Birds in my garden

Terrain - Open unsheltered flat land	Size of Birdable area -Limitless	Distance to walk or trek -nominal
Birding distance - Binocular & scope	Special attire- sunlight protective	Other special mention- nil
Bird's life:-	Bird species:-	For budding birder :-
Maxwell Hill is one peak within the Bintang Range. This peak is marked by the Telecom tower - at 1036 meters high. Within a short distance away, the higher Hijau Peak is at 1448 meters. Going up to Maxwell, visitor seldom reach this height at the Telecom. They would stay near the Jeep Station or the last point, Speedy Bungalow. This is at a lower altitude. Though isolated and cool, this part of the mountain range has little to attract bird life to congregate around the vicinity of the bungalows situated along its ridge. The rest of the forest area is simply just too much space for them. So, for birders, the hill station only offers quietness, solitary environment and another stop over point where occasional birds would drop by. By all the same, the usual and common forest residents, would always be there. Bulbuls, Cuckoos and Pigeons just to name a few.

Maxwell is not that high as compared to other points like Genting Highlands and Brinchang. Yet, it retains that feeling of high mountains. Like the presence of these ferns, stunted montaine vegetation.

The lack of disturbances and no new development had kept the ambience and climate as it was, years ago.

Giant Ferns gives the impression of highlands and very cool climate.

Few local visitors speaks highly of Maxwell. Poorly maintained and lack of modern facilities -were cited as negative points.

My opinion? Maintenance - yes! Could be better. But ambience - it is "heaven". To a nature lover that is!

In the past Maxwell Hill was known for its beautifully laid out floral gardens and road kerbs

You can see from the picture, the region for the bungalows was on a slope bereaved of forest trees.

Then coniferous pine trees were planted on the emptied compound to create a new ambience.

Bird's eye view of the top Jeep Station.

Though, there are climbs and many secluded viewpoints. Overall, I did not have much joy birding up in Maxwell. One reason I can find is that the forested area do not come close to the resorts' compound.

But if you are serious about birding while in Taiping, why not try the low hill behind Burmese Pool. In that spot, chances of sighting forest birds are much better.

Most bungalow are located in secluded perch. A typical stairway. If you need to reach them.

This is Speedy! According to those here recently, they are still waiting to see the White-crowned.

They had spotted the Nightjars and the Pygmy Wren.

Walking up to Speedy Bungalow

A memorable sight! The Tea Garden. A half way transit point as well a spot for travelers to stretch their legs.

Here we were waiting for the uphill vehicles to meet at this point. They sure took longer time.

Tea Garden Stop