Borneo Set Departure Tour: June 24 – July 2011

Bornean Orang Utan at Danum Valley We were very lucky to meet up with a number of Orang Utans during our stay in Danum Valley, but this was by far our best sighting. This large male was totally

indifferent to our presence as he fed in a low tree along the entrance road to our lodge.

Borneo is always a super exciting place to see wildlife. Surprisingly for the tropics, I’ve come to expect the unexpected. Most people think of the tropical forests as being sort of static places - the same year round with little variation in conditions. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth – conditions vary considerably but not in the way we expect in the temperate zones. Where most of us come from we can predict the seasonal changes but in the tropics these changes are often capricious…unpredictable and invariably baffling, or failing this they are so subtle as to be quite difficult to discern. I’ve been travelling and naturalising in Borneo for close to twenty years and still so much is a mystery to me. This year it was strange because many of the birds I would expect to find without much difficulty either showed up at the last minute or simply refused to reveal themselves to us. But the counter to that was

that we found a number of goodies I don’t expect to see on every trip. That’s always exciting - for me as well as the participants!

Borneo is quite rightly regarded as one of the great storehouses of our planet’s incredible biological diversity. Charles Darwin called Borneo “one great, wild, untidy, luxuriant hothouse made by nature herself.” What a fabulous summation of this remarkable place! It succinctly conjures an image of a Henri Rousseau jungle painting. These days the reality is that much of the rich and verdant rainforest of Borneo has been lost forever, given up to our greed for fuel and comfort. This third largest island in the world is rapidly being taken over by oil palm plantations and timber companies. The Malaysian state of Sabah in the north harbors the largest remaining tracts of lowland and montane rainforest in Borneo. From here the towering spinal mountain range dominated by Mount Kinabalu emanates, and the teeming, complex rainforests still fan out below them to the lowlands and ultimately to the coast. The vast majority of Borneo’s endemic animals and plants are found in Sabah. There are two reasons from this – the first is that most of the island’s higher mountains are in Sabah and these geographically isolated locations are where speciation bubbles away. The other is simply that Sabah is further away from mainland so eons ago there was less opportunity for this speciation to be watered down on those occasions that Borneo was joined to it by a land bridge. The wildlife of this remarkable island is incomparable. With a host of enticing birds (including 48 endemics), a charismatic mammal fauna, many strange and unusual reptiles and the largest collection of carnivorous pitcher plants, it’s not surprising that naturalists are irresistibly drawn to the island.

Our birding started at Tambunan, a mid elevation site en route to Mount Kinabalu, where we had the chance to catch up with a few endemics that we knew we would not find elsewhere. We did pretty well here despite some very slow conditions. We left Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu in the dark, arriving at our birding site just after dawn. This area of the Crocker Range National Park we pass through is at a slightly lower altitude to Mount Kinabalu and a good place to locate a handful of endemics and other specialties that are difficult to find at Kinabalu. We found Little Cuckoo-Doves to be plentiful, their charming vocalizations could be heard throughout the morning. We also had our first encounters with a few species we would become very familiar with over the next few days – Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Bornean Whistler, totally manic flocks of Chestnut-crested Yuhinas, and Black-capped White-eyes. We found a little group of the newly split Bornean Leafbird and had nice looks Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, and the flaming Temminck’s Sunbird. Probably our most exciting find of the morning was a very close Bock’s Hawk Cuckoo (recently split from Large Hawk Cuckoo based largely on its quite different call), which we were able to study through the scope for quite some time.

We had a few sightings of the rather shy, endemic Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher

on the trails on Mount Kinabalu.

