 10     Jenet Muda Trail, River Trail & Campground

Wiel and I birded the Jenet Muda trail from dawn (7.15 am) to 12.30 am.

We were hoping to observe the displaying Great Argus on top of the Jenet Muda Trail but we dipped. The last couple of months the bird was giving excellent and close views while displaying right on the trail but apparently it had left the area again.

We did see a ♀ Red-naped Trogon, a Rufous-backed Kingfisher and a Chestnut-naped Forktail at a small stream and 2 Banded Broadbills.

From 16.00 to 19.00 pm. we birded along the River Trail and at the edge of the Camp Ground. Here we found a whole set of Bulbuls, Red-bearded Bee-eater and Checker-throated Woodpecker.

Dinner with Bram and Sam on the floating restaurants.

Day 8: Saturday August 11 Blau/Yong area to Gua Tengeling.

Today was my birthday and as usual I was not at home, birding somewhere on the globe.

There is always hope that you see something good on this day as a kind of birthday present.

And this time it came it the form of the observation of a male Malaysian Peacock Pheasant.

After several fruitless attempts to tape in calling birds along the trail I decided to go of trail, climb up a ridge in an attempt to sneak up to the bird. I had not much hope but as soon as I reached the top of the ridge, where the forest was rather open, I noticed this male Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant slowly walking away from me. At last, Bingo.

Also good views of Chestnut-rumped Babbler.

We returned to Kuala Tahan at 13.00 pm and did not do much the rest of the afternoon.

In the evening I walked up to Wiel’s hotel and had some beers with him and José, his wife to celebrate my birthday.

Day 9: Sunday August 12    Kuala Tahan – Jerantut – Fraser’s Hill.

Today was a gloomy day with overcast weather conditions and it seemed a good day to leave Taman Negara for Fraser’s Hill. Some early morning birding around the camp ground and then I said goodbye to Wiel, Bram and Sam.

I later heard that the next evening they had a spectacular spotlight session.

Within 1 hour they saw and photographed Reddish Scops Owl, a pair of Bay Owl and a Large Frogmouth!! And the next evening while looking for a Gould’s Frogmouth they found a roosting Jambu Fruit-Dove along the Swamp Loop Trail

At 10.00 am I took the slow bus to Jerantut where I arrived around noon. After some negotiating I took a taxi straight from Jerantut to Fraser’s Hill where I rented an apartment at

Fraser’s Hill SilverPark. It was a nice spacious room for about €20,-

Despite the fact that it was quite foggy I birded a little around the hotel.

I was the only person having dinner at the dining hall of the restaurant. The place was almost deserted. The next couple of days I would have my meals at one of the restaurants in the centre of town.

Day 10: Monday August 13            Hemnant Trail, Bishop’s Trail, Upper roads Fraser’s Hill

Had an early breakfast had started birding Hemnant Trail at 7.45 am.

I found several Rufous-browed Flycatchers along the trail.

Later I birded slowly the Bishop’s Trail. A few leeches present

After lunch I walked the upper road towards the Robinson Waterfall until 16.30 pm.

Late afternoon again on the Hemnant and Bishop’s Trail. At the end of the afternoon I connected with one of my target species : a pair of Malayan Partridges crossing the trail at the top of the Bishop’s Trail. Observed foraging just next to the trail afterwards.

Some other species observed today were: Lesser Yellownape, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Javan Cuckoo-Shrike, Lesser Shortwing, Mountain Bulbul (common), Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Black Laughingthrush, Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush, Buff-breasted Babbler, Golden Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Silver-eared Mesia, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, Sultan Tit (2 exx.), but not Malayan Laughingthrush or the hoped for Rusty-naped Pitta.

Day 11: Tuesday August 14 Pine Hill Rd., road to Raub, Bishop’s Trail

Before dawn I was present at the barrier of the upper road towards the Gap. It used to be a reliable stake-out for Malaysian Whistling-Thrush but with the opening of the new road there is probably too much traffic on the road in the early morning. Not a sniff.

After breakfast I walked the Pine Hill Rd. until 10.00 am. A small party of 3 Malayan Laughingthrushes was found just next to the road.

Then I decided to walk the first 3 to 4 km. of the new road down towards the Gap. Hitched a lift back up to Fraser’s Hill. Not very productive but at least 6 White-browed Shrike-Babblers were seen.

From 16.00 – 18.30 pm on the Bishop’s Trail. At the beginning of the trail I taped in a pair of Large Scimitar Babblers which gave excellent views. When I slowly walked Bishop’s Trail I noticed some movement lower down the slope and had brief views of a Rusty-naped Pitta.

