RETURN OF THE RAPTORS

Binoculars UP, Cameras  READY, SHOOT the RAPTORS.

This is an annual scenario every March, even Covid-19 2021 could not halt this event. The pandemic may have put human traffic at a stop but the BIRDS carried on. Bird watches worldwide gather at the west coast of Malaysia for the RAPTOR WATCH. 

The place -  Cape Rachado Lighthouse or Tanjung Tuan in Port Dickson. 

The performers - Migratory BIRDS OF PREY. 

It is a huge event and families including us stay overnight so we can be at the site early in the morning to witness the event. 

At the approximate calculated time, the flock of raptors fly in from the sea. It is like watching military planes fly in formation for an air raid. Initially the birds are like "raisins" in the sky,

 then as they approach inland, one can make out different species.

All types of birding scopes are set up by the Malaysian Bird Society. Many point out to sea to catch the hundreds of raptors zooming in. They are "illegal immigrants" from Indonesia and Australia without passports or visas!

The raptors fly thousands of miles leaving the winter days in Australia to return to their breeding grounds by Spring in the Northern hemisphere. As they cross the oceans, they use up much of their energy in flight.

They then take advantage of the hot air land currents in Tanjung Tuan to glide. 

This gives them their much needed rest before they continue their homeward bound journey. It is an awesome sight as the raptors circle low overhead for hours.

Looking forward to Raptor Watch 2022. Rain or shine, Covid-19 or whatever comes, the RAPTORS will return in March as faithfully as the sun rises in the East. 

We will go together Mr. Yip Soon Nam and shoot them Raptors 😎.