Mount Kinabalu is one of those truly memorable mountains that seem to burst from the ground. It dominates the west coast and is pivotal to the identity of the local people. The cool montane forests on the slopes of Kinabalu and the surrounding Crocker Ranges are home to most of Borneo’s endemic species. Mount Kinabalu is so central to the identity of Sabahans that it is featured prominently on the

state flag and is the subject of innumerable folkloric tales. It is also the key to Borneo’s incredible biodiversity, for it’s here in these northern mountain ranges that most of Borneo’s endemics evolved. Birding in this cool climate and verdant forests was a real pleasure as we strolled the trails and road in search of a host of goodies. We spent most of our time strolling and searching the narrow road that leads up to Timpohon Gate, the jumping off point for all those foolhardy people who aspire to climb to the summit. At the higher reaches there are a few species than are more common than even a little further down. So on our first morning we went in search of Bornean Whistling-Thrush, Sunda Bush-Warblers, and Bornean Treepies. The first two we found easily but oddly the treepies were a little more elusive. They showed up eventually though. Over the next few days we walked the road a number of times as well as a couple of the trails. The beautiful Mempening Trail paid off with great sightings of one of my favorite Bornean birds, the delightful Mountain Wren-Babbler. At various altitudes along the road we found mixed flocks comprising some neat birds like Bornean Whistler, Checker-throated and Maroon woodpeckers, Sunda Cuckoo-shrike Gray-throated Minivet, Hair-crested Drongo, Black-and-crimson Oriole, Short-tailed Green Magpie, Gray-throated Babbler, Sunda, Chestnut-capped and Bare-headed laughingthrushes, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, more large flocks of Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Mountain Leaf and Yellow-breasted warblers, and White-throated Fantail. We found the endemic Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher in thick forest on the Silau Silau Trail. A few other flycatchers - Indigo, Snowy-browed and Little Pied flycatchers – put in appearances. At the last minute we got something other than a stratospheric view of a Black-sided Flowerpecker, which was much appreciated by all. Black-capped White-eyes and Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrushes abounded and Ashy Drongos were everywhere. Mountain Tailorbirds would pipe up occasionally with their tuneful songs, allowing us to see them a couple of times. Another last minute bird was the bizarre Bare-headed Laughingthrush, who finally turned up amongst a mixed flock of Sunda and Chestnut-hooded laughingthrushes. The birding on Mount Kinabalu can be slow and frustrating but patience pays off and if one takes the time to enjoy everything the forest has to offer – the trees, the flowers, the insects, the mammals, the sounds and smells – it’s simply a wonderful experience to be here.

The legendary Rafflesia flower of Borneo!

We made a quick visit to the nearby Poring Hot Springs one afternoon where the highlight was not a bird but rather a flower! None other than the amazing Rafflesia, the largest and unarguably the strangest flower in the world. We were lucky to see one blooming, as this parasite with its unusual life cycle on appears above ground when it blooms over a period of about four days at most. We found a few nice birds here, too including the delightful and musical White-crowned Shama. A bunch of Orange-bellied Flowerpeckers were feeding in a flowering tree in the resort gardens but sadly they’ve seen fit to remove all the banana plants so our hoped-for swag of spiderhunters didn’t eventuate.

On another afternoon we again went in search of plants! Over on another part of the mountain, the outpost of Mesilau allows access to a slightly higher area where the poorer soils support a variety of the exotic and beautiful carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher plants. We were able to observe and photograph four species in their natural setting, as well as a number of other endemic and beautiful plants – orchids, mosses, begonias

and more. Our local ranger was remarkably knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his chosen subject so that was another fun aspect of our visit.

Our next destination was Danum Valley, one of the premier birding and wildlife destinations in Asia so our long stay here was a rare opportunity to really experience the intricacies of this most complex of ecosystems – the Sundaic tropical lowland rainforests. There is no doubt that Danum Valley represents one of the most important, not to mention, exciting nature reserves in Asia. It is simply brimming with luxuriant forest and amazing wildlife, although as with most lowland tropical rainforests, finding some of this elusive wildlife can be a challenge! The forests here are the tallest rainforests in the world and the beautiful emergent Koompassia trees are truly stunning. We had four nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located on a bend in the Segama River, where the nights are cool and there is a notable absence of biting insects! This is definitely one of the most delightful lodges in Asia or anywhere for that matter, and there is the added bonus of some great wildlife viewing opportunities right on our doorstep. Every day brought new discoveries. We made the most of our time here to find and enjoy the amazing array of birds in this wonderful area. We spent much of our time birding along the quiet entrance road to the lodge, as well as entering the rainforest on the trails in search of more elusive ground dwellers. Certainly there was never a dull moment! There were just too many amazing birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and other insects to detail them all even in this full list of sightings. I should just point out some of the more memorable moments though - personally, the highlight of the tour were three incredible Bornean Bristleheads, a elusive Giant Pitta that eventually allowed us to see him in all his glory, a very close male Orang Utans feeding in roadside trees, fantastic views of Black-and-Crimson Pitta and of course, gorgeous Red-naped, Diard’s and Scarlet-rumped trogons, truly sensational Rhinoceros Hornbills, a very cooperative Striped Wren-Babbler, as well as Bornean Tarsier, Bornean Gibbons and Maroon Leaf Monkeys. Truly sensational!

