“Saw this odd behaviour of one White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) that lay down on a partially dried up lake bed. Remained immobile for about a minute and then saw me and stood up. It is not injured. I wonder if the extremely hot weather and prolonged dry spell has made this tern try and cool off.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
28th February 2014
Location: Malim Nawar Wetlands, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Extensive ex-tin mining area with pond/lakes, wetlands, fish farming
Addendum:
On 1st March, Amar sent in Dave Bakewell’s comment: “Amar, I found quite a number of these dead in one of the fish-ponds. My guess is that this bird has been poisoned and is dying.”
Amar agreed: “I think his suggestion more likely. The bird was very passive despite my presence. I have noticed that the fish farmers here have become more aggressive in killing birds. Lots of hooks with many cruel deaths. So could be poisoning birds as well.”
