The Salaryman Birder

Category: Singapore

  • 03 Oct 26 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore

    Another day in paradise.

    Today, I had intended to comb the Rainforest Trail at the Botanic Gardens for the Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher. More importantly , the area offered plenty of shade from the merciless afternoon sun. Unfortunately, after an hour of walking, all I saw were Red Junglefowls and Greater Racket-tailed Drongos.

    Greater Racket-tailed Drongo @ Singapore Botanic Garden
    Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

    Eventually, I gave up and moved on to the Fragrant Garden. I chanced upon another birder who was photographing a female Yellow-rumped Flycatcher. I stopped to take a few shots myself.

    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (female) @ Singapore Botanic Garden
    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (female)

    Amidst tracking the Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, an Asian Brown Flycatcher was also in the mix which made tracking it both birds all the more confusing.

    Asian Brown Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanic Garden
    Asian Brown Flycatcher

    Next, I wandered into the Ethnobotany Garden. I observed an Olive-winged Bulbul feeding on the Singapore Rhododendron fruits near the small pond.

    Olive-winged Bulbul @ Singapore Botanic Garden
    Olive-winged Bulbul

    From out of nowhere, an Amur Paradise Flycatcher flew in and made several dips in the same pond. Unfortunately, I did not manage to photograph the diving. I am, however, very pleased to get some open photos of the Paradise Flycatcher at eye level as it preened itself after the bath.

    Amur Paradise Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanic Garden
    Amur Paradise Flycatcher

    For the last stop of the day, I walked around the Eco Lake enroute to the MRT station. I observed some Blue-tailed Bee-eaters diving into the water to cool off but they were too fast to photograph. Instead, I took a photo of this Little Heron presumably looking for it’s next meal.

    Little Heron @ Singapore Botanic Garden
    Little Heron

    And finally, I got a decent photo of a White-breasted Waterhen in flight as it flew from one side of the pond to the other.

    White-breasted Waterhen @ Singapore Botanic Garden
    White-breasted Waterhen

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398719833?subID=S398719833

  • 03 Oct 26 – Marina Grove, Singapore

    Juicy, juicy.

    I had a morning appointment on Saturday so birding activities had to start from late morning. Since I was in central Singapore anyway, I decided to drop by the Marina Grove pond for a bit of birding.

    White-throated Kingfisher @ Marine Grove, Singapore
    White-throated Kingfisher

    A White-throated Kingfisher was seen repeatedly diving into the water to catch prey. Several dives later, the Kingfisher finally caught this fat, juicy insect larvae for lunch.

    White-throated Kingfisher @ Marine Grove, Singapore
    White-throated Kingfisher

    After smashing the larvae against the hard branch several times to stun it, the Kingfisher quickly gobbled it for lunch. Perhaps done for the day, it flew off behind the pond and was not seen again.

    White-throated Kingfisher @ Marine Grove, Singapore
    White-throated Kingfisher
    White-throated Kingfisher @ Marine Grove, Singapore
    White-throated Kingfisher

    Amidst all the Kingfisher action, a pair of Ruddy-breasted Crake was busy foraging on the surface of the lake. The pair was just as brazen to my presence as they were from my previous visit.

    Ruddy-breasted Crake @ Marine Grove, Singapore
    Ruddy-breasted Crake
    Ruddy-breasted Crake @ Marine Grove, Singapore
    Ruddy-breasted Crake

    Tracking the movement of a small bird in the middle of the pond, I managed to spot a Common Kingfisher. Alas, it was too far away to get any good photos.

    Common Kingfisher @ Marine Grove, Singapore
    Common Kingfisher

    Lastly, a Lesser Whistling Duck was spotted nonchalantly wading away as a Monitor Lizard approached from behind. Both went their separate ways uneventfully.

    Lesser Whistling Duck @ Marine Grove, Singapore
    Lesser Whistling Duck

    With the punishing midday sun and the lack of shade around the pond, I decided to move on. Next stop, the Singapore Botanic Gardens!

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398701643

  • 27 Sep 26 – Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore

    I’m birding in the rain.

    The long walk around the Botanical Gardens the day before left me with some sore legs so I decided to take a break in the morning. In the late afternoon, I went for some casual birding at Bukit Gombak Park again.

    A lone Sunda Pied Fantail greeted me on this gloomy, rainy day. There weren’t many birds around but I kept going anyway hoping to find something special.

    Sunda Pied Fantail @ Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore
    Sunda Pied Fantail

    Instead, I found a pair of Red Junglefowls perched on a tree with the male repeatedly crowing.

    Red Junglefowl @ Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore
    Red Junglefowl

    The first migrant bird spotted was an Asian Brown Flycatcher. It was hunting for insects high up some trees which made for poor, backlit photos.

