Birds that I see in Singapore

Munias in the garden

2011-10-17T22:28:00.002+08:00

There was a flock of four or five birds in my neighbour's garden on Sunday. I have never seen this particular specie of birds before and luckily I happened to have a camera close at hand. With the 30x zoom lens of my Sony HX100V, I managed to capture these individual shots. They were such restless birds, one second pecking at the grass and the next flying away to perch on a plant. Back and forth, back and forth, these birds are boundless bundles of energy.

Black-crowned night heron

2011-07-28T21:31:00.002+08:00

The rain came pitter-pattering down and we had to seek shelter before we got drenched. Then I spotted this lone black-crowned night heron by by the edge of the pond in West Coast Park.

For the entire duration of the heavy downpour this bird stood in the open receiving showers of blessing from the heavens. I watched it wondering if it would catch a cold, wondering if like humans, it would run a fever afterwards and whether it needed an umbrella. As I watched its every move I realised that this bird knew how to take care of itself and that was its life. When the rain ceased, it spread its wings, shook away the water as if emerging from a bath and flew away.

Unknown singer

2011-06-21T17:45:00.000+08:00

This is a small bird with a super loud and shrill voice. I saw it perched high above me against a beautiful blue sky at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Pink-neck Pigeon

2011-05-07T19:04:00.000+08:00

The tree was blessed with abundant fruits and so were the pink-neck pigeons and other birds that had more than enough to eat.

Jurong Bird Park

2011-04-17T16:22:00.000+08:00

Birds in the Jurong Bird Park taken with the Canon 400D with a 200mm zoom.

Thirty-second encounter with the Spotted Dove

2011-03-08T17:44:00.000+08:00

I was waiting with a camera at hand and this Spotted Dove came. It stayed no longer than 30 seconds and I had to work very fast with the camera. Perhaps it was afraid that I steal its beautiful diamond necklace.

Birds in the Hortpark and vicinity

2011-03-08T17:40:00.000+08:00

The yellow-vented bulbul was perched high up on the twig of a bare tree. It might not have seen me and if it did, it would not have cared for I was too far away to be of any threat. I tried my luck with my zoom lens and got the protraits of this lovely bird.

Then a bird came swooping into my view. A pity I could not get better shots than these. Looks like an eagle.

A pair of drongos did not want to be outdone. They usually do not expose their presence choosing to hide amongst thick foliage. This must have been an exceptional occasion.

A Zebra dove that did not want to be photographed.

Well, there are others too preoccupied with looking for breakfast to care.

My prize find but unfortunately I just could not succeed in capturing this bird clearly. I think it is a red-winged woodpecker for it flew off in a flurry before I could even say hello.

Bee eaters and others

2011-02-25T12:15:00.001+08:00

I had not intended to take photos of anything. I was just lazing on a beanbag and then I happened to look out of my window across to the TV antennae of my neighbour's house and saw a bird perching on it. I left the room to get my camera half expecting it to be gone by the time I returned. It was a joyous surprise when I saw it still there and with my Canon Powershot at maximum zoom power I took as many shots as I could before it decided to take off. This looks like a bee-eater but I am not sure of its name. Anyway it was a beautiful creature and I was glad to have seen it.

When the bee-eater flew off another bird came by to perch. These were not very good shots. Still I got to see the colours of its feathers .

Next, this spotted dove stopped by for a while and this time I got a clearer picture because I decided to use the Canon DSLR with the zoom lens.

Lastly a black bird came by and by then I was getting a little tired.

White-throated Kingfisher

2011-01-23T19:59:00.001+08:00

In Bukit Batok Nature Park this morning, I heard several different types of bird calls and bird songs. Alas I did not get to see them for there was abundance of foliage for them to hide amongst. However, I managed to spot two of these White-throated kingfishers fighting for territorial rights to perch on this branch of a fallen tree in the middle of the pond. The loser had to exile to a tree beyond the reach of my camera lens. I think someday, I would like to invest in a good lens for my DSLR so that what I record of the birds I see would be a whole lot clearer than what I have here with my Canon Powershot.

Not long ago at the Hortpark, I caught sight of this White-throated Kingfisher perched on a fence. It made a swoop for something on the ground and then flew a short distance away.

After a while I realised that it had caught a skink. So our kingfishers have quite a varied diet.

Birds that flew into my life and stayed a few seconds

2011-01-10T14:40:00.000+08:00

I have not been posting on this blog for quite a few months and now is the time to catch up.

At the foot of the Alexandria Arch.

Sungei Buloh.

Sengkang River Park.

Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Birds spotted along the beach at Changi

2010-08-29T18:22:00.001+08:00

Changi Village is a place I would like to retire in. In a far corner of Singapore it is still very "kampong" in appeal and it's nearness to Pulau Ubin which is just a two-dollar boat ride away is the added attractiveness for me. While spending a few hours there walking along the coastal boardwalk I came across these birds. Their presence indicate that despite Changi Village's proximity to the Changi International Airport, migratory birds or perhaps birds that have decided to take on the status of permanent residents here can still be seen going about their daily lives.

