The overnight downpour had left the reserve fresh and buzzing with life—perfect conditions for another adventure! If there’s one thing I’ve learned from past visits, it’s that rain brings snakes out into the open. My main target today is to spot the legendary King Cobra again.
As I arrived, the early morning fishermen were already hard at work, casting their nets just beyond the reserve. But the real magic began the moment I stepped inside.
Just meters away, a majestic Great-Billed Heron—a bird typically found only on Singapore’s offshore islands—stood tall in the shallows. My heart raced as I heard its deep, resonant call for the first time. And then… another answered!
Following the echoes, I spotted two more of these elusive giants. Three in one trip?! Unbelievable!
The third heron puffed up its neck, showing off the bulge that produces those hauntingly low calls. What an incredible start to the morning!
Moving deeper into the reserve, a stunning Grey Heron stood like a statue in the water.
Just a stone’s throw away, an elegant Intermediate Egret gracefully stalked its prey.
Across the mangroves, a pair of Painted Storks added a splash of color to the scenery.
But the real surprise? Open-Billed Storks! These visitors from the north have stayed in Singapore for over a year, likely due to drought conditions back home. With plenty of food here, they seem in no rush to leave—lucky for us!
A sudden, loud call drew my attention to a tiny Ashy Tailorbird, proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to volume!
Nearby, a cluster of Dog-faced Fruit Bats hung in their usual spot.
Buffy Fish Owl—a rare daytime sighting—watched silently from the trees. Spotting nocturnal birds in broad daylight always feels like a special treat!
Though my hoped-for King Cobra remained hidden, the reserve had another serpentine surprise in store: a stunning, emerald-green Oriental Whip Snake, sleek and perfectly camouflaged among the leaves.
No King Cobra this time, but with rare herons, storks, bats, owls, and a dazzling whip snake, this trip was nothing short of spectacular. Sungei Buloh never fails to amaze—every visit is a new adventure!
Who knows what the next exploration will reveal?
