Day trip to Kampong Kemensah, Ampang


Open to all members.

Selangor Branch Bird Group will likes to welcome you to our first birding trip of the year 2012 in Kampong Kemensah , Ampang (near Zoo Negara).This is also a follow-up trip for those who have attended the " Introduction to Birdwatching " at Tasik Perdana in December, to have a taste of the real world of bird watching in a secondary lowland forest setting & get to know some of our beautiful forest species.

Meet in front of gate- A (main gate) of Zoo Negara at 7.00 am sharp. From here we will arrange carpool to the birding site.

Bring along binoculars, drinking water, light snacks, mosquito repellant & umbrella. Wear dull-coloured clothes, hat & comfortable shoes.

The event shall end at noon.

To register or for more info, call (after 8pm) or SMS (anytime) Mr Liung @ 012-3127998 or Mr Andy @ 012-3993193.



Indoor Talk : Bird Taxonomy


There are over 10,000 species of birds in the world. All are scientifically grouped into systematic categories. However, this classification is undergoing a big change. Come and learn from Dr. Ronald Orenstein as he enlightens us on Bird Taxonomy.

Time: 8pm at the MNS auditorium in KL. All are welcome (including non-members) and admission is free (no prior registration required). Contact: Lim Wai Kong (012-3935189, drwklim@yahoo.com).



Introduction to Birdwatching at Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur


Open to public.

Ever wondered what birdwatching is all about ? What is so fascinating about birds?

To find out, come join Selangor Branch Bird Group's "Introduction to Birdwatching".

This event is open to public,so it is a great opportunity to bring along family and friends to introduce them to the fascinating world of birdwatching. Suitable for children too. We will have spotting scopes ready to ensure close-up views of our beautiful feathered friends.

Meet at the car-park between Jalan Cenderawasih and Jalan Tanglin at 7.15 am sharp.

Bring along binoculars, drinking water, light snacks, mosquito repellant & umbrella. Wear dull coloured clothes, hat & comfortable shoes.

The event shall end at noon.

Pre-registration is not compulsory but advance notice of your attendance is appreciated. To register or for more info, call (aft.8pm) or SMS (anytime) Mr Liung @ 012-3127998 or Mr Andy @ 012-3993193.



Indoor Talk : The Quest of the Philippine Eagle


The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), one of the largest and most powerful eagle in the world, is endemic to the Philippines. It is also one of the world's rarest and certainly among its most critically endangered species. It is restricted to the Philippine islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. It is estimated that about 200 pairs are found in Mindanao with another 300 pairs in the other islands. Come and listen to Lim Aun Tiah, an MNS raptorphile, as he journeys to Luzon and Mindanao in his quest for the Philippine Eagle and other interesting birds of the Philippines.

Time: 8pm at the MNS auditorium in KL. All are welcome (including non-members) and admission is free (no prior registration required). Contact: Lim Wai Kong (012-3935189, drwklim@yahoo.com).


Malaysian Nature Society, Headquarters in a larger map



Bukit Wang Recreational Forest, Kedah


The Selangor Branch Bird Group will be organising a birding trip to Bukit Wang Recreational Forest, Jitra from 25th - 28th of November 2011. Fairly easy birding in a lowland rainforest habitat without much strenuous walking. We will be observing a myriad of bird families such as hornbills, broadbills, bulbuls and babblers.

Cost of the trip is RM400 per person and this covers transportation, accommodation and insurance. Cost EXCLUDES all meals. Places limited to 20 people - booking on first-come-first-served basis with full payment. No refunds for cancellations by participants.

If you are interested, please contact Wilbur Goh (SMS anytime or call after 7 pm) 012-263 5610 or e-mail: wilbur_goh@yahoo.com latest by 13th November 2011.

There will be a pre-trip meeting on 17th November 2010 to arrange carpool, things to bring etc.



