Recording Location: Bukit Fraser (Fraser’s Hill), Malaysia
Habitat: Montane tropical rainforest
Duration: 53 minutes (5 tracks)
Audio Formats: CD, mp3 & FLAC (48kHZ/24bit)
Price: $12.95 (Download), $19.95 (CD). Prices are in Australian dollars (AUD)
In the highlands of Malaysia, mist envelops the rainforest canopy creating a beautiful habitat known as cloud forest. The gnarled trees covered in mosses and lichen look ancient standing in the cool montane air. Ferns, orchids and other epiphytic plants attach themselves to every tree and rock surface. In the late afternoon, clouds gather in the lowlands to form a thunderstorm, which gradually makes its way into the hills and mountains. The grumble of thunder resonates, as birds call softly from the forest, and the short, melodic whistles of tree frogs punctuate the tranquil soundscape.
High on a ridge, cicadas and tree frogs call from the damp, mossy forest as a thunderstorm builds. Birds are active and the calls of Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Rufous-fronted Babbler, Greater Yellownape and Black-browed Barbet can all be heard.
The unusual buzzing call of Fire-tufted Barbet is atypical of these cloud forests as is the melodies of Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo and the soft descending whistle of the stunning Red-headed Trogon. After a short while, the rain starts to fall and the bird activity slows.
After a brief shower, the rain lightens to a steady drizzle and the birds a soon active again. Rufous-browed Flycatcher makes short tapping sounds in the understorey, while a band of Long-tailed Sibias move through the forest. The thunder continues to roll.
The deep whoops and shouts of a family of Siamangs can be heard from a nearby hillside. A Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo sings cheerful phrases and crickets and frogs continue to call from the now misty rainforest. At 3:30 the bubbly call of Little Cuckoo-Dove can be heard.
The storm gradually passes and many montane bird species become active. The rolling thunder drifts into the background, bringing rain to distant hills
Collared Owlet, Little Cuckoo Dove, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Greater Yellownape, Fire-tufted Barbet, Black-browed Barbet, Red-headed Trogon, Grey-throated Babbler, Rufous-fronted Babbler, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Silver-eared Mesia, Mountain Fulvetta, Mountain Leaf-Warbler, Rufous-browed Flycatcher and Long-tailed Sibia.
