Birding in Singapore and the challenges of the 21st century
Posted by BESG on 15 March 10, Monday
Contributed by YC Wee
“Birding in Singapore and the Challenges of the 21st Century” has just been published by Nature in Singapore, the scientific online journal of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, University of Singapore. You can download a PDF file by clicking HERE (#9).
The paper details the changes that need to be urgently implemented to bring the local birdwatching scene to a higher level. Challenging activities need to be incorporated into routine activities if interest in birdwatching is to be maintained. Documenting bird behaviour and studying bird calls and songs are major aspects that citizen scientists can contribute to the ornithological knowledge of the local species. The camera has become a basic necessity in birdwatching and photographs need to be accompanied in any sightings of rarities and difficult species, if the local records committee is to remain creditable.
It is not enough to just report observations in websites and in-house newsletters. There is a need to publish them in scientific journals, making information available to ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. Similarly, it is not enough to compile information into books if manuscripts are not properly reviewed.
Whatever it is, the dynamics of birdwatching in Singapore has changed irreversibly since the early 2000s. And if you are a birdwatcher, photographer, nature enthusiast, ornithologist, citizen scientist… this paper will have something for you.
Images courtesy of Dr Jonathan WK Cheah.
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Categories: Future of birding, Reports
Comment by CE Webster
Made Monday, 15 of March , 2010 at 11:38 pm
I agree with the importance of reporting and photographing. Keep up the great work.
Comment by Slim Sreedharan
Made Wednesday, 17 of March , 2010 at 11:14 am
In his poem Retribution (1870), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote: “… the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small.” A loose interpretation of this can be that, sooner or later, a time comes when things that need to be set right will be set right.
As such, I was thoroughly delighted to read your latest blog entry, Birding in Singapore and the challenges of the 21st century. Finally, finally, birding in South East Asia is taking on a new and much need new direction.
My heartiest congratulations to you, and your BESGroup website, for having this great venture even greater.
Slim Sreedharan.
Comment by YC
Made Wednesday, 17 of March , 2010 at 8:20 pm
Your call to local birdwatchers nearly a decade and a half ago is slowly being realised. Thanks for your comment, Slim.
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Made Monday, 29 of March , 2010 at 12:02 am
[...] found your latest blog entry, Birding in Singapore and the challenges of the 21st century, fascinating, more so in that it triggered off many old memories from my childhood [...]