    Asian Brown Flycatcher @ Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore
    Asian Brown Flycatcher

    Finally, I spotted a Brown Shrike hidden in some trees. This was a skittish one that did not tolerate my presence. I’m guessing it’s not the same Brown Shrike that I was seeing few years ago.

    Brown Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore
    Brown Shrike

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396737282

  • 26 Sep 26 – Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore

    Para-para-paradise.

    Today I’m off to the Singapore Botanical Gardens to look for the Amur and Blyth’s Paradise Flycatchers, both are migrant birds that spend their winter in Singapore.

    Amur Paradise Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Amur Paradise Flycatcher

    I arrived early at the Eco Lake but there wasn’t much birds of interest. So I headed to the Healing Garden area where a fellow birder pointed out an Amur Paradise Flycatcher.

    Amur Paradise Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Amur Paradise Flycatcher

    It didn’t take long to spot a second one. The pair flew around hunting for insects which kept a group of bird watchers and photographers entertained all morning long.

    Amur Paradise Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Amur Paradise Flycatcher

    While tracking the Flycatchers, a silhouette gliding across the sky caught my attention. It was a Japanese Sparrowhawk, my first migratory raptor spotted this season.

    Japanese Sparrowhawk @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Japanese Sparrowhawk

    After I was done with the Flycatchers, I dropped by the usual spot near the Raffles Building carpark to find the pair of Collared-scops Owls. One owl was asleep while the other was hidden from view.

    Collared-scops Owl @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Collared-scops Owl

    I walked through the Rainforest Trail on my way out hoping to find the Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher but no luck. I’m going to have to find one dedicated day to search for this tick to my life list.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396449488

  • 13 Sep 26 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore

    Sunday morning birding.

    Another Sunday morning, another session of birding at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR). Today, there was a large flock of Eurasian Whimbrels (I counted 70) resting around the tidal ponds which I did not see the week before.

    Eurasian Whimbrel @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Eurasian Whimbrel

    The incoming tide filled the tidal ponds with water bringing with it a source of food. Some Little Egrets were chasing others off to stake their claim on their hunting grounds.

    Little Egret @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Little Egret

    This Little Egret was trying to catch something in the water. Although it did not catch anything, I’ll give it 10 points for doing it in style and with flair.

    Little Egret @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Little Egret

    While resting at the Main Hide, I saw a White-bellied Sea Eagle fly pass to escape harassing crows. This one’s a juvenile based on the colors. It will gradually develop into it’s black and white plumage as it matures.

    White-bellied Sea Eagle (juvenile) @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    White-bellied Sea Eagle (juvenile)

    I also saw a pair of Sunda Pied Fantail darting from branch to branch hunting for insects.

    Sunda Pied Fantail @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Sunda Pied Fantail

    Lastly, I spotted my first Common Kingfisher of the migration season. Unfortunately, it promptly disappeared after diving for a catch so I was unable to look for an unobstructed shot.

    Common Kingfisher @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Common Kingfisher

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S392354252

  • 12 Sep 26 – Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore

    In search of the Brown-streaked Flycatcher

    I’ve been putting off a trip to Jurong Lake Gardens to find the Brown-streaked Flycatcher which would make my 307th species sighted. Finally, I decided to try my luck last weekend.

    Arriving early in the morning, I stumbled upon a group of photographers with cameras and tripods pointed at a tree cavity. They told me it was a Rufous Woodpecker nest. I stayed for awhile and saw the parent come back to feed the chick.

    Rufous Woodpecker @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Rufous Woodpecker

    The chick was still very young though and could not be seen but could be heard calling from inside the cavity.

    After awhile, I walked off to the viewing platform where I had seen the Watercock earlier this year. It didn’t take long to spot a small bird darting around the trees opposite the platform. Bam, target bird acquired.

    Brown-streaked Flycatcher @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Brown-streaked Flycatcher

    There were multiple flycatchers darting around the same tree. I managed to track another one which turned out to be a female Yellow-rumped Flycatcher.

    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (female) @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (female)

    Later in the day, I also spotted a male Yellow-rumped Flycatcher nearby. How fortunate to spot both genders on the same day! These beautiful little birds migrate annually from Siberia, Korea and China to spend winter in this part of the world.

    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (male) @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (male)

    Next, I decided to check out the usual Large-tailed Nightjar spot next to the Garden House. Sure enough, there was one resting there.

    Large-tailed Nightjar @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Large-tailed Nightjar

    A passing shower then sent me scrambling for shelter. Nevertheless, it was nice to relax and just listen to the sound of the falling rain.

    After the rain had eased, I checked the bamboo area near the Therapeutic Garden where I had spotted various flycatchers in the past. Surprisingly, there was a lone Tiger Shrike there.