There were plenty of other exciting species including Crested Fireback, which were hanging around the lodge this year and letting us have sensational views. Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrots were unusually cooperative as we watched them feed in flowering roadside trees. Numerous sightings of the handsome Raffle’s Malkoha were much appreciated while the diminutive forest dwelling Black-backed Dwarf Kingfishers showed very nicely a few times. Wrinkled, Wreathed, Malaysian Black, and Rhinoceros hornbills all showed up – the Rhinos were sensational and showy. Gold-whiskered Barbet, Rufous Piculet, Buff-necked Woodpecker, Fiery Minivets, Spectacled, Hairy-backed, Cream-vented, Buff-vented bulbuls, Dark-throated Oriole, Asian Fairy-Bluebird, Bornean Black Magpie, Large-billed and Bornean blue-flycatchers, Little Spiderhunters, Orange-bellied flowerpeckers, and the endemic Dusky Munia all put in appearances.

Happily, Whiskered Treeswifts are common around the lodge at Danum Valley.

One of the exciting things about birding in South East Asia is the plethora of challenging babblers, some of them are really fancy and others are a little duller, shall we say? Anyway, Danum Valley is babbler-lover’s heaven! Over the course of a few days we found Black-capped, Short-tailed, Ferruginous, Moustached, Sooty-capped, Chestnut-rumped and Chestnut-winged babblers as well as a really responsive Striped Wren-Babbler and the endemic Black-throated Wren-Babbler.

On one evening we took a night safari from the lodge along the entrance road in search of mammals and nightbirds. We encountered Thomas’ Flying Squirrel and Lesser Mouse Deer before we were almost washed away. But we found a couple of other great mammals in the form of one of my favourites: the remarkable Malaysian Colugo (thanks to my friend Dennis Yong for telling us about it). With Orang Utans, three species of monkey, tarsiers, many types of fancy squirrel, Borneo is definitely not just about the birds! A variety of fancy snakes, lizards, gekkoes and frogs also kept us interested.

Thanks for joining me on a terrific trip! Susan Myers

BIRD LIST:

ANHINGAS: Anhingidae

Darter Anhinga melanogaster just one seen on the Segama River at Danum Valley.

HERONS, EGRETS AND BITTERNS: Ardeidae

Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana seen almost daily on the Segama River at Danum Valley.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea a couple seen here and there en route to our destinations.

Great Egret Ardea alba mostly seen in fields and rice paddies.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta mostly seen in fields and rice paddies.

Pacific Reef-Heron Egretta sacra Lesley saw one swoop down and catch a fish on the Kota Kinabalu waterfront.

HAWKS, EAGLES AND KITES: Accipitridae

Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus a few sightings at Danum Valley.

Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus a pair flew past very rapidly while we were sipping tea on the balcony at Danum Valley.

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster one seen chasing fishing boats at Kota Kinabalu.

Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela quite common in Danum Valley, where we had some great views.

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis one seen from the balcony at Danum Valley.

Rufous-bellied Eagle Aquila kienerii amazing looks at a bird that came in and perched while we were on the canopy walkway at Danum Valley.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus we saw a distant bird in flight on Mount Kinabalu and then another perched as we were leaving Danum Valley.

Wallace's Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus nanus fabulous scope looks at this very nifty raptor in Danum Valley.

