THE term “raptor” is derived from the Latin word “rapere”, meaning taking by force, and those classified in this group are predatory. Birds of prey is another term used by ornithologists for a specific family of predatory birds.
Not only raptors, but many bird species, spend over half the year away from their breeding areas. Hence, there is an area for breeding and another for their winter times.
The migratory journey of these birds is one of the most impressive phenomena in animal history, which brings us to Raptors Watch.
This year’s Tanjung Tuan Raptor Watch will be on March 12. For decades, the Watch has been organised by the Malaysian Nature Society.
This event coincides with the mass migration of birds of prey from the temperate northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere during the winter months, and they return to their homes for breeding in summer.
Given their rare occurrences, these events usually receive great response not only from local birders and the public, but also from birdwatchers and photographers from around the world.
The most frequently sighted species at Tanjung Tuan are the oriental honey, black baza, greater spotted eagle, buzzard, ospreys, Chinese goshawk and grey-faced buzzard.
On a good day, we can see 1,500 to 2,000 birds crossing the Straits of Malacca.
I hope the Negri Sembilan government and the Port Dickson Municipal Council will play a bigger role in making this year’s event a big success.
The Tanjung Tuan forest reserve falls under the purview of the Malacca government, but the council must realise that the business created by this phenomenon is enjoyed by the locals.
LIONEL PERERA,
Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan