Thursday, March 25, 2010

World Migratory Bird Day 2010 Focuses on Globally Threatened Migratory Birds



Malaysian Nature Society Miri Branch is again celebrating World Migratory Bird Day this year, our third year. WMBD events are extra special this year since in 2010 we are also celebrating MNS 70th Year Anniversary.

This year we have confirmed the following events in Miri:

08th May
0700-1000hrs
Birdwatching at Innoue Trail, Lambir Hills National Park. Birdwatching with Khoo Swee Seng, MNS Raptor Study Group together with Miri Branch Bird Group, members and interested public.

1400-1600hrs
Talk and Slideshow on "Migrating Raptors" by Khoo Swee Seng at Pustaka Miri. Inline with this year's theme, Seng will be speaking about migrating raptors. This is a collaboration with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak. Seng will also touch on the upcoming MY Big Garden Birdwatch to take place 3-5th June nationwide.

1800-1930hrs
Evening Birdwatching at Bukit Song, Lambir Hills National Park. Birdwatching with Khoo Swee Seng, MNS Raptor Study Group together with Miri Branch Bird Group, members and interested public.

09th May
0700-1100hrs
Birdwatching fieldtrip in Kuala Baram led by Seng and MBBG. MNS Miri will be providing a complementary 40 seater bus to transport participants to site from Pustaka Miri and back.

And one special event with our MNS Sabah friends at Kinabalu National Park:

15th May
0800-1300hrs
Birdwatching with members and school students in Kinabalu National Park World Heritage Site. This is also a joint celebration of MNS 70th Anniversary with MNS Sabah Branch. Students will be led through the different routes around to park in search of Sabah endemics and other interesting KNP birdlife.

MNS Miri Branch members, students and members of the public are invited to participate in the above events. All events in Miri are complementary, and all are welcomed.

For more details about the WMBD events in Miri, please email : mnsmiri@yahoo.com


More information on WMBD2010 from the UNEP-AEWA Secretariat:

The Secretariats of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (UNEP/AEWA) and the Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS) are pleased to announce the countdown for World Migratory Bird Day 2010. This two-day awareness raising campaign will take place globally for the fifth consecutive year from 8-9 May 2010.

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) aims to inspire people to take action for the conservation of migratory birds and encourages national authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), clubs and societies, universities, schools and individuals around the world to organize events and programmes, which help draw attention to migratory birds around a central theme each year.

This year’s theme is “Save migratory birds in crisis – every species counts!” It is closely linked to the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) declared by the United Nations for 2010.

The WMBD 2010 theme aims to raise awareness on globally threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction – the Critically Endangered migratory birds.

In line with the International Year of Biodiversity, the 2010 WMBD theme also highlights how migratory birds are part of the biological diversity of our world and how the threat of extinction faced by individual bird species is a reflection of the larger extinction crisis threatening other species and the natural diversity that underpins all life on earth.

Migratory birds in crisis
A staggering 1,227, or 12,4% of the total 9,865 extant bird species in the world are currently classified as globally threatened and 192 of these are considered Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of threatened species, i.e. they face an extremely high risk of becoming extinct.
An estimated 19% of all known birds and about 30 of the 192 Critically Endangered bird species are considered to be migratory and undertake regular cyclical movements between their breeding and non-breeding areas.

Some prominent examples of “migratory birds in crisis” being highlighted in the context of this year’s WMBD campaign include the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris), the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita), the Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius), the Waved Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata) and the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) – all of which are migratory and listed as Critically Endangered.

Migratory birds as indicators
By focusing on “migratory birds in crisis” during the International Year of Biodiversity, World Migratory Bird Day 2010 is also highlighting the role played by birds as indicators, enabling us to clearly see and highlight the negative effects our current way of life is having on the planet and it’s biodiversity.

As one of the best researched taxa, birds serve as vital indicators for the state of biodiversity and the biological health of the ecosystems they inhabit. If a bird species becomes threatened with extinction it is often a clear sign that the conditions of the required habitats have changed and that other species that depend on them may also be affected.

Migratory birds rely on several different habitats to survive – often across several continents. They need areas to breed, rest, feed and to raise their young. The conservation of migratory birds depends to a large extent on the conservation of their habitats, thereby simultaneously benefiting other species.

