A renowned bird expert and best-selling nature author, Dominic Couzens from the United Kingdom, recently explored Brunei’s stunning landscapes and delved into its rich avian diversity.
During a three-day visit to Bukit Patoi Forest Recreation Park, Batang Duri Recreation Park and Ulu Temburong National Park, Couzens recorded an impressive 119 bird species.
Among his most notable sightings were the elusive garnet pitta, the critically endangered helmeted hornbill, the spectacled flowerpecker and the unique velvet-fronted nuthatch.
Couzens expressed his admiration for Brunei’s pristine forests and the thrill of spotting rare bird species, stating, “Birdwatching in Brunei is truly a transformative experience.”
Beyond birdwatching, Couzens also encountered other fascinating wildlife, including long-tailed macaques, silvered leaf monkeys, Bornean pygmy squirrels, Asian water monitors, giant wood spiders and saltwater crocodiles. Brunei Darussalam is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for birdwatchers, with over 600 recorded species, many of which are rare and endemic.
The visit was hosted by the Tourism Development Department in collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines. – James Kon
