Open burning

Suai bridge

Weekend about Waterbirds

In by Friday afternoon and out by Sunday ... in between watch birds leisurely at Kuala Selangor Nature Park and spend an afternoon gawking at waders in the ash ponds of Kapar, one word: BLISS!

It's amazing to realise how nature can thrive in such harsh and unforgiving environment. The setting is the ashponds of Kapar Energy Venture ... ash from their power plant. Last visit during Oct 2008 Festival of Wings saw 15000 waders.

Though on this visit the count didn't quite reach the numbers from October ... the birds are now in breeding colors, all on their way back home far north in the artic and taiga bogs of Siberia. They are still in the thousands, all decked up looking amazing! Peak was probably back in March.

It's not just the sight of thousands of birds that's fabulous. The fact that they are of various species were also of note. Terns, raptors like Brahminy Kites, Peregrine Falcon, Mountain Serpent Eagle took turns swooping down the occasional prey, Grey Heron, Egrets were also there. The sound of thousands of flapping wings as they fly in and out together has to be the other highlight. It's simply magical and addictive to some ...

If you are into waders, this is your Mecca. If you are a birder, you'll quickly turn to become a waderwatcher. If you are an occasional nature loving visitor, I betcha you'll turn bird watcher before you leave the main gate of Kapar Ashponds. Be forewarned!

Collared kingfisher

Ksnp