Chumphon Raptor Watch, Thailand


The Isthmus of Kra in Thailand serves as a crucial land-bridge for raptors flying away from the northern winter to warmer climes in Southeast Asia. During this autumn migration, two of the best sites to view the raptors are to be found near the town of Chumphon, namely Radar Hill and Pencil Hill (Khao Dinsaw). From the top of these hills, the raptors can be seen flying above, below, as well as at near eye-level.

The journey starts Friday night from KL on a train to Haadyai and then connecting van to reach Chumphon on Saturday afternoon. Return on Tuesday will be also be by overnight train from Chumphon to Haadyai and then a 24-seater express bus to reach Puduraya Wednesday evening.

Cost: RM500 per person which includes all land transportation and twin-sharing accommodation (meals not included). For non-member: RM595 (includes a 1-year MNS membership). Contact Omar Abdullah (012 218 6718) or Lee Oon Teik (017 889 7510) for more details. Booking is on a first-come-first-served basis with full payment. Cheque to be made out to Omar Abdullah or direct debit to CIMB TTDI branch A/c 1415 000 632 8085. Please SMS Omar after payment. No refund for cancellation by participants.

Pre-trip meeting will be held on Tuesday, 4th Oct at 8 pm at MNS HQ Auditorium.



Indoor Talk : Birding in Bhutan and Nepal


The kingdom of Bhutan, a land-locked country with a wide altitudinal and climatic variation, has a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna. It is home to 770 species of birds. Its neighbour, Nepal, is equally impressive with over 800 species of birds, 600 of which are found in the Kathmandu valley alone. Come join us to see and hear David Lai and Nina Cheung's birding experience in both countries, where they encountered the Ibisbill, Red-headed Vulture and other gorgeous Himalayan species.

Time: 8pm at the MNS auditorium in KL. All are welcome (including non-members) and admission is free (no prior registration required). Contact: Lim Wai Kong (012-3935189, drwklim@yahoo.com).



Bird Watching at Hutan Lipur Gunung Nuang, Selangor


Open to all MNS members.

Come join Selangor Branch Bird Group for a morning of bird watching at the lowland forest of Gunung Nuang,Ulu Langat.Other than a good varieties of lowland species, this time of the year, migratory birds started to come south & we hope to see some early arrivals too.

Meet at the gate of the mosque at Batu 14 Jalan Ulu Langat (GPS Coordinates:N3.112922;E101.81575) @ 7 am sharp. From here, there is another 16 km to the site.

Bring along binoculars, drinking water, light snacks, mosquito repellant & umbrella/poncho. Wear dull coloured clothes, hat & comfortable shoes.

The event shall end at noon.

To register or for more info, call (aft.8pm) or SMS (anytime) Mr Liung @ 012-3127998 or Mr Andy @ 012-3993193.



Day trip to Old Pump House Road, Genting


MNS Selangor Bird Group is organizing a bird watching trip to Old Pump House Road, near Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highland on Sunday morning of 14th.Aug.11.The event is open to MNS members only. Not member yet? You can sign-up & pay-up on the spot to join.

Meet at the car park on the left just after the Gohtong Jaya roundabout @ 7am sharp. For direction, click on to http://piedfantail.com/birdwatching, wheretogo.html for the map.

Bring along a pair of binoculars, drinking water & mosquito repellant. Wear dull-coloured clothes, hat & comfortable shoes. Event shall end at noon.

To register or to get more information, call(after 8pm) or SMS(anytime) Mr Liung at 012-3127998. Hope to see you guys there.



Field Identification of Malaysian Terns


Terns are graceful, slender, long-winged masters of the air. They can frequently be viewed at close quarters in a variety of wetland habitats, and are always fascinating to watch. Yet, with 16 species to choose from in Malaysia, and a variety of plumages, the task of identifying them can be frustrating!

Whether you feel confident or clueless when it comes to tern identification, come along and get 'turned on' to terns with Dave Bakewell!

