Birding at Awana OPH Genting Highlands

After a two-year absence from birding at Awana OPH, i called Mr CY Tan, a veteran hiker, mountaineer and nature lover cum birder to ask him whether he would be interested to join me for a half-day birding trip. He did not hesitate a second in replying and so off we went on a Sun morning.  Awana OPH is located near the township of GohTong Jaya, in the state of Pahang and is only about half way to Genting Highlands. It is said to be about 1000 feet above sea level and i certaintly cherished its cool mountain air.

We had our breakfast at 7.10am and started birding about 7.30am. We initially discovered that the entrance near to the road leading to the main gate was actually "locked" so we did a "U" turn and parked the car near a row of shop lots and started our "morning walk" from there. Thank God that the main gate was opened so it was a good start afterall. The first bird sound which greeted us was the famous repetitive "chonk, chonk, chonk" sound made by a stripped-tit babbler just before the main gate area. Although the call was very close but unfortunately we could not spot the bird as it has probably hidden its self in one of the thick bushes. The next bird we spotted was really unexpected as it was never recorded so high up here before:

Initially we have registered this bird as a "Horsfield Babbler". Dave Bakewell commented that it could probably be a "Lesser Shortwing" which looks like one as well.  If its a Horsefield than it could be the first of its kind to be recorded at this place. Wish i had a better lens for a sharper picture.

We did came across many other birds and here are some of them:

A handsome White-Rumped Munia collecting nesting materials.

This is a Lesser Cuckooshrike - a very friendly bird which allows close photography.

This a male Grey-Chinned Minivet. Usually found at a higher altitude than its relative, scarlet minivet. They are usually also found high up in the canopy but this fellow decided to catch some insects at eye level.

These are Chestnut-Capped Laughing Thrush. A very common resident of hill stations. Found at least 4-5  of them along the trail. They must be thriving well here.

Wait a minute is this a Bronze Drongo or a lesser racket-tailed drongo without its streamers? It looks more like a Bronze Drongo.

This is a beautiful female Silver-Breasted Broadbill. It was sitting there rather quietly but somehow we managed to spot it.

Ah this is a Grey-Headed Canary Flycatcher. It was following a bird wave when this photo was taken.

This bird is certainly a star in Awana OPH. This bird was initially registered as a Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo based on its forked tail. After further consultation with the experts and the comment by Dave Bakewell, this bird could just be a "Lesser Racket-Tailed Drongo" ! 

This is a Purple-Naped Sunbird - it was looking rather curiously at us.

A common Black-Crested Bulbul at its best pose.

This must certaintly be the best of the lots - a male Red Jungle Fowl. It was last recorded at nearby Awana in year 2000. This fellow was actually walking away quite fast and at the same time looking behind to see whether we are following him. Yes indeed we are actually trying to be closed to him. Finally he had enough and flew off into the undergrowth.

We also came across this lovely wild orchid at full bloom. Saw many people took its photo so i decided to do likewise and share it with you. Unfortunately i do not know its scientific name.

Orange-Backed Woodpecker (Reinwardtipicus validus)

Orange-backed woodpeckers are one of the many species of woodpeckers which can be found in Malaysia and Thailand as well. A fact which Wikipedia needs to correct since it only mentioned Indonesia.  As there are not many literature about orange-backed woodpeckers in the web so i thought i would try to give a brief account of these wonderful woodpeckers.

I have always like to observe woodpeckers not only because of their bright plumage but also due to their peculiar behavior and flight patterns. Known for their habit of pecking into tree trunks to search for insect larvaes or as a means of communicating territorial possesion, they have also pecked into tree trunks to search for suitable nest i.e burrowing into tree trunks to be more precise. Some woodpeckers have also been observed occupying abandoned tree holes. Measuring about 30cm, orange-backed woodpeckers can be found in the forest and lowland jungles. Both male and female have a distinct dichotomy whereby male has a red crown and female has a blackish crown. Other distinct features which can be observed are the whitish  back on the female and orangey eyes on the male as opposed to black eyes of females. Locally named as "Belatuk Ranum' and is a fully protected bird.

The above two photos are male orange-backed woodpeckers. They are observed flying from a tree trunk to another.

They are followed by this female orange-backed woodpecker.

Later both were together on a tree trunk. Could it be that they were looking for a suitable trunk for nesting or perhaps they were just looking for an early morning snack? These photos were taken recently at about 8.15am (May 2011)

After this photo was taken both flew away to another tree trunk deeper in the forest.

Common mammals, reptiles and fauna of birding trips

There are times when wild animals would appear on one of the jungle trails which make birding trips even more exciting. Here are some which are commonly encountered:

Look who is lurking amongst the branches? This is a huge water monitor lizard waiting for unsuspecting birds.

These are long-tailed macaques. They could be found in most jungles and some even at urban parks. Ancient Egyptians must have learn from these primates about using eye shadows. Can be very adaptive in urban living and quite aggressive when comes to food - have seen one snatched food right from a tourist hand at Batu Caves.

Walking with its nose and tails up!! This is a male pig-tailed macaque. A nomadic macaque which can be found in the forest and often used to pluck coconuts by villages.

This is a dusky langur. It is generally greyish and has white rings around its eyes. Have seen one carry a newborn which is usually bright golden-yellow in colour. Can be found in coastal regions or secondary forest.

This is a Himalayan Striped Squirrel. Can be found in the forest but most which i have seen are in the sub-montane regions.

These are plantain squirrels. A common squirrel one would see in the forest as well as gardens, orchards, parks and plantations. The second photo shows that it is trying to chew off the bark of a trunk - it could be looking for some vege matters in its diets or the trunk could have some medicinal properties in it.

This is a giant squirrel. Although found mainly in the forest canopy but some can be seen lower when they are searching for food like this one. 

One of the most common flying lizard which you will encounter in the forest trails.

These are Rajah Brooke Butterflies. A much sort after butterflies for collectors.

A beautiful congregation of butterflies picking up minerals from the jungle trails.