AWC Loagan Bunut National Park 4-5th Feb 2012

This year our survey covered the entire width and breadth of the Loagan Bunut without traversing Sg Teru as per previous years. We covered the lakes twice, once in the late afternoon and another in the morning the next day. Map and tracks courtesy of Musa Musbah 2012.

As per last year's visit, our AWC party to Loagan Bunut National Park remained low keyed. We left in two cars, a 4WD Hilux and a rented Unser which not your typical vehicle to be found traversing the adventurous road to the park. Fortunately the weather was with us, we arrived our intended destination on time as planned after a brief stop-over at Beluru.

This year's AWC had the following people tagging along : Musa Musbah, Sara Wong, Grace Len, Sim Yuh Thin, Jane Doe, Amer Matridi, Nazeri Abghani, Edward Ong, Remli Adenan, Ali Nazeri and Aisya Nazeri.

We crammed two boatrides along the lake for $60/boat for 4 persons and $10/head for each additional persons per ride. Evenings are good due to cooling weather and dramatic clouds drifting over till sunset. Morning time is always best for glorious morning clouds and sunny rays of sunshine. We had rain on our morning boatride this year but it was well worth it.

Over the years the resident Oriental Darter has always been the highlight of the the lake. Following closely is the possibility of maybe a Great Heron (listed but we have yet to see it at our normal haunts), Storm's Stork (first recorded 1999 by MNS Miri Branch AWC crew) and Grey-headed Fish Eagle (recorded twice before during the early years but hasn't got onto the list over past 2-3 years).

With the lake habitat, Osprey, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Changeable Hawk Eagle are regularly seen coasting over the waters. Hornbills the likes of Asian Black Hornbill and Oriental Pied Hornbill are regulars. Bigger hornbill species are scarce in the area if any due to lack of any major presence of large fruiting trees. Other memorable species are Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Grey Imperial Pigeon and various egrets and herons.

This year Oriental Darter did not fail us : we saw close to 10 darters all around the lake. Several Osprey and Purple Heron also made the list.

Our complete birdlist at this year's AWC is as follows:

Loagan Bunut AWC Saturday 4th Feb 2012 (5.30 pm to 7 pm.)

1. White-bellied Sea Eagle = 1

2. Pacific Swallow = 3

3. Large-billed Crow = 9

4. Tree Swift sp. = 30

5. Olive-backed Sunbird = 2 (heard sound along the lake)

6. Hornbill sp. = 1 (heard sound along the lake)

7. Asian Black Hornbill = 7

8. Flowerpecker sp. = 2

9. Purple Heron = 1

10. Grey Imperial Pigeon = 5

11. Broadbill sp.= 1 (heard sound along the lake)

12. Blue crown Hanging Parrot = 4

13. Black and Red Broadbill = 1

14. Striped Tit Babbler = 1 (heard sound along the lake)

15. Osprey = 1

16. Tern sp. = 35

17. Little Heron = 3

18. Stork-billed Kingfisher = 1

Loagan Bunut AWC Sunday 5th Feb 2012 (7 am to 930 am.)

1. Swiftlet = 63

2. Osprey = 6

3. Large-billed Crow = 2

4. Rufous-backed Kingfisher = 1

5. Hill Myna = 5

6. Yellow-vented Bulbul = 1

7. Little Heron = 1

8. Flowerpecker sp. = 3

9. Pacific Swallow = 1

10. Olive-backed Sunbird = 2

11. Stork-billed Kingfisher = 5

12. Purple Heron = 10

13. Oriental Darter = 10

14. Olive-backed Sunbird = 5

15. Striped Tit Babler =1

16. Great Egret = 1

17. White-bellied Sea Eagle = 2

18. Asian Black Hornbill = 3

19. Tree Swift sp. = 17

20. Black-bellied Malkoha = 1

21. Long-tailed Parakeet = 5

22. Brahminy Kite = 1

23. Owl sp. = 1 (unidentified)

Going back to the lake year after year gives us more than just a list of birds for AWC. The lake exudes a kind of calmness and tranquility that you can take home with you. It's beautiful surroundings despite the oil palm and logging momentarily puts you in a place as close as possible to a hidden eden, not many places these days which can do that. Best part is it's only 3 hours away from Miri on a bumpity dusty road, and 90 percent of the time there's no one else there but you.