Time: 8pm at the MNS auditorium in KL. Admission is FOC. All are welcome (including non-members). Contact: Lim Wai Kong (012-3935189, drwklim@yahoo.com).



The Northern Arizona Birding Year


Arizona is one of the best places to bird in North America with over 550 species recorded in the state and a big twitch year record of 401. As well as resident birds, some species come to Arizona for the winter while neo-tropical species migrate through in spring and autumn or stay to breed in the summer. Five sites have been designated as Global Important Bird Areas and the state hosts three Nature Festivals in winter and spring. Good birding is to be had all year round.

Many volunteer opportunities exist for birders ranging from the counting of garden birds in the winter (Project Feederwatch and the Great Backyard Bird Count) to the famous Christmas Bird Counts, regarded as the world's first example of citizen science. For those with greater expertise, May's North American Migration Count and the Grand Canyon Raptor Migration Project in September and October give other opportunities for birders to take part in collecting data on the state's birds.

Admission is FOC. All are welcome (including non-members). Contact: Lim Wai Kong (012-3935189, drwklim@yahoo.com).



BIRD GROUP GET-TOGETHER (Selangor Branch)


BIRDS bring people together

Mark your calendar now and find out what's been 'happening' on the Bird Scene with Birds, Birding and BIRDERS. Celebrate with Bird Group to see what has been accomplished over the year.

It's also a great time to come chat amongst friends, make new friends, and even get elected on the Committee ('new blood' definitely welcome!) Naturally, a makan kecil and drinks will be provided, so come one, come all and make a definite date with your birding buddies at 2.00pm sharp, at MNS HQ Auditorium.



MY Garden Birdwatch is back!


Mark your calendars for the annual nationwide bird count on the 4th and 5th of June 2011! Volunteer for the survey and find out what garden birds can teach us about our environment. Find out more on www.mygardenbirdwatch.com, or register as a counter right away by clicking here. Your participation will make this year's survey bigger and better!




Birding in New Zealand and Australia

Dr. Ronald Orenstein is back in town after a trip to New Zealand and Australia. He will be talking about birdwatching in both countries, especially New Zealand. He will also touch on the origins of the NZ and Australian avifaunas.

Ronald Orenstein holds a Ph.D. in Zoology (Ornithology) from the University of Michigan and an LL.B. from the University of Toronto. Dr. Orenstein is the author of six books on science and nature, including Songbirds: Celebrating Nature's Voices. He is also a contributing author to the Handbook of the Birds of the World.



Day trip to Kampong Kemensah, Ampang


The Selangor Bird Group invites members of MNS to a morning of bird watching in a lowland secondary forest in Kampong Kemensah, Ampang near Zoo Negara. The meeting point will be at Gate A of Zoo Negara at 7.00am sharp from where we will arrange carpool to the birding site.

Bring along your binoculars, drinking water and light snacks. Wear dull coloured clothes, hat and comfortable shoes. Mosquito repellent will also come in useful.

For more information or to register, call or SMS Mr. Tang at 012-3061133 or Encik Omar Abdullah at 012-2186718. Call after 6.00pm, SMS anytime.



The ABC's of Birdwatching


Interested in birdwatching but do not know where to start?

This popular course, held once a year, by the Selangor Bird Group is for you if you are asking any of these questions: "What is that bird? Which binoculars should I buy? What are bins? How do I use my binoculars, by the time I find the spot where I thought the bird was, it had flown? Which field guide should I get?"

Conducted via classroom and outdoor practical sessions at Fraser's Hill, participants will be grounded on birding basics in class followed by field experience, with the guidance of experienced birder-trainers.

Cost: RM350, which covers meals except breakfast (as we will be out birding early and the hotel is not able to cater to our time -- we will each be bringing our own breakfasts -- basic kitchen available); transportation (carpooling - if you drive yourself, we will refund you the amount charged; if you take passengers, we will compensate you for every person you take); course materials; the latest MNS Selangor Bird Group notebook each; the latest edition of "A Checklist of the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia"; insurance coverage; a course completion certificate; etc.

