Field Naturalist

Unsure of what would happen tomorrow, we only hope and do our very best, and prepare for the worst. Whether we like it or not, that's the hard truth we all have to deal with. Just like all these plants (and insects) at the park. I realised that these are hardcore species against ever changing environment, however small and ordinary they are. In fact, they all share a same space without competing in each other. Different species living and thriving in a same spot, because they know they need to depend on each of them to live on. That makes our lands so alive.

Another kids session this morning at Taman Tugu. Too many events going on that even parking is full.
Lots of kids (around 12 kids) and parents joined me. They had fun with their sit spot (today's lesson) at the Nursery Trail (it wasn't shown here as my photographer was busy with other events). After spending around 40 minutes, the kids shared (I believe) their first NJ entries. Lots of observations, curiosity, and connections (kids wrote Spiderman, cookies, ants at home, grandparent). During the sit spot activity, kids and parents noticed something like blooming yellowish flowers with a swamp of stingless bees. We could see pollen on the ground. Back to the Kiosk, we all shared our entries on the table. Lots of writing and sketching. It shows what they noticed on ground. Even a parent sketched his own. I noticed parents took lots of photos of their kids and others. Such a great experience having them joined my session!

We went out yesterday morning to explore yet another urban park in the city of Kuala Lumpur: Permaisuri Lake Garden in Cheras. I can't remember the last time I came to this park. Just like other parks, this park is always full of visitors on weekends. Hence, parking is a hassle unless you come early in the morning. I found it quite special as it's dense of brushes besides trees and lakes. Really feel like we're in the forest.
Coming back to my home ground, light pollution is so great that it won't go away anymore. Imagine living with lights on 24/7. Darkness is nowhere to be found especially at the park. I wonder how the plants, insect, and animals thrive throughout the night?
While I was documenting, an unfamiliar bird call repeatedly made up on a tree branches (est. 7 metres). I wonder: is it juvenile raptor? I tried to look where it was a couple of times before I noticed it high above the ground.

One small step at a time, but don't stop. Keep doing it and it's worth trying, knowing that we are part of the wild and we need it.

Started to explore urban parks that I haven't been to before since a few weeks ago. New places to experience going outdoors, having time together, rejuvenating oneself, journaling, really soothing the soul. At Bukit Jalil Recreational Park, I noticed a number of groups and individuals doing meditation, while others were jogging and picnicking. Of course, wildlife are all around. Pigeons, macaques, monitor lizards, birds, even a stray dog having their leisure.
But, I noticed trees all around with some of their roots appeared on the surface.
Spending outdoor writing, sketching, and counting in the wild really calming our mind and heart. It helps us to connect/reconnect with the land and ourselves while understanding places where we stand/sit. See that we are of part of it that we don't feel lonely at all.

Allow yourselves to go out with the sense of awe and wonder and look for the beauty of the ordinary around us. Trust me, you will be glad if you do. Who knows that you would like to go out and do it again. Remember, record your experience with writing, sketching, and numbering. Even better, use, "I notice..., I wonder..., It reminds me of...).

I came back to spot as yesterday morning, thinking how strong and tough they are. Even weaver ants are stronger dealing against harsh, changing environments. I wonder, how?

Weather keep changing all the time with uncertainties. Sometime it's cold, chilly, sometime it's hot and dry, sometime it's warm, mild, windy wet, stormy, even smelly. Some plants were dried and brownish, others just curvy with pale green. However hard, desperate, struggling, the wild thriving. As for humans, well, I accidentally created a simple poem (look at the right bottom corner). Sounds familiar?

We spent our morning leisure at Cyberjaya Lake Garden on the 1st of Syawal month where Muslim had their takbir prayer at a mosque nearby. It was a peaceful and warm moment together sitting on the rocks and watching the lake in front of us while having our cookies and coffee. We saw herons and house crows all around us, people walking and picnic during this public holiday. All so excited to have such a long (and, additional) holiday weekend.
I had been here twice last year for my kids NJ workshops with Pokok Playgroup and it was amazing to see rows of trees and lakes all around. People here are so blessed to have this park.