Report by Chan Kai Soon
Images by Cheang Kum Seng
About 100 primary school children accompanied by 30 teachers and team leaders visited Kinta Nature Park for a dose of nature appreciation on 13th December 2009.
They arrived at around 7.30am in three buses and were greeted by a group of birders from MNS Perak branch. They were divided into 10 groups each of which was taken care of by a birder who showed the students as well as the teachers birds found in the visitor center. The heronry at Pulau Pucung was busy as usual and there were no shortage of birds for the childrens’ viewing pleasure.
Invariably their immediate response upon looking through the telescopes was one of “wows” & “wahs”. Most of these young children had never been exposed to the real beauty of the birds and they were naturally amazed at the view through the telescopes. Their desire to go up the observation tower and their incessant request eventually bear fruit.
We finally allowed them to go up the tower but in groups of 10 for a stunning view of the beautiful landscape. Then they had a group photo with all the teachers, helpers and birders. The organizer presented MNS with an Ang Pow and an eco-friendly wood craft which is supposed to be a hornbill. Chan Kai Soon received the gift of appreciation on behalf of MNS.
After short refreshments, the students continued their journey of learning at around 9.30 am. Some parents, non-members, MNS family members and photographers also took the opportunity to visit the park. We are pleasantly surprised by the additional interest in KNP generated by the children visit.
On behalf of MNS Perak I would like to thank all birders who had helped to take care of the children. They are Ooi Beng Yean, Cheang Kum Seng, Lean Yen Loong, David Chin & wife, Loke Choong Ming & wife, Chiu Sein Chiong, Connie Khoo, Bob & Vera Radnell, Ng Kit Wan and Susan Cheong. Members of the branch exco including Lee Ping Kong and Georgia Tham were also on hand to help out.
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