I played the tape and stayed in the area for more than one hour but without result.

A Mountain Scops Owl was heard in the distance.

Day 12: Wednesday August 15       Waterfall, Bishop’s Trail, Hemnant Trail.

Before dawn I walked the 5 km. to the waterfall. Spent an hour or so in the area to look for the Whistling-Thrush then walked back up the road. Observed several Ochraceous Bulbuls and had good and close views of a Indian Cuckoo.

I walked several times the Hemnant and Bishop’s Trail. Found a nice ♂ Red-headed Trogon. Late afternoon I met Bram Demeulemeester on the top of the Bishop’s Trail. Just before dusk I found a roosting Brown Wood-Owl right above the Hemnant Trail which was photographed by Bram. We had dinner together.

Day 13: Thursday August 16          Barrier, Bishop’s Trail, Hemnant Trail. Fraser’s Hill – Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam

We checked the barrier area again and though we heard the Whistling-Thrush we never saw it. We birded the trails again and at noon I said goodbye again to Bram and after collecting my luggage I left Fraser’s Hill with a pre-arranged taxi for Kuala Lumpur airport at 15.00 pm.

After an uneventful drive I arrived at the airport at 18.30 pm.

At 23.15 I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam where I arrived at 5.00 am the next day.

Day 14: Friday August 17

Arrived at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam at 5.00 am. Took the train at 7.00 am and arrived at Geldrop a little after 9.00 am.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED

Taxonomy, sequence and nomenclature follow “Distribution & Taxonomy of Birds of the World” by Sibley & Monroe with some recent taxonomic changes included.

Species in capitals and with an * are endemic to Malaysia.

Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus
On 11-08 1 ex. near the camp site at dusk.

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
On 4-08 1 ex. between KL and Taman Negara.

Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela
On 4-08 1 ex. near Taman Negara.
On 14-08 1 ex. Fraser’s Hill along the road towards Raub.

Black-thighed Falconet Macrohierax fringillarius
On 4 dates 2 to 3 birds were seen at the accommodation area of TN and near the main hide.

Malaysian Partridge Arborophila orientalis
On 13-08 2 exx. were seen twice along the upper part of the Bishop’s Trail in the late afternoon.

Crested Partridge Rollulus rouroul
A total of 18 exx. seen on 6 dates in TN. Some excellent close views.
The Swamp Loop Trail and River Trail were best for this species.

Crested Fireback Lophura ignite
On 4-08 2 pairs along the Swamp Loop Trail.
On 8-08 2 males along the Swamp Loop Trail
On 11-08 3 exx. near the Blau Hide.

Malayan Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron malacense
This species was daily heard at TM. Sometimes at very close range and finally on 11-08 I got brief but fine views of a male near Gua Tengeling.

Great Argus Argusianus argus
This species was also daily heard but it had unfortunately left its dancing ground at the top of the Jenet Muda Trail at TM.

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
On 4-08 3 exx. between KL and TN.
On 9-08 1 ex. at Tahan village.

Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps
A total of 7 exx. on 3 dates at Fraser’s Hill

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
A total of 8 exx. on 5 dates at TN.

Thick-billed Pigeon Treron curvirostra
A total of 47 exx. on 5 dates at TN.

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
On 11-08 7 exx. near Blau Hide and single birds seen on 3 other dates at TN.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia
On 8-08 1 ex. TN.
On 14-08 4 exx. FH.

Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus
On 8 and 9-08 4 exx. in flight at TN.

Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot Loriculus galgulus
A total of 5 exx. on 3 dates at TN.

Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus
On 13-08 1 ex. heard at FH. and on 15-08 excellent views of one.

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii
Twice heard at TN.

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus
Regularly heard along the river at the edge of the Mutiara Resort at TN.

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi
Seen on 2 dates at TN.

Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis
On 13-08 2 exx. at TN.

Raffles’s Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus
Single birds on 2 dates at TN.

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
On 6-08 1 ex. at TN.

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Regularly heard at TN.

Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus
Heard on 2 dates at FH.

Sunda Scops-Owl Otus lempiji
On 7-08 1 ex. heard at TN.

Brown Wood-Owl Strix leptogrammica
On 14-08 excellent views of 1 ex. right above the Hemnant Trail at FH.

Gould’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus stellatus
On 5-08 great views of a calling bird just next to the Swamp Loop Trail, TN.
Also heard on 2 other evenings.

