SK Ba Kelalan pupils attend workshop on birdwatching

MIRI: Pupils of SK Ba Kelalan had a fun and informative three-day workshop on birdwatching at the school recently.

We are grateful to Iqbal and MNS for sharing the knowledge and experience with the children for free. — Bulan Dawat, SK Ba Kelalan headmistress

Conducted by chairman of Malaysian Nature Society Miri branch (MNS Miri) Iqbal Abdollah, the workshop was initiated by the school’s senior assistant Sang Sigar with the support of the headmistress Bulan Dawat. It was an introduction to the basic and important aspect of birdwatching.

Bulan said the workshop offered the pupils a more direct approach to nature, and to appreciate the animals.

“We are grateful to Iqbal and MNS for sharing the knowledge and experience with the children for free,” she said.

Iqbal, who was assisted by his wife, their two young daughters and the school staff, said it was important to educate the young ones on the basic of birdwatching, identify bird species, and gather data.

“Even though SK Ba Kelalan is located far away from cities, it has a lot more to offer.

“I was lucky to see some rare species of birds such as Asian Paradise Flycatcher (white morph) that only exists in Borneo,” he said.

As part of the workshop, the pupils were brought out in the field to watch birds using binoculars.

The pupils are out and about watching birds with binoculars. Iqbal (second left), with his wife (third left) and two daughters in a photocall with Bulan (left) and Sang Sigar.