Do Sepilok results depend on season? (1 Viewer)

[earlytorise]

I went once, for 4 days straight, in May of 2024.

It was quite nice - for example, the trees were flowering, so you could go up the tower and just watch the sunbirds and spiderhunters roll in - and of course I did the nightwalks, which yielded a tarsier among other things -

But the trails were disappointing. A guide told me that the lack of rain, making for hot sunny weather most of the time, was partly to blame.

I have opportunities to go back as KK is only 3 hours by air from where I live.

Are specialty birds just easier to find depending on the season? On that trip I missed Dwarf Kingfisher, I missed all the cuckoos, I missed Bristlehead, I missed any of the cool raptors (a Changeable perched briefly but I didn't have time to get my camera on it), I missed Fairy-Bluebird, and some more misses I can't think of right now.

How about the mammals? I was quite enthused about the information panel that had a description of Binturong, which is apparently quite elusive. I only got a brief view of a gibbon; I'd appreciate better views.

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

But the trails were disappointing. A guide told me that the lack of rain, making for hot sunny weather most of the time, was partly to blame.

It is the same throughout the year. Sometimes quiet sometimes lively. Same in other forest reserves in Sabah.

 

[darth bangkok]

I have a few days on my own in Sepilok in a couple of weeks. Planning to go to the Discovery Center each day to try for Bristlehead. I need to add it to my families list.

I was told the trails are a better option for Bristlehead over the the walkways. I think I have 2.5 days to dedicate here. Will I be disappointed? Is there any specific place or places to 'stake out' where I'd have a better chance for the Bristlehead?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

I have a few days on my own in Sepilok in a couple of weeks. Planning to go to the Discovery Center each day to try for Bristlehead. I need to add it to my families list.

I was told the trails are a better option for Bristlehead over the the walkways. I think I have 2.5 days to dedicate here. Will I be disappointed? Is there any specific place or places to 'stake out' where I'd have a better chance for the Bristlehead?

Thanks in advance!

Try early in the morning on the walkways then mid day on the Pitta Path Trails

 

[AveryBartels]

I have a few days on my own in Sepilok in a couple of weeks. Planning to go to the Discovery Center each day to try for Bristlehead. I need to add it to my families list.

I was told the trails are a better option for Bristlehead over the the walkways. I think I have 2.5 days to dedicate here. Will I be disappointed? Is there any specific place or places to 'stake out' where I'd have a better chance for the Bristlehead?

Thanks in advance!

Hang out up one of the towers for Bristlehead first few hours of AM, as Jason suggests

 

[darth bangkok]

Got it, thanks much both!!!

 

[simmojunior]

I was there one day in March 2016 and it was brilliant. Didn't see Bristlehead but saw Black-and-crimson Pitta, Banded Kingfisher, Bornean Falconet, Orange-backed Woodpecker, Violet Cuckoo, Dwarf Kingfisher etc... Think it is just luck of draw!