Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Longkang Birding at Sembawang

Longkang is a Malay word, it means drain. The last time I came here was about a year ago. So much changes have taken place in this narrow park connector. A lot of new HDB flats has been built beside the connector.
Sungei Simpang Kiri
Back to the longkang... Simpang Kiri is a canal or a river to be exact.
Sungei Simpang Kiri
This canal end at Sembawang beach and I purposely choose this time (low tide) to come here. From experience, more activities can be observed during low tide.
Collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris)
 This Collared Kingfisher perch near the entrance.
Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
 A rather common Spotted Dove walking on the now dry river bed looking for food.
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
 Another very common bird - Common Sandpiper
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
 A pair of Little Egret wading in the water try finding a best spot to hunt.
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
 This Grey Heron taking a break and just watch others busy feeding from the side of the canal.
Collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris)
 Another Collared Kingfisher with either worn out or dirty plumage.
White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
Not far from the Collared Kingfisher, this White-Throated Kingfisher also waiting for best time to hunt.
Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus)
With the tide going down, this part of the river is now low in salinity thus this myna taking bath in it.
Purple-backed Starling (Sturnia sturnina)
There a lots of myna feeding on the mud flat. Guess what, the migrant - Purple Back Starling also feed side by side with the Javan Myna.
Purple-backed Starling (Sturnia sturnina)
I didn't know Purple Backed Starling other than feeding on insects & fruits, they also feed like waders on the mud flat.
Sembawang beach
Birds are not the only one that is busy during low tide. Lots of  week end fisherman also taking advantage of the low tide to collect green mussel from the mud flat. Although Singapore is a small country, it is still possible to observe wildlife if you visit at the right time...

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