Report: Field trip to learn birdwatching (CAKE13)

By HY Leong
Photos by HY Leong, Tan Chee Eer, Choo Li Hsian, Tai Ping Ling and Ho Choon Yan

The MNS Selangor Branch (MNSSB) and its Bird Group joined Taman Tun Dr Ismail's 50th Anniversary celebration on December 29, 2024, with their "Celebrating the Birds of TTDI" programme. Opened to MNS members and the public, a key highlight was the Climate Action Kids Engagement (CAKE13) field trip for children aged 7–12 and their parents.

MNSSB joined the celebration at the invitation of Majlis Perwakilan Penduduk (MPP) Wilayah Persekutuan Sub Zone 2 Parlimen Segambut, in collaboration with TTDI Edible Community Garden.

Chan Swee Peng checking in a young participant and her mother

Held at the Medan Athinahapan 1 playground park in TTDI, the field trip introduced 11 children and 10 parents to birdwatching, citizen science (bird conservation), and climate action. Participants, split into two age groups (8–9 and 10–12 years old), received starter kits with bird ID sheets and My Nature Journals. 

CAKE Mentors Tai Ping Ling, Wong Li Li, Liu Lai Wah, and Arhwin Kalai Chelvan guided the children and parents on how to use binoculars, and how to identify birds. A highlight was spotting a Buffy Fish-Owl (Ketupa ketupu), admired by all.

CAKE Mentor Arhwin Kalai Chelvan points to the bird

Looking through the spotting scope

CAKE Mentor Liu Lai Wah with her young birders

CAKE 13 introduces kids to birdwatching with a climate action twist

After a half hour snack break, it was time to share with the children about threats to birds. Tai shared about what happens to migratory birds when there is light pollution and Liu discussed how climate change affects birds. 

Tai Ping Ling (standing, left) and Liu Lai Wah (sitting, left) shared about threats to birds

Then came the climate action session - where kids built hanging bird baths and provided nesting material to make their garden bird-friendly. 

CAKE13 participants with MNS Selangor Branch Bird Group Mentors

After the morning birdwatching session, the group mentors verified the children's observations before they reported their sightings to Wong (see photo below). Using the eBird app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Wong logged the sightings, allowing participants to contribute to a global database supporting research on bird populations, migration, and conservation. In total, the young beginner birders observed 18 species! 👏👍

Despite occasional disruptions from park announcements and music, the group adapted by relocating to a quieter area. The session concluded indoors with a bird talk. Liu filled in for Mark Ng, who was unwell, presenting his slides with some modifications. A Q&A session and quiz followed, with glow-in-the-dark wristbands sponsored by CAKE awarded to correct answers.   

Participants Xavier and Ava presented the group's bird observations from the morning to inform the audience. Click this link to view the complete checklist.
 

The celebration also featured a community market, food truck vendors and a photo booth near the MPP Hall as well as cultural dances and a music/singing band. MNS Selangor Branch and its Bird Group ran a booth for merchandise to raise donations for educational awareness, and outreach. MNS Environmental Education Officer Muhammad Faisal bin Haris engaged visitors with information on MNS activities like the Dark Cave tour and memberships, and helped to sell the merchandise.

Left to right: Volunteer Chan Swee Peng and MNS staff member Muhammad Faisal bin Haris

 

Thanks to Bird Group volunteer Chan Swee Peng for handling CAKE check-ins, merchandise, and snack distribution, sponsored by TTDI Edible Community Garden (Thank you TTDI ECG for the delicious nasi lemak and curry puffs!). The MNS Selangor Branch congratulates the TTDI community on their 50th Anniversary and appreciates the chance to celebrate together!

MNS Selangor Branch's CAKE13 is a collaboration with MNS Selangor Branch Bird Group and Taman Tun Dr Ismail Edible Community Garden with TTDI 50th Anniversary Organiser - MPP Wilayah Persekutuan Sub Zone 2 Parlimen Segambut.