The withered leaf squeals petrified, as it is crushed beneath the cruel leather boot, warning of the danger that is lurking being the rock. The voiceless tree gazes helplessly as the aim is locked on the blob of white, perched on its branch, unsuspecting, unafraid, and oblivious to the fact that its end is very near. And then the heartless crack echoes. As the frightened rest fly away to the clouds, the dear hunted falls lifelessly upon the feet of the poacher who rejoices at his great shot.
Thus fell many a bird belonging to the family of Bali Starling, an endemic species, an endangered one, until 2 or 3 lonely pairs were left to their fate; and the better man interfered and carried out a captive bird breeding program, resulting in the salvation of a treasure Mother Nature was so fond of.
In Bali Barat National Park, these little beauties can be spotted now. A bird having had a very narrow escape indeed! The park, lying at the western end of Bali is made up of savannah-like forest, while pockets of dense woods dot its area, here and there. To spot the Bali Starling now well hidden in the protective forest, one must take a boat trip around to areas where they consider safe still.
Apart from the little treasured Bali Starling, many lovely species find this place to be home, and are a delight to behold, with their abundance that causes man no guilt. Banded pitta green jungle fowls and yellow-throated hanging-parrots, orange-breasted pigeons, javan cuckoo-shrikes, beach thick-knees, banded pittas, black-winged starlings as well as the Java sparrow add dashes of color to the emerald forests, here in the Bali Barat National Park.
It is not only them with the winged delights that chirp on the trees that await those who choose to visit the beautiful land of Bali. Great beaches and a wonderful culture greet you in its shores too. So if you are planning on experiencing the best of the island in many of its facets, consider staying at a beach resort in Bali, like the Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali, which is a centrally located hotel in Nusa Dua and will provide the best in luxurious accommodation.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.