There are limited spots. For more details and to book, contact Ng Bee Cheng at 016-2121754 or ngbeecheng@gmail.com. Closing date is on 15th April 2011.



Bird Watching at Taman Botanic Negara


This is a half-day bird watching event organized by the MNS Selangor Branch Bird Group.

Taman Botanic Negara (co-ordinates: 3.095393, 101.511075), aka Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, is an agricultural park within a tropical forest. Birding will be along the network of paved roads in the park. Birds seen previously include Oriental Pied Hornbill, Black Hornbill, Black Magpie and more.

Meet at the car park at the end of Jalan Liku 8/1 at 7.00am sharp. Directions: If you are coming from Petaling Jaya, take the Federal Highway and head to Shah Alam. Upon reaching Shah Alam, turn off to Persiaran Kayangan. Go pass the Concorde Hotel until you reach the junction to Jalan Liku 8/1.

The event shall end at noon. To register, call or SMS Mr. Tang at 012-3061133 or Encik Omar Abdullah at 012-2186718. Call after 6.00pm, SMS anytime.

Bring along a pair of binoculars, drinking water and mosquito repellant. Wear dull-coloured clothes, hat and comfortable shoes.



Birding Trip to Merapoh


The Selangor Branch Bird Group will be organising a birding trip via the western entrance to Taman Negara - more commonly known as Merapoh. We will be using the 13km long jeep track, which takes hikers to the base of Gunung Tahan, to explore the wonderful birdlife of the Malaysian lowland rainforest.

We will be birdwatching near the Sg Relau Ranger Station and take a jeep ride further along the track to access more birding spots. There won't be strenuous hiking as we will be walking on the jeep track itself but we may take long walks.

Cost of the trip is RM320 per person and this covers transportation, accommodation, 3 lunches and 3 dinners and insurance. Limited places - booking on first-come-first-served basis with full payment. No refunds for cancellations by participants.

If you are interested, please contact Wilbur Goh (SMS anytime or call after 7 pm) 012-263 5610 or e-mail: wilbur_goh@yahoo.com latest by 11th March 2011. There will be a pre-trip meeting on 17th March 2010 to arrange carpool, things to bring etc.



Birdwatching at Gunung Telapa Buruk, Negeri Sembilan


Come join the MNS Selangor Branch Bird Group for a Sunday morning of bird watching at Gunung Telapa Buruk in Negeri Sembilan.

Gunung Telapa Buruk (co-ordinates: 2.833333, 102.0667) is 1,193m above sea level at its peak, the birds there are a mix of lowland and sub-montane species.

We meet at the Seremban South Bound Rest-and-Service Area along the North-South Expressway at 7.00am. Please be punctual, the journey from the Rest-and-Service Area to the hill will be about 45 minutes. To register, call or SMS Mr. Tang at 012-3061133 or Encik Omar Abdullah at 012-2186718. Call after 6.00pm, SMS anytime.

The paved road from the foothill to the peak is quite narrow; we will car-pool when we reach the open car park at the base of the hill. Bring along a pair of binoculars, drinking water and mosquito repellant. Wear dull-coloured clothes and comfortable shoes.



Indoor Talk - Birding in Taiwan


Taiwan is a beautiful mountainous island with 17 endemic species and over 60 endemic subspecies of birds.

Come join us and get a taste of birding in Taiwan as Ng Bee Cheng shares her birding experience in Northern and Central Taiwan, with a picture presentation of some of the feathered gems she encountered - like the Mikado Pheasant, Swinhoe's Pheasant, the Taiwan Blue Magpie, Taiwan Tit and many more.

Time: 8pm at the MNS auditorium in KL. Admission is FOC. All are welcome (including non-members). Contact: Lim Wai Kong (012-3935189, drwklim@yahoo.com).



