The Salaryman Birder

Category: Singapore

  • 01 May 26 – Bukit Gombak Park / Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore

    Labor Day birding.

    It’s a public holiday today so there’s more birding to be done. I had a really unremarkable walk at Bukit Gombak Park in the morning that I wanted to pretend it did not happen. But anyway, here’s a photo of a White-crested Laughingthrush with an insect for breakfast.

    White-crested Laughingthrush @ Bukit Gombak Park
    White-crested Laughingthrush

    In the late afternoon, I decided to bird at Dairy Farm Nature Park (DFNP). Unfortunately, the weather was crap – overcast skies and intermittent showers of rain. Nevertheless, I soldiered on. 

    For some reason, the Rufous-tailed Tailorbird had eluded me all the times I’ve visited DFNP. Finally, today, I managed to get a record shot of the bird. That’s another tick to my life list.

    Rufous-tailed Tailorbird @ Dairy Farm Nature Park
    Rufous-tailed Tailorbird

    I spent the rest of the evening camped at the viewing platform. Another birder mentioned he saw a Chestnut-bellied Malkoha earlier but no such luck for me. I finally saw the White-rumped Shama in the open after hearing it’s call during the last few visits to the area.

    White-rumped Shama @ Dairy Farm Nature Park
    White-rumped Shama

    Last photo to showcase – the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. They are quite common in DFNP but always a joy to photograph.

    Greater Racket-tailed Drongo @ Dairy Farm Nature Park
    Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S330442115

  • 26 Apr 26 – Park Street, Singapore

    Completing the Pond Heron trifecta

    Continuing from the earlier birding session at Marina Grove, I decided to swing by the nearby pond along Park Street before calling it a day.

    The pond had dried significantly due to the recent hot weather. However, this would prove to be a blessing-in-disguise as all the birds are gathered in a small area to pick out any remaining prey in the water. At the pond, I spotted an Indian Pond Heron…

    Indian Pond Heron @ Park Street, Singapore
    Indian Pond Heron

    … and several Chinese Pond Herons.

    Chinese Pond Heron @ Park Street, Singapore
    Chinese Pond Heron

    There wasn’t anything else of particular interest but I felt pretty satisfied to be able to spot the trifecta of Pond Herons in Singapore over the course of a single weekend.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327563619

  • 26 Apr 26 – Marina Grove, Singapore

    Great Cormorants spotted in Singapore.

    On Sunday, I decided to go birding at the Marina Grove pond. My aim was to find the Javan Pond Heron which was the last remaining unchecked Pond Heron in my life list. I took my usual route via public transportation and alighted at the Gardens by the Bay MRT station.

    As I was setting up my camera and binocular at the station exit, I saw, from a distance, a flock of birds flying in a loose V-shaped formation… which was odd because I was not aware of birds in Singapore that exhibit this behavior. After taking some photos and examining them, I was surprised to see they were Great Cormorants!

    Great Cormorants @ Marina Grove, Singapore
    Great Cormorant

    The Great Cormorant is not known to be found in this part of the world. Past sightings are believed to be escapees from the then Jurong Bird Park. Are these descendants of those escapees or are they vagrants that have ventured too far south? I have seen Great Cormorants before in Japan and South Korea but to see them in Singapore felt truly special.

    Great Cormorants @ Marina Grove, Singapore
    Great Cormorant

    This whole experience had me thinking how I had to be at the right place and at the right time to cross paths with these birds. If I had made one decision differently like board an earlier train or set up my equipment later. I would have missed the entire encounter.

    Anyway, moving back to my original objective of finding the Javan Pond Heron. It didn’t take long to spot one foraging at the edge of the pond. This was another skittish bird though. It gradually retreated to the back of the pond after noticing my presence.

    Javan Pond Heron @ Marina Grove, Singapore
    Javan Pond Heron
    Javan Pond Heron @ Marina Grove, Singapore
    Javan Pond Heron

    The Little Grebe family that was previously seen here seemed to have moved on as I was only able to spot one adult that day.

    Little Grebe @ Marina Grove, Singapore
    Little Grebe

    It was my first time spotting a pair of Ruddy-breasted Crakes there though. I was surprised at how they did not seem to mind my presence at all. They came so near while feeding that I had trouble getting the camera to focus.

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

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327552420

  • 19, 25 Apr 2026 – Jurong Lake Garden, Singapore

    Coppersmith Barbet nesting.

    I thought it’d be more interesting to group these series of photos into one post to see the progress of the Coppersmith Barbet nesting in Jurong Lake Gardens.