Silver-rumped Swift Raphidura leucopygialis
On 3 dates small numbers late afternoon above the campground area at TN.

Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus
Up to 10 exx. late afternoon above the campground of the Mutiara Resort, TN. On 3 dates.

House Swift Apus nipalensis
Common at Fraser’s Hill.

Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis
4 to 6 exx. on 4 dates above the campground of the Mutiara Resort, TN.

Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba
On 6-08 1 ex. heard, on 9-08 1♀ and on 10-08 1♂ at TN.

Diard’s Trogon Harpactes diardii
Heard on 2 dates at TN.

Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii
On 11-08 1 ex. near Blau Hide, TN.

Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus
On 15-08 good views of a ♂ at the beginning of the Bishops Trail at FH.

Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting
On 5-08 a fly-bye of 1 ex. along the Jenet Muda Trail at TN.

Blue-banded Kingfisher Alcedo euryzona
On 9-08 1 ex. along the river during the boat trip to Kuala Trenggan, TN.

Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa
Heard on 2 dates and 1 ex. seen on 10-08 at a stream crossing along the Jenet Muda Trail,TN.

Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella
On 4-08 1♀ along the Swamp Loop Trail, TN
Another one was heard on 9-08.

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
On 10-08 1 ex. along the river at TN.

Rufous-collared Kingfisher Actenoides concretus
On 7-08 1 ♂ along the Blau – Gua Tengeling Trail at TN.
Another ♂ along the Kumbang Hide Trail on 9-08.

Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus
On 10 and 11-08 1 ex. at the campground at TN.

Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis
Single birds along the river during boat trips on 7 and 10-08 at TN.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus
On 7-08 1 ex.near Kuala Tahan village.

Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Single birds along the river, during boat trips at TN.

Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
A total of 18 exx. (10 exx. on 8-08) on 3 dates at TN. Mainly main clearing of Mutiara Resort.

Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros
On 5-08 heard along the Jenet Muda Trail at TN.

White-crowned Hornbill Aceros comatus
On 6-08 excellent views of a perched bird along the River Trail at TN.

Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugates
A group of 4 birds poorly observed near Gua Tengeling on 7-08 was possibly this species.

Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulates
On 11-08 2 exx. near the Blau Hide, TN.

Fire-tufted Barbet Psilopogon pyrolophus
Commonly heard and seen at FH.

Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrysopogon
Heard on 14-08 lower down along the road towards Raub at FH. and once at TN.

Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystacophanos
Single birds seen on 9 and 10-08 at TN. Several more were heard.

Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii
Heard on 2 dates at FH.

Yellow-crowned Barbet Megalaima henricii
On 9-08 heard at TN.

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
On 14-08 1 ex. heard lower down along the new road at FH.

Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis
On 5-08 1 ex. along the Jenet Muda Trail at TN.

Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus
A total of 10 exx. on 3 dates at FH.

Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus
On 11-08 1 ex. TN.
On 13-08 2 exx. and on 14-08 1 ex. at FH.

Checker-throated Woodpecker Picus mentalis
On 10-08 2 exx. and on 11-08 1 ex. at the edge of the campground at TN.

Olive-backed Woodpecker Dinopium rafflesii
On 6-08 excellent views of a pair of this uncommon species along the River Trail,TN.

Orange-backed Woodpecker Reinwardtipicus validus
On 5-08 1 pair was observed along the River Trail, TN.

Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki
A total of 6 exx. on 4 dates at TN.

Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus
On 8-08 1 ex. heard near Blau Hide and on 9-08 1 ex. heard Kumbang Hide Trail,TN.

Black & Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos
Regularly heard at TN. On 6-08 1 ex. observed along the River Trail.
On 11-08 at least 5 exx. seen along Blau/Yong Hide Trail,TN.

Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus
On 10-08 2 exx. seen along the edge of the campsite, TN

Black & Yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus
Daily heard and seen at TN.

Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis
On 5-08 4 exx.along the Swamp Loop Trail, TN.
On 9-08 1 ex.along the Kumbang Hide Trail.

Rusty-naped Pitta Pitta oatesi
Brief views of 1 ex. on 14-08 along the Bishop’s Trail. The species was not vocal as none was heard during my stay at FH.

Banded Pitta Pitta guajana
The species was recorded (heard and seen) on 7 dates at TN.
A total of 9 birds were seen on 5 dates. Some astonishing views of a pair just behind some bungalows at the start of the trail to the Canopy Walkway.

Garnet Pitta Pitta granatina
On 7-08 2 exx. were heard in the Gua Tengeling area.
On 8-08 great views of a calling bird high up in a tree near Blau Hide. Another ex. was heard.

Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis
One bird was present at the start of the trail to the Canopy Walkway.
On 9-08 the bird was responding to the tape, came in and gave good views.

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Observed

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
A few daily at FH.

Javan Cuckoo-Shrike Coracina javensis
A total of 4 exx. on 3 dates at FH. At least 1 present near Silverpark.

Pied Triller Lalage nigra
On 12-08 3 exx.and on 13-08 2 exx.at FH.

Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus
On 6-08 2 exx. and on 11-08 1 ex. identified at TN.

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
On 6-08 4 exx. at TN.

Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris
Up to 4 exx.daily at FH.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike Hemipus picatus
On 15-08 3 exx. at FH.

Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus
Some good views of this great songster, mostly along the River Trail just after Lubok Simpon. A total of 6 exx. seen on 4 dates. More often heard.

Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus
On 13-08 1 ex. FH.

Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnonotus eutilotus
Single birds identified on 9 and 11-08 near the campground, TN.

Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni
A total of 11 exx. on 5 dates at TN. Regular at Bumbun Tahan Hide near the main clearing.

Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier
On 5 and 6-08 2-4 exx. at TN. On 13-08 4 exx.at FH.

Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex
A total of 5 exx. on 3 dates at TN. Mostly at the edge of the forest near the resort and campground area.

Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus
A total of 9 exx. on 4 dates at TN.

Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmos
A total of 5 exx. on 3 dates at TN.

Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceous
On 15-08 10+ along the road to the Jeriau Waterfall, FH.

Grey-cheeked Bulbul Alophoixus bres
Only 1 ex. identified on 5-08 at TN.

Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus
A total of 14 exx. on 6 dates at TN.

Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger
A total of 18 exx. on 6 dates at TN.

Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis
On 11-08 1 ex. observed near the campground area, TN.

Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii
Commonly and daily recorded at FH.

Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati
Single birds seen on 4 dates at TN.

Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon
On 10-08 1 ex. at TN.

Malayan Whistling-Thrush Myophonus robinsoni
On 15-08 heard only in the early morning near the start of the road to Raub.

Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys
Daily heard at the trails of FH. On 13-08 twice a bird seen along the Bishop’s Trail.

Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus
Commonly heard at FH and a few seen well.

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus
On 6-08 2 exx. along the River Trail and on 8-08 3 exx. near Blau Hide.

Mountain Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus
On 15-08 1 ex. at FH. (Hemnant Trail)

Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps
On 13-08 2 exx. along the Hemnant Trail and on 14-08 1 ex. Bishop’s Trail, FH.

Rufous-browed Flycatcher Ficedula solitaris
A total of 10 exx. on 3 dates along the Hemnant Trail , FH.

Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria
On 5-08 excellent views of a ♂ at the hanging bridge, River Trail, TN.

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
Daily in small numbers at FH.

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina
A total of 5 exx. on 3 dates at FH.

Large Niltava Niltava grandis
Single birds daily at FH.

Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae
On 11-08 1♂ along the River Trail, TN.

Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
On 8-08 2 exx. at TN. On 13-08 1 ex. Hemnant Trail, FH.

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
Common

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Daily up to 4 exx. at TN.

Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus
On 9-08 1 ex. along the trail from Kuala Trengan to Kumbang Hide.
On 10-08 1 ex. along a stream crossing the Jenet Muda Trail, TN.

Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus
A total of 4 exx. on 2 dates at FH.

White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaultia
A total of 4 exx. on 3 dates at TN.

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
Commonly and daily recorded at FH.

Spotted Fantail Rhipidura perlata
On 7-08 1 ex. and on 8-08 2 exx. at TN.

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
On 8-08 1 ♂ along the Swamp Loop Trail.

Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Tersiphone paradise
A total of 7 exx. on 4 dates at TN.

Black Laughingthush Garrulax lugubris
On 13-08 15 exx. and on 14-08 2 exx. along the FH trails.

Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush Garrulax mitratus
Commonly and daily recorded at FH.

Malayan Laughingthrush Garrulax peninsulae
On 14-08 3 exx. along the Pine Tree Road. This was my only observation.
This is a now widely accepted split from Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus.

Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolour
On 5-08 2 exx. along the River Trail, TN.

Abbott’s Babbler Malococincla abbotti
A total of 11 exx. on 3 dates at TN.

Short-tailed Babbler Malacocincla malaccensis
I observed 4 exx. on 3 dates at TN.