PHEASANTS AND PARTRIDGES: Phasianidae

Red-breasted Partridge Arborophila hyperythra heard only on Mount Kinabalu.

Crimson-headed Partridge Haematortyx sanguiniceps despite hearing them at very close quarters a number of times on Mount Kinabalu, these birds simply refused to reveal themselves.

Crested Fireback Lophura ignita a group of these birds has become somewhat habituated at Danum Valley and we observed them at exceptionally close quarters a number of times.

PIGEONS AND DOVES: Columbidae

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis seen in Lahad Datu.

Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps very common at Tambunan and slightly less so on Mount Kinabalu.

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica heard at Tambunan and Danum Valley.

Zebra Dove Geopelia striata a few seen in Lahad Datu.

Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea notably scarce this year in Danum Valley.

Mountain Imperial-Pigeon Ducula badia a few sightings on Mount Kinabalu, and rather unusually a pair were scoped at Danum Valley.

PARROTS: Psittacidae

Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot Loriculus galgulus notably common and conspicuous in Danum Valley this year.

CUCKOOS: Cuculidae

Bock’s (Large) Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus (sparverioides) bocki after hearing this usually elusive bird at Tambunan, I played the tape and was amazed to see this handsome bird fly straight in to look at us and sit for at least five minutes allowing excellent scope views.

Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus heard at Danum Valley.

Sunda Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus heard daily on Mount Kinabalu.

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus very commonly heard, we had a number of sightings.

Asian Drongo-cuckoo Surniculus lugubris heard in Danum Valley.

Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi good looks at one bird on the Jacuzzi Trail at Danum Valley.

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus sumatranus a few sightings on the entrance road at Danum Valley.

Raffles's Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus this charismatic bird was seen a few times in Danum Valley.

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris one seen on the entrance road at Danum Valley.

Short-toed Coucal Centropus rectunguis brief but good looks at a bird that flew across the road at Danum Valley, also heard.

SWIFTS: Apodidae

Waterfall Swiftlet Hydrochous gigas a possible sighting of one that soon disappeared into the fog on Mount Kinabalu.

Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta very common almost throughout.

Mossy-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus salangana all the nest species were probably seen in Danum Valley, but it is not possible to be completely certain unless they are seen on the nest.

Black-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus maximus

Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus

Silver-rumped Needletail Rhaphidura leucopygialis nice looks at some birds foraging over the Segama River at Danum Valley.

House Swift Apus nipalensis common in Kota Kinabalu, where they serenaded us over dinner!

TREESWIFTS: Hemiprocnidae

Gray-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis less common than the following species at Danum Valley.

Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata quite common in Danum Valley, we were able to enjoy some very close looks at the unusual facial plumage.

TROGONS: Trogonidae

Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba great looks at a bird near the canopy walkway in Danum Valley.

Diard's Trogon Harpactes diardii this bird put up quite a fight but we eventually got nice looks after a bit of bush bashing, which only resulted in a little bit of blood loss ,-)

Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii a lovely surpise was this bird that came in to look at us on the canopy walkway.

KINGFISHERS: Alcedinidae

Blue-banded Kingfisher Alcedo euryzona possibly one of the best birds of the trip, this scarce kingfisher was seen and scoped from the lodge balcony as it foraged from rocks in the Segama River in Danum Valley.

Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithaca we were lucky to get a handful of excellent sightings of this fabulous bird in Danum Valley.

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis a regular from the lodge balcony at Danum Valley.

Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris a few sightings here and there, the one we saw at Mount Kinabalu was an unusually high altitude.

BEE-EATERS: Meropidae

Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus heard in Danum Valley.

Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis common and gorgeous in Danum Valley.

Blue-throated Bee-eater greeted us daily at Danum Valley, where they foraged in open areas around the lodge and over the Segama River.  

HORNBILLS: Bucerotidae

Oriental Pied-Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris a few seen in Danum Valley.

Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus quite common in Danum Valley, we saw them daily.

Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros this is one of the best birds in the world, no doubt about it! It was a treat to see and hear them daily at Danum Valley.

