PENANG Island, a haven for bird enthusiasts and photographers, offers a range of diverse habitats hosting a plethora of bird species.
From the easy birding areas of Air Itam Dam and Bukit Penara Forest Reserve, where vibrant sunbirds and elusive flycatchers dwell, to the historical Penang Botanic Gardens, a sanctuary for the Crimson Sunbird and Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, bird watchers can indulge in a visual feast.
For the adventurous, the trails leading from Penang Hill through Bukit Laksamana Forest Reserve to Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve offer a challenging yet rewarding birding experience.
The cooler climate of Penang Hill makes it an ideal spot for spotting various woodpecker species and bulbuls, while the Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve, near the tourist areas of Teluk Bahang and Batu Ferringhi, is known for its pristine forests and a rich array of birdlife, including the Moustached and Short-tailed Babbler.
Penang National Park, although the smallest national park in Malaysia, boasts a high concentration of White-bellied Sea Eagles and a variety of coastal birds. Sungei Burung in Balik Pulau provides opportunities for wader and shorebird watching, with the potential to spot lowland Bee-eaters and migrant raptors.
For urban birding, Gurney Drive and the stretch between Jalan Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Jelutong Expressway to Batu Uban are known for attracting waders and egrets. Other noteworthy birding areas include Bukit Relau Forest Reserve and the forested and orchard areas between Gertak Sanggul and Pulau Betong.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or a passionate photographer, Penang's rich avifauna and scenic landscapes provide an unforgettable experience, blending the joy of bird watching with the island's unique cultural and natural heritage.