JAPAN May/June 2007

A quick rundown on a recent VENT tour of Japan:


Japanese Accentor

Starting in Tokyo, we moved westward to the foothills of the Japan Alps at Karuizawa. These lush broadleaf forests are a wonderful place to start – not only is it very picturesque but there are some great birds that are difficult to find elsewhere. The scarce Japanese Yellow Bunting is regular here and we were very happy to have super views of two or three. We then spent a day at Mount Fuji.

Ijima Leaf Warbler

Our next destination was the island of Hachijojima, in the Izu Islands group. This chain of volcanic islands stretches from just south of Tokyo down into the Pacific Ocean to Aogashima, a very distant 1000 kilometres from Tokyo. Many people are very surprised to find that even on Hachijojima – 300km from Tokyo, they are technically still part of this massive city! Well, we had a great time exploring the island in search of the endemic warbler and thrush.

From Kagoshima we continued on to Amami Oshima. One night we went out in search of the Amami Woodcock. We found the woodcock in abundance as well as a fantastic Japanese Hawk Owl, the elusive Ryukyu Scops Owl and many very kawaii Amami Black Rabbits, an extraordinary creature with very un-rabbit-like features. This topped off an excellent day’s birding during which we found a number of other endemics and specialities including Lidth’s Jay, Owston’s Woodpecker, Ruddy Kingfisher, the very distinctive Owston’s (Narcissus) Flycatcher, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher and the endemic race of Ryukyu Robin. Personally, this is one of my favourite places in Japan.

Spotted Nutcracker

Our next destination was Miike in the Kirishima mountain range straddling Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures. This small lake is famous for its migratory population of Fairy Pitta, one of the scarcest of its kind. Alas the bird arrived late this year due to an unusually long winter. We met with great success otherwise, recording all our hoped for species including Ruddy Kingfisher, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher and more.

On our first outing on Okinawa we immediately found the alarmingly rare Okinawa Woodpecker in the unusual Yanbaru forest. Undoubtedly the highlight of the first part of our Japan tour though was an amazing total of seven separate sightings of the Okinawa Rail. The elusive nature of this very beautiful and colourful skulker is illustrated by the fact that the species was only discovered in 1978! At one stage we watched as a bird came out onto a quiet road in the pouring rain to bathe in a puddle for a minute or two.

From the southernmost part of Japan we returned to Tokyo and travelled to Hokkaido by ferry. Thousands and thousands of Streaked Shearwaters (and Giggling Schoolchildren) provided the backdrop to beauties such as Japanese Murrelet, Laysan’s Albatross and Fork-tailed Storm Petrel.

Hokkaido Brown Bear on the Shiretoko Peninsula

The last part of our travels was spent touring the incredible island of Hokkaido - Japan’s new frontier. Traversing the Tsugara Straits between Honshu and Hokkaido, we enter a different zoogeographic zone when we cross the Blakiston’s Line and here there is a much stronger Siberian influence. On the second part of our tour in Hokkaido we enjoyed remarkable displaying Latham’s Snipe (this really has to be seen to be believed!), close up views of Spectacled Guillemots with their startling bright red legs, many roding Eurasian Woodcocks, family groups of foraging Hokkaido Brown Bear and Japanese Cranes with chicks. But something that will endure as one of those unforgettable birding experiences was our encounter with a pair of truly incredible Blakiston’s Fish Owls. As we used our vehicle as a hide we collectively gasped as first the male flew in to a perch right in front of our eyes and then the female. With a wingspan of 2 metres it is hard not to be impressed.

Lanceolated Warbler

From the wetlands of Utonaiko in the south to the dramatic cliffs of Kushiro in the east, we travelled over the central mountain range through the superb Daisetsuzan National Park (Japan’s largest) to the very beautiful Shiretoko Peninsula, then down to the extraordinary Notsuke Peninsula and the saltwater marshes of Lake Furen. This variety of habitats allowed us to observe a very exciting range of Hokkaido’s special birds. The White-tailed Eagle was a much hoped for prize and we were fortunate to see many around the lakes and eastern seashores even though numbers decline in Japan over summer.

Japanese Crane

We saw thirteen Japanese endemics (out of a possible fourteen), four endemic breeding birds and thirteen near endemics. On top of this we recorded a number of distinctive endemic subspecies that are not only intrinsically interesting but could well be recognised as full species in the future.

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SICHUAN & TIBETAN PLATEAU 2006

photos taken on VENT China tours

Thanks to Dion Hovercraft for some of these words!

Sichuan has some of the most spectacular and species rich forests in China. The mountains and bamboo and rhododendron forests and the Tibetan plateau, with its thousands of yaks and Tibetan cowboys, have simply phenomenal birds including many of the rarest, most spectacular and most elusive species in China. Recently, better environmental protection including a ban on rifle hunting is having an enormously beneficial impact on mammals and large birds.