Helmeted Hornbill Buceros vigil heard in Danum Valley.

Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus brief looks as they flew over at Danum Valley.

White-crowned Hornbill Aceros comatus heard in Danum Valley.

Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus great scope looks on one memorable afternoon (that also included a very close male Orang Utan, a Giant Pitta and a flock of Bornean Bristleheads!)

Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus seen a few times on Mount Kinabalu and in Danum Valley.

BARBETS: Capitonidae

Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrysopogon great scope views from the canopy walkway at Danum Valley.

Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystacophanos heard daily at Danum Valley, but sadly no viewable fruiting trees…

Yellow-crowned Barbet Megalaima henricii one seen in Danum Valley.

Golden-naped Barbet Megalaima pulcherrima frustratingly only heard this year.

Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis heard in Danum Valley.

Bornean Barbet Megalaima eximia heard at Tambunan, not responsive.

WOODPECKERS: Picidae

Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis a couple of excellent looks, including a very close one on the canopy walkway.

Gray-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus one seen at Poring Hot Springs.

Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus great views of a pair excavating a nest in Danum Valley.

Checker-throated Woodpecker Picus mentalis an adult and youngster seen interacting along the main road on Mount Kinabalu.

Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus a few seen on Mount Kinabalu.

Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis seen well at Poring Hot Springs.

Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki one or two sightings in Danum Valley.

Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus heard distantly at Danum Valley.

BROADBILLS: Eurylaimidae

Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos one seen briefly at the lodge in Danum Valley.

Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus heard in Danum Valley.

Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus surprisingly unresponsive this year but one seen eventually, albeit briefly.

Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae a fabulous surprise to find this species, which is so elusive in Borneo, at Tambunan.

PITTAS: Pittidae

Giant Pitta Pitta caerulea a very, very exciting bird – our patience was rewarded when we got brief but good views of a male near the canopy walkway at Danum Valley. It really is giant!

We watched this guy for about half an hour as he hopped

around us in thick forest at Danum Valley.

Black-headed Pitta Pitta ussheri this stunning bird was seen very, very well at Danum Valley, after he responded to my whistles.

SWALLOWS: Hirundinidae

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica a few seen here and there.

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica common throughout and nesting under the balcony at our lodge.

CUCKOO-SHRIKES: Campephagidae

Sunda (Black-faced) Cuckoo-shrike Coracina larvata one seen well at Danum Valley.

Lesser Cuckoo-shrike Coracina fimbriata good looks at a pair in a mixed flock at Danum Valley.

Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus a small flock seen from the canopy walkway.

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus brief looks at a few at Tambunan.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus Lesley saw one in Danum Valley.

Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus one seen from the lodge balcony.

BULBULS: Pycnonotidae

Black-crested (Bornean) Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus nice looks at this handsome bulbul at Tambunan.

Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier common at Tambunan and Danum Valley.

Pale-faced Bulbul a brief sighting of a couple at Tambunan.

Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus a few in Danum Valley.

Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex one or two at Danum Valley.

Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus very common in Danum Valley.

Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmos Lucille saw a couple from the lodge balcony.

Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus some good sightings of this boisterous species on Mount Kinabalu.

Gray-cheeked Bulbul Alophoixus bres seen a few times in Danum Valley.

Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger excellent looks at a rowdy congregation along the entrance road in Danum Valley.

Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea a few seen in Danum Valley.

Ashy (Cinerous) Bulbul Hemixos flavala one seen at Tambunan.

LEAFBIRDS: Chloropseidae

Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati seen at Danum Valley.

Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon seen at Poring Hot Springs.

Blue-winged (Bornean/Kinabalu) Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis this interesting taxon was seen well a handful of times at Tambunan.

IORAS: Aegithinidae

Green Iora Aegithina viridissima great looks at this canopy dwelling bird from the walkway at Danum Valley.

THRUSHES: Turdidae

Bornean Whistling-Thrush Myophonus borneensis seen daily on Mount Kinabalu, it looks very plain until the light hits it.

White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana this very elusive ground dweller gave us some glimpses to reward our efforts.

CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES: Cisticolidae

Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris brief looks at Tambunan.

OLD WORLD WARBLERS: Sylviidae

Bornean Stubtail Urosphena whiteheadi the very high pitched call was heard a few times on Mount Kinabalu but they refused to respond.

Sunda Bush-Warbler Cettia vulcania very entertaining and cooperative on the higher parts of the road on Mount Kinabalu.

Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus this little gem was seen a few times on Mount Kinabalu.

Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis seen along the entrance road in Danum Valley.

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus great looks at this handsome bird with his distinctive song at Danum Valley.

Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps seen by Lesley at Likas Bay.

Mountain (Leaf) Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus common on Mount Kinabalu.

Yellow-breasted Warbler Seicercus montis seen frequently on Mount Kinabalu.

OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS: Muscicapidae

Eyebrowed Jungle-Flycatcher Rhinomyias gularis some good sightings of this forest-dwelling endemic on Mount Kinabalu.

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra a rather cute bird, seen a few times on Mount Kinabalu.

Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria this really lovely species was seen very well along the Segama Trail in Danum Valley.

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni a couple of sightings on Mount Kinabalu.

Indigo Flycatcher Eumyias indigo always a big hit, this bird was seen a few times on Mount Kinabalu.

Long-billed (Large-billed) Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis caerulatus a lovely male was seen along the Tekala Trail in Danum Valley.

Malaysian Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis turcosus one seen in the lodge grounds, Danum Valley.

Bornean Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis superbus one seen along the entrance road in Danum Valley.

Gray-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis heard a few times in Danum Valley.

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis seen a number of times as we travelled.

White-rumped (Crowned) Shama Copsychus malabaricus first seen at Poring Hot Springs, common in Danum Valley.

Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus a brief but excellent look at this stunning bird near the Jacuzzi in Danum Valley.

White-crowned Enicurus leschenaulti seen almost daily in Danum Valley.

Bornean Forktail Enicurus borneensis this is a recent split from the above and very similar, we were lucky to see it daily on Mount Kinabalu.

FANTAILS: Rhipiduridae

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis seen daily on Mount Kinabalu, it is usually most conspicuous bird in mixed flocks.

Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica common in lowland areas.

Spotted Fantail Rhipidura perlata this is the forest dwelling fantail, we saw a pair very well along the Segama Trail.

MONARCH FLYCATCHERS: Monarchidae

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea heard in Danum Valley.

Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi great looks at both males and females in Danum Valley.

A male Asian Paradise Flycatcher is always

a crowd pleaser at Danum Valley

WHISTLERS: Pachycephalidae

Bornean Whistler Pachycephala hypoxantha quite common on Mount Kinabalu.

BABBLERS: Timaliidae

Sunda (Gray-and-brown) Laughingthrush Garrulax palliatus not uncommon on Mount Kinabalu.

Black (Bare-headed) Laughingthrush Garrulax lugubris this is the scarcest of the laughingthrushes so I was really happy to find a pair in a mixed flock at the final hour!

Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush Garrulax mitratus one of the most common birds on Mount Kinabalu.

Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolor some good looks at this bird in Danum Valley.

Short-tailed Babbler Malacocincla malaccensis a few good sightings of this energetic species in Danum Valley.

Temminck's Babbler Pellorneum pyrrogenys this is often a tricky bird to find so it was great to have excellent views of them on Mount Kinabalu.

Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum I really like this little ground-dwelling babbler so it was nice to get super looks at it along the entrance road at Danum Valley.

Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre the scarcest of the malacopterons, we saw this along the Jacuzzi Trail.

Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine seen and heard often in Danum Valley.

Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum some good sighting along the Sapa Bebandil Trail.

Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum seen well from the canopy walkway.

Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus great looks at this often elusive species on the Hornbill Trail.

Striped Wren-Babbler Kenopia striata a lovely bird was seen really well on our memorable afternoon along the entrance road at Danum Valley.

Black-throated Wren-Babbler Napothera atrigularis one seen briefly on the entrance road.

