Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Dragon's Teeth Gate

Labrador Nature Reserve certainly a very unique nature spot in Singapore. Other than being the only natural rocky shore in mainland Singapore, this reserve also comprises mangrove, secondary forest,  inter-tidal and picturesque view of the sea. Not forgetting the very famous Dragon's Teeth Gate.
Dragon's Teeth Gate
Dragon's Teeth Gate or Long Ya Men in mandarin was once a famous hideout for pirates.
Dragon's Teeth Gate
During 1940's, Zheng He use Long Ya Men as landmark in his navigation chart when he sailed by with 300 ships and 28,000 men. However, the British blew up the original Long Ya Men in 1848 to widen the gateway of the channel to Keppel Harbour. This was re-created using historical record at the same location.
Little heron was hunting for food before the tide come in at the rocky shore.
Looking at this seaweed remind me is time to plan for my next dive trip perhaps.
Even today, the maritime trade along Straits of Singapore still need to pass through Long Ya Men.
Pulau Bukum where Singapore refineries located is just a stone threw away too.
Wooden boardwalk to minimise the impact of visitors at the mangrove area.
In another month's time, this pond heron will change to breeding plumage before returning to their place of origin.
Originally import as pet bird, Tanimbar corella is now can be found island wide.
Dollar bird at the vantage point waiting for his meal.
White throated kingfisher with a centipede.
Pin-striped tit-babbler right above my head.
An Olive-backed sunbird is seen collecting nesting material from this palm tree.
Common myna usually can be found near coastal area and now have been taken over by Javan myna.
Plantain Squirrel came to say hello or may be to ask for food?
Another exotic bird originally brought in as pet and have no fear of human traffic. Perhaps someone is feeding it regularly here at the car park.

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Annoying Crows

Crows make noise that, unlike most bird song, can be extremely irritating. They are also known to harass other birds. From large raptor to smaller birds. 
Whimbrels are no exception became the target of crows harassment. 
Despite no direct competition of food between Whimbrels and crows, they get targeted too.
The crow really chase the whimbrel in full speed.
Not sure if the missing tail feather is the result of last harassment.



At one point, the whimbrel almost fell to the ground.
The victorious flight?