Unknown Bird

2010-08-26T15:25:00.000+08:00

I saw a bird with a long tail dive into the thick crown of a tree and while it was out of my sight it was making a lot of noise under the canopy of leaves. Yes, I was at the level of the trees but these birds were too far away for me to get a good, clear shot with my point-and-shoot despite the 14X zoom. It was around seven-thirty in the morning and the light of day was weak at that time. I waited for the birds to surface from the foliage and when they did I just could not get enough of them. I could not identify them as I could not find photos of them in the books that I have on birds. All I can say is that I am so lucky to have seen them this morning.

Silver-tipped Imperial Pigeon (ducula luctuosa)

2010-08-24T10:28:00.001+08:00

I think this is the Silver-tipped Imperial Pigeon (ducula luctuosa) from Sulawesi after looking at photos of pigeons and parrots in my book "A Passion for birds" by Ong Kiem Sian. I have never seen these birds before and this was my first time at West Coast Park. There were several of them, around seven or eight and some of them were pecking at the fruits of the oil Palm tree.

A green-coloured parakeet sailed into the leaves but never stayed stationery long enough for me to get a clear shot with my camera.

Pigeons

2010-08-16T17:08:00.004+08:00

I was so excited when I spotted this fluffy bird high on the branch of a bare tree during my walk from the Hortpark to Telok Blangah Hill. If I had a better set of camera lens, these photos would have been sharper and clearer. Anyhow, what matters is that I was there for a few minutes watching this pigeon and another one that joined it just as I was about to continue on my walk.

Birds in the Singapore Botanic Gardens

2010-08-13T16:00:00.003+08:00

One of two magpies at the Evolution Garden that did not stay long enough for a better shot.

Pigeons preening on the branches of a tree at the Eco Garden.

A black swan waddling across my path to get back into the water.

Bubul

2010-07-26T08:41:00.003+08:00

The rain has stopped and this bulbul came by looking for the bougainvillea branches that it must have been familiar with. It seemed puzzled as to where the tree had gone for it stayed on the fence and rubbed its beak against the metallic protrusions as if polishing its beak on a branch. Then it moved to the remaining tree in my backyard, stayed a while and then flew off.

Birds in West Coast Park

2010-07-25T16:51:00.004+08:00

Taking photos of birds require patience, perseverence and a very fast camera. I used my Powershot SX210 IS, set it to auto mode and just pointed where ever the bird stood still for mere seconds.

This bird is different from the one in the previous pictures. It has a white ring around the eyes.

Bubuls in fleeting moments

2010-07-22T11:58:00.004+08:00

A pudgy baby bulbul and his doting mum.

Hurry up mum I am hungry.

Baby bulbuls are big and fluffy - so cute!

Spotted Dove in my Garden

2010-07-14T21:21:00.006+08:00

I was minding my own business when suddenly a flutter of wings caught my attention. I looked up from my netbook and there it was this handsome spotted dove.

I used the word "handsome" because I have no idea about its gender. There was something about the way it strutted around my backyard that made me perceive it as being of the male specie.

It was not looking for anything in particular and it appeared to be rather aimless as it walked in measured steps to the right and then to the left, to and fro as if in a parade.

I picked up my camera and stretched the zoom to the maximum and using the auto setting as these birds do not hang around long enough for anyone to start fiddling with the manual features of the camera. Experience told me so and I was right.

Just look at that elegant long tail and the beak in perfect alignment with the eye.

It then turned around to show of the wing feathers. They were simply gorgeous.
See perfection in every curve and angle.
It was walking out of my range. I sat as still as I could and the good thing is, I think this bird's eyesight is about the only non-perfect feature of its whole being.
It decided to hop onto the low wall of my flowerbed. I am not sure if the reddish tint of its feathers was natural or if it was the result of the camera's auto settings.
Just look at those feathers. One would think that this bird was given clothing by an Emperor or Empress.
Contemplating to jump or to fly.
On second thoughts, I'll hang around a little bit more.
Hey pretty lady (spots another of its kind flying by) do you need some lunch?

Hmm, I think I should pursue her.
At this point, this handsome dove turned and faced me and bobbed its head a few times before flying off. I actually recorded a video of it doing this but sad to say, I accidentally deleted it!

Asian Koel

2010-07-13T22:54:00.003+08:00

The male specie of the Asian Koel calling out to its mate. I was walking past on the way to my car when I saw this big black bird high up on the branches of a tree. It could not escape my Canon Powershot SX 210 IS with the 14x zoom lens.

Birds that I saw this week

2010-07-08T22:14:00.002+08:00

There was no time to adjust the camera settings nor could I move closer to the bird or change my position to get a better shot. So the best I could get was a silhoutte of a green-coloured parakeet perched high on a twig above me at the Hortpark.

At the Singapore Botanical Garden I had the luxury of sitting on a bench amidst the lush greenery of my surroundings. A Spotted Dove came by and did nothing but pecked at the ground incessantly making it difficult for me to focus and especially so when I was trying out the manual adjustments of my Canon SX210IS Then something made me look up and then I spotted this jewel amongst the mesh of branches of this tree. It was a colourful and wary Stork-billed Kingfisher and seconds after I pointed my camera at it, this suspicious bird took flight.

2010-07-06T16:03:00.002+08:00

This is a female Asian Koel, the male being black in colour. For once the female of a specie of birds has more attractive feathers than the male. This bird was spotted at the entrance to the Henderson Waves. It was playing hide-and-seek with me. In the end, I won.

