Nitewalk at Lambir Hills National Park 17th October

Ever since MNS Miri members went on their first nitewalk way back in 1998 with Dr Rhett Harrison (not sure whether he was already a doctor then or not), we have kept this aspect of our outing alive come rain or shine, full moon or not.

Many have gone with us trudging thru the damp forest, sometimes in drizzles characteristic of the namesake rainforest. Children as young as six and members well over sixty; parents, teachers, inquisitive youngsters have enjoyed the wonder of seeing the creepy crawlies on the main trail of Lambir, sights they don't normally see during the day on the same path.

It can't be compared to Singapore Zoo Nite Safari of course but the charm of Lambir Hill Nitewalk lies with the little critters that makes Lambir Hills their's home.

Our big animal sightings so far have only been restricted to monkeys, tarsiers, and giant squirels. We are still praying hard for an encounter with the resident clouded leopard or sunbear. Our most exciting and favorite must have been the snakes and tarantulas. A few close encounters with the crawling kind have made some members addict to the nitewalk.

It's not just the off-chance sighting that draws people to a nitewalk. The serenity of the rainforest after sunset, the ruckus or lack of it mixed with the damp darkness creates a feeling of mysterious calm about such places. It helps that you are well familiar with the place by day, seeing it at night just further adds to the affinity to the trails.

This nite we didn't see many of the usual big players on the trails other than some oversize snails, frogs, ants, numerous stick insects, and a beautiful gecko. Our resident tarantula seemed to have gone AWOL.

Our nite's tally:














Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/Oct 2009

Birdwatching near Bukit Song, Lambir Hills NP

The section of Lambir Hills National Park we went birdwatching 3rd October was perhaps the least visited part of the NP other then by villagers living in Pantu Buri, farmers opening new land or those travelling to the newly opened oil palm plantations further north of the NP. Though the roads are typical 4WD Sarawakian dirt road, it's just barely manageable even for a 4WD. We definitely do not recommend going in there with a family sedan.

Steve, Musa, Liz and Nazeri made up the team of four that could wake early enough to make it to the 0530 hrs meeting call at Mosjaya. All the other sane birders were undoubtedly in bed dreaming of their most favorite birds. We on the other hand fantasized about Wreathed Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill and other rarities in these parts all the way to Bukit Song.

The early morning departure was actually perfect, by the time Steve maneuvered the DMAX and Nazeri opened up the gates we were only a few minutes shy of 0630hrs. For Sarawak, this is as bright as 0700 hrs in KL with even less people but fresher jungle air.

Birds were fortunately already busy catching the proverbial early worms, while some were contented with just singing their hearts out for the whole forest to hear. The forest edge we were at was perfect for the sort of birdwatching we intended for the morning. Sandwiched between two prime rainforests, hidden away from traffic, we were perfectly positioned to watch the birdies.

A shama was the first to announce it's presence, followed by the Black-headed Bulbul. Later to be followed by the Plaintive Cuckoo, Black and Yellow Broadbill, Barbet sp. and Hornbill sp. Faintly audible was the soft tap-tap-tap of of the woodpecker. Hopes were quite high that we woul record the presence of either Wreathed or Wrinkled on this auspicious day. Any day where you can go out twitch this early at such a prime spot should be declared an auspicious day.

A large hornbill finally did fly past, landed right at the top of a tall tree in front of us. Bino poised, Steve and et al prayed for Wreathed Hornbill, clammy hands on the focussing ring, Leica Televid APO 77 swung to position just as fast .... to confirm the bird : Asian Black Hornbill! A few long seconds of close scrunity later, it was still ABH. It was full agreement and without a doubt NOT a Wreathed Hornbill that day. We waited ...

There were plenty of other birds to watch and tick. We noticed two flowering species of trees all around our perch, small little birdies were flitting in and out, some went for the fruit and some went for the nectar. Yellow-eared Spiderhunter; Hairy-backed Bulbul, Lesser Leafbird, Cream-vented Bulbul, and Yellow-vented Bulbul were all there taking turns foraging and feeding. Once in while the birds would stop to preen.

A group of Hill Myna made a fly past several times right above our heads.

Many flowerpeckers and sunbirds were sighted fleeting amongs the forest edges. Purple-naped Sunbird did not make an appearance today as it did 15th August at the same patch.

Throughout the morning many more birds made their own private appearances on top of those already mentioned above:
Thick-billed Pigeon
Dusky Munia
Red-bearded Bee-eater
Lesser Coucal

Red-eyed Bulbul

Red-throated Barbet

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker

Black and Yellow Broadbill (heard)

Argus Pheasant (heard)Van Hasselt's Sunbird

Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker

Dark-necked Tailorbird

Crested Serpent Eagle

Crested Goshawk

Silver-rumped Swift

Chestnut-rumped Babbler

Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot

Blue-throated Bee-eater

Plain Sunbird

White-breasted Woodswallow

Tricolored Munia


Van Hasselt's Sunbird. Photosource Lip Kee Yap, Singapore.

With the conversions and opening up of forested lands and secondary forests near Lambir, the actual protected area has become more accessible of late. All around Lambir, oil palm plantations are cropping up, while others are at the forest clearing stage. New farms are being opened up and planted. This new access points gave more people greater opportunities to walk right up to the park bounday, enter it if they the wanted to. What we hope is that those who do take the trouble to go there, actually went there with benign intentions, to enjoy nature like us, birdwatching.

We are in the midst of keeping track of birds we see in Lambir in the hope of contributing to the Lambir NP Birdlist. Partly to monitor what's in and around the national park currently as well as note those that are no longer present.

Lambir Hills National Park is one of Birdlife's International Important Bird Area (IBA) within the northern division alongside with Niah National Park, Loagan Bunut National Park, Mulu National Park and Similajau National Park.

Write-up by Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/Oct 09