Vol
8 No 1
Apr 2001
Breathing organs
in mangroves
Bird watching techniques
A place in space:
epiphytes
Bird ringing
in 2000
Gems of the park: volunteers
Our long
suffering
"mother"
Public talks
at the park
Reflections
of a nature warden
|
|
Bird
watching
techniques
Birds are enchanting
creatures to watch and can be seen in your own backyard, on the way
to work or to school. Bird watching can develop into an enjoyable
hobby for those who are curious about these feathered neighbours of
ours.
Birds are the most easily seen among the wild creatures in our urban
city and watching them can be an enjoyable activity that lasts a lifetime.
Each bird watching session can be an uplifting experience that takes
you away from your ordinary, everyday cares and worries. |
by
halilah ahmad
education officer
shares
some insights
into the art of bird watching
tiger
shrike
|
peaceful
dove |
It
requires no huge investment in optical equipment, just a keen eye
for observation and lots of patience. You too can pursue this hobby
both indoors and outdoors at your own leisure time. Practising good
bird watching techniques can add value and enhance your experiences
with these wild creatures.
Just follow these simple steps and an exciting and rewarding hobby
awaits you. What you will need to start this hobby: |
|
A pair
of binoculars for a magnified view with viewing power described
as 8x30, 10x50. The first number indicates the magnification. For
example in the 8x30 binoculars, things will look 8 times larger than
its normal size. The second number refers to the width of the lens
in millimetres. The bigger the lens, the brighter the view. A pair
with magnification between 7 to 10 would be adequate for beginners. |
In
order to see birds,
it is necessary to
become a part
of the silence.
Robert
Lynd
Irish journalist
|
| A
telescope of at least 20x magnification would be useful
to identify birds at a distance. Just a word of caution, the more
powerful the magnification, the harder it is to spot the bird as the
viewing area gets smaller. You will also need to invest in a good
tripod or clamp to hold the telescope steady. |
Birdwatcher's
code
1. Be as quiet as possible.
2. Do not disturb the birds.
3. Leave nesting birds alone.
4. Stay on established trails. |
|
| A
notebook and a pen or pencil to
record your observations. You could include in your notebook some
sketches of the birds spotted, their behaviour and the location or
habitat in which they were seen. |
Best
time to see birds:
The best time to watch birds is during dawn to early rnorning
and late afternoon to dusk when they are out foraging for food.
|
A good field
guide is essential for proper identification of birds. Choose
one that has good colour illustrations, a short description on its habitat
and seasonal changes that describe the bird's migratory pattern or residential
status during certain seasons.
If you are outdoors, be prepared.
- Wear comfortable
clothes and a pair of good walking shoes.
- Gear up for weather
change. Bring along a hat or cap and an umbrella or a raincoat. Bring
along some drinks and a light snack, which will come in handy when you
get hungry and thirsty during your walk. A word of caution, be aware
of the surrounding wild creatures and do keep your food safely tucked
in your bag. It is not wise to display your food or feed the wild animals.
- Do some
research on the place you intend to visit. At Sungei Buloh Nature
Park, the walking trails are marked out clearly and there are
many signposts to refer to for directions. If you are on a wild
trail, it is best to go with a friend and never on your own. We
want to be safe and comfortable to enjoy this hobby!
- And lastly,
why not join a group or society and get to know more birds and
buddies. The fun never ends.
|
rusty-breasted
cuckoo |
Besides, you will never know what awaits you...
|
wetlands