Bubul

2010-07-06T15:55:00.002+08:00

These birds are everywhere in the parks and in private housing estates. Today I was in the car and was about to drive off when I noticed this lone bulbul fluttering amongst the pomegranate and curry leaf plants in front of a neighbour's house. I was hesitant initially about taking a photo of this bird. I knew that with my zoom lens, there would be no problem capturing this bird digitally. However, I was wary that someone could be inside the house and looking out at a camera pointed directly at it and mistook me for some sort of a private investigator. In the end I whipped out my camera and did what I wanted to do and scooted with these photos.

Yummy dessert.

There, there, so safe here.

Birds have expressions like humans.

Unknown bird at Woodlands Park

2010-07-06T15:38:00.002+08:00

At the edge of the mangrove swamp in Woodlands park I spied this tall, elegant bird. Even my 14x zoom was unable to get a clear close-up of this creature perched on a branch waiting for a catch. So I had to resort to editing the photos taken and fiddling with the contrast. I think it is a specie of stork but I cannot be sure. Nevertheless it was thrilling just to see this big bird oblivious to the crowds of visitors to the park.

Drongo

2010-05-31T18:15:00.002+08:00

I have always seen them in pairs, high above ground and never staying more than 30 seconds on a branch. They are easily startled and at the slightest sound or movement they take off. Whenever I saw them in the past, I was either ill-equipped to get even a decent photo of them. These photos are my best attempt with my new camera, the Canon Powershot SX210 IS with an amazing 14x zoom despite its compact size.

Birds seen at Kentridge Park

2010-05-15T18:32:00.003+08:00

This bird always amuses me because it looks so much like a feathered-version of Zorro. Usually they are seen at ground level but this time they were flying amongst the trees high above occasionally coming down to perch on the railing near me.

At the back entrance to the Hortpark from Kentridge, my friend noticed a large bird on this pine tree. When I got a little too close, it flew away. It has brown feathers and strong legs.

This bird here is a large crow, the size of a chicken.

Scarlet-backed flowerpecker

2010-04-30T17:08:00.004+08:00

I saw two small birds that appeared to be fighting in mid-air until one flew away and the other one, with feathers ruffled, decided to rest on a branch high up on a tree. I would not have been able to see this pretty little bird for the first time if I was not on the tree-top walk between the Hortpark and Telok Blangah Hill. Even with my 250 mm zoom lens I could not get a good close-up of this bird. It was only on my computer with some cropping of the original photos that fortunately had enough megapixels to spare, that I could see what this bird looks like in reality. I checked through the two books that I have on Birds in Singapore and found that it resembles the Scarlet-backed flowerpecker. The pictures in the book and those on the internet show that there is a red streak down the back of the male bird, which I could not see because it was facing me all the time. The red patch on the top of its head indicate that this bird is the Scarlet-backed flowerpecker. My friend and I were indeed very blessed to have encountered this little creature because according to the book, this bird is not easy to photograph because they are always on the move and are always found high up on trees. So we were truly lucky and it made my day, certainly.

Olive-backed Sunbird

2010-04-26T20:58:00.005+08:00

Sunbirds do not stop by my bougainvillea tree very often. In fact it is very seldom that I see them and when I do, I only see them zipping through the branches at lightning speed. This time I heard this sunbird before I saw it, perched high above my overgrown bouganvillea. Perhaps that was why, at such a height it did not detect my presence and thinking that it was safe at such a lofty place, it surveyed its surroundings but forgot to look down.

Woodpecker perhaps

2010-04-14T12:54:00.003+08:00

I have to relate this incident about a baby bird that was both amusing and sad. Amusing because this little bird was pecking continually on the metallic casing of this lamp. I think only a woodpecker would do something like this but on a real tree. Sad because it made me wonder why its mum did not teach it to differentiate between a real tree and one that will cause it to hurt itself such as a lamp-post.

Chinese Pond Heron

2010-04-12T10:20:00.004+08:00

This bird was standing very still by the edge of the water. I knew that if I went any nearer it would fly away. So with the inadequate 4X zoom of my Canon Ixus I tried my luck. As you can see I was lucky to the extent that I managed to record the encounter. However, the quality of the photos is poor. Nevertheless I was very lucky to have seen this bird as it has very interesting colours. If I am correct in identifying this bird as the Chinese Pond Heron, Ardeola bacchus, then I would add that its current plumage is for the mating season. At other times this bird is greyish in colour. Wow, what a discovery.

Black-naped oriole

2010-03-03T18:00:00.002+08:00

This black-naped oriole sat confidently atop the bare branches of a tree knowing that it is out of harm's reach. Armed with an unsophisticated camera, the best I could do was to record the moments I gave my attention to this attractive bird.

Sunbird

2010-01-31T15:59:00.004+08:00

I was not prepared when this small sunbird came to feed on the nectar of this flower that I was photographing.

A number of the shots had blurry images of this restless creature. My focusing was single point and I did not have time to bother about what aperture I had set.

Photographing birds is not a touch-and-go affair. One needs to lie in wait and train one's camera and lens at the position that a bird is likely to appear. One has to have the patience and stake out these creatures to get satisfactory shots.