    Tiger Shrike @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Tiger Shrike
    Tiger Shrike @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Tiger Shrike

    I went back to watch the Rufous Woodpecker nest but there wasn’t much happening. The chick did not seem too interested to eat. Hopefully it grows well and I can return a few weeks later to see it.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S392013404

  • 06 Sep 26 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore

    Welcome back.

    Last Sunday was my first time birding in SBWR for the past 4 months. It’s good to be out again to get some much needed exercise.

    Common Redshank @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Common Redshank

    The migration season is well and truly here with large flocks of Common Redshanks and Pacific Golden Plovers sighted. Unfortunately, all the birds decided to forage very far away from the trails and hides which means no luck getting good photos.

    Painted Stork / Common Redshank / Pacific Golden Plover @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Painted Stork / Common Redshank / Pacific Golden Plover

    Some of the tidal ponds have dried up considerably due to the recent hot weather. I saw a few Collared Kingfishers take advantage of this to hunt for prey.

    Collared Kingfisher @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Collared Kingfisher

    While the birds were far away from the Main Hide, I distracted myself watching the Mudskippers nearby. The one behind was aggressively chasing other Mudskippers out of its territory.

    Mudskipper @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Mudskipper

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S390219032

  • 05 Sep 26 – Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore

    Resuming normal programming soon

    Another weekend, another evening spent doing some casual birding at my “backyard”. This time, I had a pleasant encounter with a beautiful Long-tailed Shrike, I have not seen one here since 2023.

    Long-tailed Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Long-tailed Shrike

    Most of the time, it was perched on some small trees at eye level. It didn’t seem to mind my presence too much so I managed to get some decent photos.

    Long-tailed Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Long-tailed Shrike

    Occasionally, it would dive to the ground to catch an insect if it spots something. But sometimes it would return to it’s perched empty handed.

    Long-tailed Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Long-tailed Shrike

    After awhile, it took off toward the fenced off area next to the park. It must have came from there in search of food.

    Long-tailed Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Long-tailed Shrike

    There wasn’t much of anything else to report. There was a curious Sunda Pied Fantail which landed close to me almost like it was checking me out but took off after I took a few photos.

    Sunda Pied Fantail @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Sunda Pied Fantail

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S390215003

  • 10 Aug 26 – Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore

    Refresher course

    It’s been 2 months since I last went out to bird. I’ve been using the time for personal commitments and to revisit another past hobby, reading (don’t get me started on the crazy hot weather of late). Nevertheless, I thought it’d be nice to just spend a few hours for some casual birding at my favorite “backyard” today.

    The first bird of interest I spotted was a pair of Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker calling and foraging. These beautiful little birds are always a joy to photograph provided they stay still.

    Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker

    On the same plant was a lone female Brown-throated Sunbird busy feeding on a flower. It didn’t mind my presence too much as I tried to find a better angle to photograph it amongst the congested leaves and branches.

    Brown-throated Sunbird @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown-throated Sunbird

    This was the first time I’ve spotted a flock of Eurasian Tree Sparrows in the middle of the park. I’ve always observed them on the fringes of the park perhaps to avoid the many Javan Mynahs that forage in the same area.

    Eurasian Tree Sparrow @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Eurasian Tree Sparrow

    Lastly, I spotted a pair of Collared Kingfisher swoop down to the ground to catch an insect. Unfortunately, the action happened too fast for me to capture a meaningful photograph so here’s a shot of the bird post-meal.

    Collared Kingfisher @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Collared Kingfisher

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381992814

  • Birding Flashbacks #02: The Brown Shrike of Bukit Gombak Park

    Date: Oct 2023 to Mar 2024, Nov to Dec 2024
    Location: Bukit Gombak Park

    Over the winter migration seasons of 2023 and 2024, I would frequent my “backyard” Bukit Gombak Park to photograph a lone wintering Brown Shrike.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike (taken in 2023)

    I do not know if they are the same bird across both years. But I assumed they are since both were not skittish and allowed me to photograph them at a relatively close distance.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike (taken in 2024)

    I managed to get many photographs of the bird during that time including a flight shot and pictures of it with various prey in mouth.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike in flight (taken in 2024)
    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike with katydid(taken in 2024)

    The most memorable encounter had to be the time I observed it pull an earthworm out of the ground before settling on it’s favorite perch to finish it’s meal. As a child, I’ve seen so many picture books of birds pulling worms out of the ground but witnessing it in real life is quite something.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike with earthworm (taken in 2024)

    Unfortunately, I have not seen the bird in recent years. It may be wintering elsewhere but it’s also possible that it may have perished. Winter migration is a perilous journey and birds die for various reasons from predation, exhaustion to window strikes.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike (taken in 2024)

    Wherever you may be, I hope you are in a better place.

    eBird checklist: Various (too many to put here)