(ANN/THE STAR) – In the heart of Sarawak’s lush wilderness, the melodious calls of the rhinoceros hornbill echo through the canopy. For Andrew Sebastian, a seasoned nature and wildlife guide, witnessing the courtship and nesting rituals of these majestic birds is just one of the many awe-inspiring experiences that define his deep-seated passion for birding. “Most people think hornbills are frugivores (fruit eaters), but during a birding tour, I once saw a male rhinoceros hornbill bring a snake into its nest.
.. we were spellbound by the entire spectacle,” Sebastian shared, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
His dedication to promoting sustainable eco and wildlife tourism in Malaysia shines through in every word he speaks. At 54, Sebastian has been leading birding tours for nearly two decades, yet his enthusiasm remains as vibrant as ever. His journey began unexpectedly during a vacation at Pahang’s Fraser’s Hill, where he caught sight of a striking red-headed trogon.
“I was transfixed when the bird came into view,” he recalled, the memory still vivid in his mind. Driven by a newfound fascination, Sebastian delved deeper into the world of birds and the art of birdwatching, eventually launching his own bird-themed tours. Today, as the president and CEO of the Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia (Ecomy), he continues to inspire others to appreciate and conserve Malaysia’s rich avian biodiversity.
“I was a senior staff of the Malaysian Nature Society,.
