TAIPING: As part of plans to raise awareness of Malaysia as a route for migratory birds, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Perak branch organised its inaugural Raptor Festival 2011 here recently.
MNS Bird Group members recording the number of raptors
MNS Perak Bird Group Coordinator Lim Kim Chye, 63, explaining about the raptors’ migratory pattern.— Pictures by Wong Tuck Keong
Raptor watchers waiting anxiously for the birds
During autumn in the northern hemisphere, which starts in late September, thousands of raptors can be seen flying over Taiping on their migratory path to Sumatra, Indonesia, where they will spend their days in warmer climes.
Hundreds of bird lovers waited to watch and photograph the raptors as they flew over Taiping during the hottest hours of the day, between 10am and 3pm. The birds soared on thermals instead of flapping their wings to conserve energy in their long flight to Sumatra.
According to MNS Perak Bird Group Coordinator Lim Kim Chye, 63, not many people are aware of this spectacular show taking place in the skies above Taiping.
"There are five main species of migratory raptors that pass through this town annually," Lim said.
"They are the oriental honey-buzzard, black baza, Japanese sparrowhawk, Chinese goshawk and grey-faced buzzard."
Raptors were not the only migratory birds spotted that day. There were also bee-eaters, swifts and wagtails.
Adding festivity to the event was a carnival-like programme held around the Lake Garden, the zoo and at the foot of Scott's Hill
Among them were video screenings, talks and nature walks, and kids' activities.
The event was organised with the support of Taiping City Council, Minox Germany, Taiping Sentral Mall, Ngan Yin Menglembu Peanuts and Schmidt Marketing.
Join NST's Facebook Community!
