After my online research had determined Taiping Lake Gardens to be the best bet for Long-tailed Parakeet in Peninsular Malaysia I was eager to get down there early and start looking for them. It was about a 20 minute walk down hill from Sentosa Villa and of course we had eyes and ears open!
The poor lighting completely fades out the brilliant yellow of this Black-naped Oriole.
First glimpse of what I suspect to be a parakeet.
After seeing some random LBJ’s that didn’t stick around, the cause quickly became apparent with this Brahmiiny Kite keeping a watchful eye.
We kept walking and finally reached the lake in Taiping Lake Gardens.
I don’t know why this guy doesn’t have a long tail – maybe a juvenile but he is definitely a Long-tailed Parakeet. Unfortunately he was on the wrong side of the sun so the colours got washed out. As you scroll down, there are some photos of about 12 parakeets, some of which do have long tails. There are also some random bird shots in as I was pointing at anything that flew by!
The parakeets eventually took off so we continued a slow stroll through the garden and found this White-throated Kingfisher looking for a fishy breakfast. He did a good job of finding some!
The scenery in the park is gorgeous! We found a group of locals who were exercising.
Asian Glossy Starling
Some Cattle Egrets and another Kingfisher on the other side of the park. By this time, we were headed out to find some conveniences and someplace to eat breakfast.
Maccas – always a cheap breakfast and free wifi!
Not sure what these guys are but they were everywhere!
I looked all through the bird book for this very cool looking bird. I wish I had a better photo but one minute he was there, the next he was gone. If anyone can identify please comment below!
We ended the morning with a walk around town, a trip to the mall to get some drinks and snacks to bring back to the hotel, then a taxi back and just barely beat the rain!
Since taxis don’t cruise the streets of Taiping, you have to go to the main market to find one. I suggest getting the driver’s phone# so if you need a taxi from the hotel to the bus station, you can call him. 10-15 ringgits will get you to most places in town.
