A juvvy Yellow-bellied Prinia by the roadside in Kuala Baram.
Dear Valued Members,
We have not given up on the questions 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. If you have a brilliant idea, please email us.
February saw us losing a big chunk of our membership base, 22 out of 90 members: some relocated to better prospects, some off to better things and others are simply too busy or just procrastinating.
Much oblige to members who took time to renew and continue their support for the Society.We started off with 35 members mid 2007 and veritably had 92 members mid January. Looks like we are not going to break that 100 barrier anytime soon, especially if at the same time we have non-renewals.
People, please take time to renew your membership, infect (in a good way) your friends with MNS. A perfect way to expose more people, family friends,and your immediate community to what we do as a Society. The more, the merrier, the better.
A warm welcome to our latest new members : Nurdiyana, Allison, and Christine.
Don't forget those brilliant 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. "Introduction to MNS" and "Wildlife in Rural Sarawak" at Curtin, 11th March
Approximately 30 students and educators attended this segment at Curtin University. We still have folks who've never heard of "Malaysian Nature Society" and fielded questions such as "Where is Lambir?". It clearly shows the extent of our presence within our own community. More work ahead!
2. Raptor Watch, 13-14th March
Those who have not seen soaring 20,000-30,000 raptors are encourage to attend next years watch. Pleasant set-up at PNB Ilham Resort with endless list of activities for all ages. Hutan Simpan Tanjung Tuan is just next door. If we want to be closer to the raptors, you can walk up to the light house at the edge of a cliff for closer views of our magnificent Raptors.
Please check http://www.raptorwatch.org/ for detailed accounts of Raptor Watch 2010.
3. Nitewalk to Lambir Hills NP 20th March
With Kamil's (Lambir Park Warden) help we located several perfect tarantula's nest that we'll be monitoring regularly. We added an adult Banded Krait, our first, to our Lambir creepie crawlies list.
Check out the pictures here:
Those who have not seen soaring 20,000-30,000 raptors are encourage to attend next years watch. Pleasant set-up at PNB Ilham Resort with endless list of activities for all ages. Hutan Simpan Tanjung Tuan is just next door. If we want to be closer to the raptors, you can walk up to the light house at the edge of a cliff for closer views of our magnificent Raptors.
Please check http://www.raptorwatch.org/ for detailed accounts of Raptor Watch 2010.
3. Nitewalk to Lambir Hills NP 20th March
With Kamil's (Lambir Park Warden) help we located several perfect tarantula's nest that we'll be monitoring regularly. We added an adult Banded Krait, our first, to our Lambir creepie crawlies list.
Check out the pictures here:
http://friendsoflambir.blogspot.com/2010/03/few-highlights-from-lambir-nitewalk.html
4. Lambir Summit Trail Maintenance (overnite) 21st March
Sara spent one nite at a seldom visited segment of the Lambir Summit. Tranquil surroundings, Bornean Gibbons were heard in the mornings. We are waiting for Sara to get that urge to share her awesome experience with us homies.
5. Lambir Treks Series (every weekend)
Sara and Peter ticked Bornean Bristlehead, Red-bearded Bee eater and Siberian Blue Robin on their recent treks. BBH is more often heard than seen. Mr Tan was last to see the them from our records.
Check-out BBH:
http://friendsoflambir.blogspot.com/2010/04/bornean-bristleheads-in-lambir-hills.html
7. Sg Sibuti Boat Traverse for Fireflies and Birds 10-11th April
It was simply great fun ... thousands of fireflies and quite a few crocodiles and birds!
Check-out http://sarawakfireflies.blogspot.com/
4. Lambir Summit Trail Maintenance (overnite) 21st March
Sara spent one nite at a seldom visited segment of the Lambir Summit. Tranquil surroundings, Bornean Gibbons were heard in the mornings. We are waiting for Sara to get that urge to share her awesome experience with us homies.
5. Lambir Treks Series (every weekend)
Sara and Peter ticked Bornean Bristlehead, Red-bearded Bee eater and Siberian Blue Robin on their recent treks. BBH is more often heard than seen. Mr Tan was last to see the them from our records.
Check-out BBH:
http://friendsoflambir.blogspot.com/2010/04/bornean-bristleheads-in-lambir-hills.html
7. Sg Sibuti Boat Traverse for Fireflies and Birds 10-11th April
It was simply great fun ... thousands of fireflies and quite a few crocodiles and birds!
Check-out http://sarawakfireflies.blogspot.com/
8. Trek/Birdwatch/Camp Similajau NP 16-18th April
Completed, waiting for update from those that went!
9. Bkt Teraja HOB Survey with PNHS 17-18th April
No one from MNS Miri participated.
