Sunday, July 21, 2013

The Blue Rumped Parrot of Singapore

With the size of merely 18.5cm and mostly in green colour, Blue-rumped Parrot (Psittinus cyanurus) are difficult to spot when they don't move around and perched on the tree.
Blue-rumped Parrot (Psittinus cyanurus)

Blue-rumped Parrot (Psittinus cyanurus)
After several attempts, I finally able to spot it and have a few shots. In Singapore, they are only found in the Central Catchment Forest and no where else.
Blue-rumped Parrot (Psittinus cyanurus)
Different from other flying birds, while feeding from fruit to fruit, they don't fly but instead 'walk' from fruit/branch to another. This stealthy behaviour really give watching them a challenge.
Blue-rumped Parrot (Psittinus cyanurus)
One of the best way to spot them is to look at the floor, their left over foods - in this case their favourite star-fruits.

They are believed to feed on the seeds of the star fruits, thus a wasteful eating style. However, from the left over food, it seems that they feed not just on the seeds. From the video that I recorded, it looks like they are also feeding on the fruit juice.

What do you think?

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

A Raining Morning at Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens
It was drizzling when I arrived at Singapore Botanic Garden (SBG). What a relief from the hot weather for the last 2 weeks.
Water droplets, Singapore Botanic Gardens
The rain stop after about 30 minutes & everything looks so fresh! The rain water formed very beautiful crystal like balls - a good subject for photography too!
Tube sedge, Singapore Botanic Gardens
I remember tube sedge was once used widely just like the raffia string today. Eco Garden of SBG is one of the few area that tube sedge can be found in Singapore.
Warsp, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Rain or shine, the preparation for the next generation continues... saw this on a leaf near the Eco lake.
Whistling duck, Singapore Botanic Gardens
SBG is also one of the few area in Singapore to watch Whistling ducks. Not just one but 2 different species & possibly their hybrid too. Wandering whistling duck on the left & Lesser whistling duck on the right.
Whistling duck, Singapore Botanic Gardens
A Lesser whistling duck
Whistling duck, Singapore Botanic Gardens
I like this photo as it captured 2 different species with one hybrid possibly their off spring. The Wandering whistling duck in the middle, Lesser whistling duck on the right & the left one appeared to be a combination of both possibly the hybrid.
White breasted water hen, Singapore Botanic Gardens
This White breasted water hen out in the open looking for food.
Oriental Magpie Robin, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Oriental magpie robin also out in the open looking for food.
Javan mynah, Singapore Botanic Gardens
One of the most common bird in Singapore - Javan mynah.
Pacific swallow, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Just as the sign stated, don't feed pigeon else their number will increase and become a pest problem.

I cross over to Adam Road hawker center for my favorite Nasi Lemak. What a great week end.  :)