This morning we birded close to Ipoh as I needed to be back for pick up by Shirly for the clogging class at midday. Kinta Park is located alongside the Kinta River and adjacent to deep freshwater pools that are the legacy of the old tin mining industry that Ipoh built it's wealth on. I have to say that the biggest thrill for me today was 3 separate sightings of otters, 2 of them large family groups and watching them catch and eat fish. That was closely followed by another unexpected thrill - great views of an Oriental Cuckoo perched in a big Rain Tree. Other sightings today included Baya Weavers, Black-crowned Night Herons, both Purple and Grey Herons, Yellow Bitterns and Blue-tailed Rainbow Bea-eaters amongst other birds. It was a terrific birding location and I'd love to come back some time. Todays' culinary treat from the Cheaws is called 'Kaya' a pastry snack - it was delicious. They also pointed out a place we passed called 'Bata Gajah' (which means 'Elephant Rock') which has a memorial to British soldiers and is visited annually by old soldiers. Got back in time for Shirley's class which again, was just great fun and I enjoyed dancing with all the Ipoh cloggers and workshopping a current Austalian routine we do with them. After the class we all, as is normal routine for them, went out to eat and have a cool drink together. I enjoyed fried noodles with shrimps and egg, some glutinous rice flour desserts and starfruit juice with a salted plum in it. Am back in the hotel now getting cleaned up ready for a night out with friends of the Cheaws (fellow birders) and a meal together (16 of us) at a Thai Restaurant as the guests are Thais and have been birding in Malaysia but by now, according to the cheaws must be hanging out for some spicy Thai food. My last evening here in Ipoh. The hospitality and generousity of everyone I've met here has really blown me away.