WMBD 2010 during the International Year of Biodiversity

The International Year of Biodiversity (IYB), declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations for the year 2010, is an appreciation of the value of biodiversity and the vital role it plays in all our lives. However, it is not only a celebration, but also an invitation to take action to safeguard the variety of life on earth. Humankind relies on this diversity, because it provides us with food, fuel, medicine and other essentials which we need to survive.

Yet species are disappearing at an unprecedented rate because of human activities, amongst other threats, and these losses are irreversible. In fact, the current rate of extinction is a thousand times faster than the natural one. For birds, the natural rate of extinction is one bird per century, but in the last thirty years alone, 21 bird species have become extinct. Without immediate action, many of the “migratory birds in crisis” will no longer exist in ten year’s time.

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2010 is an opportunity to take action and to draw international attention to those migratory birds which are threatened by extinction and to highlight them as flagship species during the International Year of Biodiversity.

Further Information:

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a global initiative devoted to celebrating migratory birds and for promoting their conservation worldwide. It is being organised by the Secretariats of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) – two international wildlife treaties administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – and other partners.

People and dedicated organisations around the world will be using the event to draw attention to migratory birds that are threatened by extinction. Activities to mark WMBD include bird festivals and bird watching trips, public discussions, exhibitions, presentations, bird rallies and other educational and public events.

Event organizers are encouraged to register their events on the WMBD website and can order the WMBD 2010 poster and other information materials to support their events by writing to: contact@worldmigratorybirdday.org

For more information please visit:
http://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/

WMBD Partners:




United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the voice for the environment in the United Nations system. It is an advocate, educator, catalyst and facilitator, promoting the wise use of the planet's natural assets for sustainable development.



The United Nations General Assembly declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB). The goals of this special year are to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity, highlighting the fact that it continues to be lost, and to celebrate novel solutions being carried out around the world for its conservation and sustainable use, and the equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. The Year 2010 was chosen to coincide with the biodiversity target agreed by world leaders in 2002. During the Year scientists will report on a global trend on biodiversity.



Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS; also known as the Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Since the Convention's entry into force, its membership has grown steadily to include 113 (as of 1 January 2010) parties from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.



African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) is an intergovernmental treaty developed under the CMS dedicated to the conservation of migratory waterbirds. The Agreement covers 255 species of birds, ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle. The treaty covers a large geographic area, including Europe, parts of Asia, Canada, the Middle East and Africa. So far 63 out of the 118 countries (as of 1 February 2010) in this area have become Contracting Parties to the International Agreement.



BirdLife International is a global partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. BirdLife International has long been committed to the conservation of migratory birds and the habitats upon which they depend. The BirdLife Partnership is engaged in migratory bird conservation at numerous scales, from projects focused on individual species or key sites, to broader policy and advocacy work to promote migratory species conservation, and involvement in flyway-scale projects.


Wetlands International is an independent, non-profit, global organisation, dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Wetlands International works globally, regionally and nationally to achieve the conservation and wise use of wetlands, to benefit biodiversity and human well-being.



The Partnership for the East Asian - Australasian Flyway - Launched in November 2006, the Partnership is an informal and voluntary initiative, aimed at protecting migratory waterbirds, their habitat and the livelihoods of people dependent upon them. There are currently 21 partners including 10 countries, 3 intergovernmental agencies and 8 international non-government organisations. The Partnership provides a framework for international cooperation, including: (1) development of a Waterbird Site Network (for sites of international importance to migratory waterbirds), (2) collaborative activities to increase knowledge and raise awareness of migratory waterbirds along the flyway, and (3) building capacity for the sustainable management and conservation of migratory waterbird habitat along the flyway.








MNS Miri, March 2010

Monday, March 22, 2010

A few highlights from Lambir Nitewalk


A curious little dragon by Sara Wong.

By six pm 20th March, we've gathered 10 individuals keen on exploring Lambir Hills afterdark. The plan was to enter the trails before sundown, spend some time at Latak waterfall and slowly make our way back to the main gate.

We did just that. The walk over to the falls was pleasantly interupted by stops to gawk at a couple of tarantula's nest right beside the trail. We must've have been walking this route for the umpteenth time, if not for Kamil's help we would've not notice the perfectlt shaped hole on the mudbanks of the trail, nicely lined with cobwebs. Who other would occupy it that the tarantulas? The tow nests added a couple more interest points for our nitewalk.

A short peek at the arboreal tarantula's nest we discovered not long ago was a dissappointment. The Malayan Tiger used to occupy the treeside hole was no longer there. Several prior visits by Peter and Musa also didn't spot the beautiful creature. It must have relocated.

