Offerings of the taman

This bare branch was dragged here to be a prop for a couple who were having their wedding photographs shot in the taman.  The surrounding sprawling trees definitely provide much needed shade for the bride and groom who were in their wedding finery.

     A couple of yards away I saw this young tree which reminded me of its aged version which unfortunately looked like it had been the victim of some nasty human action.

If the tree had been allowed to grow naturally it would have looked like the stately one below which I saw in the Kuala Selangor Nature Park.

     Another interesting nut-like fruit tree in the taman was the following, untouchable because not even the squirrel goes for it.

Size is no matter

This little fella, being the smallest of Barbets at 17cm, normally chooses a tall bare branch to perch.  The Coppersmith Barbet has a loud distinct unending call which can have a person move about the taman trying to spot it, not easy in view of its camouflage greenish shades and small size.

Feeling hopeful

Suffice to say that when I chanced upon this pair of juvenile Red Jungle Fowl, and a male and female to boot, I was truly elated.

Turtle day out

These images were taken during the rainy season when the pond was overflowing with water, and this particular pond turtle was especially adorable with its yawn and apparent face cleaning.

It was part of a troop of pond turtles that seemingly gathered to enjoy the sun.  The partly submerged log was a perfect sun deck!  And it was so riveting as I watched the turtle come together one by one as if being called to gather.
     During the dry season when the water level is low, these turtles are usually no where to be seen.  It is only hope that they are deep down in the muddy water and not have been poached!

'PEACE GARDEN KUALA LUMPUR'

As I took a walk this morning it struck me that I have overlooked this significance of the taman, i.e. this part which proudly proclaimed the taman as 'Peace Garden Kuala Lumpur'.
     A huge archway proudly proclaims

PPSEAWA INTERNATIONAL

PEACE GARDEN KUALA LUMPUR

 
   

Immediately behind the gazebo is another plaque that re-declares

"CINTAILAH KEAMANAN"

PPSEAWA PEACE GARDEN

PELANCARAN OLEH 

YABHG TUN DR SITI HASMAH MOHD ALI

PADA 9HB FEB 2004

BAGI MEMPERINGATI

PERSIDANGAN PPSEAWA INTERNATIONAL  KE

20 DI KUALA LUMPUR PADA TAHUN 1997

("LOVE PEACE"

PPSEAWA PEACE GARDEN

LAUNCHED BY

YABHG TUN DR SITI HASMAH MOHD ALI

ON 9TH FEB 2004

TO COMMEMORATE

20TH PPSEAWA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

HELD IN KUALA LUMPUR IN 1997)

Some research later reveals the following background to PPSEAWA and its Malaysian chapter:

PPSEAWA is a non-political and non-profit organization founded in 1928. The Pan-Pacific and South-East Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA) is the only international women’s organisation devoted to families, peace and understanding in the Pacific and South-East Asia.  The association has consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, with the privilege and responsibility of making its voice heard in international decision-making.

PPSEAWA Malaysia was founded in 1960. The founder and first president was Saadiah Sardon (1960 – 1961) and Goh Kwee Teng as Treasurer. Successors to the Presidency include May Ong Yoke Ling (1962), Dr Salmah Ismail (1963) and Dulcie Marks (1966 – 1976). The original chapter was dissolved in 1976.

Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of the then Prime Minister, on a visit to New York in 1983, was urged by the New York Chapter to revive PPSEAWA Malaysia. On her return she persuaded Saadiah Sardon, founder president of the original chapter, to revive the association. Accordingly, a new chapter was registered in October 1983 and Dr Siti Hasmah graciously accepted to be its Patron.

One of the activities of PPSEAWA is stated as 'Working to protect and improve the environment'.

     In fact the Malaysian chapter hosted the 26th International Conference in Kuala Lumpur from 22 – 31 August 2016, with the theme “Respect the Environment for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future”.

     In a report of The Star dated 25 Sept 2015, the PPSEAWA President Datuk Rahmah Abdul Hamid was quoted,

    “Every year, we celebrate the annual International Day of Peace outdoors at our Peace Garden in Taman Tun Dr Ismail ....".

To me, this re-learning of PPSEAWA's essential link to the taman and its objective of protecting the environment is most significant.  Perhaps PPSEAWA Malaysia could be called on to play a more significant and active role in our present effort to SAVE TAMAN RIMBA KIARA.

A beauty forever

Looking at birds from a different angle.  Whatever is beautiful will remain beautiful however one views it.

Black-naped Oriole

Crested Goshawk

All about a JuveSunbird

All about Sunbird but one has to be fast enough to spot it or snap it.  Again there are ample opportunities to do so in the taman as there are comparatively more sunbirds here, especially the Brown-throated Sunbird.

Juvenile male 

Caught one preening in the early afternoon.