Where forth

 Encountering the Crested Serpent-eagle was a bitter sweet moment because it reminded me of times when 'bigger' birds were regular visitors and even residents of the taman, including the iconic Oriental Pied Hornbill, the once upon a time ever present Crested Goshawks and Brahminy Kites.  During the migratory season, Honey-buzzards were no less difficult to spot whether flying over or making momentary stop-overs for a drink at the pond or awaiting a straggler mate or juvenile.

TRK is now flanked on one side by a dense line-up of high rise condos and office complexes, and not too far away at another corner, another high rise integrated complex looms.  In the midst of much unplanned urban development, we wonder why the raptors no longer visit!

The heart truly aches for those days.

The Federal Court on April 18 unanimously decided against DBKL's development order relating to TRK, and in the Grounds of Judgement written by Federal Court judge Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan there is a most sensitive and heart-warming line:

"... Planning law is intrinsically connected to the environment.  The grant or refusal of planning permission is a matter which affects a great many subjects including wildlife, trees and birds ... 'Who will speak for the hornbill?'"

Indeed, 'Who will speak for the hornbill?'

Yet, this utterance raises a lump in my throat, that perhaps we may have acted, a little too late?

Where forth?

There will certainly be many more articulations and movements to come for urban green spaces, let it then be firmly edged in many minds and hearts, 'Who will speak for the hornbill?', will be one saving grace.