I am not happy with these shots because the sharpness was less than desirable. Nevertheless these were good records of a chance encounter with this particular sunbird.

Crimson Sunbird

2010-01-27T17:21:00.004+08:00

This highly active bird was chirping noisily amongst the Heliconia plants. The sun was in my eyes and that made photographing the subject difficult. There was not much time for fine adjustments especially so because I was using the Canon IXUS. The pictures were predictably not sharp. It was the encounter that mattered.

Kingfisher

2010-01-20T18:11:00.006+08:00

When was the last time I saw kingfishers? A long time ago so much so that I have forgotten about the excitement of seeing flashes of electric blue streaking at low levels from tree to tree cleverly keeping a distance from me. This time my friend pointed them out to me and I was lucky to have my 250 zoom lens with me. The birds (a pair) were there and the camera was in my hands. Alas, I had no time to to do the camera settings being afraid that these suspicious birds would not stay long enough for me to twiddle with the dials. I did not get great shots of this pair of kingfishers. I should learn to be more patient and have more faith that these birds are not really in much of a hurry to leave. Hmm, maybe I should get a 300mm zoom.

"Jack Sprat could eat no fat
His wife could eat no lean
Between the two of them
they left the platter clean"
A nursery rhyme that stuck in my head and was recalled when I noticed that this pair of kingfishers match the description in the rhyme.

A bird circled the sky above. It must have been busy looking for building materials for its new nest.

Unknown bird in Hortpark

2010-01-18T16:14:00.002+08:00

This pudgy little bird was sitting quietly on the thin branch of a tree, not moving, just keeping still. When I saw it I stopped in my tracks and also kept very still photographing it from a distance and then moving closer a step at a time. Not good enough to get good photographs but near enough to record my encounter with this very cute little bird.

Unknown bird

2010-01-13T21:43:00.002+08:00

A sudden movement amongst the leaves caught my eye while walking down the Mt Faber Road. Three of these birds flew in and out of the foliage silently. They were big and they had interesting markings on their feathers. They never made a sound and caught off guard, I did not have time to perfect my camera settings. The images are not as sharp as they should be. They are just records of my first encounter with such beautiful creatures.

Punk birds

2010-01-13T13:41:00.002+08:00

Punk birds - that's what my daughter called these birds. They are White-crested laughing thrush and they are noisy and like to move around in groups hopping on the ground and on low branches looking for unfortunate worms. I think it is an apt description. To me they also look like bandits or on the heroic side, little zorros. They are bold and not afraid of people so I was able to get these shots of them at close range. Having a zoom lens also helps.

Bulbul stopping by

2009-12-27T23:12:00.003+08:00

My friend the Bulbul stops by my backyard flying from the Buah Cherry tree next door and another tree a few doors away. If suspicion had a form it would have been that of a bird and a Bulbul I am sure. It could not see me clearly everytime it visits for I am probably outside its range of vision or if I am within it, then I credit myself for being able to keep so still that it could not detect me at all.

"Here's looking at you babe."

Aerial display

2009-12-13T18:16:00.003+08:00

This bird soared high above the Palm Valley of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. I pointed my camera and tried my luck. Fluke shots.

Sparrows

2009-12-09T17:56:00.006+08:00

Sparrows are seen often these days. I remember them from my childhood when I used to watch them hopping about in the sun in my backyard pecking on bits of edible stuff on the ground. For a number of years, I don't remember seeing them around. Nowadays I see them in my garden. What happened to the mynahs that used to be so numerous? I don't miss them for they were noisy birds and quarrelsome ones too. These sparrows were nesting in a bamboo thicket by the pond in the Singapore Botanic Gardens and flying in and out as if playing hide-and-seek. They were also looking out for bits of bread on ground that were used to feed the fish.

Spotted Dove

2009-10-30T14:27:00.005+08:00

I spotted this Dove from afar and even with the stretching of my Olympus 84.2mm zoom lens to the maximum, I only managed to bring it this much closer. Not good enough and really I should have used my Canon 400D with the more powerful zoom. If only! Since I happened to have in my hand the Olympus with its frustrating slow response to anything, I had to make the best use of it because birds are such restless creatures - even this spotted dove that was walking along the edge of a retaining wall. It was pecking at bits of the plants apparently having its breakfast. Conscious of its highly exposed position, it constantly looked up and down and around before taking a cautious peck at the plants.

Frustrating moment - The spotted dove flew off before the shutter of my camera was activated.

Bubul surveying site for nest

2009-10-19T10:02:00.002+08:00

After I pruned my Bougainvillea plant some weeks ago, the bubuls have avoided coming to my backyard. Now the new shoots have sufficient leaves to hide their visits. This serious-looking bubul saw a potential site for its nest in the bundle of shoots that I had tied up and secured to the fence. How did I know?

It dived into the 'bundle' and moved around inside as if testing the strength of the branches. Welcome back Little Bubul and I hope you will build your nest here.

Hill Mynahs

2009-10-17T14:37:00.004+08:00

These birds (5 in the first video and 4 in the second) were perched high up the branches of a tree next to the tree-top boardwalk at Kentridge park. They were making very clear high-pitch calls in the first video taken at the start of my walk to the Hortpark. The calls sounded like a choir warming up for a practice. In the second video, taken one and half hours later, there were 4 birds left but they must have had a very good practice session for they were singing a melodious tune in combination.

