Waking up this morning I was hit by pangs of guilt. Today is World Environment Day and I have nothing planned to celebrate it!
Things brightened up a bit when I remembered that today I am doing MY Garden Birdwatch, a nationwide survey organised by the Bird Group of MNS Selangor.
I haven't been birdwatching for a few days now though it is my school holidays so I was more than happy to spend half an hour on the balcony, relaxing and enjoying the company of Kim Chye and the birds.
All in all, we listed 11 species which is not many by any means for the patch of trees and field in front of our house. We usually get more and our list from our balcony through the years have totalled over 70 species. We heard/saw flying overhead 5 other species but unfortunately they cannot be included, according to the rules of the survey. Missing were 7 species we see regularly but were not around today.
Lots of people would probably think I had a rather pathetic Sunday doing something so boring as birdwatching but I feel otherwise. I feel thankful that at least I have been outdoors in the limited time I have and am now more prepared to face mundane household chores besides being a citizen scientist.
Just to share with you, the following are some common garden birds which chose not to show up during the survey. Naughty, naughty, naughty!
White-throated Kingfisher, glowering at us but today no show
Common Myna, today strutting its act elsewhere
Common Iora, today neither seen nor heard. Missed its melodious song
Blue-throated Bee-eater, did a flypast but refused to perch
For anyone interested to participate next year go to : www.mygardenbirdwatch.com