All along the trail towards the waterfall we spotted many geckos, stick insects, large snails, crickets and a couple of frogs. We were ardently looking for signs of snakes. Peter and Musa were fortunate enough to spot a fairly large reptile under some rotting logs in Spider's Alley a few months back. Last year the spot yielded Coral Snake, a juvenile dogtooth cat snake and a juvenile Wagler's pit viper. Not so lucky this nite.

We spent roughly half an hour at Latak waterfall gawking at the nocturnal shrimps in the shallows. They seemed to be ruling the streams in the dark, every submerged leaf we lifted revealed 2-3 hiding little shrimps. A quick shine through the banks and canopy didn't reveal any eyeshine, it would've been an extra bonus. Slow-loris, giant squirrels have been sighted before on previous nitewalk trips.

On the way back, we saw many more stick insects, praying mantis, and large ground hunting spiders. Extra effort schecking the branches overhanging the stream didn't produce anything more exciting than what we've already seen.

Our luck started to change by the time we made our way back to the site of the tarantulas nests. While busily gawking at a huge hairy critter at the mouth of it's resident, Kamil pointed out to a larger slithering quarry not five feet away from the spiders. Right there in front of us, in small peaceful movements was a banded krait. From the elapidae family, banded krait belies it's deadly venomous bite with it's graceful slow movement on the forest floor.

The krait and the tarantula definitely made our nite! The reptile is probably our 6th species so far, stumbled upon during a nitewalk just like this. We hope to see more!


Banded Krait


Terestrial tarantula.


A groundhunting spider.


Another groundhunting spider.


A many legged centipeded, note his missing limps.


A weird looking beetle we haven't encountered before.


A leaffrog, one of our regulars.


A stick insect.


Another regular hanging out.

If you haven't experienced Lambir at nite perhaps you should join us on a short trek through Lambir under the moonlight one of these nites. It's an altogether different feeling from trekking it during the day. The sights and sounds of the forest comes out more lively sometimes without the sunlight.

Nazeri Abghani, Mar 2010





Thursday, March 18, 2010

Upcoming Events in Miri and away!


One of our regulars at the Lambir Hills nitewalk.

Saturday, 20th March, Lambir Hills National Park Trek
Come trek one of Lambir trails with Sara and crew, early start. The particular trail to tackle will be announce by Sara later.

Meet : Taman Awam 0700hrs or Lambir Hills Ticket Counter 0730hrs

Please email Sara directly for details.


Saturday, 20th March, Lambir Hills National Park Nite Walk
It's been a while since our last nitewalk through Lambir, here we go again. Those who have never been to a nitewalk and macro-photographers are encouraged to attend. This will be an extended walk, bring water and snack, and tripod!

Meet : Lambir Hills Canteen 1800hrs

Optional overnite (bring sleeping bag and change of clothing) for those interested to birdwatch or attempt extra trekking the next day. Please contact Nazeri for details.


Sunday, 21st March, Lambir Hills National Park Birdwatching Innoue Trail
We will be doing a relaxing early (depending on what time we complete our nite walk) birdwatching in and around the pond and head of the Innoue Trail. Last time we were there we saw Black-back Kingfisher, and Asian Fairy Bluebird among others.

Meet : Staff Quarters by the hut near the little pond 0630hrs


Saturday-Sunday, 10-11th April, Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary CFZ Survey and Birdwatching
Together with staff from Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary we will be conducting and overnite firefly survey along Sg Sibuti covering the sanctuary border.

10th April
1600hrs Arrival at Sanctuary Office
1800hrs Quick dinner
1830hrs Start 3 hours slow boat ride in the river from park jetty to estuary
2230hrs Complete the firefly survey, either camp or homestay at Kpg Kuala Sibuti

11th April
0530hrs Wake up call
0600hrs Birdwatching in the Sibuti mangroves and along the river
1000hrs Arrival at Sanctuary jetty
1030hrs Travel to Miri

Places are limited, please respond early so we can arrange transport. Bring a life-jacket. Preference will be given to those who can carry out future firefly surveys in Miri. Fuel cost to be shared amongst participants. Please bring fishing gear if you'd like to try your luck at the estuary.


Friday-Sunday, 16-18th April, Similajau Get-Together
It's been a rather long while since we visited Similajau National Park, this will be a short weekender to explore what's new at our favorite little park.

