01 Feb 2026 – Singapore Botanic Gardens

No fairy tale ending.

I don’t usually go chasing for rarities especially a freshly reported one. But the sighting of a Fairy Pitta on Saturday evening in the Singapore Botanic Gardens piqued my interest. I was hoping that by arriving early in the morning, I could get a few record shots and move on before the crowd came in.

Alas, things do not always go as planned. That day, there were so many birders onsite that I could not even see the bird before it disappeared for the morning. Though, I did get to see this Orange-headed Thrush in an open perch position. That will have to do for the day.

eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297442150