Tired out from the bumpity bum ride on the famed Beluru-Lapok gravel highway, members taking a fitful well deserved rest in the spacious living room of our NP dormitory ... best accomodation at the lake. The whole 1st floor is the living room cum dining hall. Sleeping bunks are separated into 14 bunk beds in 4 rooms each with a bathroom equipped with 2 shower stalls and 3 toilets. Theoretically you can have quite a crowd on these two floors, however most of the time it's fairly quiet.

Our team this year comprises MNS Miri Branch AWC regulars and newbies as well as representative from SFC Miri Regional Office, Remli Adenan of Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary. Remli has started to be our AWC guy in SFC for the past several of years.

The cloud formation over this lake has always been very dramatic at any time of day especially on those impending wet stormy weather days.

Living around the lake are the Berawan, original inhabitants in these parts. The Berawans around the lake retain their privilege to harvest fish within the NP boundary. Most are very protective of this special privilege.

Oriental Darter breeds at Loagan Bunut. In Sarawak this is probably the only location where one can view these magnificent snakebirds in abundance. The rookery requires 1 hrs through water logged terrain infested with crocodiles, an undertaking reserved only for the hardy birders.

Purple Heron is also regularly seen around the lake. The Great Heron was recorded here at one time but have not been lucky enough to sight one even after many years of annual visit to the lake. Perhaps it's hanging out at the rookery.


The most common hornbill in these parts has to be the Asian Black Hornbill. These can be seen around the lake at anytime of day during fruiting season, very often also heard.

Stork-billed Kingfisher, a shy species spotted only because of it's large size gaudy coloration. This year we completedly missed out on the ubiquitous Blue-eared Kingfisher but had a glimpse of the Rufous-backed Kingfisher seldom seen at the lake.

We sighted several Osprey this year at separate sectors of the lake. Very distinctive species very fond of the abundant fish at the lake.

The surrounding forest around the lake at the end of the day. Main threats at Loagan Bunut NP would be overfishing, illegal logging an drun-off from oil palm plantation surrounding the NP boundary. Licensed logging ventures are longtime staple activities in these parts.

"We are looking for volunteers to stay 48 hours in a fishing hut to keep an eye on the birds of the lake. Canoe for transport to and from the fishing hut to the canteen can be arranged. Must be able to handle extreme tranquility during the day and completely dark nights. Please enquire within."

Text and images by Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/Feb 2012 unless specified.

AWC Kpg Masjid, Kuala Baram with the children of Kpg Masjid

The three routes taken to cover AWC for Kpg Masjid, Kuala Baram for 2012.

Last Saturday MNS Miri Branch birders and friends drove up to Kpgg Masjid, Kuala Baram to conduct Asian Waterbird Census in Kampung Masjid along the Sg Baram not far from the Baram estuary. Oriental Darter, Peregrine Falcon, Changeable Hawk-Eagle (breeding), White-bellied Sea Eagle (breeding), Grey-headed Fish Eagle (breeding), Wandering Whistling Duck (breeding) have all been recorded in the area by MNS Miri in the recent past.

Partly the objective of this AWC in the area is also to exposed the children of the village to the wholesome actvity of birdwatching and introduce them to the common birds in their backyard.

The village is situated between Sg Baram near the estuary and South China Sea, and criss-crossed by little canals, it's a perfect place for children to birdwatch with abundant opportunity to look for common wetlands associated birds, shorebirds as well as raptors in the area. With most of the area already converted to oil palm plantation and tree plantations by Shin Yang (Linau Mewah Sdn Bhd), there is no better time to get the kids to come out and enjoy birdwatching.

MNS Miri Branch (Musa, Sara, Nazeri, Erwin briefing the children on the day's activities. Birders were assisted by Yusree (Kpg Masjid JKK), Nicholas (Curtin U), Paula, Ibram, Sufian and Rowina. Twenty children participated in the activity.

Children of the village getting to know the common birds in their area. Most are very excited to see the birds up close and personal using binoculars and scopes brought along for the day's event.