Golden Pheasant

Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaighou is a simply stunning world heritage reserve with mirror lakes, Himalayan peaks and vast boreal forests. Although the birding here is slower (and the park full of tourists) it still provides many special sightings including scarce endemics like Sukatshev’s Laughingthrush and the remarkable Three-banded Rosefinch. Also Prezwalsky’s Nuthatch and while following one bird it produced a large furry mammal head protruding from a hollow: a Chinese Giant Flying Squirrel.

the Tibetan Plateau

Tibetan Plateau - Black-necked Cranes, huge Upland Buzzard, equally huge Tibetan Larks, Citrine Wagtails, Little Owl, Tibetan Snowfinch and the odd Hume’s Groundpecker. Last year we saw Chinese Desert Cat - a lynx-like ginger felid we scoped hunting pika and marmots as well as Wolves. It is not uncommon to see Lammergeier dropping bones onto rock faces and as we drove down off the plateau we found a Northern Goshawk on the road with a Koklass Pheasant in its talons.

Three-banded Rosefinch

Common Redshank

Golden Bush-Robin

Wawu Shan –a superb forest birding location. On the summit can be found Grey-hooded, Fulvous Parrotbill, Golden Bush-Robin and the recently described Sichuan Treecreeper. Lower down the mountain the endemic Emei Liocichla, Great, Golden and Grey-headed Parrotbills, the rare Emei Leaf Warbler and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants.

Northern Goshawk predating Koklass Pheasant

Little Owl

harvesting rice

Northern Goshawk

Balanshan

The Balan Shan Pass (4523 metres) has some of the best birding - Chinese Monal, Verreaux’s Monal-Partridge, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Golden Pheasant, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Grandala, Giant Laughingthrush, Snow Pigeon, Lammergeier and herds of Bharal (Blue Sheep).

Grey-headed Bullfinch

White-collared Yuhina

Wolong Biosphere Reserve - the Wuyipeng Research Camp is a pretty basic set up in superb bamboo forests. Plenty of good birds here include scarce endemics like the elusive Barred Laughingthrush, Pere David’s Tit, Fire-capped Tit and Temminck’s Tragopan.

Upland Buzzard

Red Panda (at Panda Breeding Centre)

Emei Shan, the sacred Buddhist peak is at the crossroads of Chinese bird distribution. At the Golden Summit and the Wannian Monastery we often find Vinaceous Rosefinches, Speckled Piculet, Chinese Blue Flycatcher. Chinese Stump-tailed Macaque is common and they are shy for macaques!

Chinese Stump-tailed Macaque

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BHUTAN 2006

from Paro to Somdrup Jonkhar along the Limithang Road
photos taken on a VENT tour I co-led in 2006

Yellow-browed Fulvetta

Green-tailed Sunbird

Guru Rimpoche - introduced Buddhism to Bhutan

Alpine Accentor

Mrs. Gould's Sunbird

temple gargoyle

Rufous-necked Hornbill

Golden Leaf-Monkey

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SABAH 2006

Borneo is without doubt one of the best and most enjoyable birding destinations in the world and this tour again lived up to high expectations. There were many, many birding and wildlife highlights, of course, but there was also the pleasure of experiencing this wonderful country.

We started on the plains of the Kota Belud area where we enjoyed some open country birding before heading up to the spectacular Mount Kinabalu. We spent the next few days in cooler climes tracking down some of the very special Bornean montane endemics. We encountered numerous, large mixed feeding flocks and activity overall seemed higher than usual. Of special note on Mount Kinabalu were an outstanding and rarely seen brilliant Whitehead’s Broadbill (one of my personal favourites) and gorgeous Mountain Wren-Babblers, Black-sided Flowerpeckers, Bareheaded Laughingthrushes and more.


Indigo Flycatcher

At Sukau we took it easy as we boated around the Kinabatangan River and its tributaries. In this magical area we had more wonderful sightings including Lesser Fish Eagles, seven species of hornbill including the spectacular Rhinoceros and the rare Wrinkled hornbills, Stork-billed Kingfishers and that improbable endemic primate, the Proboscis Monkey. Not to mention close views of Bornean Pygmy Elephants and Bornean Orang Utans.


Whiskered Treeswift

Danum Valley is one of the premier birding and wildlife destinations in Asia so our long stay here offered a rare opportunity to really experience the intricacies of this most complex of ecosystems – the Sundaic tropical lowland rainforests. Every day brings new discoveries. Certainly there is never a dull moment here! There were just too many amazing birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and other insects to detail them all even in this full list of sightings. This was an exceptional trip to arguably my favourite place in Asia though – one exceptional sighting was of that brilliant Blue-headed Pitta; an Orang Utan or two; an amazingly confiding Great Argus; and that very special Bornean Bristlehead – not to mention Black-and-crimson Pitta and Black-throated Wren-Babbler. Of course, there were also Red-bearded Bee-eater, Red-naped and Scarlet-rumped trogons, Brown Wood-Owl, Barred Eagle Owl, numerous woodpeckers, hornbills, spiderhunters and babblers, as well as Bornean Gibbons and Maroon Leaf Monkeys. Best of all was the best sighting of the year for me - Bornean Ground Cuckoo (preceded by a male Giant Pitta!). Yet another illustration of the remarkably high quality of this precious reserve.


Great Argus

To finish off, a day trip to the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve in the Crocker Ranges proved to be a great success! Here we caught up with a few more of the Bornean endemics that can be very tricky to track down at other sites – notably the scarce Mountain Barbet.

