Bonafide Tree-hugger

Looks like I've taken my interest in birding to the next level. Just this morning, I plunked down RM100 for a year's membership to the Malaysian Nature Society. It was nice to talk to the Chairman of the Penang group who is also known as the Birdman of Penang. Very knowledgeable guy.

Anyway, even before I joined the society, I was already part of one of their outings. Through the contact of a friend, I was out in the jungles of Kedah looking for this really rare bird called the Blue Winged Pitta. They're gorgeous birds and only three were sighted so far. Some birders spend years in the field without ever seeing this guy.

Someone found a nesting pair in a durian plantation, and soon after birders from all over the country flocked over to see the rare treat. But exposure for such exquisite creatures isnt always a good thing. Birders and conservationists arent the only interested parties. Trappers and others who want to make a quick buck often use birders to gain information regarding their potential items of trade.

I just received news that the nest of four chicks is currently vacated as three of the four have already fledged. It is assumed that the missing one did not make it. But it's still wonderful to know that three more of these beautiful birds made it past the hatchling stage. Hopefully they'll make it beyond that and complete their cycle of life because as we all know, their journey is plagued with danger.


The Blue Winged Pitta