Birds in my garden

The Channel between Penang Island and the Mainland is shallow in most part. The Muda River empty into the Northern edge of the channel, bringing along and depositing its silts. Interesting to birders, the shores of the Mainland, Province Wellesley has this very broad mudflat. With much of the Mangrove forest in Kedah destroyed, this lavish mudflats becomes a welcome sanctuary for waders. They could feed the whole day without human interruptions.

As for birding, common waders can be easily seen at certain times on the Penang Island side as well. e.g. the Jetty for the Marine Police. Usually in the morning, Great and Little Egrets make their presence. They were accompanied by Sandpipers and Collared Kingfisher. Late into twilight, some of these birds would still be hanging around the Gurney Drive Area.

Optical illusion, you can see that mudflat almost reaching the Penang Island. No wonder that all kind of passage migrants, local residents can be seen in this vicinity

Gauging from the vast expanse, a Spotting Scope becomes imperative, if you intend to get your worth of making a visit here.

Mudflats in Penaga, opposite the Gurney Drive district.

In this strip of shoreline, running north from the Containers Port to Kuala Muda, there are numerous estuaries. Used as fishing port for the locals.

In this picture, you see a typical landing point. I have found one that the car be parked besides the mudflats. There is no need for any hike or rental of boats.

The estuary and life at the mudflats

A rest stop and also for those awaiting the return of the family members from the days outing. A point where the land meets the mudflats. An excellent vantage point where waders come close without being disturbed. On the couple of occasions I was there, the shed was left to my group without any locals coming to utilize the facility.

Of course, most of birds are at the lines where the receding or rising water washes the mudflats.

The natural birding hide and shelter from the sun

Another angle showing the commanding view from the shed. Fishermen leaving the estuary and also showing the extend of land mass, where waders trod.

According reports made by the birders in the north, the number and quality of species spotted to date, is as good as any elsewhere. I do not have such a comprehensive list but I have no doubt that this destination is a s good as claimed

The locals and the Mudflats