The Jakarta Post 4 Feb 10;
While bird-watching may be seen as the domain of environment organizations or biology students, Jakarta, despite its heavy pollution and traffic problems, has a lot to offer anyone with an interest in nature, a local green group says.
“Several areas in the city are in fact transit points for birds from all over the world,” said Ady Kristanto, a member of environmental organization Jakarta Green Monster (JGM).
Muara Angke natural conservation area in North Jakarta is the best place for bird watching, the organization says, with 91 bird species to be found there.
Rambut Island in the Thousand Islands regency was also highly recommended, with at least 61 different bird species.
“They usually come during the beginning of the rainy season. During this period the mangrove trees produce fruits that serve as a food source for birds,” Ady said while taking part in the JGM water bird survey at Muara Angke on Saturday.
There were many bird watching areas within easy reach of city residents, he said.
In Central Jakarta, Ady recommended Kridaloka Park in the Senayan complex, the National Monument area and Suropati park.
In South Jakarta, he said Ragunan Zoo and Situ Babakan natural conservation area were also good.
Ady also recommended Cibubur camping ground in East Jakarta and Srengseng city forest in West
Jakarta.
“Rather than keeping birds in cages, people should take their binoculars or cameras and see them in their natural habitat. Bird watching is really an adventure,” he said.
JGM welcomes the public to join bird-watching events, with further information and schedules available on its website www.jgm.or.id.
Joining JGM events allows bird watchers to come to the Muara Angke conservation area, which is otherwise off limits to the public.
On Saturday, members including Ady and Evi Fadlia guided visitors to the area on a bird-watching tour.
“Turn off the outboard motor. I don’t want them to fly away,” Ady said while busily taking photographs of a pair of Black-winged Starlings from a rubber dinghy he rowed together with four other bird watchers.
“What a lovely couple! This species is very rare,” said Evi, who said the best time to go bird watching was in the morning and afternoon.
“At these times birds are actively looking for food,” she said.
“We may not realize how important birds are until they are not around any more. Once the bird calls that bring serenity to our hearts are gone, I believe people will miss them,” she said.
The waterbird survey, covering the Muara Angke conservation area since 2006, aims to gauge bird biodiversity in the Jakarta.
On Saturday, JGM volunteers found 206 waterbirds, down from 333 last year, with only 18 species identified, down from last year’s 23.
“Every month, JGM holds bird watching events here,” Ady said.
Those who prefer to have tours by themselves can visit Angke Kapuk natural tourism park, which is open to the public.
The park is located next to Muara Angke conservation area, and hosts similar birds species.
According to BirdLife International, Jakarta is home to at least 121 bird species. (mrs)
