Greater Flameback Woodpecker [Male] @ Kuala Sepetang, Perak, Malaysia

Greater Flameback Woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus) [Male] is a colorful, attractive and very active resident bird can be found in Kuala Sepetang, Perak, Malaysia. They can be found on the mangrove trees along rivers and tributary.

Male Greater Flameback Woodpecker is featured by having red crown and crest whist the same is absent on the female counterpart. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 6.3, EV -0.7.

Kuala Sepetang is small town famous for fishery as it is located in between rivers and delta. The town can be reached within half an hour from Taiping town by car. Other neighboring areas to Kuala Sepetang for the birding destinations include Taiping Lake Gardens, Maxwell Hill or Bukit Larut in Malay, Kemunting and Taman Botani Perak Taiping.   

Taiping Lake Gardens or Taman Tasik Taiping in Malay is a park located in the center of Taiping city. It is a public park that serves as green lung for city folks. It is located at Jalan Pekeliling, Taiping, Malaysia. It can be reached in approximately two and half hours drive from Kuala Lumpur City Center. Other modes of transportation are also available, including train and buses. Alternatively, it can be reached in just one hour from Penang international airport. 

Although Taiping is relatively small town, to cater for both local and foreign tourists visiting Lake Gardens and Maxwell Hill, there are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.  

Covering an area of 64 hectares, the park is the main attraction to Taiping city and an important place for family get way, children activities, gathering, jogging and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. The entrance fee is free of charge. The Park opens 24 hours daily. Other attractions in the park which requires entrance's fee include Taiping Zoo and water activities. 

Taiping Lake Gardens has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 70 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of pittas, eagles, doves, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too.