Sunbird encounter

2009-10-07T16:23:00.003+08:00

You cannot get within 20 metres of these birds, so I have learned. Unfortunately I did not have a better camera with a good zoom lens. Still, I think these pictures are worth posting for they are snippets of the life of this very fast-moving and busy bird and it is not easy to capture them taking a refreshing sip of nectar from the flowers.

Mynah

2009-08-25T00:15:00.005+08:00

I apologise for the poor quality of these photos. These shots were made using the digital zoom feature of my IXUS 870IS which explains the lack of clarity and definition in the subject. However, I am posting these photos because they are the only record of a phenomenon that I have not witnessed before. Most times Mynahs such as this one here are part of groups of three or four birds. They have become very common in our parks and gardens and have also become so urbanised that they even have the boldness to take their lunch at our hawker centres pecking at the leftovers on the plates. They are gregarious and I have witnessed a number of fights amongst themselves. Once I saw a group of three or four birds attacking a smaller mynah viciously.

This time I saw this solitary bird very much alone. I would not have noticed it had it not been for its noisiness and when I took time to give it my full attention I noticed that it was preening and puffing up its feathers and I guessed it must be trying to attract the attention of an interested female. Unfortunately for it, the only female was me and I was available. Sadly it did not give me even a second look. After about ten minutes of hopping from leaf to leaf and showing off its body shape, it gave up and flew away.

Bubuls are back again

2009-08-08T19:29:00.004+08:00

They came, this couple of young pudgy bubuls. They perched on the topmost branch of my bougainvillea plant as if surveying a new site to build a nest. They look very young and innocent. The mature bubuls fly off at the slightest movement I make even though I am inside the house. This bulbul did not appear to be suspicious of human beings. So I was able to take a number of shots with the zoom lens till it flew away.

Pigeons

2009-07-30T21:38:00.002+08:00

Abundant food, eat all you can. How nice if life is so simple and all you need can be had from a tree.

Not a bird but a tortoise

2009-07-17T00:07:00.006+08:00

Huh?

You bet you are!

What can you do to me, I have the best protection nature can give.

What difficulty?

You sure are a busybody!

Eh, thanks!

Yeah they are poisonous.

You have nothing better to do is it?

Sigh!

The grass is greener there!

Good bye then! Still...

You are welcome.

Same here too!

Bulbuls - the last set of pictures

2009-06-30T17:34:00.008+08:00

These pictures were taken of a pair of devoted parents taking turns to feed their young. I used my Olympus SP-55OUZ so that I could photograph these birds using the 8 X Optical zoom that allows me to keep out of sight and yet be able to capture close-up views of these ultra-sensitive creatures. Little did I know then that this was the last time that I would see these birds.

Here one moment and off the next.

Looking out for danger or threats to the nest while its partner does the feeding.

The dad and mum take turns to catch insects and be the look-0ut.

Three hundred-and-sixty degree surveillance before flying to the nest.

Here you are my lovelies!

Gone again and now it's Dad's turn to feed.

Coast is clear!

Okay safe to go the young ones now.

Pity I never got to see the baby bulbuls because...

today, when I went out to take a look at the nest in the clump of Torch Ginger plants next-door, I received a shock:

Moral of the story: Don't take things for granted. Peace and happiness are fleeting like these bulbuls. Treasure the moments of joy because they do not last. I will miss these birds and I feel really sorry that the young birds did not get a chance to grow. With the nest gone, they would not be able to survive for even if they are not harmed, the parents would abandon them because the nest has been disturbed.

Bubul nest

2009-06-22T18:39:00.008+08:00

Over two days I was hoping to get a good picture of this couple of bulbuls flying to and fro the nest they have made on the towering Torch Ginger plant in my neighbour's back garden next door. On the first day, they appeared to be taking turns to bring food back to feed the young which I never got to see.

On the second day, I managed to photograph one of them perched on the fence in the house behind me while its mate was busy delivering dinner to the kids.

I was really, really patient...

...and finally managed to get one of the parents sitting in the nest.

Not a bird, not a plane, it's an IGUANA!!!

2009-06-19T21:54:00.006+08:00

Today, I visited my mother and she greeted me at the door telling me about a monstrous creature that I thought had got into her house. I was curious about this creature and much to my relief it had not entered the house but was taking a stroll along the drain at the back of the house.

Seeing an iguana in the flesh is nothing like seeing one on Animal Planet. Even though this particular iguana did not seem very threatening, it was nevertheless quite 'monstrous looking'.

I took these photos behind a grill door and used the optical zoom when I deemed it safe to venture outside. Yes, I am quite chicken-hearted when it comes to animals especially exotic ones like this creature here. The iguana was totally engrossed in sensing its new surroundings. It tried to climb a wall.The wall was too steep and not getting a foothold, it decided to do a few poses for my camera. And then feeling bored, it carried on walking away from my camera.

Unknown bird

2009-05-14T22:59:00.003+08:00

I heard the trilling sounds of a bird up on a tree and what I saw was a pair of elegant birds flitting amongst the branches. I recall having seen these birds in captivity before. Fascinated I tried to get a good focus but to no avail because my camera's greatest limitation is its zoom capability.

