Pulai, Palm Resort, Kukup, Pontian 3Dec11

From KH

Con, Danny and I went on a recce trip to Pulai and Kukup. After breakfast south of Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest (GPRF), we went round the western side to the northern entrance. Initially, we took a wrong turn and ended up at a camp, but just in time to catch a Changeable Hawk-eagle gliding past.

When we reached the entrance, there were already many cars. Apparently, residents have been visiting GPRF for some time, climbing the 700-m hill (4.7-km track) in slightly more than an hour.

Although the weather was cool, and the stream and waterfall were nice, the birds were not. The only notable birds were 2 unid needletails high up and a female Mugimaki Flycatcher. Other birds include a Striated Heron flushed from the stream, the calls of Short-tailed and Striped Tit-babblers, and friendly Orange-bellied Flowerpeckers and Dark-necked Tailorbirds. Mammal-wise, we saw a White-handed Gibbon, a male Pig-tailed Macaque, a bunch of Long-tailed Macaques and some squirrels.

Finally, at the 2nd steel bridge at the 2.76-km mark, we made our descent to continue our recce round GPRF.

Passing through our lifer town of Kulai, we soon reached Palm Resort at Senai. Failing to locate the Barred Eagle Owl, we went round the golf course, until back at the hotel block, the Indian workers pointed out the owl to us.

Left: Male. Right: Female sitting on nest in flower bed ©Con Foley

After lunch, we explored the eastern side of GPRF. We found the pond and reservoir, but no duck, only a Brown Shrike. Next up, Kukup.

Other than a bunch of Great Egrets flying to Pulau Kukup, there were not many birds there, although I did see a White-bellied Sea-eagle circling in the direction of Pulau Pisang. The most amazing thing here, to me, is how the mudskippers are able to thrive in the over-polluted mudflat. There was also a snake/eel in the water. Our aim here, however, is check out the rates of the boat - RM500 for 2-3 hours with 3-4 passengers.

Over at Pontian, the red earth area is pretty much the same as a few years ago. There was a Great Egret, a Grey Heron and a couple of Common Sandpipers. The rate here is RM800!