Birdwatching at FRIM, Kepong


MNS Selangor Bird Group is organizing a birdwatching day trip at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia in (FRIM) Kepong on Sunday morning of Nov 21, 2010. All MNS members are welcome.

Those who need directions may click on http://piedfantail.com/birdwatching_wheretogo.html for the map. If you are travelling on the MRRII do not go on to the elevated highway when you reach Kepong, use the side roads. Follow the signs that say INSTITUT PENYELIDIKAN PERHUTANAN MALAYSIA (FRIM).

Meet at the carpark beside the primary school within FRIM Kepong at 7.00am. Entry fee is RM5.00 per car including driver and RM1.00 for every passenger. For more information, contact Mr. Tang at 012-3061133 or Mr. Omar Abdullah at 012-2186718. Call after 6.00pm, SMS anytime or email daytrips@piedfantail.com

Bring along your binoculars, drinking water and mosquito-repellant for this half day birdwatching trip. Wear dull coloured hats, clothes and comfortable shoes.



Raptor Watch at Chumphon, Thailand


Thailand serves as a crucial land bridge for connecting raptors breeding in the northern hemisphere with over-wintering areas in the south such as Malaysia and to the Far East.

Radar Hill and Pencil Hill, near Chumphon, are two of the best spots in Thailand to observe raptors in migration, offering views at or near eye-level; raptors are often seen passing below the watch sites as well.

Participants will take a night train on 15th Oct from KL to Hat Yai where they will take a connecting van to Chumphon. Return will be by overnight train from Chumphon to Hat Yai then express bus back to KL.

Cost: RM500 includes all land transportation and accommodation (meals not included). Booking on first-come-first-served basis with full payment. Contact Lee Oon Teik at 017 889 7510 or email oonteik@yahoo.com. Payments by cheque to be made out to Lee Oon Teik or direct debit to Mr Lee's RHB Bank a/c number: 11240 6000 21875. No refund for cancellations by participants. Pre-trip meeting on Thursday, 7th Oct at 8 pm at MNS HQ Auditorium.



Birding at Templer's Park, Selangor


Come join the Selangor Branch Bird Group for bird-watching in a lowland forest.

The park is located 25km north of Kuala Lumpur. Travel along the old trunk road Jalan Ipoh, go pass Selayang and head towards Rawang. About 8km from Rawang, watch out for some houses on the left and a Shell petrol station on the right. Take the next U-turn available and head back towards KL. Templer's Park is at the first left turn after the Shell station. There is a map on http://piedfantail.com/birdwatching_wheretogo.html. Meet at the car park at 7.15am.

Bring along your binoculars, drinking water and light snacks. Wear dull-coloured clothes, hat and comfortable shoes. Mosquito repellent will also come in useful.

For more information or to register, call or sms Mr. Tang at 012-3061133 or En. Omar Abdullah at 012-2186718. Call after 6.00pm, SMS anytime or email daytrips@piedfantail.com



Bird Group Get-together


Birds bring people together. Mark your calendar now and find out what's been 'happening' on the Bird Scene with Birds, Birding and Birders. Celebrate with Bird Group to see what has been accomplished over the year. 

It's also a great time to come chat amongst friends, make new friends, and even get elected on the Committee ('new blood' definitely welcome!). Naturally, a makan kecil and drinks will be provided, so come one, come all and make a definite date with your birding buddies.

For details contact Bee Cheng at 016-212 1754 or ngbeecheng@gmail.com



Mygarden birdwatch 2010


The inaugural MY Garden Birdwatch survey kicks off on World Environment Day this June. Launched recently by the Selangor Branch Bird Group, the survey offers volunteering opportunities to all and sundry. Simply check on the garden birds in your area once a year, anywhere in Malaysia -- gardens, parks, housing estates, cities or the kampung -- run a half-hour survey, and share your results..

