On June 8 to June 9, 2024, Haribon Members, Lyza Guinto and Justin Richmond Domingo participated in The International Bird Race 2024 in Fraser’s Hill, Pahang, Malaysia.
The Story
Armed with trusty binoculars and a love of nature, HARIBON Members, Lyza and Justin, invited by its fellow BirdLife partner in Malaysia, landed in Pahang, Malaysia to take part in the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race 2024! The Race took place from June 8 to June 9, 2024, at Fraser’s Hill resort in the Titiwangsa Mountains.
Fraser Hill’s has been around for 35 years with 2,804 hectares of untouched tropical jungles, promoting the area’s local and international birdwatching as a top-class birdwatching destination, encouraging birdwatching as an academic and immersion to nature, raising awareness of Malaysia’s rich biodiversity both regionally and internationally, and protecting the environment as a bird sanctuary for Malaysia’s natural heritage for the preservation of future generations.
Since 1988, bird lovers and nature lovers have gathered for its culmination. It has been deemed the premier birdwatching spot in Asia-commonly referred to as a first-class birdwatching destination in the region.
Among the exhibitors and participants were representatives from Birdwatching Asia, Persatuan Alam & Warisan Bukit Fraser (PAWBF), NEST Life Hunter, Malaysian Nature Society, and The Nusajaya Natural Heritage Trust. The stories shared by all the participants greatly enriched the experience, giving Lyza and Justin insights into international conservation efforts and diverse avian habitats.
For Haribon Members Lyza and Justin, who are novice birders, this race was less about the competition and more an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts, immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of the Pahang, and gain a deeper appreciation for the wildlife both in the Philippines and abroad. Fortunately, some of the more experienced birders were happy to give them friendly advice. Field guides and a digital camera are useful tools for beginners, allowing them easily identify and review the features of the birds, instead of relying on their ability to identify species on the spot.
Fraser Hill’s has been around for 35 years with 2,804 hectares of untouched tropical jungles, promoting the area’s local and international birdwatching as a top-class birdwatching destination, encouraging birdwatching as an academic and immersion to nature, raising awareness of Malaysia’s rich biodiversity both regionally and internationally, and protecting the environment as a bird sanctuary for Malaysia’s natural heritage for the preservation of future generations.
Since 1988, bird lovers and nature lovers have gathered for its culmination. It has been deemed the premier birdwatching spot in Asia-commonly referred to as a first-class birdwatching destination in the region.
Among the exhibitors and participants were representatives from Birdwatching Asia, Persatuan Alam & Warisan Bukit Fraser (PAWBF), NEST Life Hunter, Malaysian Nature Society, and The Nusajaya Natural Heritage Trust. The stories shared by all the participants greatly enriched the experience, giving Lyza and Justin insights into international conservation efforts and diverse avian habitats.
For Haribon Members Lyza and Justin, who are novice birders, this race was less about the competition and more an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts, immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of the Pahang, and gain a deeper appreciation for the wildlife both in the Philippines and abroad. Fortunately, some of the more experienced birders were happy to give them friendly advice. Field guides and a digital camera are useful tools for beginners, allowing them easily identify and review the features of the birds, instead of relying on their ability to identify species on the spot.
Bird Sightings
During the race, they spotted and identified many different bird species, such as the Rufous-browed flycatcher, Pacific swallow, Oriental magpie robin, Plume-toed swiftlet, and Gray-chinned minivet.
Fraser Hill’s emphasizes that birdwatching is not just for experts, but for everyone. Binoculars, books, and a torchlight are some of the only gear necessary to join the initiative.
Historically, human encroachment and environmental degradation affected and diminished the species of wild birds spotted in the area. Fortunately, as ‘preserve-nature’ campaigns by local authorities and environmentalists have become more aggressive, avian species are significantly repopulating the area.
There is a misconception that a bird race is a literal bird race, however, Fraser Hill’s clarifies that teams of three birdwatchers compete against each other in sighting, identifying, and recording the most number of species; reiterating it is a ‘bird race’ amongst the birdwatchers.
To ensure the welfare of birds during this bird race, participants are required not to disturb or stress the animals and are prohibited from using audio equipment.
Fraser Hill’s emphasizes that birdwatching is not just for experts, but for everyone. Binoculars, books, and a torchlight are some of the only gear necessary to join the initiative.
Historically, human encroachment and environmental degradation affected and diminished the species of wild birds spotted in the area. Fortunately, as ‘preserve-nature’ campaigns by local authorities and environmentalists have become more aggressive, avian species are significantly repopulating the area.
There is a misconception that a bird race is a literal bird race, however, Fraser Hill’s clarifies that teams of three birdwatchers compete against each other in sighting, identifying, and recording the most number of species; reiterating it is a ‘bird race’ amongst the birdwatchers.
To ensure the welfare of birds during this bird race, participants are required not to disturb or stress the animals and are prohibited from using audio equipment.
The Journey
Fraser Hill’s emphasizes that birdwatching is not just for experts, but for everyone. Binoculars, books, and a torchlight are some of the only gear necessary to join the initiative This 2024, the competition is divided into three distinctive categories, namely, the advanced category for experienced bird watchers who have the privilege to habitually return to Fraser’s Hill the novice category, and the student category for those who are curious and look at it as a hobby.
As the bird race has evolved, so have its initiatives; a Bird Photography Contest was added as an additional activity that attracts wildlife photographers and enthusiasts from all around the world.
Referred to as ‘Little England’, a side event to ensure the wellbeing of not only the birds but the participants as well, was held prior to the actual event. Exhibitions were held, awareness campaigns, and other conservation activities for animal activists, photography enthusiasts, students, and the like also took place.
Overall, bird watching is beneficial for health, academics, and sport. Fraser’s Hill’s International Bird Race aims to preserve nature concurrently promoting the area as a bird sanctuary.
As the bird race has evolved, so have its initiatives; a Bird Photography Contest was added as an additional activity that attracts wildlife photographers and enthusiasts from all around the world.
Referred to as ‘Little England’, a side event to ensure the wellbeing of not only the birds but the participants as well, was held prior to the actual event. Exhibitions were held, awareness campaigns, and other conservation activities for animal activists, photography enthusiasts, students, and the like also took place.
Overall, bird watching is beneficial for health, academics, and sport. Fraser’s Hill’s International Bird Race aims to preserve nature concurrently promoting the area as a bird sanctuary.
