Malaysian Partridge @ Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

Malaysian Partridge (Arborophila campbelli) aka. Campbell's Partridge is yet another colorful and attractive bird among few hundred species of birds can be found in Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia. The bird can be found along the roads at the Hill. 

Malaysian Partridge is featured by white forehead and cheeks and broad reddish eye-ring, grey bill and pink feet. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 6.3, EV -0.3.

Fraser's Hill is definitely one of the best birding destinations in Malaysia and in Asia as it is a residence to many exotic birds. The hill covers a large area of tropical rain forest, waterfalls, trekking and streams. There are abundant accommodations, food and recreational activities provided at the Hill. It can be reached in approximately two hours from Kuala Lumpur by car.

Fraser's Hill has the largest bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders from all over the world to be there. The main target birds in Fraser's Hill include different types laughingthrush, broadbills, cuckoos, flycathers, woodpackers, barbets, babblers, Niltavas, Minivets and Trogons just to name a few. 

As part of it's promotion and global recognition, Fraser's Hill holds Fraser's Hill International Bird Race annually. The hill is truly a heaven for bird and nature lovers.

Common Redshank @ Jeram Beach Selangor, Malaysia

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) is one of the active, attractive and fast action migratory birds can be found in Jeram Beach Selangor. It can be found along the beach.

Jeram beach located along Kuala Selangor coastal road is one of destinations of million migratory shorebirds to Peninsular Malaysia every year. The number of migratory shorebirds increases to reach the peak between March to April. 

There are few different types of stints come to Jeram beach, including red-necked stints and little stints. The birds are active in the morning, from 8.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. during low tide. 

Jeram beach aka. pantai Jeram is a popular beach destination for Malaysian for weekend family get-away. There are abundant seafood restaurants along the beach which operates from afternoon to evening especially during weekend. It can be reached in approximately one hour from Kuala Lumpur by car. The main target birds include different types of stints, sandpipers, eagles, doves, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, herons, egrets, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few.

Red-naped Trogon [Male] @ Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia

Red-naped Trogon (Harpactes kasumba) [Male] is colorful, attractive and very active resident bird can be found in Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia. They can be found on the mature tree along the road around the center.

The male Red-naped Trogon is featured by black head, red nape, narrow white breaast-band. Female bird has completely different color, featured by grayish brown head and upper breast. In terms of size, color and other features, it is observed that there is no significant differences between Red-naped Trogon found in East and West Malaysia. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 5.6, EV -0.3.  

Rainforest Discovery Center or in short RDC is the most famous and accessible natural rainforest in Sabah. It overs a total area of 4,300 hectar of Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve. The center is located just 23 km from Sandakan town, Sabah, Malaysia. It can be reached in approximately just half hour drive from Sandakan town. The center offers many attractions to visitors, including jungle trekking, night walk, canopy walk, plants discovery garden and exhibition hall. Rainforest Discovery Center opens from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily. The entrance fee is RM7.00 for Malaysian and RM15.00 for foreigner respectively. For night walk with guide will be charged seperately. Detail information can be obtained at the ticketing counter located at the entance of the center. Other nearby attractions to Rainforest Discovery Center include Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Although Sepilok and Sandakan are relatively small towns, to cater for both local and foreign tourists visiting those attractions, there are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.  

Rainforest Discovery Center has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 300 species of birds. It certainly entices birders around the world to be there. The main target birds include different types of pittas, Bornean Bristlehead, 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.

Himalayan Bulbul @ Uttarakhand, North India

Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) is a colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in the state of Uttarakhand, North India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, F 6.3, EV -1.7

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography in India has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers. 

Why Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand means "Northen Land" in Hindi. Geographically, state of Uttarakand is located in the Northen part of India, with four seasons weather. It borders with China to the North, Nepal to the East and state of Uttar Pradesh to the South. Uttarakhand has an impressive biodiversity, both flora and founa. Approximately 85% of Uttarakhand state is mountainous and 65% of the total area is covered by forest; from glaciers at the highest elevations to subtropical forest at the lowest elevations, with the elevation ranging from 1,500 meter to 5,000 meter above sea level. The factors have been primary reason for Uttarakhand to be home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit Uttarakhand

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from November to March. During this period, temperature is between 10 - 18 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 0 - 5 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Chopta is also known as "Mini Switzerland" has colder temperature with snowfall during winter as it located in higher altitute. Hence, prior arrangement is needed during winter as it is a peak season for tourists arrival, for both local and foreign tourists. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Sattal and Bhintal which can be reached in approximately two hours drive from the airport, Pantnagar. Pangkot which can be reached in just approximately one and half hour drive from Sattal town. Chopta is also another great location. 

How to go to Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand can be reached in approximately one hour by plane from Delhi to a small airport at Pantnagar town. It takes two hours drive from Pantnagar airport to Sattal or Bintal town. Alternatively, train service which takes 6 hours from Delhi to Ramnagar town. Bus service from Delhi to Uttarakhand is also available. 

As for Chopta, it is recommended to go by plane from Delhi to Dehradun airport which takes approximately one hour. From the airport it takes five and half hours drive to Chopta. 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Uttarakhand and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.