A pair of Oriental Honey Buzzard which made an appearance minutes after our program concluded. This pair was spotted by young Azmi who also managed to correctly id the raptor using the MNS Raptor card handed out earlier in the day. Image by Nazeri Abghani

White-breasted Woodswallow are common in the area. Image by Nazeri Abghani

Scaly-breasted Munia, supposedly very common in the Kuala Baram area this is the first photo ever recorded by MNS Miri Branch. Image by Musa Musbah.

Striated Grassbird, a common sight along the roads to the village. Image by Nazeri Abghani

Lesser Coucal are often sighted in the grassy parts of the village. Image by Nazeri Abghani

The boys enjoying ketupat pulut and chicken curry specially ordered for them. Thank you Sara for sponsoring the drinks, Nicholas for snacks and tit-bits. Image by Sara Wong.

Our birdlist from the teams:-

Group 1 : Lead by Musa, Nicholas and Sufian

Scaly-breasted Munia

Chestnut Munia

Little Egret

Asian Glossy Starling

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

White-breasted Woodswallow

Pink-necked Green-pigeon

Cinnamon Bittern

Collared Kingfisher

Spotted Dove

Oriental Magpie-robin

Pied Triller

Rock Pigeon

Group 2 : Lead by Nazeri, Sara, Ibram

Yellow vented Bulbul (3)

Dusky Munia (6)

Barn Swallow (more than 50)

White-breasted Waterhen (1)

Common Sandpiper (2)

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (2)

Spotted Dove (1)

Yellow bellied Prinia (1)

Pink-necked Green Pigeon (2)

Cattle Egret (1)

Yellow Wagtail (1)

White-breasted Wood-swallow (5)

Blue Throated Bee-eater (2)

Pied Fantail (2)

Lesser Coucal (1)

Striped Tit-babbler (1)

Olive-backed Sunbird (1)

Common Iora (2)

Black-shouldered Kite (1)

Little Egret (1)

Oriental Magpie-Robin (1)

Asian Glossy Starling (3)

Chestnut Munia (4)

Collared Kingfisher (1)

Group 3 : Lead by Erwin, Paula, Rowina

Yellow vented Bulbul (2)

Yellow-bellied Bulbul (1)

Scaly-breasted Munia (2)

Barn Swallow (15)

White breasted Waterhen (1)

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (2)

Zebra Dove (1)

Pink necked Green Pigeon (2)

Great Egret (4)

White-breasted Wood-swallow (4)

Greater Coucal (1)

Oriental Magpie-Robin (1)

Asian Glossy Starling (2)

Chestnut Munia (2)

Collared Kingfisher (6)

Pied Triller (2)

Edible-nest Swiftlet (20+)

Oriental White Eye (3)

Striated Grassbird (1)

On way back along road by Erwin:

Slaty-breasted Rail (1)

Dollarbird (2)

Blue-throated Bee-Eater (3)

After the program by Nazeri, Azmi:

Oriental Honey Buzzard (2)

At the close of the program, Yusree (JKK Kpg Masjid) expressed his gratitude to MNS Miri Branch for bringing birdwatching to the village kids. He's happy of the positive response from the kids and hope for greater appreciation of birds and the surroundings by his young charge. He also informed us of the plans to involve the PTA in the activities and make birdwatching a regular activities in the village for the children. That's definitely good news for MNS Miri.

Current landuse map around Kpg Masjid, Kuala Baram. Land conversions within the past 3 years have been astounding, not much of the original swampland is left to be replaced by oil palm plantations, pulp and paper plantations as well as new townships.

Write-up by Nazeri Abghani

Image contributors as per credit.

AWC Curtin University 14th Jan 2012

The expansive lakeside which could be the main centerpiece to which all birdlife slowly revolves around on Curtin. The island looks perfect to be a sanctuary to several species of waterbirds. In fact, we've reasons to believe that the Wandering Whistling Ducks have taken refuge on this island.

We kicked off our Asian Waterbird Census Curtin University this year later than usual at approximately 0715hrs. Our survey this time has the following participants : Sara Wong, Nicholas, Musa Musbah, Amer Matridi, Erwin Adams, Jacqueline Bradley, Liefer, Nazeri Abghani, Ali and Aisya.

Participants were equipped with 8x40 binoculars and three scopes: Kowa,Swarovski and Leica. Susan Myer's Fieldguide to the Birds of Borneo and Quentin Phillip's Birds of Borneo were both used as field reference.

