What to do with an afternoon in Kuala Lumpur? Perhaps visit the Petronas Twin Towers or the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Well, it is possible to do both and do a little birding along the way at Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve Park right in the middle of the city. Although the temperature and humidity were sky high that is exactly what I did this afternoon as I wait to meet my group for the Peninsula Malaysia tour beginning tomorrow. I am always interested and amazed how many birds are able to survive in big cities and here I found a few that surprised me but equally it was a surprise to find a canopy walkway right in the middle of a capital city.

KL Tower

The KL Tower observation tower is set in a small area of forest and parkland in which I saw some surprising birds including a Common Flameback, a calling Black-naped Oriole, numerous Blue-tailed Bee-eaters and a flock of Ashy Minivets. Well, this is hardly likely to get any birders really excited but I am always amazed at how many birds can eke out a living in big cities. I live in Bangkok where a large number of birds can be found and it seems that Kuala Lumpur has the same potential.

Oriental Magpie Robin

I spent an hour here in very overcast conditions, which always kills bird activity but I still found a few things including a Golden-fronted Leafbird (perhaps an escape?), White-throated Kingfisher and loads of Asian Glossy Starlings and Javan Mynas; all common birds but fascinating to see in such a small scrap of habitat.

Asian Glossy Starling

Other common birds I found here and in the nearby park next to the Petronas Twin Towers were Spotted Dove, Brown-throated Sunbird, Asian Koel and Zebra Dove.

Canopy Walkway in Bukit Nanas Forest Park, Kuala Lumpur

An interesting afternoon for someone who has not visited Kuala Lumpur in over 20 years but perhaps rather mundane for those who visit regularly or live here. However, I was still interested to find birds in the city centre that I did not really expect. It will be time for some proper birding tomorrow when we visit Kuala Selangor.

Go birding in Malaysia - Peninsula Malaysia birding tour