Your participation will go a long way. Visit www.mygardenbirdwatch.com for details, and sign up as a counter right away!



MNS Open Day


Come visit the Selangor Bird Group booth at the MNS Open Day and learn more about us and our latest project - My Garden Birdwatch.

Come also to join the MNS family in celebrating World Environment Day and MNS's 70th Anniversary at our fun-filled open day! Bring the whole family for interpretive nature walks, stream ecology walks, scavenger hunts, art and craft, face painting, Green Living games, nature talks and much more! Everybody is welcome!

The organizing committee needs help from members go here for more information.



Sungai Perdik, Hulu Langat


A morning of birdwatching in a lowland rainforest about 50 km from Kuala Lumpur. Meet at the gates of the mosque at Pekan Baru 14, Hulu Langat at 7 am sharp and we will lead you to the destination.

Bring along your binoculars, drinking water and light snacks. Wear dull-coloured clothes, hat and comfortable shoes. Mosquito repellent will also come in useful.

For more information or to register, call or sms Tang at 012-306 1133 or Mark at 012-319 5189 (call after 6pm ; SMS anytime).



The ABC's of Birdwatching


Interested in birdwatching but do not know where to start?

This course by the Selangor Bird Group is for you if you are asking any of these questions: "What is that bird? Which binoculars should I buy? What are bins? How do I use my binoculars? By the time I find the spot where I thought the bird was, it had flown? Which field guide should I get?"

Conducted via classroom and outdoor practical sessions at Fraser's Hill, participants will be grounded on birding basics in class followed by field sessions, with the guidance of experienced birder-trainers.

There are limited spots. For more details and to book, contact Ng Bee Cheng at 016-2121754 or ngbeecheng@gmail.com. Closing date is 5 May 2010. There will be a pre-trip meeting for participants on Tue, 11 May at the MNS auditorium at Jalan Kelantan.



Hornbills in Asia and Belum-Temengor, Perak


The Belum-Temengor forest complex is one of the last remaining and largest tropical rainforest in northern Peninsular Malaysia. It supports all ten species of hornbills in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, these birds are threatened by habitat destruction and/or alteration, land conversion, hunting and poaching.

Come and learn more about these birds from Teresa Ong, a Project Field Officer at MNS, as she gives an overview of hornbills in Asia and the Belum-Temengor area in Perak. Find out how MNS protects hornbills through the Hornbill Conservation Project.

Members and non-members welcome. For more information, get in touch with Wai Kong (012-393 5189).



Introduction to Birdwatching @ Lake Gardens , Kuala Lumpur


Discover the joys of birdwatching at the Lake Gardens a.k.a. Taman Tasik Perdana Kuala Lumpur — bring along family and friends, even if they are not members of the society yet. Children welcome.

Bring along your binoculars, drinking water and light snacks. Wear dull-coloured clothes, hat and comfortable shoes. Mosquito repellent will also come in useful.

For more information or to register, call or sms Tang at 012-306 1133 or Mark at 012-319 5189 (call after 6pm ; SMS anytime).

See you at the car-park between Jalan Cenderawasih and Jalan Tanglin at 7am sharp.


View Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) in a larger map



South America: The Bird Continent


Though at first sight the rainforests of South America may seem much like those of Malaysia, a closer look reveals enormous differences; only a handful of birds are common to both areas.

After comparing these two bird-rich regions, Dr. Orenstein takes us on three trips to different parts of the continent: the mountains of southern Chile, home to temperate-zone birds from finches to penguins; the endangered and unique Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil; and the world's most bird-rich country, Peru, where we travel from the waters of the Humboldt Current to the high Andes, and down to the lowlands of the Amazon basin.

Ronald Orenstein holds a Ph.D. in Zoology (Ornithology) from the University of Michigan and an LL.B. from the University of Toronto. Dr. Orenstein is the author of six books on science and nature, including Songbirds: Celebrating Nature's Voices. He is also a contributing author to the Handbook of the Birds of the World.