Mountain Wren-Babbler Napothera crassa great looks at a group of this feisty bird on the Mempening Trail on Mount Kinabalu.

We found a group of Mountain Wren-Babblers on the Mempening Trail on Mount

Kinabalu, they fed close to us on the trail while we enjoyed great, close views.

Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyris rufifrons heard often in Danum Valley but surprisingly unresponsive.

Gray-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps seen a number of times on Mount Kinabalu.

Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculata a very rowdy group was seen well along the Nature Trail at Danum Valley.

Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris erythroptera seen a number of times in Danum Valley.

Striped (Bornean) Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis some good looks at Poring Hot Springs.

Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronous ptilosus showed well along the entrance road at Danum Valley.

White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis a few sightings, mostly of female birds, on Mount Kinabalu.

Brown Fulvetta Alcippe brunneicauda noisy but inconspicuous in Danum Valley.

Chestnut-crested Yuhina Yuhina everetti the overly energetic Crack-heads were seen frequently on Mount Kinabalu.

NUTHATCHES: Sittidae

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis some brief sightings on Mount Kinabalu.

SUNBIRDS AND SPIDERHUNTERS: Nectariniidae

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis one female seen at Poring Hot Springs.

Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hypogrammicum a couple of sightings in Danum Valley.

Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis Poring Hot Springs.

Eastern Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja one seen in Danum Valley.

Temminck's Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii a few seen at Tambunan.

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra quite common and speedy in Danum Valley.

Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter Arachnothera affinis one seen at Poring Hot Springs.

FLOWERPECKERS: Dicaeidae

Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus one was feeding in a tree in the lodge gardens.

Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochilus xanthopygius a female seen along the entrance road at Danum Valley.

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma some great looks at Poring Hot Springs, also seen in Danum Valley.

Black-sided Flowerpecker Dicaeum monticolum after many stratospheric fly overs, one eventually showed himself to us in the restaurant carpark on Mount Kinabalu.

WHITE-EYES: Zosteropidae

Black-capped White-eye Zosterops atricapillus possibly the most common bird on Mount Kinabalu.

Pygmy White-eye Oculocincta squamifrons a small group was seen feeding in a tree in the lodge grounds. It may not be a very exciting looking bird to look at but this was a very exciting find!

Mountain Black-eye Chlorocharis emiliae a little scarce this year but we had a couple of good sightings.

ORIOLES: Oriolidae

Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus great looks at a couple of birds at Poring and in Danum Valley.

Black-and-crimson Oriole Oriolus cruentus a few sightings on Mount Kinabalu and at Tambunan.

FAIRY-BLUEBIRDS: Irenidae

Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella we saw both males and females at Danum Valley, the male is truly spectacular when the light hits him!

HELMETSHRIKES AND ALLIES: Prionopidae

Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhopterum heard and glimpsed at Danum Valley.

Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velatum great looks at a single bird near the Segama bridge.

DRONGOS: Dicruridae

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus very common on Mount Kinabalu.

Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus seen a few times on Mount Kinabalu.

WOODSWALLOWS: Artamidae

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus seen at Tambunan and a couple of other places en route.

BRISTLEHEAD: Pityriaseidae

Bornean Bristlehead Pityriasis gymnocephala undoubtedly one of the best birds in Borneo! We were so lucky to get great looks at this very strange and enigmatic species from the canopy walkway at Danum Valley after hearing them call in the distance.

CROWS AND JAYS: Corvidae

Crested Jay Platylophus galericulatus this species is always rather shy in Borneo and although we heard it a couple of times they refused to show themselves.

Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus great looks at this interesting bird – its vocalisations are simply wonderful.

Short-tailed Magpie Cissa thalassina after initially putting up a big fight, we enjoyed great looks at this rather breathtaking bird on Mount Kinabalu.

Bornean Treepie Dendrocitta cinerascens seen a few times on Mount Kinabalu.

Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca seen and heard in Danum Valley.

STARLINGS: Sturnidae

Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis many seen at Lahad Datu, our jumping off point for Danum Valley.

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa scope views of one from the canopy walkway at Danum Valley.

Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus a few seen in Kota Kinabalu.

