27 May 26 – Jurong Lake Gardens / Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore

In search of more resident birds.

It’s a public holiday today so let’s go for some “overtime” birding. I decided to try my luck again at Jurong Lake Gardens for the Barred Buttonquail. But I’m just going to preface this post that it was another fruitless attempt for the target bird.

Scaly-breasted Munia @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
Scaly-breasted Munia

Nevertheless, there are still plenty of other resident birds to see. Starting with the Scaly-breasted Munia which is commonly seen in the grassland area.

Scaly-breasted Munia @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
Scaly-breasted Munia

The Zitting Cisticola is another commonly spotted grassland species. This one caught a grasshopper for breakfast.

Zitting Cisticola @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
Zitting Cisticola

Next, I spotted a juvenile Oriental Magpie Robin. It flew from tree to tree following it’s parents around to look for food.

Oriental Magpie Robin (juvenile) @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
Oriental Magpie Robin (juvenile)

I finally spotted the Lesser Coucal which I’ve heard calling on multiple past visits.

Lesser Coucal @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
Lesser Coucal

I also spotted the Watercock at Alstonia Island again. Quite surprised it was still around as it is a migratory visitor. Unfortunately, I could not snap a photo before it disappeared into some bushes. So here’s a photo of the White-breasted Waterhen instead.

White-breasted Waterhen @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
White-breasted Waterhen

Of course, I can’t miss out on the Sunbirds. They are always fun to photograph (as I’ve mentioned many times in past posts).

Ornate Sunbird @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
Ornate Sunbird

In the evening, I decided to end the day with some casual birding at Bukit Gombak Park. It was a hot, sunny evening and In the far distance, I could see a raptor thermalling to gain altitude. Through the camera, I can see it’s a Changeable Hawk Eagle which is a first for me at Bukit Gombak.

Changeable Hawk Eagle @ Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
Changeable Hawk Eagle

All in all, a midweek break well spent.

eBird checklists:
1. https://ebird.org/checklist/S347750054
2. https://ebird.org/checklist/S347753546

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