    Coppersmith Barbet nesting at Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
    Coppersmith Barbet (taken 25-Apr-2026)

    On the 19 Apr visit, as I was headed toward the MRT station through Chinese Garden, I noticed a group of photographers waiting near a tree. I recognized the tree as one with a Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker nest the year before.

    But it turned out a pair of Coppersmith Barbets had moved-in instead. I didn’t had to wait too long before the parents came back to feed the chicks.

    Coppersmith Barbet nesting at Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
    Coppersmith Barbet (taken 19-Apr-2026)
    Coppersmith Barbet nesting at Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
    Coppersmith Barbet (taken 19-Apr-2026)

    A week later on 25 Apr, I dropped by again to check on the progress of the nesting. The chick had grown well with feathers covering the neck and head now. According to other birders onsite, there were two chicks in the nest but I only saw one on both visits.

    Coppersmith Barbet nesting at Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
    Coppersmith Barbet (taken 25-Apr-2026)
    Coppersmith Barbet nesting at Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore.
    Coppersmith Barbet (taken 25-Apr-2026)

    Both chicks had successfully fledged the following week. Perhaps, the Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker can reclaim it’s nest now?

    eBird checklist:
    1. https://ebird.org/checklist/S323978095
    2. https://ebird.org/checklist/S327124345

  • 25 Apr 2026 – Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore

    The quest for the Indian Pond Heron

    For the second successive week, I headed to Jurong Lake Gardens for my weekend birding. I thought I’d try my luck at spotting the Barred Buttonquail. They are known to live in the grasslands area of the park but the last eBird reported sighting was back in January.

    After 2 hours of waiting, I gave up. But at least I’m not walking away empty handed as I got some decent photos of other common birds that frequent the grasslands.

    Brown Shrike @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Brown Shrike
    Scaly-breasted Munia @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Scaly-breasted Munia
    Zitting Cisticola @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Zitting Cisticola

    Next, I moved on to find another target, the Indian Pond Heron. There are three species of Pond Herons which migrate to Singapore namely the Chinese, Javan and Indian Pond Herons. What’s interesting is they can only be told apart after the birds develop their breeding plumage some time from March to June. Otherwise, they look the same during the non-breeding months.

    Pond Heron @ Marina Grove, Singapore
    Pond Heron in non-breeding plumage photographed in Marina Grove on 24-Jan-2026

    After much walking, I found the lone Indian Pond Heron (lifer) foraging on a grassy patch at the south end of the park. It was quite skittish so I kept my distance at all times and tried to hide behind trees or bushes to photograph the bird.

    Indian Pond Heron @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Indian Pond Heron
    Indian Pond Heron @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Indian Pond Heron

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327124345

  • 19 Apr 2026 – Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore

    The quest for the Watercock

    I was still feeling quite tired from all the traveling so I took the previous weekend off from birding to chill. Now that I’m feeling better, I was off to Jurong Lake Gardens for another shot of sighting the Watercock which I previously missed. 

    White-breasted Waterhen @ Jurong Lake Gardens
    White-breasted Waterhen

    At 7AM, I arrived at the viewing platform overlooking Alstonia Island where the sighting was reported the day before on eBird. However, there was no sign of the bird. I made a brief detour to the grasslands area but there was nothing of interest (only the usual Ruddy-breasted Crakes) so I went back to wait at the platform.

    Ruddy-breasted Crake @ Jurong Lake Gardens
    Ruddy-breasted Crake

    I was chatting with another birder to kill some time when I noticed a bird foraging on the ground in the distance between two trees. Initially, I had dismissed it as a White-breasted Waterhen but decided to take a closer look with my binoculars anyway. 

    “It’s there, it’s there!” 

    Watercock @ Jurong Lake Gardens
    Watercock

    It was an awkward shot of the back from a distance, but it was good enough for identification. The bird continued to forage in the area sporadically appearing in the open but mostly hidden from view by the trees and bushes. 

    Watercock @ Jurong Lake Gardens
    Watercock

    Unfortunately, the noise from some nearby grass cutters may have spooked it to remain hidden. After waiting for awhile in vain, I decided to call it a day.

    Watercock @ Jurong Lake Gardens
    Watercock

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323978095

  • 22 Mar 26 – Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, Singapore

    The quest for the Forest Wagtail.

    I dropped by Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve to try my luck again at spotting the Forest Wagtail (FW). Arriving in the hot afternoon sun, I was told by other birders that the FW was seen earlier but had gone hiding. I decided to wait to see if it would show up again. 

