I embarked on my latest beach outing with the intention of initiating my page on "Looking for Shorebirds." The morning was damp, consistent with the rainy weather we had been experiencing. Departing from town, we headed towards the coast, aligning our plans with the tidal forecast indicating low tide around 8:50 am. This meant that upon reaching the coastal region, approximately one and a half hours would elapse before the tide receded completely to its lowest point. Subsequently, an equal amount of time would pass for the waterline to retract inland, enticing waders closer to the shoreline for feeding.

While awaiting these tidal changes, we made a customary stop at Sin Loke Restaurant for breakfast. During this interval, we engaged in discussions about our camera usage amidst the evolving scenery. We refined new ideas and clarified our missions. Consequently, this page is also undergoing transformation. Gone are the days of showcasing bird portraits and the effort to display an array of exceptional bird pictures. Instead, the focus shifts to waders and their impact on our experiences, capturing the essence of the day.

Waders, often exhibiting brown or grey plumage with closely resembling features, visit or pass by our shores annually. They bring with them distinct breeding plumage, making them a unique spectacle for bird watchers. There are no clear hints or documented influencing factors for encountering these birds, except for historical records of their previous sightings. As a bird watcher, I cannot overlook this category, as waders are integral to the bird environment.

Returning to the narrative, Malaysia experiences a wet season towards the year-end, marked by monsoon rains almost daily. Dull, overcast, and rainy days are commonplace, making it challenging to capture pictures of these birds with their subdued colors under poor lighting conditions. Despite the weather challenges, multiple outings contribute to a substantial count on the Malaysian Bird List.

This page serves as a summary of my encounters at the mudflats or shoreline, with a specific focus on waders or shorebirds. However, in addition to these bird families, various other water birds thrive in these habitats, using them as feeding grounds. Consequently, the content is not exclusive to waders, providing a broader perspective on the diverse avian life present.

In contrast to bird-watching in forest environments, our trips in search of waders have been less frequent. This page aims to fill that gap by covering birds in mudflats. For a visual representation of my encounters, you can click on this link.