Located in the greater Kuala Baram area, many of original birds of the Kuala Baram peatswamps are now returning and calling Curtin their "new" home. With tree-lined avenues and ample waterbodies in and around campus, our feathered friends have made a new home here. It is not uncommon to see flocks of Chestnut Munia and Pink-necked Pigeon on campus. Oriental White-Eye has been a common sight over several years since we started birdwatching on campus.

This piece of modified peatswamp could be the only sanctuary left in Kuala Baram where many of the more adaptable species can call home. Most other parts of the area are rapidly being turned into residential and commercial areas, further afield in surrounding areas into permanent cash crop farming, oil palm and fast growing tree (for pulp) plantations.

Zebra Dove, likely the most abundant on campus, found perched on trees along the avenues as well as foraging on sunlit wide open fields on campus.

The Wandering Whistling Ducks, formerly to be found around the many lakes in the area have now largely settled at lakeside where they feel safer and perhaps even more protected on campus. We counted 30 adults, the juveniles were heard however not seen, most likely hiding in the waterlilies surrounding the island.


MNS Miri Branch birders scanning the lakeside for more elusive and shy waterbirds for the count. Younger birders were quick to be at ease relaxing after a walk around campus, enjoying the shade and cool breeze from the lake.

Musa recording Wandering Whistling Ducks on his Kowa+Nikon digiscoping rig.

The team for our Curtin University AWC in a groun photo at Heron 1, from the left : Amer Matridi, Nicholas, Erwin, Liefer, Jacqueline, Musa and Sara. Not pictured: Nazeri, Ali and Aisya.

Our birdlist for the day (actual numbers are being finalised) :

Wandering Whistling Duck (30)

Purple Heron (2)

Intermediate Egret (1)

Cattle Egret (15)

White-breasted Waterhen (5)

Little Ringed Plover (2)

Common Snipe (1)

Common Sandpiper (5)

Wood Sandpiper (1)

Long-toed Stint (1)

Zebra Dove (most numerous +20)

Greater Coucal (1)

Lesser Coucal (1)

Collared Kingfisher (1)

Pied Thriller (10)

Pied Fantail (2)

White-breasted Woodswallow (5)

Olive-backed Sunbird (3)

Chestnut Munia (30)

Tree Sparrow (10)

Paddyfield Pipit (5)

Grey Wagtail (5)

Asian Glossy Starling (10)

Oriental Magpie-Robin (5)

Yellow-vented Bulbul (5)

Oriental White-Eye (10)

Yellow-bellied Prinia (2)

Spotted Dove (5)

Straited Grassbird (2)

We completed our walkabout around campus at approximately 1100hrs.

We'd like to thank Sara Wong for hosting the team, Erwin for fabulous hot home-brewed coffee and Nicholas for the chocolates.

For more birds on Curtin campus, please check-out Birds on Campus an article resulting from a monthlong surveillance on campus carried out by MNS Miri Branch (Nazeri Abghani, Musa Musbah, Nazur Riza Nurkaman, Sara Wong) in 2010. The surveillance activity was made possible by Sara Wong.

Photographs and report by:

Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/Jan 2012

AWC Kuala Baram Lagoon North 08th Jan 2012

On Sunday, MNS Miri Branch volunteers consisting of Joyce Sivalingam, Sara Wong, Nazeri Abghani, John Yeo, Elizabeth Yeo, Ali Nazeri and Aisya Nazeri conducted a survey on the northern end of Kuala Baram Lagoon.

When we reached the intended site, it was raining heavily. Lucky for us as we parked the car, the rain clouds shifted further south to be hurriedly replaced by glorious sunshine and a band of rainbow.

"They say, there is a pot of gold at the of the rainbow, Dad!", quipped Ali. It didn't sound as ominous at the time.

An early start at the northern end of Kuala Baram lagoon, Ali contemplating the route to our pot of gold.

John and Elizabeth with Yukon on the flats scanning the horizons for waders.

This end of the lagoon held some special sightings for MNS Miri over the years : Great Knot, Peregrine Falcon, Oriental Darter, Osprey, Malaysian Plover (adults and downy chicks), Chinese Egret, Marsh Sandpiper, Asian Dowitcher, Far Eastern Curlew, Black-winged Stilts.

