I've been wanting to start a thread on birds I encounter around Kuala Lumpur. I hope that by posting this thread, it can inspire more people to go into conservation of urban wildlife and hopefully halt some illegal pet trade that had devastates the environment for so long.

I will not disclosed the location for some species due to its being categorized as a sensitive species and to protect it from risks of poaching, targeted killing, and disturbance. It will be tagged as UNDISCLOSED.

Without further ado, let's go!

BIRDS OF KUALA LUMPUR, A THREAD

ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis)

Well known for their melodious call and a popular cage birds. It is the national bird of Bangladesh. I was devastated when i heard the news that >3000 Magpies were seized from illegal poachers on its way to Indonesia. Loc UNDISCLOSED

YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus goiavier)

Commonly seen in an open areas (especially cultivation). Sorry for the blurry pic, it's so hard to have a stable, clear pic when you're using phone camera and monocular lens. Captured at Taman Rimba Kiara

(cont. from previous section)
A glimpse of its activities

ASIAN GLOSSY STARLING (Aplonis panayensis)

One of my favorite birds to see up close. It's striking red eyes and glossy feathers is just fascinating. These birds tends to flock in a huge number, so spotting one of these is an icing on the cake. Captured at Taman Rimba Kiara

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

This species needs no introduction. Famous for its resilience in adapting to human environment. Its been said that when the European colonies came to the Americas, they brought along 12 Sparrows to provide familiar environment for them.

ASIAN KOEL (Eudynamys scolopaceus)

I'm so happy to finally capture this elusive bird. They tend to kept things to themselves in the dense forest. But tbh they are still annoying, screaming persistent "ko-EL" everytime. I believe every one of you have at least heard it singing.

//SPECIAL COVERAGE//
On 4-6 July 2020, I followed my mom for a work trip to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai, Johor Bahru @utm_my. Since 2011, UTM has been launched as a sustainable campus and has been working towards sustainability for years. One of its works is...

developing ecotourism on campus, which of course, a great initiative to gauge public's and students' interests in conservation. So, i decided to rent a bike, grab my binoculars, and did a quick birdwatching while having my phone on to record the birds i saw to eBird.

A total of 97 minutes and 7KM covered, 12 species and more than 30 individuals observed. The whole experience was a blast. Ecotourism, when done right, can be one of the vital components of conservation effort. Again, great initiative from UTM and I hope other institutions...

will follow suit. Maybe we can do our own initiative unique to us..? @UoNMalaysia
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Here, I present some of the birds i managed to capture during my trip.
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BIRDS OF UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA (UTM)

WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis)

When I was pedalling on the side of UTM lake, i was lucky to struck this bird resting on a tree. Covered in brownish colour, white throat and an electric blue wings plus its unique beak.

it. is. beautiful.

I'm not sure what this is, but most probably PAINTED STORK or MILKY STORK from the ciconiidae family. Saw this bird majestically flew above a lake.

I withdrew my claim. People suggested that this is ASIAN OPENBILL (Anastomus oscitans) and after comparing, I do agree with them. Thanks to Koh Soon Yap and Subir Shakya from iNaturalist for providing identifications. Another Research Grade ID on the bag

Okay here we go again..
BIRDS OF KUALA LUMPUR,
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A THREAD

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
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A very hardy species with strong territorial instinct. Adapt very well to urban environment.

Tbh best photos i took so far using my current gear (Redmi Note 4 with attached monocular lens). Thinking of investing in a proper viewfinder camera and binoculars... someday... someday...

FERAL PIGEON (Columba livia domestica)

Historically has been shaping human civilization when it was first domesticated 6000 years ago. Providing food, means of communications, and medicine. It also can be trained to distinguish music by Bach and Stravinsky. How cool is that!

Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)

A very common backyard bird species. I'm pretty sure you guys have saw it. Golden body with occasional black stripes on its wings and around its eyes. Can you spot it here?

Bonus footage!
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Calming sounds of Taman Rimba Kiara.

You can hear the sounds of White-Throated Kingfishers dominating the landscape. A bit of hint, they sound like this: tri-riiiiitt, tri-riiiiiitt

Got a much clearer photograph for Black-naped Oriole this morning. Enjoy!

Right. So I discover this raving duck is my spirit animal.

Loc: Tasek Varsiti, Universiti Malaya

LINEATED BARBET (Megalaima lineata)
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This species prefers "drilling" a hole on a tree for nesting. Also, It's just amazing how a species can blend so much with the environment. I almost everytime overlooked this species when it was perched on a tree.

on a hiatus from birding until i saved up enough for a new binos. the previous one has been returned to the university since my project was finished. gonna keep this thread on pause. apologies!