Apparently, there is a Sarawak Bird Race 2023 being held on 25 November at the Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve in Sibu, and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation is organising this. This event also goes by the name Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve Bird Race 2023.
The last bird race held here was back in 2016, if I’m not mistaken, which was also organised by the same organisation and involved the Malaysian Nature Society Kuching Branch. Since then, there has not been any news of other bird races or events in Sarawak.
Sarawak Bird Race 2023
This time around, the organisers have selected Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve, which is a relatively new place located in the vicinity of Sibu City in central Sarawak. The location is also about a 10-minute drive from the Sibu airport.
This event is also called the Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve Bird Race 2023, which was shared on their Facebook Page, but in general fact, the term Sarawak Bird race is used for easier search and communication.
As it is only a bird race, there are currently five categories open for students and visitors, which are:
Bird Race Open Category
Professional (Individual)
- RM50 entry fees
- 18 years and above
- DSLR/Mirrorless/Compact Camera
Amature (Individual or pair)
- RM10 entry fees
- 18 years and above
- Smartphones only
Bird Race Student Category
- University/College – RM20 entry fees
- Secondary School – RM30 entry fees
- Primary School – RM30 entry fees
Prizes for Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve Bird Race 2023
At the moment, there has not been any news about the prizes, but from what I know, the poster mentions attractive prizes to be won. But for those who register, you will be receiving three items, which are a medal, a participation certificate and a free gift.
Conclusion
Once I get more information on this, I will share it in this article. For the time being, this event looks like a small-scale event which is not targeting the mainstream birders but more of the local community. Birdwatching Asia has reached out to the organiser and is awaiting their reply.
Again, well done to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation for organising this Sarawak Bird Race 2023 or Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve Bird Race 2023 in Sibu, central Sarawak. We, as the media, hope we can attend to document this unique birding event in the Land of the Hornbills.