9. Bkt Teraja HOB Survey with PNHS 17-18th April
No one from MNS Miri participated.
10 . Council Meeting in KL 17th April
Nazeri attended.
B. UPCOMING EVENTS
B. UPCOMING EVENTS
=================
1. Branch Committee Meeting, KRP 20th April
Branch EXCO (required) and Co-opted Committee are invited to attend this meeting at KRP 6-8pm.
2. NREB Workshop on SCORE, 22nd April in Bintulu
ate changed from March to April. Regrettably no one from both Kuching and Miri Branches are able to attend.
1. Branch Committee Meeting, KRP 20th April
Branch EXCO (required) and Co-opted Committee are invited to attend this meeting at KRP 6-8pm.
2. NREB Workshop on SCORE, 22nd April in Bintulu
ate changed from March to April. Regrettably no one from both Kuching and Miri Branches are able to attend.
3. Curtin University Events, 22nd April
a. MNS Booth 10-4pm
Books, posters exhibition.
i) Lucky Draw for New Memberships (3 years membership onwards) - 1x 40x8 Savvy binoculars to be won, worth $300.
ii) Lucky Draw for New Memberships (1 year -2 year membership) - 10x "MNS Miri T-shirts" to be won, worth $30 each.
iii)Lucky Draw for those who visit our booth - 1x Year student membership
Announcement of winners will be made at the conclusion of Dr Orenstein talk, see below.
b. Introduction to Birdwatching around Campus with MNS Miri 5-6pm
c. Talk and Slideshow "Birds of South America" by Dr Ron Orenstein 7-8.30pm
Curtin Sarawak is LTCL 6 at ground floor, School of Business Building
Announcement of lucky draw winners. Refreshments will be served, bring friends.
Members and friends are welcomed.
4. Lambir Trek Series April
Please contact Sara for timing and details, this normally takes place on Saturday morning.
5. World Migratory Bird Day 2010 8-9th May, Pustaka Miri
We are flying in Khoo Swee Seng, uber birdwatcher from MNS Selangor BirdGroup, to talk to us about migrating raptors and lead a couple of fieldtrips near Miri. WMBD 2010 marked our 3rd year celebrating WMBD. This year we will be taking participants to Kuala Baram in conjunction with MNS 70th Year Anniversary.
08th May:
0700-1000hrs Birdwatching at Lambir Hills National Park Innoue Trail
1400-1600hrs Talk and Slideshow at Pustaka Miri "Migrating Raptors" and MY Garden Birdwatch
1800-1930hrs Evening Birdwatching either at Bukit Song or Marudi Road Access.
09th May:
0700-0730hrs Meet at Pustaka Miri Parking lot for a fieldtrip to Kuala Baram Peatswamps
0730-1100hrs We will be birdwatching with Swee Seng in Kuala Baram looking for raptors and your typical grasslands birds.
We are providing a complimentary 38 seater air-conditioned bus to transport participants to and from Kuala Baram on the 09th. Please register early.
Checkout our MNS Miri Facebook Events for details.
6. Kinabalu Triple 14-16th May Kinabalu National Park
As aprt of our MNS 70th Anniversary Event celebration, MNS Miri and Sabah Branch with be at KNP weekend of 14th May for another series of activities for members and surrounding local community.
A. Mount Kinabalu Climb Arriving 14th May
This slot is booked. Sara will be leading a team of climbers to the peak.
B. Birdwatching with Students at KNP (extended WMBD 2010)
Sabah and Miri Branch birders will be taking 40 local students around the park to introduce them to a few endemics.
C. Astronomy with designated Kundasang School 15-16th May
We have selected a school in Kundasang for a full day Astronomy program involving Stargazing, Water-rocket building and launching. Members interested to participate and join in the fun are encouraged to book flights to KK ASAP.
Accomodations arrangement if needed will be taken care of by our contact in KK.
Check out MNS Miri Facebook Events for more detailed program.
Books, posters exhibition.
i) Lucky Draw for New Memberships (3 years membership onwards) - 1x 40x8 Savvy binoculars to be won, worth $300.
ii) Lucky Draw for New Memberships (1 year -2 year membership) - 10x "MNS Miri T-shirts" to be won, worth $30 each.
iii)Lucky Draw for those who visit our booth - 1x Year student membership
Announcement of winners will be made at the conclusion of Dr Orenstein talk, see below.
b. Introduction to Birdwatching around Campus with MNS Miri 5-6pm
c. Talk and Slideshow "Birds of South America" by Dr Ron Orenstein 7-8.30pm
Curtin Sarawak is LTCL 6 at ground floor, School of Business Building
Announcement of lucky draw winners. Refreshments will be served, bring friends.
Members and friends are welcomed.
