Endau-Rompin State Park (TNJER) encompasses the watersheds of the rivers, Endau in Johor, Rompin in Pahang, comprises some 488 sq. km. of a verdant tropical rainforest. Lush and virtually untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland forests in the country. It is of major conservation significance due to the diversity of the habitats and species found within. There are about 250 species of birds which can be found there to keep you fascinated daily.
This time around, SBBG had organized 4 days 3 nights birding trip here, and we entered through the West Entrance which brought us to TNJER — Selai. Surprisingly, TNJER-Selai access route is slightly better than Peta with shorter stretch of dirt road at its last 6 km through the primary forest. It was a rough drive, but we were treated with the lush greenery and symphony of birds and insects calls.
Before we ventured into TNJER-Selai, we made a stop at nearby Hutan Lipur Bantang, a famous picnic area with a clear flowing river, and of course, abundant with bird life. Straight out of car, a Buff-rumped Woodpecker was busily pecking on Macaranga branches, looking for some afternoon grubs.
A tree, in particular, had attracted many birds that afternoon. Mainly bulbuls; Streaked Bulbul, Gray-bellied Bulbul, Red-eyed Bulbul, Spectacled Bulbul, Cream-vented Bulbul, Buff-vented Bulbul, Black-headed Bulbul, Hairy-backed Bulbul, Ashy Bulbul, a pair of Asian Fairy Bluebird and even a very showy Black-and-red Broadbill. As we reconvened at the carpark, a flock of Oriental Honey-Buzzard was flying northward, en route for their spring migration. It was a great stop before we continue our journey to TNJER - Selai. The checklist of birds sighted at Hutan Lipur Bentang is HERE
Our arrival at TNJER-Selai office was greeted with a gloomy sky, the typical weather around this time of the year. However, everybody was excited to begin their adventure at this birder's paradise. Forest birding can be frustrating but it gave us the chance to observe the birds that couldn’t be found anywhere else. Sometimes, the birds can be very showy and at other time, we could only catch a glimpse of it. However, one thing for sure, they did make their presence noticeable with melodious whistling, crackling and all sort of other sounds. Every birds sighted was clocked into ebird. The checklists can be accessed HERE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6,
Our 4 days at TNJER-Selai were filled with lifers, and one lucky participant, Ashraf encountered 4 elephants during the morning before we went back home. Furthermore, everybody had a good look at a Wagler's Pit Viper, a truly stunning specimen! It was a memorable trip with a good company that shared the same passion for birds. Hope to see you guys again on our next birding trip. Happy birding.
