KUCHING: MNS Kuching branch Bird Group will organise a bird-watching trip to Borneo Highlands Resort tomorrow (May 14) to mark World Migratory Bird Day.
The trip will be led by Dr Ron Orenstein.
According to a press release, Borneo Highlands Resort, sited on an 850m to 1,300m elevation in the Gunung Penrissen Important Bird Area, provides access to the mid-mountain forest in Kuching district.
The overlooking road provides good birding and stunning view across the Kalimantan border, it said.
Borneo Highlands could be the place in Borneo to find highland specialties like Bornean Barbet and Pygmy White-Eye. Wreathed Hornbills are often seen at the overlook. Other commonly seen birds are Scaly-breasted Bulbul, Asian Fairy-Bluebird and Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle.
“If we are lucky, we may hear (and with luck see) the Blue-banded Pitta and Rail-Babbler,” according to the statement. The area is also good for viewing butterflies, it said.
The resort is about an hour’s drive from Kuching city.
To get there, proceed from Third Mile to Penrissen Road and follow the sign to Serian.
After Kota Padawan (Mile 10) turn right at Borneo Highlands and follow the signs, passing by Bidayuh villages to the foothill of the Penrissen Range. From the foothill is another 20 minutes’ drive uphill to the resort.
Participants are reminded to bring along binoculars, bird guides, pocket-sized note pad, hat, sun block, insect repellent and umbrella, and to wear dull-coloured clothes.
The trip, limited to 15 members, is on a first-come-first-serve basis at no charge. For those who do not want to drive up to the club house, the fee is RM20 each for a return trip by BHR coach.
To register, call Susan Teal at 012-887 4401 or [email protected].