Annotated Bird List
Bold = endemic

1. Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster
common and seen daily on the Kinabatangan Rover; a few seen on the Segama River in the Danum Valley.
2. Lesser Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna javanica
a distant flock of three were seen on the lagoon near Kota Belud.
3. Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Seen at Likas Bay and Kota Belud; common on our boat trip up the Kinabatangan River to Sukau.
4. Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra
four on the boat trip out of Sandakan.
5. Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Just two on the Kinabatangan.
6. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Common around Likas Bay and Kota Belud as well as the Kinabatangan River.
7. Great Egret Ardea alba
Common around Likas Bay and Kota Belud as well as the Kinabatangan River.
8. Cattle Egret Ardea ibis
Very common in rural areas around Kota Kinabalu and surrounds.
9. Javan Pond Heron Ardeola speciosa
four seen in the Kota Belud area.
10. Striated Heron Butorides striata
One on Likas Bay.
11. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
just one on Likas Bay in Kota Kinabalu.
12. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
two were seen in the Kota Belud area.
13. Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Some super looks at two or three of this rather spectacular bittern at Likas Bay and near Kota Belud.
14. Storm's Stork Ciconia stormi
three of this rare and declining stork were seen over the Menanggol River on one particular morning. This species is globally endangered; recent assessments put the worldwide population at under 1,000 individuals.
15. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus
one was seen in flight over the Kinabatangan River.
16. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
one seen in the Kota Belud area.
17. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
very common in Sandakan Bay and on the Kinabatangan River, where seen daily.
18. White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
three in Sandakan Bay.
19. Lesser Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis
One bird appears to be resident on the middle reaches of the Menanggol River and we enjoyed very nice looks of this bird and a couple of others daily during our stay at Sukau.
20. Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela
Two or three of this sensational raptor were recorded during our stay at Danum Valley.
21. Mountain Serpent-Eagle Spilornis kinabaluensis
This bird is larger and darker than the following species, it is found at higher altitudes but
this individual was seen at the lower limits of its altitudinal range in the Tambunan Rafflesia
Reserve. Great views of a very scarce bird.
22. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
a total of three birds were seen on separate days in Danum Valley.
23. Rufous-bellied Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii
We saw one bird soaring high above us in the Danum Valley.
24. Blyth's Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus alboniger
One seen in the Danum Valley.
25. Wallace's Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus nanus
We saw an immature perched as we motored along the Kinabatangan River; later we saw
as we drove out of the Danum Valley. With her magnificent crest, a truly spectacular raptor!
26. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
one at Likas Bay.
27. Red-breasted Partridge Arborophila hyperythra
Heard a number of times on Mount Kinabalu but typically difficult to see.
28. Chestnut-necklaced Partridge Arborophila charltonii
heard in the Sukau area and in the Danum Valley.
29. Crimson-headed Partridge Haematortyx sanguiniceps
Heard frequently on Mount Kinabalu, at times very close.
30. Crested Fireback Lophura ignita
seen exceptionally well a number of times in Danum Valley.
31. Great Argus Argusianus argus
A spectacular male on the Segama Trail was an outstanding highlight and cooperated long enough for some close photos. Great stuff!
32. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
very common this year in the lagoon at Likas Bay, Kota Belud and Sukau.
33. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
two recorded in the lagoon at Likas Bay; ten at Kota Belud.
34. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
two in the Kota Belud area.
35. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
more than 100 were recorded in the Kota Belud area.
36. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
two at Likas Bay; eight on the Kinabatangan River.
37. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
ten in the Kota Belud area.
38. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
more than ten in the Kota Belud area.
39. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
six in the Kota Belud area.
40. Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum
more than 50 were seen well in the Kota Belud area.
41. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
one in the Kota Belud area.
42. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
two in the Kota Belud area.
43. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
one in the Kota Belud area.
44. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
two in the Kota Belud area.
45. Crested Tern Sterna bergii
a couple in Likas Bay.
46. Rock Dove Columba livia
47. Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis
Very common in all lowland rural areas, especially in the oil palm plantations.
48. Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps
Common at Tambunan in the Crocker Ranges and very common on Mount Kinabalu, where seen daily and the vocalisations form a consistent backdrop to our time there.
49. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
Seen or heard almost daily along the Kinabatangan and in Danum Valley but a secretive bird and usually only fleeting looks.
50. Zebra Dove Geopelia striata
many seen at Likas Bay.
51. Little Green-Pigeon Treron olax
Seen in high numbers on the Kinabatangan.
52. Pink-necked Pigeon Treron vernans
Likas Bay; Kota Belud.
53. Thick-billed Pigeon Treron curvirostra
just one seen at Danum.
54. Jambu Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus jambu
one seen along the Danum Trail at Danum Valley.
55. Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea
very common around Likas Bay and Sukau.
56. Mountain Imperial-Pigeon Ducula badia
heard daily on Mount Kinabalu and particularly common at Tambunan.
57. Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus
two seen in the Danum Valley.
58. Long-tailed Parakeet Psittacula longicauda
heard on the Kinabatangan River.
59. Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot Loriculus galgulus
Heard and seen in flight frequently on the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Tambunan. We had some excellent looks of this diminutive parrot feeding on fruiting figs along the entrance road to our lodge in Danum Valley.
60. Large Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides
heard on Mount Kinabalu.
61. Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus vagans
Heard once on the Kinabatangan.
62. Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii
Heard a number of times on the Kinabatangan and in Danum Valley.
63. Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus
One seen perched near the lagoon at Likas Bay; one seen along the Kinabatangan.
64. Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
great views of one in Danum Valley.
65. Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus sumatranus
One on the Menanggol River, Sukau.
66. Raffles's Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus
many sightings of this excellent bird on the Kinabatangan and in Danum Valley.
67. Red-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus javanicus
super looks at one bird along the entrance road to BRL in Danum Valley.
68. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
seen daily on the Menanggol River, Sukau and in Danum Valley.
69. Bornean Ground-Cuckoo Carpococcyx radiceus
two were seen on one of the trails at Danum as they responded strongly to playback.
70. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
two seen on the drive out of Danum Valley.
71. Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis
one at Likas Bay; four in the Kota Belud area.
72. Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus
heard on Mount Kinabalu.
73. Barred Eagle-Owl Bubo sumatranus
one fabulous bird allowed us close looks on our spotlighting trip along the entrance to the lodge at Danum Valley.
74. Buffy Fish-Owl Ketupa ketupu
Stunning views of two birds along the Menanggol River and around the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
75. Brown Wood-Owl Strix leptogrammica
A superb bird has seen on the spotlighting trip at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley.


