© CREAM-VENTED BULBUL EATS OIL PALM FRUITS

on 5th March 2013

“It was field day for an adult Cream-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus simplex) who found easy pickings when a truck full of overloaded oil palm fruits rambled passed a dirt track, as the lorry snaked its way out towards the southern highway in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia (below left).

“This 18cm bird cautiously approached the fallen ‘manna’ and wasted no time to gulp down the succulent orangy fruits after dust settled (above right).

“This is the only bulbul species with striking white eyes of the Peninsular Malaysia type as compared to another subspecies in Northern Borneo, where adults Cream-vented Bulbuls have generally red iris.

“I was observing the bird on the opposite side of the trail. We had clear views of each other. With a beak full of fleshy pulps and a cold stare, this hearty breakfast was simply too good to be shy for flight (left).

“Cream-vented Bulbuls is a commonly seen bulbul species in mixed broadleaved, evergreen forests at Panti Forest Reserve, Johor.

“The entrance to the reserve carries a signboard ‘Suaka Burong Panti’ translates to mean “Panti Bird Sanctuary” – a misnomer, a catch phrase designated for ecotourism that all went wrong, with ill forgotten basic facilities, abandoned sentry hut and all signs showed… the place has gone to the dogs.

“Birds at Panti Forest Reserve have learnt to get used to the idea of sharing their abode with constant noise pollution from flow of heavy vehicles that traverse the Reserve, which ends into commercial properties of oil palm estates and the engagement of military exercises in the jungle (below left).

“My July 2012 visit saw hell bike riders and wanabe Rossi’s took to a show of die hard riding skills that sent birds to flee for cover and my eyes rolled. I had even the last rider gave me a winner’s wave!

“More annoyed was the fact that in trying to be a law abiding citizen, I had an entry permit to the forest reserve arranged for a whopping RM150 (US$50).

“It provided no security or rain shelter along the 8km road track or any basic user friendly amenities that would encourage independent day trippers to look forward to revisits or have birder-photographers put Panti Forest on their top birding place of agenda.

“If birds could speak or read the sign board that says ‘Panti Bird Sanctuary’ what would they say? (above right).

“Was the welfare of the birds ever considered when grandiose tourism ideas to tap natural resource in the Reserve – in the name of Ecotourism?

“As action speaks louder than words at best, here… is a pose of the smallest raptor of the world, for the world that shamelessly says it all (left).

“Ah… don’t blame Avian Writer. It wasn’t her that sponsored Falconet’s tutorial trip to Moulin Rouge, Paris or the bird would have in addition, be endeared a gift of petit, white lacy garter for her black thigh …for some high kicks softened perhaps… to the tune of Irish jig- ‘Riverdance’? ”

Avian Writer Daisy O’Neill
Penang, Malaysia
Copyright article and copy images: Courtesy of Daisy O’Neill Bird Conservation Fund

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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