Trip Reports
15th August 1999 :
Air Itam Dam-Bukit Penara
We were looking for early winter migrants during this outing. The only
forest migrant sighted was the Forest Wagtail. Other resident birds of interest
sighted were two sightings of Mustached Babbler. Both the sightings had a sub-adult
bird being attended to by two adult birds. This is the first confirmed sighting of
this species at the Dam. The White-bellied Woodpecker, which is usually sighted or
heard, was not recorded during this trip. The Black-headed Bulbul and the Little
Spiderhunter were plentiful. The Green Broadbill, Purple-throated Sunbird and
Yellow-bellied Bulbul were also recored. Most of the other birds seen were usual
common ones of this area.
11th July 1999 :
Penang Hill down to Hye Keat Estate
We went up by train and hike down to Hye Keat Estate. A late breeding
Yellow-vented Bulbul with two chicks still in the nest was observed near the Top station.
The usual common birds were recorded. Interesting observations were a flock
of four Rufous Woodpeckers, rather unusual, probably a family. The Tickell's Blue
Flycatcher was observed a number of times. It is always a pleasure to watch these
small blue flycatchers.
20th June 1999 :
Bird Survey at Pantai Acheh
We wanted to survey birds along a little used trail that branches left and
above the Pantai Kerachut Trail. We were especially looking for the woodpeckers and
the babblers. We only encountered a single Rufous Woodpecker about a quarter way
along the trail. This woodpecker although widespread in Penang Island is uncommon.
The common Gray-throated Babbler and Brown Fulvetta were recorded and vacalisation
of the Striped Tit Babbler was recorded. The tit babbler is not that common on
Penang Island. Unfortunately before we could make much headway along the trail we
stumbled upon ground dwelling hornets and had to run for our lives. We were pursued
for quite a distance and all of us were stung except for James Ooi. He got off scoff
free. Rather than facing the hornets on our return journey we opted to make our way
down the steep slopes following a water runoff ravine to end up at Pantai Kerachut which
was not our destination in the first place. Being exhausted after the dash from the
hornets and the scrambling down the steep slopes and copping with the pain from the stings
not much bird survey was done after that.
