Monday morning walk was a beautifully quiet walk compared to the pace of the bird festival. A few birders and photographers were there as well prior to heading out so it was a good chance to sit by a couple of key spots looking for a last minute picture without distraction. I decided to take in the afternoon feeding at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, that was a hoot. Apparently is was a much larger gathering than normal as the conservation area is quite large and not all will attend every feeding. Two mother and babies were there as well as a several juveniles. Interspersed between them was a troop of pigtail Macaque's trying to grab a bite wherever possible. I adopted an Orangutan for the year, not sure of its name yet will find out soon.
The Orangutans went to some hilarious lengths to protect themselves from other Orangutans and the marauding macaques. Pics below will make some sense in that context.
Monday Evening, Dr Robert Ong the managing Research Scientist from Sabah Forestry who happened to be the key organizer of the Borneo Bird Festival ( and the owner of Sepilok B&B) invited me out for a Lions club dinner at the Sandakan Golf and Country club, It was a celebration of of Diwali and a local physician of Indian heritage brought several Indian dishes and deserts. I was very much honored to be brought to this prestigious event,It was a small group but I met several community leaders and professionals including the Minister of Children and Sports for Sabah. I was completely accepted and welcomed by everyone and never had once an empty drink to be sure! Picked up some key business cards at that event! It's very likely that I will be presenting at the next Bird Festival! :). Gonna have to find someone with some smrts to write me sumthin.