The Bulbuls are here again

2009-03-12T13:17:00.002+08:00

After months of absence I saw this slim bulbul on the new shoots of my bougainvillea plant. It was not easy to take these two photos of this bird because it stopped by for fleeting seconds before flying off elsewhere.

Spotted Dove in the Singapore Botanic Gardens

2009-03-10T15:31:00.004+08:00

It was a hot Saturday afternoon. There was just me and this spotted dove seeking shelter away from the scorching sun. It was alone feeding on the fruits of the plant and when it was done it walked around the area looking pretty contented with its life.

Peacock

2009-02-11T23:26:00.002+08:00

Peacocks are found in Singapore. I have seen them in the zoo, in the Bird Park and in Sentosa. These peacocks were in Australia and they were great photographic subjects if you are interested because they roamed freely in the garden displaying their feathers as if they had been trained to do so to entertain visitors.

Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)

2009-01-31T23:45:00.005+08:00

This male bird is in mating attire. From what I have read, its feathers are brown when it is not looking for a mate. We were inside the apartment in Australia when this bird came knocking on the window pane with its beak and it did so for two days in a row at around the same time in the morning as if it wanted to be let in. I could not get a better shot of this attractive bird because it was hopping around in an agitated manner and when we went outside it flew away.

Crimson Sunbird

2008-08-19T09:40:00.004+08:00

These two are my prized shots because I have never managed to photograph these birds well enough for them to be recognizable as they are such restless creatures and my cameras are those not in the league of professional photographers. Despite this technical shortcoming, I managed to keep cool and still, while waiting for my camera to get its autofocus right. I was all the time praying for this bird to stay for just a few more seconds and miraculously it did. So, never before seen on this blog, may I introduce the crimson sunbird, and a very well-fed one at that.

Photos taken at the Yuen Ping McNiece Bromeliad Garden in the grounds of the Singapore Orchid Garden.

Bubul's visit

2008-08-12T10:48:00.003+08:00

Haven't seen you for long time. You have put on a lot of weight and it looks like you have no time to preen your feathers. What's up my little bubul?

Kingfisher and caged birds

2008-06-29T17:24:00.003+08:00

Brother I am free.
The sky is my roof.
The air warms my feathers.I am free. Here are my pampered brothers in a blue cage
surrounded by curious humans.
Ironically blue is not their sky but their prison.

Female Asian Koel

2008-04-25T11:43:00.003+08:00

It was not my intention to photograph birds. It usually works like this - expect and you will be disappointed if things do not go the way you wish. Have no expectations and a surprise could await you. It happened to me when I was unprepared, caught with only a pocket digital camera that had only a 4x zoom facility - my trusty Canon IXUS 800IS. Still it was better than having no camera at all.

I could tell from the silhoutte of the creature that it was something that I had never seen before. I moved in cautiously and using the flash managed to get these photos that could help in the identification of this bird.

It was beautiful with such fine feathers and a lovely tail!

Collared Kingfisher

2008-04-20T21:55:00.004+08:00

I heard the cackling call of this bird before I saw it. It was the closest I ever got to seeing this bird as it chose to land on the branch of a plumeria tree that was about ten meters from me. It looked expectant, waiting as if training its eyes on a prospective prey. I fumbled with the manual settings of the Canon SLR and made a quick decision to switch to full-auto mode.

"Ah huh, looks like my lunch over there."

"The grub is fatter on the other side."

"Too late, someone's got there first."
"Should have been mine."
"Mine, I saw it first!"Whatever its thoughts, I am glad this kingfisher stayed long enough for me to the this shot.

Sunbird

2008-04-17T11:42:00.002+08:00

These birds are small and swift and are too fast for me and my compact cameras. Usually when I hear them I just let them be. Sometimes I take it as a challenge to catch them still for just a second or so.

Bulbul rendezvou

2008-04-03T12:03:00.004+08:00

This bulbul came one day chirping noisily and flying restlessly here and there, landing sporadically on branches and fence as if looking for something. Observing its behaviour from a distance I realised that it was probably looking for its mate because eventually the other bulbul answered its call. With just a digital camera and mindful that I should not be seen, I was not able to record both birds amongst the foliage of my bougainvillea plant. Still I managed one decent one when the bulbul was perched high above on a neighbour's fence.

Breakfast meal

2008-03-25T00:21:00.004+08:00

This is the first time I have taken a photo of a bird with something in its beak. It looks alike a worm and as usual, I was to slow or rather the camera was too slow for me to take another shot and a sharper one at that. Still this is a milestone for me in photographing birds.

This bulbul, possibly the same one landed on the branch with something in its beak. The photo was taken after the bird had swallowed its prey. Too slow again.

Bulbul on Good Friday 2008

2008-03-22T18:58:00.005+08:00

Wouldn't it be nice to hold this cute pudgy bird in your hand? I would love to but the bulbul won't be pleased about that. In fact it spends every moment in my garden with extreme cautiousness, always looking straight into my house suspecting that I am there half the time. I have learned to keep very still whenever it and its partner comes to play amongst the thorny branches of my bougainvillea plant.
This particular bulbul was on this branch for less than 10 seconds and in that time it was bobbing its tail up and down continuously. I had to take several shots just to catch it still for a second with its tail down.
I got the picture I wanted at last.
Here's the other bulbul showing off its beautiful feathers and the reason why it is called a yellow-vented bulbul.

