In the realm of natural wonders, there are few phenomena that can rival the majesty of the migration of birds of prey. Every year, millions of birds of prey embark on extensive journeys across continents, covering thousands of kilometers with astonishing precision. One of the privileged places to witness this impressive spectacle is Tanjung Tuan, also called Cape Rachado.
Tanjung Tuan is also the location of Malaysia’s oldest – and still functioning – lighthouse.
Located just over 15km south-southeast of Port Dickson, Tanjung Tuan is a steep, rocky headland covered in trees. It is easy to spot as it is the highest hill in the area. From a distance the cape appears like an island – so it will probably for migrating raptors.
Tanjung Tuan is part of the province of Malacca. At this point the Strait of Malacca is just 40 km wide. From Tanjong Tuan one can see the low forested coast of Sumatera in good weather.
Tanjung Tuan has been a special observation point for the migration of birds of prey for a while now. These viewpoints offer a front-row seat to one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles, inviting enthusiasts and curious alike to marvel at bird migration in its impressive dimensions.
As I approached the bird of prey observation point, the anticipation was already great. The observation site, perched on a craggy cliff, offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, a patchwork of trees on one side and the vast lake with container ships sailing far in the distance on the other. Bird watchers armed with binoculars and cameras began gathering in excitement around 9 a.m., scanning the horizon for signs of movement.
At first it was quiet. The air was still somewhat clear. There were hazy clouds in the sky. But the heat of the day made it more and more hazy. As the day progressed and the sun rose higher, the sky became the setting for nature’s very special aerial ballet. Suddenly a distant speck materialized, growing larger and clearer with each passing moment. It soon turned out to be a Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhyncus), which rather laboriously headed towards Tanjung Tuan with wide flaps of its wings. Apparently the thermal currents were not sufficient for effortless gliding. Behind them followed a procession of other Oriental Honey-buzzards, each one a testament to the birds’ remarkable adaptability and resilience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of raptor migration is the sheer diversity of species that take part in this annual odyssey. From the legendary white-bellied sea eagle to the delicate Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis), each bird brings its own charm and appeal to the spectacle. While I spent a total of 7 hours on site, I witnessed the migration of Black Bazas (Aviceda leuphotes), Grey-faced Buzzards (Butastur indicus) and Chinese Goshawks (Accipiter soloensis) in different compositions.
Watching migration the one or the other Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) and Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus) were a welcome addition of locally common raptors.
Many raptors migrate southward in fall and do the same venturous journey back during spring to their breeding grounds in temperate Asia.The spring raptor migration actually begins in mid February and lasts till mid April. During the spring migration, thousands of raptors can be seen flying across the Straits of Malacca. Having to use massive amount of energy flying across the Straits of Malacca, the raptors will be flying low at the lighthouse of Cape Rachado making it possible to have a good view of these magnificent birds.
As the day came to an end and the last birds of prey disappeared over the horizon, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Witnessing such a remarkable event in Tanjung Tuan is a privilege. A real recommendation!
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