16th April
1330hrs Depart from Miri. Car pool and meeting point to be decided later (for those from Miri).
1600hrs Arrive Similajau NP, and immediately board a boat to Golden Beach. Explore area nearby, set up camp, night walk.

17th April
0630hrs Trek back to Park HQ, checkin at accomodations at Park HQ upon arrival.
1400hrs Lunch or afternoon tea. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
1900hrs CFZ Firefly survey along Sg Likau (time to be confirmed by Musa), and birdwatching for nitejars and owls for those interested upon return.

18th April
0630hrs Early morning call for birdwatching, exploring mangrove plankwalk or shorter trails near Park HQ.
1000hrs CFZ Firefly presentation by Musa
1200hrs Checkout and lunch
1300hrs Travel to Miri

Limited places available, please contact Sara to book your spot. Cost of boat, supplies, accomodation will be on a shared cost basis.


Saturday Sunday, 17-18th April Bkt Teraja HOB Survey with PNHS

We seek expressions of interest from members willing to contribute their birdwatching expertise, equipment and time to this survey led by PNHS to take place over the specified weekend in Brunei.

Those willing to contribute to this survey, please email us.

PNHS will cover the cost of food & accommodation & services as provided by the longhouse.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

MY Garden Birdwatch



MARK YOUR CALENDARS! FIRST EVER IN MALAYSIA!

Registration for 2010 Survey now open!

Be part of the MASSIVE, first ever nationwide bird survey of its kind in Malaysia! MY GARDEN BIRDWATCH is a survey for everyone, couch potatos and city slickers, you and me.

Just go to a local patch of your choice -- gardens, parks, housing estates, cities or a favorite spot in your kampung -- and tell us which birds you see. Survey results will provide information on bird numbers and distribution, which forms the basis for conservation priorities.

Natural events like predation, diseases, earthquakes and climate change, combined with human activities such as urbanisation and forest clearing all have major impact on the wellbeing of many species of birds. We need to better understand how to strike a balance between conservation and development, and we need your help.

Simply check on the garden birds in your area, once a year. Your participation will go a long way in sussing our bird population and distribution all over Malaysia.

Please click here to get more details and find out how to sign up.

MNS Miri Branch members are encouraged to participate in this first ever concerted "MY Garden Birdwatch". If you need help to id the birds in your local patch (gardens, schoolyard, background) before the big date, please email us, we'd be glad to help out.

Sarawak's Wild Side by Leong Siok Hui, The Star

Sarawak’s botanical riches, diverse landscapes and wildlife make it a favourite stomping ground for nature lovers and scientists alike.

Where in Malaysia can you find a state that boasts more than 20 national parks, five wildlife sanctuaries, three nature reserves and 700,000ha of totally protected forest land (10 times the size of Singapore)?

Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, pitcher plant buff or an adventure freak, Sarawak is bound to have something for you. National parks like Bako, Lambir and Similajau have well-marked trails — a utopia for self-guided treks, while remote settlements like the Kelabit Highlands offer culture, crisp cool air and some adventure.

Thanks to the proliferation of cheap flights, it’s now a breeze for Peninsular folks to head here for a weekend getaway.

Sarawak’s natural areas attract conservation groups like the Malaysian Nature Society’s (MNS) Miri and Kuching branches who organise activities like nature camps, bird-watching trips and outdoor photography here.


Dinding Waterfall at Lambir Hills National ... a great calming respite after almost four hours hike though the thick of the rainforest.

(Read the full article on your Saturday 13th March edition of The Star Lifestyle section or peruse the online version here).

Monday, March 8, 2010

March Updates, News and Upcoming Events


Two egrets having a great time hunting for breakfast at Lutong Beach, the Chinese Egret (blurred in the foreground) is one of the remaining 3600 left in the wild. Lutong Beach support 2-3 Chinese Egret annually.

Dear Members,

We have received no replies on the question posed to the greater membership wrt potential new activities for the membership and surrounding community. We are still open to any brilliant suggestions from all and sundry. We'd like to hear from everyone.

Please send in you suggestions and what activities you'd be partial to volunteer for and would like to see offered by MNS Miri Branch.

A. PAST EVENTS

1. Asian Waterbird Census 2010

a) Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary, 13th February
We failed to secure authorisation from Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri Sarawak thus unable to take the 30 interested students out to a half day of birdwatching and practicals of AWC.

We conducted the AWC with 10 local Miri photo buffs, staff from Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary and several birding groupies from our Branch. It was a good outing, we secured permission to conduct an overnite survey of fireflies as well as birdlife along Sg Sibuti the SWS.