The lagoon holds brackish water which provided a source of side income for the locals living on it's shores. During shrimping season, the patch of beach will be scattered with folks skimming the shallows for shrimps used for making local shrimp paste. The locals here also indulge in harvesting lokan, a type of shellfish, in the lagoon.

The day was sunny with fabulous soft light with scattered clouds above our heads. There were some activities on the beach, mostly fishermen and beachcombers. We started birding from the embankment and proceeded north towards the sandspit, the following birds were observed:

Little Egret (3)

Chinese Egret (1)

Common Greenshank (2)

Striated Grassbird (1)

Collared Kingfisher (2)

Yellow-bellied Prinia (2)

Common Kingfisher (1) heard only

Being the weekend, there was higher activities on the lagoon than usual. There were fishermen setting nets, shrimp catchers on the beach and local children running around having a great time.

We proceeded to cross the lagoon as the water was shallow. On the sandspit the following sightings were made:

Greater Sandplover (10)

Kentish Plover (10)

Sanderling (1)

Common Sandpiper (1)

Collared Kingfisher (1)

Yellow-bellied Prinia (1)

Malaysian Plover (6)

A new rig seemed only a stone throws away from the shores with rich pickings for both locals and birds alike.

Now the pot of gold. While taking a breather by a shady casuarina at the end of the sandspit enjoying the day's blue skies and Kuala Baram cool sea-breeze ... six frigatebirds appeared up above out of thin air. On two occasions that morning John's question about frigatebird was answered with, " The last recorded sigthing in Miri was in 1974." And now it's up above not one but six individuals gracefully coasting the thermals and slowly moving north.

Lesser Frigatebird (6) of various ages as id by Wong Tsu Shi later in the day.

Our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, six Lesser Frigatebird at various age gliding past us.

It was indeed a sterling day, definitely golden, a new bird species for MNS Miri Branch for Kuala Baram.

By Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri Branch/Jan 2012

AWC Kuala Baram Lagoon South 07th Jan 2012

The roadside view of our starting point right across the road from Toh Pottery. This stretch is marked by remnants of coastal swamps dominated bu casuarinas and a few surviving mangrove trees.

MNS Miri Branch volunteers completed Kuala Baram Lagoon stretch from Toh Factory to edge of sandspit over two weekend mornings.

On Saturday morning, volunteers (Peter Pillai, Joyce Sivalingam, Amer Matridi, John Yeo, Elizabeth Yeo, Musa Musbah, Sara Wong, Nazeri Abghani, Kwan, Ali and Aisya) covered the stretch from Toh Pottery to the start of the lagoon. The weather was fairly cloudy but got rather sunny when we ended the survey at about 1100 hrs. The tide was low but rising very slowly. Sea conditions were rough considering that we are now within the landas period.

There were scattered sightings of waders along the beach :

Greater Sandplover (10),
Common Sandpiper (1),
Malaysian Plover (2),
Kentish Plover (16), and
Sanderling (5)

Other birds sighted were:

a juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle (1),

Pacific Golden Plover (1),

Little Egret (5), Great Egret (1),

Collared Kingfisher (8),

White-breasted Woodswallow (2),

Yellow-bellied Prinia (5),

Straited Grassbird (1),

Yellow Bittern (2),

Cinnamon Bittern (1),

Pink necked Green Pigeon (5),

Pied-Triller (4),

Olive-backed Sunbird (1) and

Purple Heron (1)

We broke off at approximately 1100hrs, by then the sun was beating hard on everyone.

The briefing before the start of our walk along the beach. MNS Miri Branch has been actively carrying AWC in this area since 1998, with a gap 2003-2006.

Checking out the waders at the rivermouth.


The sole surviving mangrove on the beach. This southern part of Kuala Baram has several boat making factory, a timber store, heavy machinery store as well as a tyre store/factory.

Volunteers getting a good look at the Collared Kingfisher which thrives in this environment. Occasionally Common Kingfisher is reported along this stretch. The causarinas that lined the beach are frequented by many insect eating birds throughout the day. Occasionally raptors such as the Osprey, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Brahminy Kite make their appearance here.