Brown Wood Owl

76. Malaysian Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus temminckii
a total of three were seen in flight over the Kinabatangan River.
77. Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis
very common at Danum Valley where seen daily flying over the Segama River.
78. Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata
The facial plumage of this bird is unusual to say the least and scope views along the BRL entrance road allowed us to really study the bird closely.
79. Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta
Seen almost daily at all sites.
80. Mossy-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus salangana
Gomantong Caves.
81. Black-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus maxima
Gomantong Caves.
82. Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphaga
Gomantong Caves.
NOTE: The above three species are impossible to differentiate in the field. All three occur in the
Gomantong Caves.
83. Silver-rumped Needletail Rhaphidura leucopygialis
This very attractive swift was very active over the Segama River at BRL affording us wonderful in-flight, action views.
84. Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus
one over the Kinabatangan.
85. House Swift Apus affinis
Common around Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan.
86. Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba
one superb male seen on the Menanggol River. Heard a number of times in the Danum Valley
87. Diard's Trogon Harpactes diardii
a couple seen at the Gomantong Caves.
88. Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii
As with the other trogons, this beauty was heard many times in Danum Valley and along the Menanggol Rover at Sukau. A brilliant sighting of one on the Menanggol River.
89. Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting
Common along the narrower tributaries of the Kinabatangan River.
90. Blue-banded Kingfisher Alcedo euryzona
a brief view of one of the scarcest kingfishers in Asia! We observed one birds along the Segama River.
91. Black-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus
seen at Gomantong and near the pond at the lodge in Danum Valley.
92. Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella
heard at Danum Valley.
93. Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis
A truly magnificent bird – that bill is certainly a standout! One or two daily on the Kinabatangan and a few sightings in the Danum Valley.
94. Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris
Very common in all lowland areas. One of the few birds that seems to thrive in the oil palm plantations.
95. Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus
one seen very well as it flew over in response to playback along the entrance road in Danum Valley.
96. Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis
Common and gorgeous along the Kinabatangan.
97. Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Very common along the Kinabatangan River.
98. Oriental Pied-Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
quite common on the Kinabatangan River.
99. Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus
One of the more common of the many hornbill species we encountered, we saw this great bird many times along the Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.
100. Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros
Sabah’s faunal emblem and one of the world’s most spectacular birds, we were fortunate to see this species a few times on the Kinabatangan and in the Danum Valley.
101. Helmeted Hornbill Buceros vigil
We were fortunate to see this incredible and often scarce bird a few times, including an amazing view of one perched along the Segama Trail. The bizarre, memorable calls of this bird were heard frequently in the Danum Valley. This is the only hornbill with a solid “ivory" casque.
102. Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus
This species is often seen in largish, raucous flocks; we encountered them a few times Danum Valley.
103. Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus
Another spectacular hornbill, three were seen well on the tributaries of the Kinabatangan.
104. Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus
Yet another spectacular hornbill seen a few times – at Mount Kinabalu, on the tributaries of the Kinabatangan and in Danum Valley.
105. Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrysopogon
One or two sightings in Danum Valley where heard daily.
106. Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystacophanos
heard on the Menanggol River, Sukau and in the Danum Valley.
107. Mountain Barbet Megalaima monticola
While this is not Borneo’s most attractive endemic, it has until recently been one of the most difficult to actually see. Although it is occasionally heard at Mount Kinabalu, it is rarely seen there but now that we regularly visit Tambunan it has become a regular feature of our Borneo list. We scored spectacularly with brilliant views of this scarce endemic at Tambunan, one of our main targets here.
108. Yellow-crowned Barbet Megalaima henricii
Heard daily in Danum Valley.
109. Golden-naped Barbet Megalaima pulcherrima
Heard at Tambunan and on Mount Kinabalu, where we had a couple of excellent sightings
of this attractive endemic.
110. Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis
Heard daily, Sukau and Danum Valley.
111. Bornean Barbet Megalaima eximia
many we heard at Tambunan.
112. Brown Barbet Calorhamphus fuliginosus
This unusual barbet seen in the Danum Valley.
113. Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis
One or two seen in the Danum Valley.
114. Sunda (Brown-capped) Woodpecker Dendrocopos moluccensis
Likas Bay; two seen in mangroves en route to Sukau.
115. Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus
one in the Danum Valley.
116. Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus
A typically highly mobile woodpecker on the Oxbow Lake on the Kinabatangan, two more in Danum Valley.
117. White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis
one distant bird was seen on the Kinabatangan River but we then saw a magnificent pair at
the far end of the entrance road at BRL in the Danum Valley.
118. Banded Woodpecker Picus mineaceus
great views of a male bird in the same location as the previous species.
119. Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus
one seen along the entrance road to BRL in the Danum Valley.
120. Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus
two or three very responsive bird along the road on Mount Kinabalu; one along the entrance road in Danum Valley.
121. Orange-backed Woodpecker Reinwardtipicus validus
We did particularly well for this scarce and spectacular woodpecker this year with a fabulous pair seen at Gomantong Caves. We then had a handful of sightings at Danum Valley including a male and female.
122. Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis
up to six were seen at Poring Hot Springs and another six recorded in the Danum Valley.
123. Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki
A number of sightings and some great views especially along the Menanggol River at Sukau.
124. Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus
This is the largest woodpecker in Asia and is certainly impressive. We had brief looks at three birds along the Kinabatangan River. The braying vocalisations are memorable, too!
125. Giant Pitta Pitta caerulea
one male bird was seen on the Segama Trail in the Danum Valley.
126. Blue-headed Pitta Pitta baudii
A truly wonderful male watched at length on the trails in Danum Valley. Definitely a
contender for the most beautiful bird in Borneo.
127. Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida
Beautiful and common on the Menanggol River, although only one showed itself this time. All pittas are a special treat and we had superb views of many as this one hopped around the banks of the Menanggol River at Sukau
128. Black-and-crimson (Black-headed) Pitta Pitta ussheri
Another trip highlight with one amazing and responsive bird off the entrance road at BRL – a real gem! Also heard frequently throughout our stay at Danum Valley.
129. Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus
six of this remarkable bird were seen near the canopy walkway in the Danum Valley.
130. Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos
A handful of great sight records on the Kinabatangan; heard in Danum Valley. One also seen very well at Poring Hot Springs.
131. Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus
Heard daily in Danum Valley but much harder to see – two sightings.
132. Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus
This simply gorgeous bird is happily not uncommon along the Kinabatangan River and in the Danum Valley.
133. Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis
Notably vocal and responsive at Danum Valley this year, there is no doubt that this is one of South East Asia’s most beautiful birds. It was a real treat to see this incredibly verdant green bird at close range a few times.
134. Whitehead's Broadbill Calyptomena whiteheadi
arguably bird of the trip! One superb male was seen along the road at Mount Kinabalu.
135. Bornean Whistler Pachycephala hypoxantha
Seen daily on Mount Kinabalu, where it is an unobtrusive bird of the mid storey.
136. White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
Seen daily on Mount Kinabalu and at Tambunan. This replaces the following species at higher altitudes.
137. Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica
Likas Bay; Kota Belud; Sukau.
138. Spotted Fantail Rhipidura perlata
Seen a few times along the Segama Trail at Danum Valley.
139. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Very common along the Kinabatangan and tributaries.
140. Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi
Most records from the Danum Valley where we had some great looks at the white morph males.
141. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
Very common at Tambunan and on Mount Kinabalu.
142. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
a few in mixed flocks along the BRL entrance road, Danum Valley.
143. Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
A common bird, invariably in mixed flocks, on Mount Kinabalu.
144. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus
A total of three records from Poring Hot Springs and Danum Valley.
145. Crested Jay Platylophus galericulatus
four seen at Poring Hot Springs; then another of sightings of this very striking bird in Danum Valley.
146. Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus
This is a great bird, not least because it possesses an extraordinarily beautiful song. Very quiet at BRL, Danum Valley this time where one was seen only very briefly. A distinctive Bornean subspecies with no white in the wings and a short crest.
147. Short-tailed Magpie Cissa thalassina
For such a spectacular and brightly coloured bird, this magpie is surprisingly difficult to see.
Heard and less easily seen daily on Mount Kinabalu.
148. Bornean Treepie Dendrocitta cinerascens
Seen and heard daily on Mount Kinabalu and Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve.
NOTE: Now treated as a separate species from Sumatran Treepie D. occipitalis.
149. Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca
Common in all lowland areas.
150. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Very common in lowland, open areas.
151. Bornean Bristlehead Pityriasis gymnocephala
Six incredible birds seen foraging in a very tall tree along the entrance road at BRL. This is a really prize species from Borneo; its affinities are uncertain but it is now believed to be most closely aligned with the Papuo-Australasian butcherbirds.
152. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
heard at Likas Bay.
153. Green Iora Aegithina viridissima
four seen in the Danum Valley.
154. Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus
one in the Danum Valley.
155. Black-and-crimson Oriole Oriolus cruentus
A total of two records from Mount Kinabalu.
156. Sunda Cuckoo-shrike Coracina larvata
Mount Kinabalu.
157. Lesser Cuckoo-shrike Coracina fimbriata
a total of 12 recorded from Danum Valley.
158. Pied Triller Lalage nigra
Common on the Tempasuk Plain (Kota Belud).
159. Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus
A very lovely male and female seen along the Kinabatangan River.
160. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
quite common in the Danum Valley.
161. Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus
saw six birds at Poring Hot Springs and two in the Danum Valley.
162. Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella
a few seen in the Sukau area and in the Danum Valley.
163. Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati
two seen in the Danum Valley.
164. Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon
Sukau; Gomantong Caves; Danum Valley.
165. Bornean Leafbird Chloropsis kinabaluensis
Three seen at Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve.
NOTE: recently split from Blue-winged Leafbird C. cochinchinensis
166. Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhopterum
A few seen on the trails at Danum.
167. Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velatum
just one seen at the Gomantong Caves.
168. Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis
six recorded at Gomantong; two more were seen in large fruiting trees along the BRL entrance road in Danum Valley.
169. Bornean Whistling-Thrush Myiophonus borneensis
Super views of this near-endemic at the Timpanon Gate (the start of the Mount Kinabalu trek) and along the trails. At lower altitudes this is a very shy bird but at these slightly higher altitudes it shows very well indeed.
170. White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana
superb views of a male and a female along the Pandanus Trail on Mount Kinabalu.
171. Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis
Very common around all the cities we passed through – Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Lahad Datu.
172. Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus (introduced)
Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu.
173. Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa
two were seen in flight in the Kota Belud area; two more were seen at the Gomantong Caves. Heard in the Sukau area and Danum Valley.
174. Grey-chested Jungle-Flycatcher Rhinomyias umbratilis
one very responsive bird seen on the Hornbill Trail at Danum. This is generally a very scarce and shy species.
175. Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher Rhinomyias gularis
a few at Mount Kinabalu this time; we saw up to three birds during our four day stay there.
176. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra
Quite regular on Mount Kinabalu this time with some good looks eventually!
177. Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria
one gorgeous bird seen along the Segama trail in the Danum Valley.
178. Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
One seen on Mount Kinabalu.
179. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina
Just one at Gomantong.
180. Indigo Flycatcher Eumyias indigo
seen daily on Mount Kinabalu.
181. White-tailed Flycatcher Cyornis concretus
one record from Poring Hot Springs.
182. Large-billed Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis caerulatus
one male expertly spotted by Linda and seen very well at Danum.
183. Malaysian Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis turcosus
one seen foraging in the grounds of BRL, Danum Valley.
184. Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
Danum Valley.
185. Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
Tambunan; Likas Bay; Sukau; Danum Valley.
186. White-crowned Shama Copsychus stricklandii
This lovely songster is very common in lowland tropical rainforest, seen or heard daily at Poring, on the Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.
NOTE: the specific status of this species is still hotly debated and on present evidence it would seem there is a strong possibility that the taxon is in reality a distinctive subspecies of the widespread White-rumped Shama C. malabaricus.
187. Rufous-tailed Shama Trichixos pyrropyga
heard in Danum Valley.
188. White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti
A very shy bird but we enjoyed super views of a few birds along the trails on Mount Kinabalu and in the Danum Valley.
NOTE: the race borneensis is found in the uplands (but sometimes down to 200 m) whilst the lowland race frontalis occasionally extends as high as 1050 m. The former race is larger, with a proportionally much longer tail. It seems likely that two species are involved.
189. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
four birds seen at Gomantong and two more in the Danum Valley.
190. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
this migratory species was seen in big numbers in the Kota Belud area, Sukau and around Kota Kinabalu.
191. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Daily at lowland sites.
192. Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps
six were seen in the Danum Valley.
193. Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus (Bornean Bulbul Pycnonotus montis)
Only recorded at Tambunan. This is a possible future split from Black-crested Bulbul. Features include the dark eye and different shaped crest.
194. Scaly-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus squamatus
two seen very briefly in a mixed flock on the entrance road in Danum Valley.
195. Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnonotus eutilotus
Sukau.
196. Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens
two at Mount Kinabalu and four from Tambunan – found at higher altitudes to the following species which it resembles.
197. Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier
Very common in open areas throughout Sabah.
198. Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus
Poring Hot Springs.
199. Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex
Sukau.
200. Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus
Danum Valley, where very common.
201. Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmos
one record from Danum Valley.
202. Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus
Seen on Mount Kinabalu and Tambunan.
203. Grey-cheeked Bulbul Alophoixus bres
Poring Hot Springs; Gomantong Caves.
204. Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus
A shy pair of birds seen along the Segama Trail, Danum Valley.
205. Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger
A few seen most days in Danum Valley.
206. Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea
one at Gomantong.
207. Black-capped White-eye Zosterops atricapillus
Recorded daily on Mount Kinabalu and at Tambunan.
208. Mountain Blackeye Chlorocharis emiliae
great looks at small numbers on a couple of days on Mount Kinabalu.
209. Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris
The Bornean race of this species is confusingly plain! Common in lowland areas – Likas Bay, Sukau, Danum Valley.
210. Bornean Stubtail Urosphena whiteheadi
Amazing close views of this diminutive endemic as it showed in full view along the higher reaches of the Power Station Road on Mount Kinabalu and at Mesilau. The exceptionally high-pitched bird was heard many times.
211. Sunda Bush-Warbler Cettia vulcania
Amazingly responsive and seen a few times on the higher reaches of the Power Station Road on Mount Kinabalu.
212. Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus
Heard much more often than seen (we saw one or two a day) on Mount Kinabalu.
213. Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis
Common along the Menanggol River, Sukau; a handful of sightings in Danum Valley.
214. Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus
we saw this species a few times at Sukau and along the road at the lodge, Danum Valley.
215. Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps
A common bird of lowland areas, often near water – Likas Bay, Kota Belud, and Sukau.
216. Mountain Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus
Common and seen daily on Mount Kinabalu.
217. Yellow-breasted Warbler Seicercus montis
Common on Mount Kinabalu.
218. Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaries
excellent looks at up to six birds at Poring Hot Springs.
219. Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris
an excellent sighting of this largest of the warblers at Kota Belud.
220. Sunda Laughingthrush Garrulax palliatus
Common and conspicuous in mixed flocks on Mount Kinabalu; heard at Tambunan.
221. Bare-faced Laughingthrush Garrulax calvus
By far the scarcest of the laughingthrushes on Borneo, seen well once on Mount Kinabalu.
NOTE: Sometimes still treated as a Black Laughingthrush.
222. Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush Garrulax mitratus
Very common on Mount Kinabalu, where they form large and raucous mixed flocks with other laughingthrushes as well as various other species. Also seen at Tambunan in the Crocker Ranges.
223. White-chested Babbler Trichastoma rostratum
