Some tips on Bird-Watching
Much of the rich bird fauna of South-East Asia can be found the the lush rainforests of Taman Negara. An experienced and active bird-watcher would have little difficulty in locating at least 100 species in a day - although small birds are often difficult to observe in rainforest and many are more often heard than seen.

Where to Look for Birds

The places where birds are most likely to be seen include gardens, orchards, paddy fields and open country. In the jungle, they usually stay in the tree tops but can often be found in clearing, paths, ravines and near water.

When to do bird-watching

The best times for bird-watching are early in the morning, late in the afternoon and just before and after rain.

How to approach birds

Birds have excellent eyesight and hearing and are easily disturbed. When approaching them, take care not to startle them. Track behind trees whenever possible. Walk slowly and quietly and avoid stepping on twigs that will crack.

At a safe distance, look for a suitable spot and sit down preferably with the sun on your back, shining full on the bird. If you use bincoulars, remember to raise them slowly to the eyes. Try and shade the glasses as you bring them up as the glint of light on a moving lens may scare away the birds. Avoid loud talking at all times.

When going bird-watching, dress as soberly as possible. Bright colours - including white - are very distracting to the birds. Try to avoid using white or colourful handkerchiefs as well.

How to identify birds

Take note of the colour, size, shape, flight, walk and call of the birds you come across. See if you can identify them from the 24 birds shown in this page. If not, try and look them up in any books on Malaysian birds.

While bird-watching, you might like to jot down some interesting points about the behaviour of the birds. So carry a little note-book and pencil with you. This will make bird-watching a really exciting and interesting hobby for you!

To attract birds to your garden

Try a bird bath. Simply fill a big tray with water about 1 inch deep and leave it out in the garden or in a yard. If you can arrang your water to drip into the tray, all the better. Birds generally prefer baths with water rippling.

Here are some of the common birds found in Malaysia.

01. Blue-winged Pitta

The resident population is supplemented in the rainy season by migrants from the north. Usually found on small islands, in coastal forests and mangrove swamps. It is said to utter loud cries before rain, hence it also called "Ujan Ujan".
02. Long-tailed Nightjar

This bird is easily recognized by its characteristic call, a repeated "tok tok tok" which can go on for hours on end, especially on a moonlit night. It is frequently seen squatting on the roads with wings spread and tail fanned out.
03. Common Lora

A familiar garden bird. Its plumage varies in colour according to age and season. Usually seen singly or in pairs on low trees. Its call is a prolonged high whistle, followed by a short sharp one and ending on a lower note.
04. Red-breasted Falconet

A bold and fierce little hawk which will attack birds bigger than itself. This falconet usually perches on a branch hunched in a characteristic attitude in wait for its prey. Feeds principally on large insects such a grasshoppers.
05. Chestnut Munia

A sociable bird, usually seen in flocks in paddy fields and open country. The flock flies in a close globular formation, taking off with a whirr and shrill "peeps". It feeds on paddy seeds. Considered one of the worst pests of the paddy fields.
br>
06. Malay Lorikeet

This bird usually flies singly or in pairs with fast-whirring wing-beats. At roost, they often hang upside down from a branch. They climb with the aid of the bill. The males are distinguished by the scarlet breast patch and yellow rump.
07. Chestnut Bittern

An inhabitant of paddy fields and freshwater swamps which likes to hide in long grass or thick vegetation. Its nest is very difficult to find and according to the Malays, the finding of one confers the gift of invisibility upon the finder.
08. Spotted Dove

Commonly seen walking on roads and paths in pairs or small parties. Most remarkable for its almost vertical take-off flight into the air. It has a low musical coo often repeated three or four times. A favourite cage-bird.
09. Common Coucal

Often seen along the muddy banks of rivers. Sometimes in open country. It has a habit of basking in the sun of tree tops after rain. Its call consists of several notes on an even pitch - "boob-boob-boob-boob".
10. Crest Serpent Eagle

Common in both the lowland and mountain regions. Often seen sitting on lofty trees or circling in the sky. It has a plaintive call. A forest bird which preys on other birds, mammals, lizards and snakes, and large insects.
11. Golden-backed Three-toed Woodpecker

A well-known woodpecker in the low-lands. It is mostly seen in pairs on tree trunks feeding on ants and other insects. It has a preference for palm trees, including coconut and pinang. Most active just before and after rain.
12. White-breasted Kingfisher

A common kingfisher which likes to perch on boughs and telegraph wires beside the road or in open country and in orchards and gardens. It may also be seen near water into which it dives for fish. But its usual diet includes reptiles and insects.



More pictures...

Back

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1