Members and non-members welcome. For more information, get in touch with Swee Seng (013-368 3663).



Birds and Mammals of South Africa


  • 30 March (Tue)
  • Schmidt Marketing, Wisma Tecna (previously Wisma Domain)
  • 8pm
  • F.O.C.
  • All are welcome

    • In Feb 2009, John Steed travelled to South Africa, spending time in Kruger National Park and Cape Town.

    Join us to see his presentation, containing images and video footage of the amazing birds and mammals of Southern Africa.



    Taman Pertanian, Shah Alam


    The MNS Selangor Bird Group is organizing a half-day birdwatching trip to Taman Pertanian Shah Alam (formerly known as Bukit Ceraka). Taman Pertanian Shah Alam is a lowland rainforest reserve located in Shah Alam. It is about 40km from Kuala Lumpur. There is a RM1.00 entrance fee.

    The group will be meeting at the car park just before the main entrance at 7am sharp.

    Please bring along a pair of binoculars, a hat, water and insect repellent for the half day walk. Please wear comfortable and dull-coloured clothings.

    Members interested in participating, please contact Tan Tuck Hong at +60123061133 or Mark Ng at +60123195189.



    Birdwatching in Fraser's Hill


    Fraser's Hill is an internationally renowned birding destination that has a wide variety of Montane birds including the Silver-eared Mesia, Hill Blue Flycatcher, Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush, Green Magpie and lots more. Birding is easy along the road and the cool climate makes it very pleasant for birding.

    For more details and to book your place, get in touch with Alan at 016-3322 991. A pre-trip meeting to arrange car-pooling will be held at 8pm on 23 February (Tue) at the MNS HQ Auditorium.

    * Cost includes transportation (car pooling) and accommodation. Food not included. Confirmed places will be on a first-come-first-served basis with payment in full. No refunds to participants who cancel.



    Birdwatching at Kemensah, Ampang


    Join us for a half-day trip to Kemensah, Ampang, near Zoo Negara. This lowland secondary forest has a stream running through it, making it a nice picnic spot as well.

    We will be meeting at the entrance of Zoo Negara at 7am sharp, moving on into Kampung Kemensah where we will park some of the cars and car pool to go the rest of the way, as the road going in is fairly narrow.

    We hope to spot the Stripe-throated Bulbul, Black & Red Broadbill, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Brown-throated Sunbird, Olive-winged Bulbul, among others.

    Please bring along a pair of binoculars, a hat, drinking water and insect repellent. Do wear comfortable and dull-coloured clothing.

    For more information or to register, call or sms Tang at 012-306 1133 or Mark at 012-319 5189 (call after 6pm ; SMS anytime).



    Birding at Kerinchi-Seblat National Park, Sumatra


    Three Malaysian birders and one well-travelled Aussie birder spent an exciting time birding in the two best-known birding spots of Kerinchi-Seblat National Park in Sumatra.

    The two sites, Gunung Kerinchi Trail and Gunung Tujuh Valley delivered several Sumatran endemics as well as the more common species that can also be found in other Indonesian islands to the east.

    In addition to talking about the birds they saw, Lim Aun Tiah will share some tips on how to get there and at the same time enhance your chances of seeing the more elusive birds in the event you are planning to make a trip to Kerinchi-Seblat.



    Bird Photography Practical Session @ KSNP


    Calling all budding shutterbugs! Are you tired of taking bad shots? Can't quite get the bird exposed correctly? Taking too many blurred photos and getting frustrated by it all?

    We will be holding a practical session at Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Bring along your equipment and we can offer you some useful pointers on how to overcome the most common problems associated with bird photography. This session is limited to just 8 people, and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Our pre-requisite is that you are a beginner requiring help getting started with bird photography.

