The Bird Ecology Study Group: Beyond Birding

You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world,
but when you’re finished,
you’ll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird…
So let’s look at the bird and see what it’s doing – that’s what counts.
I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something. ~Nobel Laureate Richard P. Feynman (1918-1988)

Above is the motto of the Bird Ecology Study Group (BESGroup), a bird ecology blog of the Nature Society (Singapore) that deserves much attention. Since their beginning in 2005, their goal is to document all issues of bird ecology, from types of food and hunting styles to nesting and breeding behavior all the while encouraging the study of birds and the natural world around them. The BESGroup not only provides a wealth of information, but are willing and excited to share with all who are interested.

One of the most thrilling aspects of the Bird Ecology Study Group is their photographic abilities. In Stork-billed Kingfisher catching another fish, for example, there are side-by-side photos of a Stork-billed Kingfisher in action nabbing a fish. Continue reading and you will know the experience of the observer first hand and what they learned from their observations. This is what separates them from many other writers and bird watchers; they are a constant source of new observations, discussions, and bird ecology information.

Birders should not be satisfied in just knowing our birds in name only. They should strive to learn more about them. Let us not just bird watch but behaviour watch as well. –Bird Ecology Study Group

The BESGroup can engage you for hours with their large volume of information. They teach and celebrate the wonder of the birds of Singapore with fascinating intensity and we congratulate their hard work and dedication.