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Since May 2003, this little
sanctuary had slowly transformed itself into a vibrant bird colony.
Long ago, the undulating terrain and the
hills around Batu Arang had trapped much of the rainwater in its valleys. This
network of maze were in fact pristine wetlands. Mining of coal was stopped in
the 50's and the wetland enjoyed even greater peace. Then, in the last couple
of years, the ex-tin mining lands and open fields left behind by Tin Miners
were rehabilitated. What was once wasteland were systematically reduced and
shrunk into 2 tiny unusable plots. One about half hectares still densely
wooded with Pandanas ferns. The second and much larger plot, about 50 hectares
- is barren wetlands, sunken and with little scrubs. Ghostly dead tree stumps
completed the picture. The Herons chose the small wooded plot. It is
conveniently bordered by a big pond on one side and motorway on the other.
Unless land filled, as of now, this wet swampland cannot be accessed.
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The forest is only about 20 meters from the road side. The road is about 3
meters above the level of the floor of the wetland.
Birder would have a good view from
"high" ground. But, the nests are built in the middle of the forest. Over
the period of the last year, the vegetation slowly succumbed to the
tramping and sunk to level out of view.
All is not lost, some openings in
the forest do give a good insight of the crowded conditions within the
Heronry
Thick Pandanas
Forest laced with stunted trees |
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It
was a not a good picture, it is meant to show Birds standing on the crowns
of trees. They are hardly visible. If you are on site - then there would
be a magnificent view of the forest, topped with a layer of birds.
At the fringes, more signs of trees and weeds |
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A new development! The developer of the
housing estate, detest the habits of many birders, who had lined their
access road and choking its entrance.
An impromptu row of barricade was
erected to deter visitors of dangerously blocking the smooth flow of
traffic.
Apologies! I had just shown you what
you must not do on your visit
Parking area for
birders - a "restricted" kerbside. |
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This would be the view. i.e. When you
get your scope through the "windows" among the forest.
If you have already identified the
Birds - Black crowned Night Heron is the dominating species. There were
some Purple Heron seen as well, but in small numbers. Only when you look
very carefully, then you could make out the odd Grey Heron and
Egrets.
As there are trees within this
forest, the usual lowland birds can also be spotted.
Birds in the sunken roosting area, as seen through an opening. |
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Overall view of the heronry site - a dual carriageway and a small pocket
of wetland forest |
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Another VWander pictorial guide page |
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Go to -
Khong's travel guide
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