Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Black-Naped Oriole’s Special Moves

I was attracted by unusual move of this Black-Naped Oriole. It make about 5 to 6 fast and sharp turn in circular movement with radius about 1m.
When I check with my bino then I realise that the bird is actually circulating the nest. This bird
make another 5 to 6 fast turns with smaller radius about 50cm.After the sharp turns, the Oriole finally fly towards the nest and landed on top of the nest. The nest was about 15 meters above ground.It continue on the look out even after landed on the nest.
The Oriole keep calling and continue on the look out. Apparently, this Oriole was actually calling the female that was inside the nest. I will assume the nest was just completed and waiting to lay egg soon.
Before both of the Oriole set off, they take a final check to make sure there is no predator around.
When everything is cleared, the male make a move first.
The female follow behind.
The cup shape nest was made from grass, twig, bark and roots. Hope to see the next generation in 2 weeks time.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

This is not a toy!

We all knew that plastic bag is dangerous to children so as to sea turtles as they will mistakenly eat them as jelly fish! That is why most plastic that used for wrapping new garments are printed with the warning "This Is Not A Toy!". But, do you know that plastic bag is also dangerous even for birds!!!
This Myna was trapped by a plastic bag when she try to collect the plastic bag for nesting?? I'm not sure the reason but it almost choke by the plastic!
Due to the strong wind, the plastic wrapped the birds when the direction changed.
This poor bird trying to escape from the strangling plastic.
After more than 5 minutes of trying...
Finally managed to escape from choking to death!
What a relief....
The bird a smarter now and stand on a different direction (tail wind)to prevent the same accident again!The bird now learnt that is dangerous to handle plastic of this size so it let the plastic go...
Another piece of high rise rubbish..... will the bird get charge? For throwing rubbish from height? Or perhaps the person who dispose the plastic should be charged!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Many Faces of Yellow Bittern

Yellow Bitterns (Ixobrychus sinensis) are found usually at freshwater wetlands with thick vegetation to hide and nest in which include marshes, grasslands, reedbeds & ponds.

These secretive birds are hard to spot because of their supreme camouflage. They are usually seen only in flight, and their flights are usually brief and low.
However, this particular Yellow bittern that we saw at Singapore Chinese Garden totally out of the norm.This Yellow bittern did not stay close the water edge nor camouflage within thick vegetation. Instead, it stays openly with the whole body exposed and can be seen from any angle.
Even when perch on the tree, this Yellow bittern also totally exposed and can be seen from any angle too! What a exceptional bird!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A Walk at Chinese Garden

Although cattail plants are more related to aquatic, they also use wind to disperse their seeds. This is what we saw when we arrived at Chinese Garden last Sunday.
Isn't is beautiful?
This plantain squirrel was jumping from one tree to another searching for food near the entrance to the park.
Just when we are about to enter the garden, a flock of Milky Stork flew pass our head!We saw this Tailor bird when we enter the garden.
So as this 'jumping' myna bird. Lots of activities going on near the water too. This dragonfly busy laying eggs.
Damselfly - another good subject for photography too.
Found this Rock Pigeon with one missing leg. Not sure if it was born deformed or caused by injuries.
There are lots of Koi fish in the pond, all their colour are so vibrant! Some of the top breed are worth more than $10,000 per fish!
Saw quite a few number of Yellow bittern in the garden.
There are also Common Sand Piper in the garden however, the number are small compare to Sungei Buluh.
This Black Crown Night Heron are so well camouflage near the Sea Hibiscus plant.
Chinese Garden probably have the highest number of Cattle Egret at any one time in Singapore. There are lots of Water hen in the garden too. I didn't expect to see so many interesting birds in the garden. This place really worth to come back to explore.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Wild Moments 2010

Wild Moments is opened! Take a look at the fantastic moments capture by this young and talented photographer - CS Ling!

Located at Sentosa Nature Discovery, this exhibition will be on all the way till 28th February.

This section are on wildlife taken in Singapore. Is amazing we have such a beautiful wildlife in Singapore!
These are photos taken over several country in Asia. Just drop by at Sentosa Nature Discovery and see yourself all these Wild Moments!Just say hello to her if you happens to see her there.

"What kind of difference are you making today?"