The east coast of Johor continues to amaze. Kampung Teriang Besar has a muddy coastline and this is perfect for supporting yet another shorebird roost after Mersing Town's sandy bay. It was certainly a surprise to see 28 black-tailed godwits and 8 asiatic dowitchers huddling together with some (est. 80) common greenshanks and other waders as the tide peaked for the morning. In the background along the coastal edge of the mudflat, there were more than 100 bar-tailed godwits, 50 grey plovers and 50 whimbrels amongst a sizeable number of lesser/greater sand plovers, terek sandpipers and other small waders. There were a good number of greater crested terns and other terns also.
Both the Kg Teriang and Mersing shore sites are very likely complementary of each other with birds possibly flying to and fro to each site on a regular basis.
The black-tailed godwits repositioning themselves with the rising tide
Clip of the black-tailed godwits and asiatic dowitchers in the foreground.
Clip of the bar-tailed godwits, grey plovers, whimbrels and terns in the background. The heat shimmer over the 400m made it difficult to identify the species. The large passing clouds blocking off the sun made it briefly possible for a drop in the heat shimmer occasionally.
barwits, grey plovers, whimbrels&terns 25Mar2019 from SgBeachBum on Vimeo.
How to get there : [2.6320686, 103.7204811]
The access is behind SK Teriang Endau. Head on past the cemetary. There is a new clearing behind the cemetary for a watermelon patch. The access to the river mouth is a small pathway through some coastal vegetation. Quite easy to find. Check out the other coastal pathways south of the river leading from the coastal road. Some open out to good vantage points if you are prepared to brave the jigsaw (you'll understand it when you see it) mud field.
Note : there may be some biting sandflies/mozzies/ants on the sand and amongst the shoreline foliage. Do come prepared.
