Raptor watch: (Top) Five peregrine falcons have been seen so far at Tanjung Tuan. (Above) In a single day, more than 2,000 birds from a single species can be seen circling the sky above Tanjung Tuan during this migratory period. So far, Oriental Honey-Buzzards form the largest number at 12,796 recorded by the MNS since February 17 this year. Pictures: Agencies
Liz Price
Friday, March 13, 2009
EVERY March, the skies over peninsular Malaysia are full of migratory raptors taking part on one of the world's greatest journeys. However, as they fly during the day and are very high up in the sky, it can be hard to see them unless you know where to look.
Raptors are birds of prey, and include eagles, buzzards, hawks, kites and falcons. These carnivores hunt using their incredibly good eye sight, very sharp talons and incredible agility in flight. Many originate from the cold northern hemisphere and can be found in the forests of Siberia, northern China, Mongolia, Japan and Korea. To escape the winter, they go to warmer countries. One favourite place is Indonesia but they can go as far as Australia. Coming from northern Asia, the birds take two main routes. One is through China and straight down the Asian mainland to the Thai-Malay peninsular, then over to Sumatra, and stay there, or go further south, maybe Java or even Australia. The other major route is from China, Korea and Japan, to the Philippines and east Borneo and into Indonesia.
The birds often travel in groups. They are large and powerful birds, and can fly long distances. To do so, they cruise at high altitudes and make use of the thermals, or warm air rising to gain height, and then they glide. That way, they don't have to flap their wings and use energy. It also makes them appear graceful to us earthbound humans.
The thermals are generally found over cities and towns, industrial areas, airports and roads. The warm air rising from these places means the birds can rise, and they circle as they gain height. They then glide and lose height until they reach the next thermals. As there are no thermals at night or on wet days, this is when they rest and feed. However, because the area of southeast Asia to Australia consists of thousands of islands, this means there is a lot of water to be crossed. Therefore, the birds flying from Sumatra to peninsular Malaysia choose a narrow route which crosses over Tanjung Tuan in Melaka, just south of the resort area of Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan.
In March, they start the long journey back to their homelands, to spend the summer and to breed. This seasonal departure is eagerly awaited by nature lovers. It is a fabulous site to see these flights. As they approach the Malaysian coast, the birds have lost height, and have to flap their wings in order to reach land, after their exhausting journey over the sea. Because they come in so low, bird watchers have a chance to see them up close.
Birdwatching is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, and there are thousands of birders who enjoy watching their feathered friends. As many birds are migratory, there is a changing population of birds in various places throughout the year. There are many clubs around the world, as well as organisations that help to protect the birds and share information. Even in Southeast Asia, birding is a very big activity. In Malaysia, an annual Raptor Watch is organised annually by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).
The MNS monitor these birds passing through and on one weekend hold an event open to the general public, where there are telescopes, information booths and video coverage. This year, the Raptor Watch will be held on March 14-15. The spring raptor migration actually begins in mid February and lasts till mid April; peak period is early March. Of course, nature is unpredictable and although you are not guaranteed of seeing the birds at Tanjung Tuan on a particular day, you stand a very good chance. The main negatives are rain, haze or a change in wind direction. On some days, more than 3000 birds are recorded passing over a period of six to seven hours. That averages one bird every 10 seconds or less! On my last visit, 2700 Crested Honey-Buzzards passed in just one morning. There are five main species that cross over the Straits of Malacca, the most common are buzzards and hawks. Some birds don't make it. Some fall into the sea and drown, others die from starvation or exhaustion and some, unfortunately, are shot.
Whereas dedicated bird watchers normally go out at dawn, the best time to watch these raptors is between 11am and 3pm. Tanjung Tuan, the only remaining patch of coastal forest on the west coast of peninsularr Malaysia, has been listed as an important raptor site by various international bird organisations and also by the National Geographic Society. The area provides food and shelter for exhausted birds and enables them to refuel and rest. Raptors have been using this promontory for thousands of years to cross over the Straits of Malacca. This annual migration is definitely one of nature's spectacular events. You don't have to travel to Africa or some remote wilderness to see this incredible journey.The Brunei Times
