5 lifers in Taman Negara

The weekends over at Taman Negara Kuala Tahan was a fruitful experience, although many of the birds were recorded through vocal identification. Most importantly, Ding Li got his lifers and Weng Chun got his. They have got what they were looking for. Among the highlights were:

• Large Wren Babbler - they hit the trail early in the morning before sunrise. it was pitch dark, and they walked with the fading light of the flashlight. this individual was unexpected as they initially targeting the malayan peacock-pheasant. After ascending the steep slope from tahan trail junction, the green broadbill was calling followed by the rufous-collared kingfisher. all of a sudden, a different call was heard. could it be a shama? then again, it didn’t really sound like one, after analyzing for a moment, they finally ID it as the large wren babbler. Not an easy target. It was coming from the right side of the trail and flew over to the left. It stayed there for a while until it stopped calling. Their hope came back as it appeared on the left again and it was on the ground. It was very frustrating to judge whether it was perching on branches or on the ground. Weng Chun spotted it on the fallen log while Ding Li was scanning the branches. It went away again and this time, Ding Li decided to go off the trail and his decision really paid off very very well. BINGO for Ding Li and Weng Chun! a lifer for both of them. This was spotted on the last morning before coming back to Kuala Lumpur. Well worth the 1 hour effort.
• Great Slaty Woodpecker - on the first morning, Ding Li heard this species calling. It was still pretty early in the morning and they didn’t get much light from the sun then. Fortunately, the family of 4 gave them a good view.
• Malayan Peacock Pheasant - Saw it on the first morning and even better view on the 2nd morning. Simply amazing. One of the star birds in Taman Negara. The only way to see it is to find the best spot to sit and wait.
• Black-and-white Bulbul - They were walking towards Tabing Hide when this bulbul was sighted by Weng Chun. It didn’t stayed too long though. Not far away, the Pitta was calling but no show.
• Moustached Babbler - Weng Chun finally got a good look at a Moustached Babbler when Ding Li was taking a short afternoon nap on the trail. Very cooperative individual.

On our way out from Kuala Tahan, 7 Rhinoceros Hornbills were flying above us. What a nice ending to our trip!