The blue banded pita, photograph taken in Tawau. — Photo courtesy of Sabah Birdwatchers Association
COME October, Sabah will play host to the 12th Asian Bird Fair (ABF 2023), dubbed the biggest birdwatching event in the region.
The occasion is expected to draw some 2,000 birdwatchers, or birders, from all over the world to the state capital, with exhibitions, forums as well as a bird photography competition, among others, planned.
Helmeted hornbill in Maliau Basin. — Photo courtesy of Sabah Birdwatchers Association
The event, supported by the Sabah Tourism Board, will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu from Oct 13-17.
And the Sabah Birdwatchers Association (SBA), the event organiser, is also planning to bring participants on the much-anticipated post-birdwatching tours after the fair.
“This is the first time that a birding event of this scale will be held in Sabah and we hope it will spark more interest in birding not just in Sabah but on the island of Borneo,” said Roger Rajah, the ABF 2023 organising chairman.
“We have planned a series of engaging activities, including birdwatching excursions, expert-led workshops, insightful lectures and interactive exhibitions,” he added.
The highlight of the event, of course, will be the birdwatching tours, and the SBA is excited over what birders can discover.
“We have more than 600 fowl species that birders have a chance to see,” said SBA president Ron Pudin.
Rufous-Collared Kingfisher sighted in the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok, Sandakan. — Photo courtesy of Sabah Birdwatchers Association
This, he added, included the Bornean peacock-pheasant, which is endemic to Borneo.
“We thought this bird had gone extinct in Sabah,” Pudin said.
But sometime in 2015-2016, he said, images of the elusive bird were caught in camera traps by the association as well as the Sabah Forestry Department in the deep jungles of Telupid, some 200km from Kota Kinabalu.
“For the past one year, birdwatchers have been coming to the central Sabah district to catch a glimpse of the bird.
“Previously, birders went to Sungei Wain in Balikpapan, Kalimantan. But now, they come to Sabah – this is the impact when new or rare birds are sighted,” Pudin said.
He added the bird is also found in Sarawak but the location is secluded, making access difficult.
A pair of Whiteheads Broadbill found in Kinabalu Park. — Photo courtesy of Sabah Birdwatchers Association
Rajah said they anticipate the participation of over 150 delegates and a wide range of booths showcasing the latest in birdwatching equipment, eco-tourism opportunities, and conservation initiatives.
“During this grand event, we aim to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for all attendees.
“Sabah is a treasure trove of biodiversity, and Kota Kinabalu is the perfect location to host the ABF 2023.
“Blessed with an impressive array of bird species, we hope to showcase the natural wonders of our region and highlight the importance of protecting and preserving these fragile ecosystems.
“Our ecosystem here is intertwined and a concerted effort between Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan and Brunei is needed for a holistic environmental effort,” Rajah said.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew gave her seal of approval for the event and praised the organisers, particularly on their efforts to draw the younger generation to the birdwatching community.
The theme “Birding & Children: Hand in Hand”, she said, was a good start towards instilling an interest in children at an early age.
“It is crucial that we build them from a young age as they are our future birders, researchers, ornithologists, environmentalists, birding guides, lecturers and many other vocations related to birds,” she said.