Birds that flew into my view

2008-03-19T08:55:00.006+08:00

I have never seen Collared Kingfishers as fat as these. I just love the blue of their feathers.
Caught with the limited zoom facility of my Canon IXUS. Better this than not at all. A profile to confirm that it's not just fluffed-up feathers.

From afar I had not thought that this was a Spotted Dove. Those I've seen in my garden are smaller in size and much slimmer. This one has a lump on its chest. Front and back view, that was all I managed to capture before it flew off as I advanced to take a closer look.

A flash of colour streaked across my path and materialised as this White-throated Kingfisher.

Those birds above were spotted along East Coast Park. This one was spotted in West Coast Park.
So much for the week on birds. The nest in my bougainvillea shrub has been rather quiet. I hope the bulbuls have not abandoned it.

Bulbul sitting in a nest

2008-03-05T17:26:00.006+08:00

This is the bird with the perpetually 'pissed' look sitting in the nest it built with its partner amidst the thick foliage of my bougainvilla plant.

I have no idea if it is the male or the female half of the couple that I have been observing in the past few months. I am not even sure if these bubuls are the same ones I have been photographing stealthily each time they came to perch on my bougainvillea plant. Neverthelss, I am glad they have chosen my backyard to start a family which explains why I only have a drawing instead of a photo to show off the new tenants in my garden.

Previous attempts to take pictures of the bird in the nest failed because the zoom lens could not focus on the bird as there were too many leaves and branches around it. Rather than risk scaring the birds away and causing them to abandon the eggs, I thought it would be better to keep away at a distance where I would not be seen as posing a danger to these birds. Holding a sketch pad is less threatening than pointing a camera at close range at these sensitive creatures. It's rather peaceful now. What could the bulbul be thinking while it sits almost motionless for such long durations? Amazing nature.

Macaws

2008-03-01T19:34:00.003+08:00

These macaws were photographed at the Jurong Bird Park in December last year. I made a print of the digital image intending to paint these magnificent birds someday. Today, I thought I would just do an ink drawing to understand the form, texture and colour tones before I commit to painting with either oil or acrylic. The drawing enabled me to discover the intricacies of the layers of feathers and that there are really more colours than what the eye sees at a glance. These birds are really examples of the endless wonders that nature possesses.

Cattle Egret

2008-02-13T18:03:00.002+08:00

This sleek cattle egret was looking out of place at a busy traffic light junction. Fortunately for me the lights turned red and my car pulled up slightly ahead of this lonesome creature on the eve of Valentine's day. I reached out for my trusty Canon IXUS, wound down the car window and took aim. I don't really care what other drivers might have been thinking. I just wanted some pictures and I got them - here they are!

Time to leave as the lights have changed. One last shot of a forlorn creature. I hope it gets back to where the grass is greener.

Kingfisher

2008-01-23T12:36:00.000+08:00

Can you spot the kingfisher in this picture? You cannot miss the brilliant blue of its feathers even though it looks no bigger than the clusters of frangipani flowers on the tree. I was caught off guard when this stunningly attractive bird flew across my view and perched itself on the branch of this tree. I did not even have time to focus and just pointed my camera at it and snapped. A split second later, it was gone.

Yellow-vented bubul

2008-01-11T15:23:00.001+08:00

This bubul and its companion come often to rest on the branches of my Bougainvillea plant. For some reason they usually come after the rains have stopped. By now, this bulbul must be quite familiar with me knowing that all I want to do is to point a camera at it with no intention of harming it. This time, I used my Olympus camera with the 18x zoom capability, creeping nearer and nearer to take closer shots. At one point, this bubul looked me straight in the face for a few seconds without flinching even though I was moving slowly towards it. I could almost detect a look of trust on its face but alas when I got within 2 metres, it bolted. Still, it gave me some of the best shots in all the time that I spent photographing it.

Yellow-vented Bulbuls

2007-11-27T17:39:00.001+08:00

I was playing with my Olympus C-750 10x zoom taking aim at the hibiscus from where I was sitting inside the house.

Then this young bulbul with the proud face flew into my view and rested on the hibiscus branch. It stayed for less than a few seconds before joining its companion on a branch higher up on my bougainvillea shrub.
Because of all the flying around that these two birds were doing I lost track of their identity. Actually I don't really know except that one was smaller than the other.
This one looks annoyed.
Extremely annoyed by something.
Now a little suspicious.
Hmmm, looks like there are no predators, so we can start our preening routine.
I'll keep watch here, you go ahead.
Sure, it is safe?
Yup, no worries, go ahead and preen.
Hmm, something seems to be moving inside the house.
Preen, preen, preen...
Okay, I'm done, now it is your turn.
Hey, wait a minute, there is a nosy human in there pointing a camera at us.
Let me look at her with my right eye.

Just to confirm, now with my left eye.
Now let me process what I saw.
Yup, it's her again, always spying on us.
Hi Mable, you sure are nosy. Okay we got to go. See you.

