Exploring the Ex-Mining Ponds of Malim Nawar - Sept 2013

Birding trips will be getting lesser and lesser for me but when there is an opportunity we will need to grab it and go as far and wide as possible to look for our dream birds. The "Pull-Factor" was stronger than the "Push-Factor" in this case as i have never been to this place before (for birding that is) and also i have wanted to see the "Little Stint" and "Greater Painted Snipe". Locating this place was not a problem as there were ample road signs but searching for the illusive birds is another story to be told. This place was huge indeed filled with craters of former mining ponds - some were really huge while some were shallow enough for birds to stand on it. There were a few which have dried-out to the base.  There were lots of birds here no doubt but unfortunately i did not get my dream birds.  Nevertheless i have some great flight shots.

A mix flock of  waterbirds in the middle of an island within a pond

Little Grebe

Purple Heron

Grey Heron

Common Kingfisher

This was the first wintering bird seen by me here.

White-Throated Kingfisher

Common Stork-Billed Kingfisher

Of course there were also some very common resident birds like these ones:

Spotted Dove

Javan Myna

Its like he is practicing to dive for food - the myna way.

Barn Swallow

Black-Winged Stilt

It was reported that some of this bird has been given a red ID card.

White-Winged Tern

 Is this bird a resident bird as well? - some says yes some says no.

Purple Swamphen

This bird has a long history behind him. In America, Africa and Europe it has a similar looking cousins from the family named "Gallinue" while in New Zealand it is called "Pukeko" - not potato lah!

A Flock of Black-Crowned Night Heron

Here are some of the other wintering birds which i saw at this place.

Again i believe the experts would agree with me that these were just "Paddyfield Pipits".

Citrine or Yellow Wagtail?  

Probably just a 1st winter Yellow Wagtail in view of absence of isolated ear coverts line.

Chinese Pond Heron

Its about to change his summer clothing into something more sober.

Pacific Golden Plover

Little Ringed Plovers

Finally the highlight of the day is the sighting of this Accipiter.

Crested Goshawk

Although it is not my lifer but i think this was the first reported bird at this place.  I believe it is a male from its greyish facial colors.

 This was what the birds were aiming for - free talapia (black morph). Black morph talapias were said to be more delicious then the domesticated white morph talapia (oh yes - fishes also got white and dark versions). 

For various reasons this place was the "temporary home" for many of the malaysian first - eg Tufted Duck, Masked Finfoot etc. So it is not surprising that many people will continue to bird here.