A common riparian bird along the Kinabatangan River and its tributaries in particular.
224. Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolor
Heard and seen in small numbers in the Danum Valley.
225. Horsfield's Babbler Malacocincla sepiarium
seen briefly on the Hornbill Trail, Danum Valley. Rather shy and elusive with subdued vocalisations, they keep low either on the ground or more commonly on shrubby vegetation.
226. Short-tailed Babbler Malacocincla malaccensis
a total of five birds seen in Danum Valley.
227. Temminck's Babbler Pellorneum pyrrogenys
one seen very well on Mount Kinabalu.
228. Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum
Although heard frequently in Danum Valley, this very attractive, ground-dwelling babbler is harder to see. We found one or two here and there that were responsive and showed well.
229. Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre
This species was seen at Poring and seemed to be most common along the Segama Trail in Danum Valley.
230. Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine
Recorded daily, Danum Valley. Also heard and seen daily on the tributaries of the Kinabatangan River.
231. Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum
Often associating with the above species, recorded daily in mixed flocks, Danum Valley.
232. Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum
Often associating with the above species, recorded daily in mixed flocks, Danum Valley and at Poring.
233. Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus
heard in the Danum Valley.
234. Bornean Wren-Babbler Ptilocichla leucogrammica
heard on the ridge of the Hornbill Trail, Danum Valley.
235. Striped Wren-Babbler Kenopia striata
A very responsive pair of birds studied at length on the Hornbill Trail, Danum Valley.
236. Black-throated Wren-Babbler Napothera atrigularis
a fabulous endemic – four birds gave stunning and prolonged close views in forest off the entrance road at BRL.
237. Mountain Wren-Babbler Napothera crassa
we enjoyed some very special close studies of this wonderful endemic as they cavorted around us on the trails of Mount Kinabalu.
238. Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyris rufifrons
heard in Danum Valley.
239. Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps
seen daily on Mount Kinabalu.
240. Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculata
This is a highly social babbler that is always very responsive albeit relatively scarce, we had a couple of sightings on the Hornbill Trail, Danum Valley.
241. Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris erythroptera
One of the most common and conspicuous birds on the lowland rainforest of Borneo, its distinctive vocalisations were heard constantly and we had sightings almost daily.
242. Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis
two very skulking birds were seen in scrubby forest on the Tempasuk Plain, Kota Belud; thereafter seen or heard daily on the Kinabatangan and in the Danum Valley.
NOTE: Bornean birds bear little resemblance to South-East Asian Striped Tit Babblers M. gularis and are in the process of being split as Bornean Tit-Babbler Macronous borneensis
243. Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronous ptilosus
What a great name for a bird and a great bird! Fantastic looks at this great bird on the Hornbill Trail and along the entrance road, Danum Valley.
244. White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis
heard on Mount Kinabalu.
245. Brown Fulvetta Alcippe brunneicauda
Seen a few times in mixed flocks at Poring and in the Danum Valley.
246. Chestnut-crested Yuhina Yuhina everetti
One of the commonest birds at higher altitudes, we saw many large and mobile flocks on Mount Kinabalu and at Tambunan.
247. White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca
Seen at Poring and Gomantong.
NOTE: previously known as WHITE-BELLIED YUHINA (Yuhina zantholeuca), genetic studies by Cibois have shown that this species is not a yuhina and not even in the babbler faImly; its exact relationships are yet to be determined.
248. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
throughout except in the Danum Valley.
249. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
many in the Kota Belud area.
250. Dusky Munia Lonchura fuscans
Common in open areas around Kota Belud; recorded daily at Sukau and in Danum Valley.
251. Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca
Common at Likas Bay and Kota Belud; Tambunan; Sukau.
252. Oriental (Paddyfield) Pipit Anthus rufulus
One in a cleared field at Kota Belud.
253. Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus
one was seen along the entrance road in Danum Valley.
254. Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochilus xanthopygius
One or two daily at Sukau and in the Danum Valley.
255. Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum
One in Danum Valley.
256. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma
Recorded at Poring and in Danum Valley, especially around the lodge gardens.
257. Black-sided Flowerpecker Dicaeum monticolum
After many stratospheric flyovers we eventually connected with some super looks at birds feeding in flowering trees around the gardens in Mount Kinabalu National Park; one also seen very well at Tambunan.
258. Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex
one sighting in Danum Valley.
259. Plain-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis
two seen at Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu.
260. Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodolaema
a pair seen on the Menanggol River.
261. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
four seen at Gomantong.
262. Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hypogrammicum
one at Poring; two in the Danum Valley.
263. Yellow-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis
Likas Bay; Kota Belud.
264. Temminck's Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii
This diminutive but spectacular gem was seen daily at Tambunan and on Mount Kinabalu.
265. Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
Ones or twos seen almost daily at Poring, on the Kinabatangan and in Danum Valley.
266. Thick-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera crassirostris
Two in Danum Valley.
267. Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys
a total of four in the Danum Valley.
268. Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter Arachnothera affinis
two seen at Poring Hot Springs.
NOTE: The name A. affinis was based on birds from Java and subsequently used for all streaked, grey-breasted spiderhunters in Borneo. However, recent work has shown that the Javan birds are the same as the montane Bornean birds A. affinis and that the smaller, less streaked birds of the Bornean lowlands represent a separate species A. modesta. The name Bornean Spiderhunter A. everetti has been incorrectly applied. See The Birds of Borneo by Smythies and Davison, 1999.
269. Whitehead's Spiderhunter Arachnothera juliae
This very scarce and outstanding endemic was seen very briefly at Tambunan.


Bornean Orang Utan

MAMMALS
1. Pentail Treeshrew Ptilocercus lowii
one at Mount Kinabalu.
2. Mountain Treeshrew Tupaia montana
Mount Kinabalu and Tambunan.
3. Slender Treeshrew Tupaia gracilis
Sukau.
4. Large Treeshrew Tupaia tana
one seen in the Danum Valley.
5. Large Fruit Bat Pteropus vampyrus
Sukau.
6. Maroon Langur Presbytis rubicunda
This very attractive primate was seen regularly in Danum Valley.
7. Silvered Langur Presbytis cristata
Kinabatangan River.
8. Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvatus
One of the most remarkable mammals of Borneo, this strictly riparian species is very common on the Kinabatangan River.
9. Long-tailed (Crab-eating) Macaque Macaca fascicularis
Tambunan; Kinabatangan River; Danum Valley.
10. Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemistrina
Kinabatangan River; Danum Valley.
11. Bornean Gibbon Hylobates muelleri
A highly charismatic animal whose calls are one of the most evocative of the Sundaic rainforests. A number of groups were observed at length near the lodge at Danum Valley. Seen or heard daily in Danum.
12. Bornean Orang Utan Pongo pygmaeus
Wonderful sightings of totally wild animals on the Kinabatangan and in Danum Valley; remarkably we recorded a total of nine individuals! Sumatran Orangutans are now considered to be a separate species P. abelii
13. Prevost's Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii
Sukau; Danum Valley. This species is also quite common on Peninsular Malaysia but it differs
markedly in pelage from the all black Bornean race.
14. Kinabalu Squirrel Callosciurus baluensis
Not surprisingly, seen a few times on Mount Kinabalu!
15. Bornean Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus orestes
Seen a few times on Mount Kinabalu.
16. Horse-tailed Squirrel Sundasciurus hippurus
Danum Valley.
17. Low's Squirrel Sundasciurus lowi
seen almost daily from Mount Kinabalu.
18. Jentink's Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki
Mount Kinabalu.
19. Whitehead's Pigmy Squirrel Exilisciurus whiteheadi
One wonderful animal with those amazing ear tufts was seen at close quarters along the road on Mount Kinabalu.
20. Plain Pigmy Squirrel Exilisciurus exilis
Up to three were recorded in Danum Valley.
21. Thomas’s Flying Squirrel Aeromys thomasi
Two spotlit in Danum Valley.
22. Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
One or two spotlit at Danum.
23. Short-tailed Mongoose Herpestes brachyurus
Danum Valley.
24. Bornean Pygmy Elephant Elaphas maximus borneensis
One of the most notable experiences of our trip was the herd of over 30 animals of all ages, male and female on the upper reaches of the Kinabatangan. What a treat to be able to approach so closely and to be in their company for almost an hour.
25. Bearded Pig Sus barbatus
Seen daily in Danum Valley.
26. Lesser Mouse Deer Tragulus javanicus
Danum Valley.
27. Greater Mouse Deer Tragulus napu
One Danum Valley.

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JAPAN February 2007

Hokkaido


Glaucous Gull on Lake Furen


the pack ice north of Rausu






no shortage of Steller's Sea-Eagles especially around Furen




Japanese (Red-crowned) Crane Tancho

Arasaki

four species of crane at Arasaki in Kagoshima Prefecture this year - White-naped, Hooded (about 9000 individuals), Sandhill and Common.


Hooded Cranes




White-naped Crane





Jigokudani

home to the so-called Snow Monkeys - a troop of Japanese Macaques that have learnt how to use the hot springs to help them endure the depths of winter.

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