Kengeran, Guanyin Temple, Vihara Sangar Agung

An important milestone in Surabaya birding terms (zilch save for the munias making out, ooops, their nest, on the tree in my garden) took place today, possibly one that changes the complexion of my stay in Surabaya.

I discovered a wide (stretches as far out to the horizon as the naked eye can see) patch of mangrove mudflat surrounding the Guan Yin temple. If not for the container ship reminding me that the horizon is just an imaginary line, it looked as if someone had pulled out the plug from the drainage hole in this oceanic bathtub. All the water had been sucked out, leaving crabs which curiously looked half-cooked, mudskippers and an excellent hunting ground for the waders looking to fill their grouchy stomachs...

Saw the javan heron (certainly croaks a lot near the trees) and whimbrel but can't be too sure as I didn't bring my bino & the sky was turning dark.... a serendipitous find as I went to the temple to pray & the towering Guanyin with his attendants beckoned me to the backyard where I made the most important birding discovery since I came to Surabaya!

Guess I'll be turning more pious from now on, haha!