langkawi magazine
Nature SECTION
In Full Feathered Splendor
In the 90s, a remarkable change began taking place in the international tourism industry. More and more travellers were looking for destinations of natural splendour.
The environmentally-conscious and nature-loving tourists were born. A new term was coined in an attempt to classify this new genre of mass travel - eco-tourism.
Whatever the definition, it is acknowledged that eco-tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global travel industry. More and more people are travelling to enjoy nature, and among them are millions of birdwatchers.
In fact, some eco-tourism experts say that birdwatchers are the most significant niche within the entire eco-tourism industry. In Malaysia, there are many birdwatching destinations, some famous ones and some lesser known.
It is a key destination for birdwatchers who come to see the many species that exist only in this habitat, and the many migrants that flock to the mud-flats and swampy areas every year during the northern temperate winter months of October to March. The migratory bird season, which is normally around September, will see a wide variety flying in from as far as northern China and Siberia.
At the height of the season, at least 140 species have been sighted. These include the purple heron and the white-browed crake. The brown booby are frequent visitors. They mainly feed off food which they find on the surface of the sea. Their large size, big bill and bluish webbed feet make them easy to spot as they love hanging around the island embankments. However, just before the monsoon season begins, the birds flee to a safer and drier place to live.
The island is also home to thousands of migratory birds but with increasing development and human presence, their stopovers may be affected. Four species regularly seen are the brown booby, common brown noddy and two species of terns. The most abundant seabird is the sooty tern which is a medium sized bird with black upper parts, wings and head and a white belly. Other seabirds are the great crested tern, black-naped tern, brown noddy and brown booby.
At Sungai Kilim in Pulau Langkawi, it is the eagles which take centrestage. It is said that the name Langkawi was derived from the second syllable in the bird's name in Malay helang while kawi came from the island's famous marble, batu kawi.
At a specific location, there is a number of eagles roaming freely as if waiting for their meal of the day. It is the spot where tour boats make a stop and feed the magnificent birds of prey. Not one, not two but they come in tens. On good days it is hundreds. One will easily spot three species the white-bellied fish eagle, brahminy kite and the gigantic sea eagle.
By enjoying the beauty of our feathered friends, we can learn to appreciate their habitat, and the other creatures that share our environment.
Langkawi
