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| Lhok mata ie hidden Gems image source Link |
*Heri Tarmizi
Chapter 1: The Invitation
It was an ordinary day when I received a WhatsApp message from Rangga Yudha Nagara, an Birder Indonesia who had recently arrived in Aceh. As a seasoned conservationist and passionate birder, I was intrigued by the prospect of meeting Rangga, who had traveled far and wide, honing his birding skills across continents. The message was simple yet exciting: Rangga was eager to explore the birding locations around Banda Aceh and was seeking my expertise and company.
Our conversation quickly turned to the species we hoped to observe. Rangga, accustomed to highland species, initially suggested a list that included some elusive birds. However, familiar with the local terrain, I offered a selection of lowland species instead. I proposed to search for the Sumatran Babbler, woodpeckers, bulbuls, doves, and the striking racket-tailed species. After some discussion, we agreed to meet on Wednesday and explore Ujong Pancu, a location just 20 minutes from the heart of Banda Aceh.
Chapter 2: The First Encounter
Wednesday arrived with clear skies, and Rangga and I set out for Ujong Pancu. As we approached the birding site, we were greeted by a chorus of bird calls. The atmosphere was alive with the sounds of nature, a promising sign for the day ahead. The Sumatran Babbler was the first to make an appearance, its vibrant colors and distinctive call immediately capturing our attention. For Rangga, this was a lifer—a species he had never seen before, making the moment all the more special.
The excitement continued as we spotted an individual Serelayas or Raffles’s Malkoha, another lifer for Rangga. The bird moved gracefully through the trees, its sleek body and long tail feathers giving it a unique, almost regal appearance. We paused to admire the sight, our binoculars fixed on the bird, taking in every detail.
The variety of species kept coming, with Ioras and Sunbirds making brief appearances, their bright plumage standing out against the lush green backdrop. The lowland forests of Banda Aceh were proving to be a treasure trove of avian life, offering Rangga a glimpse into the richness of Indonesia's birdlife.
Chapter 3: A Hike to Remember
After spending some time at the first spot, Rangga and I decided to move on to a hiking path nearby. The trail was just a 10-minute drive from our initial location, and as we traveled, we exchanged stories of our birding adventures. Rangga shared tales from his time in Peru, where he had begun his birding journey. He spoke of the vibrant birds of the American continent, known in ornithology as the New World. Having observed over 1,000 bird species across the globe, Rangga's experiences were as vast as the skies we admired.
Upon reaching the hiking trail, we resumed our birding quest. Almost immediately, we were rewarded with the sight of a Grey-headed Fish Eagle soaring overhead, its wings cutting through the air with precision. The White-rumped Munia and the Abbott's Babbler followed, their calls adding to the symphony of the forest.
As we continued our hike, the birdlife around us seemed to flourish. The Black-headed Bulbul, with its striking appearance, was a highlight, as was the Chestnut-bellied Malkoha, a bird known for its elusive nature. The Dark-necked Tailorbird and Olive-winged Bulbul were also spotted, each adding to the growing list of species for the day.
Chapter 4: The Journey's End
Unbeknownst to us, our hike had taken us through various terrains, from gentle ramps to steep descents, until we finally arrived at Lhok Mata Ie, a stunning beach that lay hidden like a gem. The sight of the ocean meeting the land was a perfect way to end our birding expedition.
As we stood on the sands, looking out at the horizon, Rangga and I reflected on our day. It had been a journey of discovery, not just of birds but of a shared passion that transcended borders. Rangga, who had started his birding journey in the New World, had now added a rich chapter to his experiences in the Old World, with me as his guide.
Our day ended with a sense of fulfilment and the promise of more birding adventures in the future. The forests of Banda Aceh had offered us not just birds but memories that would last a lifetime.
References and Citations
The narrative described above is rooted in the rich biodiversity of Indonesia, particularly the lowland forests around Banda Aceh. The Sumatran Babbler (Pellorneum buettikoferi), one of the species observed, is known for its striking appearance and is a key species in the region. The diverse birdlife, including the Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus), White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata), and Chestnut-bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus sumatranus), highlights the importance of these habitats for both resident and migratory species.
The significance of these species and their habitats is well-documented in ornithological literature, such as "Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago" by James A. Eaton et al. (2016), which provides comprehensive coverage of the region's avifauna. Additionally, studies on the ecological importance of lowland forests in Southeast Asia, such as those published in the Journal of Tropical Ecology, underscore the critical role these areas play in supporting diverse bird populations.
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