The Silent River Runs Deep in Johor

Ledang Mountain in the distance

The Malay proverb "Air Tenang jangan disangka tiada Buaya" literally reflects the nature of this stretch of river in Segamat, Johor. The Chodan River connects to the Muar River and looking at Google Maps, the river system continues alongside Johor's borders with Pahang and Negeri Sembilan. The river will swell several times over during the monsoon season, so theoretically speaking the crocodiles may surface more frequently during the floods. I would not venture to test this theory as my primary aim for visiting that Chinese New Year 2022 eve was to do some birdwatching before heading back for the eve dinner with my family. A flock of black-headed bulbuls filled the air with their bubbly songs and several perched out in the open for a while. Some pictures are shared below. I have had to drive into the village tarred roads to find the birds. My previous birdwatching blog about this river was in 2016 and can be read HERE. My eBird Checklist for 2022 CNY eve is available HERE. Chinese proverb reminds us that "Time is like the river - that it flows by and doesn't return."  Grateful for being able to spend Chinese New Year 2022 with my family in Johor. Two years of restricted travels due to the pandemic tested our will and patience. Somehow, the food tasted more delicious, bird songs sounded more melodious, neighbours were friendlier and more tolerant of each others' cultural differences. May the Year of the Water Tiger bring all of us forward towards a future that is brighter with much needed growth, economically, financially and spiritually.

 

Black-headed Bulbul perched in a fruiting tree.

 

A glimpse of this bulbul species surrounded by leaves from a rubber tree. 

 

Satay Dinner at Arshad's with my family later that week

 

Running out of nasi lemak with fried egg and sweet sambal that night!