Our write up of the event:
http://miribirding.blogspot.com/2010/02/awc-sibuti-bird.html

b) Loagan Bunut, 20-21st February
We conducted AWC in Loagan Bunut with eight participants. This year we stayed at the national park Hostel which was very spacious and well equipped. Our boat for the survey around the lake on the second day was courtesy of Loagan Bunut National Park.Our highlights were sightings of 10 Oriental Darters in and around the lake. One was actually seen in action, diving into the lake!

Our write-up:
http://miribirding.blogspot.com/2010/02/awc-loagan-bunut-20-21-feb-2010.html

Another highlite was a possible sighting (unconfirmed) of Great-bill Heron, we'd have to go back again to confirm this. Nitewalk along the access road somehow turned out quite dismal, we did not see anything exciting other than a house gecko or two.

c) Pulau Bawai, 27th February
It was fullmoon and a nite of nighjar's galore. We had nitejars calling all nite, a couple actually flew across our camp to check us out. A few big bright eyes shining in the nite also later turned out to be nite jars.The nite being full moon nite, the morning treated us to the years lowest tide ... the sandbar extended all the way from Pulau Bawai to Kuala Baram lagoon.

Though we did not ticked as many waders as we did during previous years visit, it was a fruitful outing nonetheless. No sighting of pontianak or hantu laut recorded.

Our write-up:
http://miribirding.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html

This is our last AWC for this year. All write-ups and sightings to be forwarded to HOD Conservation as part of our contribution for AWC for Miri, Sarawak.

2. Lambir Treks all of February (14th, 20th, 27th Feb)
Sara, Peter, Faye and crew conducted weekly trek in Lambir covering several interesting locations within the park. They witnessed a rare event too : mass flowering and mast fruiting of dipterocarps in the area.

Sara's write-up on mass flowering:
http://mnsmiri.blogspot.com/2010/02/dipterocarp-mass-fruiting-in-lambir.html
http://www.friendsoflambir.blogspot.com/

3. Birdwatching Bukit Song 07th March
Our birdwating groupie went birding at one of our favorite haunts really early Sunday morning. Their reports still in progress.

Please check http://www.miribirding.blogspot.com/ for the latest entry.

B. UPCOMING EVENTS

1. "Introduction to MNS" and discussion on "Wildlife In Rural Sarawak" at Curtin, 11th March
Confirmed to take place 4:30pm at Curtin University. Nazeri presenting MNS to Curtin PR students, discussing issues related to wildlife consumption and trade in rural Sarawak. Curtin members are invited to make the session more lively.

2. NREB Workshop on SCORE, 11th March in Bintulu
MNS Miri has been allocated one seat for this one day event organised by NREB to discuss a few pertinent points related to Social Environmental Impact Assessment, relocations, dams and affected rural community. Members who are interested to attend to please contact Nazeri. This is a fully sponsored trip.

We have not received any further input from organisers nor interested members.

3. Raptor Watch, 13-14th March
Maya Karin is making an appearance, hoping Rais Yatim wont be there as well!

Please check http://www.raptorwatch.org/Organisers are seeking volunteers to help with Raptor Count from 20th Feb to 04th April.

Please refer to http://miribirding.blogspot.com/2010/01/raptor-count-2010-tanjung-tuan-pd.html for details.

4. Nitewalk to Lambir Hills NP 20th March
A short jaunt up to 1st shelter before Latak Waterfalls to check on our creepie crawly friends. Children welcomed.

Meet : Saturday 1800 hrs Lambir Hills NP Canteen

5. Lambir Summit Trail Maintenance (overnite) March/April
We are waiting for confirmation from Lambir Hills National Park.

6. Trek/Birdwatch/Camp Similajau NP March/April
Expressions of interest are sought from members interested for the following activities in Similajau National Park:
i) trek and overnite camp Golden Beach National Park
ii) conduct firefly survey along Sg Likau
iii) birdwatch (nightjars, owls and others at nite) around park HQ

This event is likely to take place end March/April.

7. Sg Sibuti Boat Traverse for Fireflies and Birds 10-11th April
We will be doing a Congregating Fireflies Zone assessment along the traverse of Sg Sibuti to the estuary by boat. We'll be camping overnite at Kuala Sibuti before coming back early the next day. We'll start from Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary boat jetty 4pm Saturday 10th April and expect to be back at SWS by 11am Sunday. Limited seats available, preference given to those who can champion the CFZ cause together with Musa Musbah.