Lugging gear up the embankment at the end of the stretch.

By Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri Branch/Jan 2012

First Call : Volunteers for Asian Waterbird Census in Miri Jan 2012

Enjoying the backyard at Kuala Baram Lagoon.

Blue-throated Bee-eater, commonly found in wide open spaces, most interesting to watch.

Asian Waterbird Census, AWC is an annual waterbird census carried out by volunteers every January (sometimes starts mid December and spills over to February) at various sites thoughout Asia.

Analysis of data collected during AWC help Wetlands International, the organizer, in long term planning for the conservation of waterbirds and their wetland habitats.

The census has 3 major objectives:

1) to obtain information on an annual basis of waterbird populations at wetlands in the region during non-breeding period of most species, as a basis for reviewing of sites and monitoring populations

2) to monitor on an anuual basis the status and condition of wetlands

3) to encourage greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst the public and thereby promote the conservation of wetlands and waterbirds in the region.

The census is mainly undertaken by volunteers from various sources with the community. The sites covered include rivers, lakes, reservoirs, tanks, swamps, coastal areas, mangrove and mudflats, reefs or beaches.

Waterbirds counted during the census include all waterbirds and birds associated with the wetlands habitat.

The census is coordinated in each country by a volunteer national or regional organisation, in Malaysia it's the Malaysian Nature Society. The coordinator is responsible for building up the network of volunteers, sends out count forms, liase with participants, receives and collate forms after the census and compiles and disseminates national reports.

The official dates for AWC are any dates between 9-31st January, however counts from December and February are still accepted from poorly known areas.

Great Egret. Come and find out how many species of similar looking white egrets are here in Miri.

MNS Miri Branch has a small band of birdwatchers who will be participating in AWC again this year covering the following tentative sites listed below, participation in the census is sought from all branch members and the public interested to know more about waterbirds and birds in general.

As this is only our first announcement, please keep an eye out for further follow-up as more potential sites are being arranged.

MNS Miri Branch AWC sites for 2012 (no new sites added):

a) Kuala Baram Lagoon South (completed)

07th January : South Kuala Baram Lagoon

Meet in front of Toh Pottery (after the little bridge) 0715hrs

We shall walk in a northerly direction making notes of sightings along the route. Propose to end session 10am. Continue along the stretch the next day.

Kuala Baram Lagoon North (completed)

08th January : North of Kuala Baram Lagoon

Meet at Shell Office Lobby 0700 hrs. We'll carpool to site.

We shall walk in a northerly direction making notes of sightings along the route. Propose to end session 10am.

b) Curtin Lakes Area (completed)

14th January

Meet at Curtin U security gate 0700 hrs

Survey campus area. Survey nearby area by car along area's road network. Propose to end session by lunchtime.

c) Kpg Masjid Kuala Baram

21st January (completed)

Meet after ASEAN Birdge Toll 0730hrs.

We plan to engage Kpg Masjid children to raise awareness about birds around the kampong and conduct AWC at the same time. Half a day session outdoors birdwatching with children along the footpaths in the village.

22nd January (rescheduled)

Meet after ASEAN Bridge Toll 0730hrs.

Survey route starting from roundabout to Jabatan Perikanan Jetty with prolonged stops long the way ie. SY Prawn Farm.

d) Pujut Lakes (completed)

23rd January

Meet in the parking lot in front of the Miri Go-Kart Stadium 0700hrs. We'll traverse the unsurfaced roads in the area to survey the lakes and waterbodies.

e) Pulau Bawai (date changed to 11th Feb)

New date : 11th Feb

Details to be announced once arrangement is confirmed.

f) Loagan Bunut National Park (confirmed)

04-05th February (overnite at NP)

Details to be announced once arrangement is confirmed. We are looking for 4WD drivers, please email us if you can drive your 4WD to Loagan Bunut, this trip will be on cost-sharing basis (fuel, boat, accomodation, group meals).

Most of these sites are revisits from past year's census which forms an important monitoring component of AWC.

White-breasted Waterhen at Kuala Baram, a common sight along Miri's swamp edges and drains.

Some of our past AWC highlights :

Nesting Grey-headed Fish Eagle with juvenile in Kpg Masjid, 2011

Peregrine Falcon in Peliau Cliffs, 2011

Nesting Balck-winged Kite Pujut Lakes, 2011.

