Intro
HANDY TIPS
When going for birdwatching trips in Malaysia or anywhere else in the world, it is always useful to be equipped with suitable essentials and equipment. These tips will help birdwatchers to prepare and organise safe and enjoyable trips.
- It is essential to bring bird eld guides, if you are not familiar with the bird species in Malaysia. A small notebook is useful to take down notes on birds. Some of the bird eld guides to use in Malaysia are:-Birds of Malaysia Covering Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo and Singapore by Chong Leong Puan, Geoffrey Davison, and Kim Chye Lim
-A Field Guide to Birds of Malaysia & Singapore by Lim Kim Seng, Yong Ding Li, and Lim Kim Chuah. -Birds of South-East Asia by Norman Arlott
-A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore by Allen Jeyarajasingam and Alan Pearson.
-A Field Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia by Craig Robson.
-Birds of Borneo by Susan Myers 7.
-Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali by John Mackinnon and Karen Phillipps - Binoculars are essential for birdwatching in all habitats and a spotting scope is useful when watching shorebirds and seabirds near coastal areas.
- When visiting protected areas such as national parks, nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries, nothing is to be damaged or taken out. Entry permits are needed to enter certain protected forest areas. Check with the local authorities and guides!
- Keep in mind to respect private properties too. Do not trespass onto private properties if owners do not wish to have uninvited guests.
- Always use a local guide when you are not familiar with any birdwatching areas or when the service of a guide is compulsory.
- When trekking in the forest, nd out and choose a trail that you can complete before dark. Do not stray o a trail where you can easily lose your direction or damage sensitive habitats.
- Always notify the authorities or someone about your plans for the day, especially if you are going on your own.
- Treat the forest with a sense of respect and humility. Be as quiet as possible to maximise your chances of observing birds and other wildlife.
- Respect nesting birds. Observe them from a distance with minimal disturbance.
- Bring plenty of water and some snacks when going on long birdwatching trips.
- Wear light and loose fitting cotton clothing. Comfortable shirts and long pants are best for protection from insects, thorny plants and abrasions.
- Wear light but sturdy footwear with good traction for trekking on trails and hilly areas. Leech socks might come in handy at most sites, especially during the rainy season.
- Use a hat with a wide brim when birdwatching along the coasts and beaches. For long treks, bring a poncho or other waterproof gear.
- When going camping, pack as light as possible. Use a comfortable rucksack with padded shoulder straps, hip belt and internal frame.
- A sweater or jacket is useful when birding in the mountain areas as it can get chilly or with sudden rainfall.
- A basic first aid kit is useful to treat wounds and bites.
- Watch your steps, there could be someone standing behind or next to you. Most importantly, observe warning signs in the field.
- Be polite and respect other visitors and birdwatchers you meet. If you have seen the bird, allow others the opportunity to get a glimpse of it.
- Lower your phone volume or put it on Airplane Mode, especially if you intend to look for those special gems in the forest and while birdwatching at night.
- Do not throw wrappers, empty bottles or any other rubbish while birdwatching. Simply store them in your pocket or bag and dispose them properly when you are out from the eld.