8. Bkt Teraja HOB Survey with PNHS 17-18th April
We seek expressions of interest from members willing to contribute their birdwatching expertise, equipment and time to this survey led by PNHS to take place over the specified weekend in Brunei.

Those willing to contribute, please email us. The PNHS will cover the cost of food & accommodation & services as provided by the longhouse.

9. [Tentative] Batek Workshop with Malek Adenan
A repeat of a half day program making batek prints with Malek Adenan, our resident batek artist and member. Event postphone to April, exact dates and venue to be announced separately.

10. [Cancelled] Long Weekend at a Longhouse along Batang Baram
We are taken this off the list due to lack of interests from members.

11. Advance announcement :
a) Trek/Birdwatch Gunung Murud 18-23rd October 2010
This trip is confirmed, final costing is being finalised. Fly Bakelalan, trek Mt Murud, fly Miri via Lawas. Opportunity for extended birdwatching at Church camp for those who suffer from fear of heights (like Nazeri). We will be hiring guides and porters as required.

b) Trek/Birdwatch Nepal April/May 2011
Details can be viewed at MNS Miri Events on Facebook. Further details will be shared with members once Air Asia published their cheaprates for 2011. Expected costs MYR$4000.

OTHERS:

1. A big THANK YOU to members who've taken the time to renew their membership. Those who havent, please do so at your earliest convenience. Please revert to this email if you require assistance or more information on how to renew your membership painlessly and hassle free.

You can now bank in to either Maybank (Account No: 012138304679) or HSBC (Account No: 305194920108) beneficiary name "Malaysian Nature Society". Please email notifications to membership@mns.org.my

Members whose membership expires 31st Dec, and have not renewed:
Samantha Kwan

Membership of the following members expired 31st Jan, and have not renewed:
Jeit Law
Rebecca Pek

Members whose membership expires 28th Feb, and have not renewed:
Amer Matridi Abu Mansur Matridi
Chia Lee Ming, Josephine
Dominique Dodge - Wan
Elisabet Bes
Fazira Azlina Mohd Rofli
Gunaseelan N. Cumurasamy
Kiew Siew Eng (no email)
Lee Bor Seng
Len Siew Yee
Lim Geok Hoon (no email)
Mas Nur Afiqah Rabani
Mohammad Hatta Rizal Mansor
Nurashikin Ikhwan
Tan Kok Khian
Tisha-Lin Sinnathamboo
Wong Chung
Zanti Noviana

Members whose membership expires 31st March:
Sara Wong

Please take time to renew your membership, your Society needs your support. Members in Curtin can contact Sara Wong directly for renewals.

2. Please keep updated with Branch activities via our blog and Facebook
Do keep abreast with weekly activities via our blogspot especially for those quick events, they normally crystalize by Thursday latest. Go to http://mnsmiri.blogspot.com/ .

For Facebook, please search for "MNS Miri".

We need writers and pictures for our blogs, Pencinta Alam, Malaysian Naturalists ... contributors area welcomed. If you think you are not great at writing, just jot something down anyway, we've got folks who can help you put out a nice story for the blog.

If you've articles, write-ups and pictures to share, please email mnsmiri@yahoo.com

They can be uploaded in any of one these blogs on top of our main portal:
http://www.friendsofloaganbunut.blogspot.com/ anything on or about Loagan Bunut NP
http://www.friendsofniah.blogspot.com/ anything on or about Niah NP
http://www.friendsoflambir.blogspot.com/ anything on or about Lambir Hills NP
http://www.friendsofsimilajau.blogspot.com/ anything on or about Similajau NP
http://www.miribirding.blogspot.com/ anything on or about Birdwatching
http://www.dlongwalk.blogspot.com/ anything on or about Trekking or Long Walks
http://www.sarawakfireflies.blogspot.com/ anything on or about Fireflies in Sarawak

3. Meetings in the next months
14th Mar: MNS Bird Conservation Council Meeting at Raptor Watch, Nazeri attending
17th Apr: MNS Council Meeting in KL
20th Apr: Branch Committee Meeting at KRP

If you have any items that needed raising up at these meetings, please email us.

This update is also available on our blog http://mnsmiri.blogspot.com/ shortly.
Please email any comments, suggestions to mnsmiri@yahoo.com
Thank you and kindest regards,
Nazeri Abghanion behalf of MNS Miri Branch Commt