Dayak Blue Flycatcher Juvenile [Male] @ Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

Hill Blue Flycatcher aka. Dayak Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis whitei) Juvenile [Male] is a colorful, active and attractive bird can be found in Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.

Male Hill Blue Flycatcher is featured by underparts dark blue with throat, breast and flanks orange rufous. The Female counterpart has completely different features; underparts olive brown, tail and wing fringes rufescent. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, 1/160, F 5.6, EV -0.7.  

Mount Trusmadi is the second highest mountain in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu. The place needs no introduction to the world, especially well-known to the nature lovers, hikers and jungle trekkers. It is "a less travelled place" as compared to Mount Kinabalu. Located in the district of Tambunan, South-east of Sabah, island of Borneo, East Malaysia, some 80 km from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu. It can be reached in approximately 2 hours by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through winding mountainous road. Due to it high elevation, weather in the area is very unpredictable. It can be very chilling and foggy hence, prepare for suitable clothing. 

At the time of this writing, the main access road to Mount Trusmadi main gate is under major improvement, which makes the access to the said place only possible by four-wheel drive. The major road improvement for a distance of approximately 8 km is expected to complete by middle of 2024. For those who are interested to explore Mount Trusmadi for any purposes, Tambunan is the nearest town which only takes half an hour to the main gate by car. Although Tambunan is a small town, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some basic rest-house for rent and budget hotels. Some local restaurants, cafeterias and convenience shops are also available.

Mount Trusmadi has the most diversified and unique treasures, both flora and fauna, including more than 350 species of bird and 100 species of mammal. 

For bird lovers, Mount Trusmadi certainly is the place to test your passion and perseverance in getting the best from the rain forest of Borneo. Some target birds include many species of Sunbirds, Pittas, Trogons, Pheasants, Babblers, Warblers, Barbets, Flowerpeckers, Flycatchers, Drongos, Owls, Partridges, Whitehead's Broadbill, Bornean Treepie just to name a few.

White-bellied Sea Eagle in Action @ Sungai Putat, Melaka, Malaysia

White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) is an illusive, attractive and very active bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Sungai Putat, Melaka, Malaysia. The bird can be found along the river and trees around residential enclaves and lives coexist with human being.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2500, 1/1600, F 5.6, EV -0.7.

Other neighboring areas for birding destinations are Sungai Rambai, Parit Jawa and Sungai Balang. 

Sungai Putat is another wonderful birding destinations in Melaka, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has large area of water retention pond, river, paddy field, mangrove forest, seashore, and streams. Melaka is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away, sightseeing and food. Adequate accommodations, restaurants, local food stalls and recreational activities are provided in the nearby town, Melaka. 

Sungai Putat can be reached in approximately two and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car. The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Sungai Putat includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds,  shore birds, bitterns, stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.

Buffy Fish Owl @ Taman Tasik Permaisuri, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Buffy Fish Owl (Ketupa ketupu) is a very active and attractive resident bird can be found in Taman Tasik Permaisuri. It can be found on the tree in the little island and around the park.

Taman Tasik Permaisuri is one of few parks located in the center of Kuala Lumpur city. It is a public park that serves a green lung for city folks. It is located at Bandar Permaisuri, Cheras, just half an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

The park is an important place for family get way, sporting activities, children activities, jogging, bird watching and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. 

Taman Tasik Permaisuri has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 30 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of kites, eagles, egrets, herons, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too.