    Sometimes, waiting can be fun to see what other birds come my way. The first was this Ashy Tailorbird actively flying around in search of food. 

    Ashy Tailorbird @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Singapore.
    Ashy Tailorbird

    Next, an Oriental Magpie Robin was seen actively foraging on the ground. At one point, it plopped itself on the ground and looked like it was panting. I understand this is a common reflex in birds to cool down their bodies (it was a really hot day). 

    Oriental Magpie Robin @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Singapore.
    Oriental Magpie Robin

    I thought this scene of the Common Iora staring at the Ornate Sunbird to be quite amusing. I have not seen these two species interact with each other before. 

    Common Iora and Ornate Sunbird @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Singapore.
    Left: Common Iora, Right: Ornate Sunbird

    After 4 hours of waiting, I was on the brink of giving up. Then, another birder sighted the FW hidden amongst the undergrowth. I managed to capture a few record shots before letting others take my spot. 

    Forest Wagtail @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Singapore.
    Forest Wagtail

    Not the best of photos but I’m just happy to not walk away empty handed from the 4 hours of waiting.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311795340

  • 21 Mar 26 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (Part 3)

    Other miscellaneous birds of the interest.

    Here’s one last batch of photos from the productive day of birding at the Singapore Botanic Gardens on 21-Mar. Starting at the Eco Lake, I spotted a Grey-rumped Treeswift (lifer) flying overhead.  

    Grey-rumped Treeswift @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Grey-rumped Treeswift

    I also counted eight Oriental Pied Hornbills flying across the Eco Lake one after another. That was the first time I’ve seen such a large flock traveling together. 

    Oriental Pied Hornbill @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Oriental Pied Hornbill

    While photographing the Crested Serpent Eagle, I spotted a small bird perched on the canopy of the same tree. Surprise, surprise. It was a Mugimaki Flycatcher. This one is a bit late on the migration as they mostly should have returned north by now.

    Mugimaki Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Mugimaki Flycatcher

    Lastly, I decided to check out the Raffles Building car park which is a known hiding spot for a pair of Collared Scops Owls. I managed to see both owls but they were quite high up and well hidden. I left them to their slumber after taking a few quick shots.

    Collared Scops Owl @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Collared Scops Owl

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311805155

  • 21 Mar 26 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (Part 2)

    Fairy Pitta revisited.

    After the encounter with the Crested Serpent Eagle (CSE), I decided to revisit the Fairy Pitta (FP). Reports had emerged in the birding community that the FP had started to forage nearer to the boardwalk which allowed for better views of the bird. 

    I arrived at the Rainforest Trail boardwalk packed with birders and photographers who were eagerly searching for the FP. Meanwhile a lone staff member was struggling to handle the crowd control. Not wanting to add to the crowd situation, I decided to wait at the edge in the hopes that the FP may come my way instead. 

    I guess I was at the peak of my lucky streak that day as the FP began to hop my way, so I managed to snap some close-up open photographs of the FP. 

    Fairy Pitta @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Fairy Pitta

    The FP picked up a snail but dropped it shortly after.

    Fairy Pitta @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Fairy Pitta

    At one point, the FP was so near that my lens could not focus but I guess that’s a good problem to have. 

    Fairy Pitta @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Fairy Pitta

    The FP then surprised everyone by somehow flying through the crowd of birders from one side of the boardwalk to the other. It continued to forage after that unfazed

    Fairy Pitta @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Fairy Pitta

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311805155

  • 21 Mar 26 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (Part 1)

    An audience with the Crested Serpent Eagle.

    I spent Saturday morning birding at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Reports emerged a few days ago on the sighting of the Crested Serpent Eagle (CSE) at the Healing Gardens. So that was where I was headed. 

    As I entered the area, I immediately noticed a large brown protrusion sticking out of a tree branch. It did not look like an extension of the branch. As I was trying to make sense of what I was looking at, it turned its head and gave me a side eye.  There it is, the CSE! 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    I managed to photograph the CSE from various angles as it remained still, keeping a lookout for prey. 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    Soon, a small crowd of birders and curious parkgoers began to congregate around the CSE, but it did not seem fazed. 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    After an hour plus, the CSE took off to perch on a higher tree and began to call. I waited with anticipation to see if there was another CSE nearby that would return its call. 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    About 10 minutes later the CSE took off to the skies and slowly gained elevation before going out of sight. Pleased to get a photograph of the CSE in-flight showing it’s characteristic wing patterns. 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311805155