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Workshop: The ABC's of Birdwatching

· 15* - 17 May (Fri–Sun)
· 2 days / 2 nights
· RM 300 per person** (MNS members only)

Interested in birdwatching but do not know where to start? This course is for you if you are asking: "What is that bird? How do I use my binoculars, by the time I find the spot where I thought the bird was, it had flown?"

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. Members from all branches welcome.

Book early! For details, email, call or sms Bee Cheng (016-212 1754) by 5 May. Confirmed places will be on a first-come-first-served basis with payment in full.

There will be a pre-trip meeting on 7 May at MNS HQ auditorium.

* * Check-in begins at 4.30 pm on Friday evening.
** Covers transport from Kuala Lumpur, 2 nights accommodation, meals and course materials.

Long Trip: Birding in Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan

· 1 - 4 May (Fri–Mon)
· 4 days / 3 nights
· RM 250 per person* (MNS members only)

One of the world's oldest rainforest, Taman Negara is home to some 350 species of birds including Hornbills, Trogons, Pittas, Barbets, the Crested Fireback and the Great Argus.

The trip will entail daily trekking through jungle trails that may sometimes be strenuous but at a manageable birder's pace. This trip is not suitable for digiscoping. There will be a boat ride to get to Yong and Blau hides.

Hurry! Confirmed placement will be on a first-come-first-served basis, with payment in full to Alan (016-3322 991). Please indicate whether you need transportation or if you have spare seats to offer (drivers will be compensated). There will be a pre-trip briefing on 23 April at MNS HQ Auditorium.

* Inclusive of dorm lodging, transport, 3 dinners, entry permit and a boat ride. Limited units of chalets are available at an extra RM 45 per person (double occupancy + breakfast).

Day Trip: Intro to Birdwatching, FRIM Kepong

Bring your family and friends for a taste of birdwatching! This outing is open to members and non-members. Look through the telescopes and be captivated by our feathered friends.

The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) was once tin mines, vegetable gardens and scrubby forest. In 1926 scientists and foresters started planting trees that matured into the giants that we see today. Expect to see lots of lowland birds species!

Entrance fee is RM5 per car and RM1 per adult. Children enter for free. For more information or to register, call or sms Tang (012-306 1133 ; call after 6.00pm ; SMS anytime).

Bring along a pair of binoculars, a hat, drinking water and mosquito repellant for this half-day walk. Wear dull-coloured clothes and comfortable walking shoes.

See you at the car-park outside the primary school within FRIM Kepong at 7.15am sharp!

Day Trip: Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve

Come and bird in one of the last remaining coastal forests on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Both resident and migratory bird species can be found here. Tanjung Tuan is known as the place to witness raptor migration as they make their way across the Straits of Malacca from Indonesia.

Please meet at the parking bay in front of Ilham Resort at 7.30am sharp. Ilham Resort is the venue for the annual Raptor Watch Weekend organised by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).

All MNS members are welcome. Wear comfortable walking shoes and earth-coloured clothing. Don't forget to bring along your binoculars, a hat, a light-weight raincoat, drinking water and snack. We will take a slow walk up the hill which may be strenuous for some, but it won't be a race to get to the top!

To register, call or sms your name and membership number to Jasmine; 23 Feb onwards, before 10pm. Please indicate whether you need a lift or if you have car space to offer. Go green. Car-pool when you can!

Talk: Field Identification of 'Acridotheres' Mynas in Peninsular Malaysia

· 10 February 09 (Tuesday)
· Schmidt Marketing, 5th Floor, Wisma Domain, Petaling Jaya
· 8pm

We see mynas everywhere in the country. Before we dismiss them as common and uninteresting, find out why Allen Jeyarasingam finds them as unique as other birds we eagerly seek out.
 
Allen J. is the renowned author of "A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore". He will be sharing with us insights on the Acridotheres mynas (Common, Jungle, White-vented and Crested mynas) in Peninsular Malaysia, with special reference to the northward spread of the Javan Myna A. javanicus (White-vented).

The speaker is a member of the MNS Bird Conservation Council, the BCC-Records Committee and one of the editors of Suara Enggang.
 
All are welcome. For details, call or email Swee Seng (013-386 3663) before 10pm.

Talk: Birding in Sulawesi

· 20 January 09 (Tuesday)
· Schmidt Marketing, 5th Floor, Wisma Domain, Petaling Jaya
· 8pm

Indonesia's Sulawesi is in the biogeographical area of Wallacea, between the Oriental and Australasian regions. Wallacea, with avifauna reflecting elements of both regions, has an extraordinarily high 249 endemic bird species, of which 97 are found in Sulawesi.
 
The talk, by Mohd. Rafi Kudus who recently went on a birding trip to the island, will focus on North Sulawesi, with pictures of birds sighted, travel tips, and where to find the endemics. Rafi is an avid birder of over 15 years, with a passion for bird and nature conservation.
 
All are welcome. For details, call or email Swee Seng (013-386 3663) before 10pm.

Day Trip: Birdwatching at Taman Rimba Ampang

Taman Rimba Ampang (TRA) is located at the end of Jalan Ampang / Jalan Bukit Belacan, 6km from Ampang Point Shopping Centre. It is the place to spot the globally threatened Blue-Banded Kingfisher.

Parking fee is RM2 per car and entrance fee is RM1 per adult. Children may enter for free. For more information or to register, call or sms Tang (012-306 1133) before 10pm.

Bring along a pair of binoculars, drinking water, mosquito repellant and an umbrella (just in case) for this half-day walk. Wear dull-coloured clothes and comfortable walking shoes. The road is paved.

See you at the car-park at 7.30am sharp!

Talk: Shutterbugs - An Intro to Bird Photography

· 6 Jan '09 (Tuesday)*
· MNS HQ Auditorium
· 8pm - 9pm

Shutterbugs is a new component of the Selangor Branch Bird Group, focusing on bird photography. This talk given by John Steed is the first of several and will cover the basics including Equipment and Ethics.

We will have on display a wide variety of cameras – dSLR's (digital Single Lens Reflex), with telephoto and zoom lenses, and also digiscoping equipment. From this, you will get an appreciation for the different types of solutions available in case you haven't yet taken the plunge and purchased your own.

The talk is open to MNS members with an interest in bird photography, from beginners, to the hobbyist. If you are interested in attending, please send John an email.

* Please note that this talk was originally scheduled for 2 Dec '08. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Talk: Bird Trade in Southeast Asia

· 23 December (Tuesday)
· Schmidt Marketing, 5th Floor, Wisma Domain, Petaling Jaya
· 8pm

Hunting and trade is a major threat to the conservation of birds in Southeast Asia. This trade involves millions of birds representing hundreds of species. Come and find out what is real out there, and what a bird lover can do about it.

Learn about trade hubs that are open markets, wholesalers, pet shops and the Internet; the impact trade has on bird populations; legislations and conventions in place to protect birds; and enforcement efforts.

Chris Shepherd is currently with TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, and has been working on wildlife trade issues for 17 years. He carries out enforcement assistance work in the region and works closely with enforcement agencies around the world.

All are welcome. For more details, call or email Swee Seng (013-386 3663) before 10pm.