What is your favorite bird species?
I have many favourite species such as Kingfishers, Trogons, and Hornbills. But if I were to choose one of them, it has to be the Hornbills. Among the Hornbills, it has to be the Great Hornbill because of a relationship to a pair that I had studied across a period of over 30 years.
What is your name, and where do you live?
My name is Irshad Mobarak, and I live on the island of Langkawi, located off the North-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Painted Stork
What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?
I cover the entire Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia), focusing on several birding routes, including the Central Route, Central Route Plus, and the Northern Route.
Large Frogmouth
How long have you been a bird guide?
Over 30 years
Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush
How did you get into bird guiding?
A chance encounter with my birding mentor, Mr. Miles Baddeley, who introduced me to the wonderful world of birds. On one of my early trips with him, we chanced upon a group of Great Hornbills and Wreathed Hornbills feeding on a fig tree. Seeing these magnificent and charismatic birds was life-changing. I started my birding journey thereafter.
Malayan Partridge
What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best?
That primal feeling of ‘hunting’ for a species, using your wits and cunning, and the rush we get when we succeed in finding it.
Which aspects do you dislike most?
I dislike it most when I see birders overuse callbacks and when they play it loudly.
Great Argus
What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders?
All 10 species of hornbills, the numerous pittas, trogons, patridges, pheasants, and, of course, the endemics.
Garnet Pitta
Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area?
A typical birdwatching, such as the Central Route Plus, will cover several key birding ecologies such as. coastal habitats, mangrove forest, freshwater & wetlands habitats, lowland rainforest, and lower montane forest. A comprehensive tour lasts between 12 to 13 days.
Rhinoceros Hornbill
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?
The best season for birding is between late October and mid-March when the migratory species from Siberia, Manchuria, and China are here. As for the resident species and endemics, it is possible all year round. It gets hot and humid in the tropics, so sun protection and rain protection may be required for both yourself and your equipment.
Black-and-red Broadbill
If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?
I am reachable by email: info@bird-malaysia.com
Bird photos by Shahrool Annuar
Leave a Comment