During dinner that evening, my friend Irene was expressing how excited she was for our next activity at Awana Genting. Her enthusiasm seemed more like a guarantee that if I were to miss the fun, I would endure the biggest regret. I looked at her with the most doubtful eyes. Yes Irene, I believe you but we are talking about snakes and lizards here...at night! She still insisted that it would open my eyes to a magnificent realm plus she promised to be by my side all the time. I trusted her and I am glad I did!
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| Are you ready for night action?! |
We always think people flee at the sight of a snake or a lizard. Yours truely
is was one of them. Little did I know, that there is a group of people who deliberately hunt for them. Nope, not poachers who hunt for profit. They are called herpers. They seek out reptiles and amphibians purely for appreciation. If you cannot sleep at night or still have a tonne of energy to spare at the end of the day, be a herper!
Night Herping
Night herping is the act of looking for and observing reptiles and amphibians. We went in a group, led by an extremely passionate and knowledgeable herper Steven Wong. We were given briefing before heading out to the other world. Steven hopes to ward off the negative stigma that is attached to reptiles and amphibians by educating the public about them.
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| Program is conducted at night by Steven Wong, head coordinator of the Herpetofauna Special Interest Group of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Selangor branch. |
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| Adventure starts at Awana Park |
The warmth of being in a group of friends did expel the fright and phobia of encountering a creepy crawly. Steven's presence was a huge relief for me as he is in control of the situation with his extensive knowledge of reptiles' and amphibians' habits and characters. A good guide is vital.
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| Herping in groups where there is lots of company and safety |
Our guide has exceptionally sharp eyes and hearing. Steven's trained senses can pick up the slightest twinkle of a frog's eye and the most camouflaged lizard's tail. He imparted some tips on how to spot a subject which some were very quickly assimilated with participants and resulted in some extra spotting by participants themselves! Respect for nature is very much required in herping.
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| Steven spotted our first subject! |
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| The Twin-spotted Gecko (Gekko monarchus) |
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| Our second subject spotted |
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| The Siamese Pit Viper (Trimeresurus fucatus) |
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| The Four-lined Tree Frog (Polypedates leucomystax) |
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| Look what we found next! |
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| Pink-headed Reed Snake (Calamaria schlegeli) |
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| Beetle |
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| Green Crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) |
That night, I took a big step forward to face my fright of creepy crawlies. It taught me to not judge a book by its cover. Most of us are afraid of reptiles and amphibians because of how they look. As much as we are afraid of them, they too would scoot when they sense us. It makes me feel that they understand the meaning of 'world peace' more than us humans.
My nervousness disappeared the moment we spotted our first subject. I actually enjoyed the session. Every finding did excite me instead of make cringe like I thought I would. The fact that the findings were shared with friends and photographed like a treasure was memorable and fun.
Bird Watching
They are willing to wait for days, expect to be disappointed and are attentive at all times. What creature are they waiting for for them to put up with such high level of tolerance? I found new respect for bird-watchers and birders after my own experience of bird-watching at Awana Genting Important Bird Area (IBA). Birds are what they are waiting for and all for just a few moments of appreciation.
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| Bird watching at the IBA- Important Bird Area |
The Awana area has always provided a comfortable temperature for morning walks (or walks at any time of the day in fact). I woke up early for a bird-watching session and it was truely refreshing.
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| Eddie facilitating the session |
To bird-watch, it is best to come with binoculars or high performance lenses as we can only observe the birds from afar. If you are a novice, going with a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference as he/ she can educate you along the way as to what are you watching through the lenses. When you know what you are looking at and the birds' significance, you will learn to appreciate them and even get hooked!
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| Watch closely among the trees |
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| Avid bird watchers come with extreme lenses |
On my way, I only got a brief sight of the birds as I was not quick enough and did not have powerful enough lenses in hand (lesson learnt). These are the beautiful birds that I have missed on my camera. And only now I come to realize that most of us have taken photographs of animals for granted! These beautiful photographs require not only great lenses but also patience, timing and resilience. They are definitely not captured on the first try. So hats off to all these photographers!
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The Great Hornbill can be found in the Fashion Forest
photo credits to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_hornbill |
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The Black Browed Barbet was what I saw but could not capture
Photo credits to http://orientalbirdclub.org |
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The Velvet Nuthatch calls Awana/ Genting its home
Photo credits to http://carolinabirds.org/HTML/Nuthatch.htm |
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Orange Breasted Trogon is very colourful
Photo credits to https://www.pinterest.com/nalabea55/quetzal |
The excitement of catching sight of the hornbill was one of a kind. You may know it is beautiful but that is an understatement until you step into the forest and actually watch them.
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| It is time to hear and follow the chirps |
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| And when you catch sight of one, you'll understand what and why bird watchers do |
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| The valley from the IBA bird watching area |
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| Fashionably soaking in nature |
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| Chatting with Eddie about his experience |
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| The incumbent President of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Henry Goh is an experienced birder himself explaining educating us about the different types of birds |
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Turn towards the sun and the shadows fall behind you
Even if you do not catch sight of birds, take a nature walk to soak it all in |
For a herping or bird-watching session, contact
Eddie: 011-26573070/ 012-3076821
Pat: 012-3083748
Bernadine: 012-6725262
http://treksfashionforest.jimdo.com
http://treks.events
www.facebook.com/treksfashionforest
fashionforest@live.com
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