Buff-breasted Babbler Pellorneum tickelli
A total of 6 exx. on 3 dates at FH.

Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum
Daily recorded at TN.

Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre
A total of 9 exx. on 5 dates at TN.

Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine
On 8-08 2 exx. and on 11-08 1 ex. at TN.

Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum
Single birds on 9 and 10-08. On 5-08 2 exx.

Rufous-crowned Babbler Mlacopteron magnum
A total of 7 exx. on 4 dates at TN.

Large Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus hypoleucos
On 13-08 heard along the Bishop’s Trail.
On 14-08 excellent views of a taped in pair along the road, close to the start of the Bishop’s Trail at FH.

Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus
Regularly heard at TN. Good views of at least 3 different birds along the River Trail and the Jenet Muda Trail, TN.

Striped Wren-Babbler Kenopia striata
Heard on 2 dates at TN. 1 ex. near Gua Tengeling and 1 along the Kumbang Hide Trail.

Large Wren-Babbler Napothera Macrodactyla
At least 6 exx. seen on 4 dates. Some gave excellent and close views.

Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla
On 13 and 14-08 heard at FH. On 14-08 good views of a bird along the Bishop’s Trail.

Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea
I observed 9 exx. on 2 dates at FH.

Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps
A total of 10 exx. on 3 dates at FH.

Grey-headed Babbler Stachyris poliocephala
On 9-08 1 ex. along the Kumbang Hide Trail, TN.

Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigricollis
On 5-08 excellent views of 2 exx. along the Jenet Muda Trail, TN.

Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculate
Single birds seen along the River Trail, Jenet Muda Trail and along the Blau Hide Trail, TN.

Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris erythroptera
Common at TN. A total of 29 exx. on 7 dates.

Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis
On 10-08 1 ex. near Gua Tengeling.

Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronous ptilosus
On 8-08 2 exx. between Blau and Gua Tengeling.

Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris
Common at FH.

White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis
On 14-08 6 exx. along the road towards Raub.

Black-eared Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius melanotis
A total of 10 exx. on 3 dates at FH.

Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouptera
A total of 14 exx. on 2 dates at FH. Mainly along the Waterfall Rd. and Pine Tree Rd.

Mountain Fulvetta Alcippe peracensis
Common at FH.

Long-tailed Sibia Heterophasia picaoides
Common at FH.

Malaysian Rail-Babbler Eupetes macrocerus
On 6-08 unbelievable good and close views of a bird along the Swamp Loop Trail. The bird walked slowly and quite unconcerned into my view. After it disappeared in the undergrowth the bird did respond to playback but never showed again.
We also heard the species on every visit to the Blau Hide – Gua Tengeling area.

Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea
On 13-08 2 exx. along the road near the start of the Bishop’s Trail.
On 14-08 a total 6 exx. along the Pine Tree Rd.

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
Twice at TN.

Purple-naped Sunbird Anthreptes hypogrammicum
A total of 6 exx. on 4 dates at TN.

Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturate
A total of 7 exx. on 3 dates at FH.

Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster
On 11-08 1 ex. TN.

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
On 7-08 1 ex. TN.

Grey-breasted Spiderhunter Arachnothera modesta
A total of 6 exx. on 3 dates at TN.

Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna
Daily up to 5 exx. at FH.

Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculates
2 single birds at TN.

Everett’s White-eye Zosterops everetti
Common at FH.

Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus
On 5-08 1 ex. TN.

Black & Crimson Oriole Oriolus cruentus
On 14-08 3 ex. at FH.

Asian Fairy-Bluebird Irena puella
A total of 9 exx. on 4 dates at TN.

Rufous-winged Flycatcher Philentoma pyrhopterum
A total 6 exx. on 4 dates at TN.

Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velatum
On 6-08 1♂ along the Swamp Loop Trail,TN.

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
On 9-08 1 ex. TN and daily up to 6 exx. at FH.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus
A total of 9 exx. on 6 dates at TN.

Crested Jay Platylophus galericulatus
On 5-08 2 exx. and on 9-08 1 ex. along the Swamp Loop Trail, TN.

Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus
On 5-08 4 exx. along the Jenet Muda Trail at TN.
On 7-08 2 exx. and on 8-08 1 ex. at the Blau Hide/Gua Tengeling area.

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchus
On 14 and 15-08 6 exx. at FH.

Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis
On 4-08 between KL and TN a few observed. Also 2 exx. near Kuala Tahan village.

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata
On 13-08 30+ along the road towards Raub,FH.
On 14-08 4 exx. along the Pine Tree Road, FH.

A total of 175 species observed.