Waders, Lesser Adjutant and Chinese Egrets in Sundar, 2010.

Malaysian Plover, Grey Plover, Wandering Whistling Duck, Oriental Darter in Miri, 2009.

Plovers in general in Kuala Baram, 2008.

Lesser Adjutant in Lutong, 2002.

Storm's Stork in Loagan Bunut, 2001.

Members and the public who are interested to participate in this largely citizen's effort can email mnsmiri@yahoo.com or nabghani@yahoo.com for further details.

Schools interested to participate as part of a school project are encouraged to send enquiries, we can tailor made a program to include a 1-2hrs informative slideshow session on waterbirds and a 2hr session in the field watching and identifying birds near your school area.

Requirements:

Able to be outdoors in the sun for 2-4hrs while maintaining good sense of humour throughout. We have Fieldguides to the Birds of Borneo, 8x40 binoculars and scopes for use during this survey.

Be a part of active local conservation, come birdwatching with us this January.

By

Nazeri Abghani/MNS Miri/Dec 2011

revised 22nd Jan 2012

revised 26th Jan 2012

ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS 2011 in Miri

Checking out the birds at Kuala Baram Lagoon, 2009.

Asian Waterbird Census, AWC is an annual waterbird census carried out by volunteers every January (sometimes starts mid December and spills over to February) at various sites thoughout Asia.

Analysis of data collected during AWC help Wetlands International, the organizer, in long term planning for the conservation of waterbirds and their wetland habitats.

The census has 3 major objectives:

1) to obtain information on an annual basis of waterbird populations at wetlands in the region during non-breeding period of most species, as a basis for reviewing of sites and monitoring populations

2) to monitor on an anuual basis the status and condition of wetlands

3) to encourage greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst the public and thereby promote the conservation of wetlands and waterbirds in the region.

The census is mainly undertaken by volunteers from various sources with the community. The sites covered include rivers, lakes, reservoirs, tanks, swamps, coastal areas, mangrove and mudflats, reefs or beaches.

Waterbirds counted during the census include all waterbirds and birds associated with the wetlands habitat.

The census is coordinated in each country by a volunteer national or regional organisation, in Malaysia it's the Malaysian Nature Society. The coordinator is responsible for building up the network of volunteers, sends out count forms, liase with participants, receives and collate forms after the census and compiles and disseminates national reports.

The official dates for AWC are any dates between 9-31st January, however counts from December and February are still accepted from poorly known areas.

MNS Miri Branch has a small band of birdwatchers who will be participating in AWC this year covering the following tentative sites listed below, participation in the census is sought from all branch members and the public interested to know more about waterbirds and birds in general.

MNS Miri Branch AWC tentative sites for 2011:

25-26th Dec Kuala Sg Niah, Kuala Sg Sibuti,

31st Dec-02nd Jan Kpg Awat-awat, Lawas,

08-09th Jan Pujut 7-Go-Kart Lakes Area,

15-16th Jan Curtin University Lakes Area,
22-23rd Jan Kuala Sg Baram-Kpg Masjid Prawn Farms,
29-30th Jan Kuala Sg Baram-Kpg Batu Satu ,
05-06th Feb Pulau Bawai

12-13th Feb Loagan Bunut National Park
19-20th Feb Sibuti WS

Most of these sites are revisits from past year's census (an important monitoring component of AWC) with two new sites (Kuala Sg Niah, and Kpg Kuala Sg Sibuti) added for 2011.

Some of our past AWC highlights :
Lesser Adjutant in Sundar, 2010.
Malaysian Plover, Grey Plover, Wandering Whistling Duck, Oriental Darter in Miri, 2009.

Plovers in general in Kuala Baram, 2008.

Lesser Adjutant in Lutong, 2002.
Storm's Stork in Loagan Bunut, 2001.

This year we are spending a bit more time over at the coastal wetlands in and around the greater Miri area, we are hoping to include schools and some youngsters into our survey team this year as part of awareness raising on AWC amongst schoolchildren.

Members and the public who are interested to participate in this largely citizen's effort can email nabghani@yahoo.com for further details.

Schools interested to participate as part of a school project are encouraged to send enquiries.