Raptor Migration Watch: Taman Melawati Hill
Autumn 2007, Taman Melawati
29-30 September & 6-7 October 2007
Click here to view reports on latest sightings.Click here to view pictures of birds that are expected to be seen.
Introduction
Every autumn and spring thousands of raptors migrate over our skies and over Taman Melawati Hill!
What is Raptor Migration?
Migration is the movement or dispersal of wildlife, from one region to another for the purpose of foraging (looking for food) or breeding. Although many animals seasonally migrate, one of the most spectacular examples of this natural phenomenon is the migration of birds and raptors. After the breeding season at the end of summer, most raptors (birds of prey) in the temperate countries (Northern Hemisphere) usually migrate southwards to escape the cold winter to look for food and live in warmer regions. This mass annual movement is called "Raptor Migration".
How do raptors migrate?
Raptor usually perform a circular ascending flight (soaring) using rising warm air currents called "thermals" generated by the hot sun on mountain or lowland areas. After soaring to a considerable height, they will glide (cruise) long distances to the next destination along the migration route. This soaring and gliding technique is repeated many times until the raptors reach their final destination, over many days or weeks, depending on the weather.
Where can we see raptors on migration?
Some of the best places to observe raptors on migration are along mountain ranges or a narrow peninsula facing the sea (straits), but we can also see them along their migration routes. These routes have been used since ancient times by many generations of raptors. It is best to watch migrating raptors with binoculars, but some may be seen with the naked eyes, when they fly low enough. There are also special areas where regular raptor migration takes place, according to the migration season. One such area is the Taman Melawati Hill (Taman Melawati Hill) located at Taman Melawati, Hulu Kelang.
Where do they come from?
Raptors which migrate to Peninsular Malaysia and at Taman Melawati Hill, are known to come from northern Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, China and even as far away as eastern Russia (Siberia).
Which raptor species migrate to Taman Melawati Hill?
During the northern autumn season, hundred of thousands of raptors migrate from north Asia to South-east Asia and migrate through Peninsular Malaysia. Most of the raptors are passage migrants and some will winter in Malaysia. As in raptor migration in Asia and South-east Asia, some of these raptor can be seen migrating over Taman Melawati Hill, Taman Melawati during the autumn and spring migration seasons. Raptors which have been seen migrating here in fairly large numbers include: Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhyncus), Chinese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter soloensis), Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus), Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis) and Black Baza (Aviceda leuphotes). Other raptors recorded here include Rufous-bellied Eagle (Hieraaetus kierenii), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Some globally important raptors include Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga), Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis). Some other raptor species migrate here as well, but have not been clearly identified yet. The table below shows some of the species that are expected to be seen from the hill, please click on the thumbnails to view each picture at a higher resolution (*).
When do raptors migrate at Taman Melawati Hill?
Raptor migration occurs during the northern 'autumn' and 'spring' seasons. At Taman Melawati Hill, this is usually from mid September to November in autumn and mid February to April in spring. Peak migration of raptors normally occurs in October (autumn) and March (spring).
Why is Taman Melawati Hill important for raptors?
Taman Melawati Hill is located directly along the migratory route of hundreds of raptors which migrate through Taman Melawati, Hulu Kelang and the Klang Valley. The hill is a transit point for raptors migrating from Peninsular Malaysia to northern Asia. The well wooded hill offers a safe area for raptors to thermal and gain considerable height, before continuing on their migration southwards (in autumn) or northwards (in spring). During heavy rains and thunderstorms, the remnant forest and wooded areas at Taman Melawati Hill provide a safe haven for raptors to stop and rest, during their migration. When arriving at Taman Melawati late in the evening, Taman Melawati Hill offers raptors a safe place to stop and roost, before continuing their migratory journey the next day.
Raptor Migration Watch at Taman Melawati Hill: Autumn 2007
A Raptor Migration Watch will be held at Taman Melawati Hill, Taman Melawati, to observe the annual autumn migration of raptors. The Migration Watch will be held in collaboration with the Asian Raptor Migration Survey, a project initiated and organised by the Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network and other potential sponsors. This event will be led by Mike Chong a naturalist and ornithologist who studies wildlife, birds and raptor migration at Taman Melawati Hill.
Dates: 29-30 September (Sat & Sun) and 6-7 October 2007 (Sat & Sun)
Time: from 11.00 hr - 15.00 hr (for both weekends)
Things to bring: long sleeved shirt, hat, plenty of water, sun tan lotion and umbrella in case of sudden showers. Binoculars are very useful but we will try to get sponsors to provide binoculars and spotting scopes for people to watch the migrating raptors.
Venue: Taman Melawati Hill, Taman Melawati, Hulu Kelang
However, observations for the Raptor Migration Watch may start from the 22 nd of September 2007 at Taman Melawati Hill. Anyone who is interested to join the observations please send us an email at your earliest convinience.
ARRCN and the Asian Raptor Migration Survey project
The Asian Raptor Migration Survey project (ARMSP) was started in 1999 by the ARRCN and are participated by members in countries including Japan, Russia, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Raptor migration studies in Asia have gained interest and momentum in recent years. The Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network (ARRCN) was formed in 1998 to support and coordinate raptor research in the field. Data from ARRCN members conducting raptor migration studies are compiled and may give a clearer picture of raptor populations, their migratory behaviour and patterns.
Main objectives of the Asian Raptor Migration Survey project
- identify and determine the migration routes of raptors in Asia
- identify the wintering areas of migrant raptors
- compile information on raptors breeding areas
- compile information on population and species during migration
For more information on the ARRCN and the Asian Raptor
Migration Survey project (ARMSP), please visit the ARRCN website at:
http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~raptor/index.htm
Information and text compiled by the Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network (ARRCN) and Mike Chong
12th September 2007
14th September 2007
Early passage arrivals: 4 Oriental Honey-buzzards (Pernis ptilorhyncus) were seen migrating south at Taman Melawati Hill from 13.20 - 13.50 hrs. Two of the honey-buzzards circled over the west of Taman Melawati Hill, before soaring higher and gliding off. They may have been roosting on the hill due to the rainy conditions the evening before. A small bird of prey (one of the smallest raptors in the world), the Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius) perched for a while on a fig tree, probably looking for food, before flying off.
Passerines (small perching birds) Migration: Also seen migrating between 12.45 - 13.00 hrs. were 6-7 Blue-throated Bee-eaters (Merops viridis) which were heading south. Two of the bee-eaters stopped to feed at Taman Melawati Hill for about 10 minutes, before continuing their migration.
Photos of raptors are kindly provided courtesy of Mr. Chaiwat Chinuparawat of the Thai Raptor Group (www.thairaptorgroup.com)
