Far out in the east, Week 1 Day 2

Today we had a full day at the Kuala Selangor reserve, after yesterdays visit we knew our way around and were soon up and out....... and an hour later back to the chalet. The early morning start was a great idea but was intolerable due to mosquitoes..... we quickly spotted a Japanese Sparrowhawk and a Common Sandpiper before retreating for breakfast. Not to be put off an hour later we were back at it, this time the mosquitoes had dispersed allowing us to enjoy what the reserve had to offer. Olive Winged Bulbul, Pied Triller, Ashy Drongo all made it onto the trip list.
At the tower hide over looking the Heronry this awesome White Bellied Sea Eagle circled for a short while, almost at our eye level.... what a sight! Grey, Purple and Black Crowned Night Herons were all in large numbers

while lower down at the main lake were Jungle Myna, Little & Great white Egrets, Stork Billed Kingfishers while this Pacific Swallow took time out to yell out loud

and preen .....

and pose....

Not all birds were willing to be so showy, this Blue Throated Bee-eater sat atop of a distant dead tree

 while this Brown Throated Sunbird wanted to remain anonymous.... almost

however the Woodpeckers eventually became obliging:

Laced Woodpecker

Common Goldenback

This colourful Coppersmith Barbet enjoys a good scratch

 and just before leaving the reserve this Little Bronze Cuckoo hunted for caterpillars

Monitor Lizards were to be found all over the reserve, this fella striking a nice portrait

and of course where theres birds theres usualy Butterflys

In the evening we met up with a local guide who took us spotlighting for Owls amongst other nocturnal creatures.

Buffy Fish Owl, Barred Eagle Owl, Long Tailed Nightjar and Mangrove Viper were all seen at very close quarters..... the Viper a little too close for comfort!

The 5 minute encounter face to face with the Buffy Fish Owl maybe be the most incredible sighting I am ever likely to witness..... utterly amazing!

Day 3 we travel and head upto Frasers Hill