    After a morning out in the field, we will retreat to the classroom to conduct a short slideshow from each participant and review the results and discuss what went right, and more importantly, what went wrong.

    Laptop and projector will be provided, so just bring your camera (no flash required), some sun-screen, plenty of water and a few snacks.

    For more information or to register, send John an email.



    Birding in North Sulawesi


    Sulawesi is part of the general area known as Wallacea, a relatively impoverished (in terms of flora and fauna when compared to the rich Oriental region) group of islands in the Indonesia archipelago. It is separated from the island of Borneo by the Wallace's Line. Due to its location between the Oriental and Australasian regions, Wallacea holds a fascinating mix of bird species with a high percentage of endemic species.

    In September this year, Khoo Swee Seng and friends birded the region of North Sulawesi, in particular, the national parks of Tangkoko and Bogani Nani Wartabone. Come along to listen to their experience.

    Members and non-members welcome. For more information, get in touch with Wai Kong (012-393 5189).



    Accipiters


    Learn how to identify accipiters from each other and also distinguish them from other genus! The workshop cum discussion will be led by veteran bird-watcher and raptor enthusiast Lim Aun Tiah. The tentative programme is:

    8.00 - 8.20 pm -- Review of main fieldmarks of accipiters and clues to distinguish them from other genus such as buzzards, oriental honey buzzards, etc. in flight. For those who have attended the 2008 raptor workshop, this section is a repeat.

    8.20 - 9.20 pm -- Identifying Chinese goshawk, Japanese sparrowhawk and Shikra in flight. Photographs of accipiters will be shown and we will all attempt to identify raptors according to species, sex and age where applicable. Everyone is encouraged to participate. We will be making frequent reference to 3 raptor books, namely Raptors of the World (Ferguson-Lee), Birds of Prey of the Indian Sub-continent (Rishad Naroaji) and Raptors of Europe and Middle-east (D. Forsham). Please bring along your own copies if available.

    9.20 - 9.45 pm -- Open session for participants. Identifying weaknesses in the present workshop. Suggestions on how to improve future workshops.

    9.45 - 10.00 pm. Round up.

    Members and non-members welcome. For more information, get in touch with Wai Kong (012-393 5189).



    Birding in Parit Jawa, Johor


    Experience the awesome sight of various species of waders in flocks of hundreds along the coastline of Parit Jawa in Johor; and, within the same day, go on to the paddy fields of Sungai Balang for raptors and inland waders.

    We will also visit paddy fields in nearby Merlimau in Melaka, where uncommon winter migrants, the Black Bittern and Baillon's Crake, have been seen in recent years.

    A pre-trip meeting to arrange car-pooling will be held at 8pm on 15 December (Tue) at the MNS HQ Auditorium.

    For further details, cost, and to book your place, get in touch with Alan at 016-3322 991.



    Introduction to Birdwatching @ Lake Gardens , Kuala Lumpur


    Come join the MNS Selangor Branch Bird Group for a Sunday morning of bird watching at Gunung Telapa Buruk in Negeri Sembilan.

    Gunung Telapa Buruk (co-ordinates: 2.833333, 102.0667) is 1,193m above sea level at its peak, the birds there are a mix of lowland and sub-montane species.

    We meet at the Seremban South Bound Rest-and-Service Area along the North-South Expressway at 7.00am. Please be punctual, the journey from the Rest-and-Service Area to the hill will be about 45 minutes. To register, call or SMS Mr. Tang at 012-3061133 or Encik Omar Abdullah at 012-2186718. Call after 6.00pm, SMS anytime.

    For more information or to register, call or sms Tang at 012-306 1133 or Mark at 012-319 5189 (call after 6pm ; SMS anytime).

    The paved road from the foothill to the peak is quite narrow; we will car-pool when we reach the open car park at the base of the hill. Bring along a pair of binoculars, drinking water and mosquito repellant. Wear dull-coloured clothes and comfortable shoes.


    View Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) in a larger map