4. Lambir Trek Series April
Please contact Sara for timing and details, this normally takes place on Saturday morning.
5. World Migratory Bird Day 2010 8-9th May, Pustaka Miri
We are flying in Khoo Swee Seng, uber birdwatcher from MNS Selangor BirdGroup, to talk to us about migrating raptors and lead a couple of fieldtrips near Miri. WMBD 2010 marked our 3rd year celebrating WMBD. This year we will be taking participants to Kuala Baram in conjunction with MNS 70th Year Anniversary.
08th May:
0700-1000hrs Birdwatching at Lambir Hills National Park Innoue Trail
1400-1600hrs Talk and Slideshow at Pustaka Miri "Migrating Raptors" and MY Garden Birdwatch
1800-1930hrs Evening Birdwatching either at Bukit Song or Marudi Road Access.
09th May:
0700-0730hrs Meet at Pustaka Miri Parking lot for a fieldtrip to Kuala Baram Peatswamps
0730-1100hrs We will be birdwatching with Swee Seng in Kuala Baram looking for raptors and your typical grasslands birds.
We are providing a complimentary 38 seater air-conditioned bus to transport participants to and from Kuala Baram on the 09th. Please register early.
Checkout our MNS Miri Facebook Events for details.
6. Kinabalu Triple 14-16th May Kinabalu National Park
As aprt of our MNS 70th Anniversary Event celebration, MNS Miri and Sabah Branch with be at KNP weekend of 14th May for another series of activities for members and surrounding local community.
A. Mount Kinabalu Climb Arriving 14th May
This slot is booked. Sara will be leading a team of climbers to the peak.
B. Birdwatching with Students at KNP (extended WMBD 2010)
Sabah and Miri Branch birders will be taking 40 local students around the park to introduce them to a few endemics.
C. Astronomy with designated Kundasang School 15-16th May
We have selected a school in Kundasang for a full day Astronomy program involving Stargazing, Water-rocket building and launching. Members interested to participate and join in the fun are encouraged to book flights to KK ASAP.
Accomodations arrangement if needed will be taken care of by our contact in KK.
Check out MNS Miri Facebook Events for more detailed program.
7. SFC Conservation Education Program
Volunteers needed, please checkout schedules here if you are an MNS member and would like to actively contribute to the programs and activities for 2010.
8. [Postphone to July] Batek Workshop with Malek Adenan
A repeat of a half day program making batek prints with Malek Adenan, our resident batek artist and member.
Volunteers needed, please checkout schedules here if you are an MNS member and would like to actively contribute to the programs and activities for 2010.
8. [Postphone to July] Batek Workshop with Malek Adenan
A repeat of a half day program making batek prints with Malek Adenan, our resident batek artist and member.
9. 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.
C. 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 contact us 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:
Chia Lee Ming, Josephine
Kiew Siew Eng (no email)
Lim Geok Hoon (no email)
Mohammad Hatta Rizal Mansor
Tan Kok Khian
Tisha-Lin Sinnathamboo
Wong Chung
Members whose membership expires 30th April:
Chris Haneveld
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.
C. 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 contact us 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:
Chia Lee Ming, Josephine
Kiew Siew Eng (no email)
Lim Geok Hoon (no email)
Mohammad Hatta Rizal Mansor
Tan Kok Khian
Tisha-Lin Sinnathamboo
Wong Chung
Members whose membership expires 30th April:
Chris Haneveld
Malek Adenan
Mieke Kosters
Rosaria Liong
Please take time to renew your membership, your Society needs your support.
Please take time to renew your membership, your Society needs your support.
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 have articles, write-ups and pictures to share, please email mnsmiri@yahoo.com
They can be uploaded in any of one these blogs :
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 have articles, write-ups and pictures to share, please email mnsmiri@yahoo.com
They can be uploaded in any of one these blogs :
http://www.friendsofloaganbunut.blogspot.com/
http://www.friendsofniah.blogspot.com/
http://www.friendsoflambir.blogspot.com/
http://www.friendsofsimilajau.blogspot.com/
http://www.miribirding.blogspot.com/
http://www.dlongwalk.blogspot.com/
http://www.sarawakfireflies.blogspot.com/
Please email any comments, suggestions to mnsmiri@yahoo.com or leave your comments on this blog.
http://www.friendsofniah.blogspot.com/
http://www.friendsoflambir.blogspot.com/
http://www.friendsofsimilajau.blogspot.com/
http://www.miribirding.blogspot.com/
http://www.dlongwalk.blogspot.com/
http://www.sarawakfireflies.blogspot.com/
Please email any comments, suggestions to mnsmiri@yahoo.com or leave your comments on this blog.
Thank you and kindest regards,
Nazeri Abghani
on behalf of MNS Miri Branch Committee
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