- WHITE herons are strictly protected by Petulu Village so that the birds can live conveniently
- The harmonious herd of heron ultimately becomes tourist attraction bringing in benefits to local people
Petulu Village near Ubud in Gianyar is famous for its white heron (Bubulcus ibis), the dominant species at this village. In the morning to noon, only very few birds can be watched in this area because they have departed to look for food in distant places.
Birds like herons commonly nest in lush trees like bunut wot, the local term for a banyan-like tree. Small branches of the tree make it suitable for nesting. This tree is widely encountered along the side of the village roads and people’s back home garden. Cool air at the village enables them for laying eggs. Additionally, the village is surrounded by rice fields that enable them to look for food more easily.
Reproduction of the birds lasts around October-January. During which a number of eggs will be often found broken due to falling on the streets of the hamlet, chiefly under the trees. It may happen because their nests are damaged. Local customary village pays high attention or really preserves their existence with ultimate care. All the birds are thoroughly protected. If the babies are found to fall on the ground will be rescued accordingly so they can survive. It is said that this eco-friendly nature tourism has attracted many researchers.
Besides, the beauty of the heron has inspired local painters to immortalize them through expression of their works of art. In combination with tropical floral diversity, their wonderful works have successfully spread throughout the world. Moreover, landscaping artists also capture its beauty by making statue of heron used to decorate gardens in many parts of the island.
By the way, in order to be able to watch the birds or do bird watching, visitors are suggested to come at 18:00 through 18:30 every day. It is considered the best time though being quite short. However, if you happen to have an excursion beyond the time to other villages and pass through rice fields where local farmers are still cultivating their land with traditional plow or hand tractor, some of the birds may be found hunting for foods such as grasshoppers, crickets, frogs and others. The birds do not feel disturbed though being closer to farmers.
Another heron nest apart from at Petulu Village is the road side banyan tree in the border of Lukluk Village and Sempidi Village, near Badung Civic Center. This large tree has long been inhabited by thousands of heron. Like ‘busy people,’ they have also departed from their ‘tree home’ early in the morning and will just arrive late in the afternoon. Apparently, they are busier than human’s nine-to-five!