WAXBILLS AND ALLIES: Estrildidae

Dusky Munia Lonchura fuscans common at Danum Valley.

Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla a couple of flocks were seen as we left Danum Valley.

OLD WORLD SPARROWS: Passeridae

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus common in all populated areas.

MAMMAL LIST:

MOONRAT AND LESSER GYMNURE: Erinaceidae

Lesser Gymnure Hylomys suillus one glimpsed near the Timpohon Gate, Mount Kinabalu.

TREESHREWS: Tupaiidae

Common Treeshrew Tupaia glis a few seen in Danum Valley.

Mountain Treeshrew Tupaia Montana common on Mount Kinabalu.

Smooth-tailed Treeshrew Dendrogale melanura we were lucky to have great looks at this little critter at Poring Hot Springs.

COLUGOS: Cynocephalae

(Malayan) Colugo or Flying Lemur Cynocephalus varieagatus thanks to Dennis we saw this really great and really weird animal hugging a tree along the entrance road at Danum Valley.

TARSIERS: Tarsiidae

Western Tarsier Tarsisus bancanis one spotted at Danum Valley was a great find!

MONKEYS: Cercopithecidae

Maroon Langur/Red Leaf-Monkey Presbytis rubicunda a few sightings of this handsome monkey at Danum Valley.

Long-tailed or Crab-eating Macaque Macaca fascicularis a troop were seen as we drove to Danum Valley.

Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemestrina seen a couple of times en route to and in Danum Valley.

GIBBONS: Hylobatidae

Bornean (Mueller's) Gibbon Hylobates muelleri on our last day we found a family group and enjoyed some great scope views.

GREAT APES: Pongidae

(Bornean) Orang-Utan Pongo pygmaeus sensational! Seen at least five times in Danum Valley.

SQUIRRELS: Sciuridae

Prevost's Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii common and entertaining at Danum Valley.

Kinabalu Squirrel Callosciurus baluensis seen a number of time on Mount Kinabalu.

Bornean Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus orestes one or two seen at Tambunan and Mount Kinabalu.

Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus one seen near Danum Valley.

Jentink's Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki common and cute on Mount Kinabalu.

Low’s Squirrel Sundasciurus lowi one seen at Tambunan

Horse-tailed Squirrel Sundasciurus hippurus one seen in Danum Valley.

Plain Pygmy Squirrels are quite common and

always entertaining in Danum Valley.

Plain Pigmy Squirrel Exiliscriurus exilis a candidate for the world’s cutest critter – we saw this little fellow daily at Danum Valley.

Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel Dremomys everetti a few seen on Mount Kinabalu.

FLYING SQUIRRELS: Petauristinae

Thomas's Flying Squirrel Aeromys thomasi one spotlit before the deluge at Danum Valley.

PIGS: Suidae

Bearded Pig Sus barbatus a mother with young was seen crossing the road on our way out of Danum Valley.

MOUSE-DEER: Tragulidae

Greater Mouse-Deer Tragulus napu fabulous looks at one feeding during the day on the Hornbill Trail at Danum Valley. Also spotlit on the night drive.

DEER: Cervidae

Sambar Deer Cervus unicolour one seen in Danum Valley.

OTHERS:

Rafflesia keithi

Nepenthes rajah

Nepenthes lowi

Nepenthes fusca

This Nepenthes rajah at Mesilau holds over

a litre of insect destroying liquid!

Kuhl’s Creek Frog Limnonectes kuhli

Kinabalu Dwarf Toad Ingerana baluensis

Sumatran Cobra Naja sumatrana (I’m still not 100% sure about this – it may have been Bornean Black Snake but the bands on the belly make me think otherwise)

Red-bellied Keelback Rhabdpophis conspicillata (I’m not at all sure about this one but this is the closest match so far…)

Water Monitor Varanus salvator

House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus

Yoshi’s Bent-toed Gecko Cyrtodactylus yoshii

Draco sp.

Malayan Giant Turtle Orlitia borneensis

Susan Myers

Kuhl’s Creek Frog…he was worth the effort!