Sun conure

2007-11-11T18:01:00.001+08:00

It is not hard to see why this parrot is called a sun conure. Firstly, the colours are of such a bright and cheerful combination that even on a gloomy day, this bird has the amazing ability to light up your life, if only for the brief moment you spend looking at it. Secondly, it is filled with curiosity and interest in whoever approaches the cage. It boldly sashays across the wire mesh of the cage as if it wants to communicate with you. Its big round eyes never leave yours making it all the more endearing. Last but not least, it knows how to please you. It picks up as melon seed with its beak, looks at you as if it wants to offer you a present in friendship.If I ever need a pet in my life, it will definitely be this bird.

Blue and Gold Macaw

2007-11-05T15:20:00.000+08:00

Found out that the name of this macaw (name for colourful parrots found in South and Central America) is just plain and straightforward 'Blue and Gold Macaw'. This one here unfortunately was not at liberty to fly around and it is in a setting that it should not be at. Birds are meant to be free and to enjoy their lives in their natural habitat.

Apart from preening its feathers being chained all the time to a bicycle, this Macaw has no choice but to carry on its existence far away from its home.

What joy it must be to glide through the deep jungles of the Amazon - it can only be a dream now. And this beautiful bird is not alone in its plight.

Waterhen

2007-09-24T18:06:00.000+08:00

Waterhens are easily spotted by the water's edge in our parks and nature reserves. Usually, they are very quick to get away from people who go near them. This waterhen however, was not too concerned about my presence even though I went rather close to it to take these photos. It probably knew that it was a protected specie and in broad daylight I was not seen as danger. It could also be that I learned how to move slowly and cautiously so as not to alarm these birds unnecessarily.

Migratory birds on Pulau Ubin

2007-09-16T23:06:00.001+08:00

Migratory birds - they are here again!

2007-09-14T08:23:00.001+08:00

Where in Singapore is this place? It reminds me very much of Jiuzhaigou and I could not believe my eyes at first when this scene greeted me. The lush greenery, the perfect mirror reflections and the colours of the water.From a distance that was out of reach of even my Olympus 10x zoom camera, I could only gaze at the faraway image of this huge bird that was probably a stork. To the right of where the stork was, I suddenly realised that that a whole community of migratory birds of different species have built their summer homes on the bare, bleached skeletal branches of these trees.
If you were not looking out for them, you would most likely have missed seeing these birds.
Until one or two of them took glides across the water or flutter around their nests.
Wednesday was a respite from the rains of Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was a lovely day with muted sun rays and lovely breezes. A great day for a walk from Chek Jawa to the boundaries of the Outward Bound school on Pulau Ubin.

Return of the Bulbuls

2007-09-08T16:59:00.002+08:00

This bubul looks like one of the pair of babies that I had scared away with my persistent photographing of them some weeks back. Now I hide behind curtains and tiptoe to the window whenever I sense their presence. This was about the third time that I have seen them landing on my bougainvillea and doing elaborate preening routines amidst the shady branches of my bougainvillea.

With my Olympus C-750 10X zoomed to the maximum I managed to capture this one shot of this fastidious creature looking up for a brief moment before applying its beak to its feathers again.

Best shot taken while I was hidden from the view of this highly-suspicious bird.
Looks like this baby is growing into a good-looking adult bubul.

It started to sing and I quickly switched the dials to video mode. Unfortunately, I forgot to check if the sound recording was on. It was not. Anyway I was not successful in uploading this video. Will try again another time.

Ordinary pigeons

2007-08-29T07:36:00.001+08:00

Pigeons like these are commonly seen in open spaces where some people can be seen feeding them. In the Singaore Botanic Gardens one morning I saw these birds all puffed up into fluffly balls of feathers and stopped in my tracks to take these pictures. All we need to do in life is to do something out of the ordinary and we can become stars in our own right.

Lesser Whistling Ducks II

2007-08-25T09:49:00.000+08:00

Long Live Blogger! I can now upload videos directly to this blog all because of the thoughtful appearance of a video icon in the post box courtesy of the Blogger people. I should be most encouraged to go and get a proper video camera now instead of using my digital cameras to make recordings of nature. Here's the video clip I made of a family of Lesser Whistling ducks swimming merrily. One of the parents is keeping a watchful eye while the rest feed.

These ducks make the perfect poster for a happy family:Eat, my children while food is in abundanceAvid photographers aiming for the perfect shot of the Lesser Whistling Ducks in the pond.Parental instinct: Father Duck looks our for signs of danger.Okay kiddos, time to move on.Sayora!

Lesser Whistling Ducks

2007-08-21T23:38:00.000+08:00

I first laid eyes on these ducks in Marina City Park. Subsequently, I saw a number at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. That was many months ago.

The feathers are so glossy and well-preened.

The markings on the feathers are accentuated by the contrasting red feathers at the tail. This duck will make a good painting subject if only that is possible.
I was fortunate to have been able to take these shots.
Having the Olympus C750UZ with a 10x zoom makes photo-taking for an amateur like me fun and enjoyble.
Now what should we do about our future here?

Olive-backed Sunbird

2007-08-19T18:45:00.000+08:00

All it takes is one shot, one lucky shot. This picture was taken by my husband with an Olympus SP550UZ with an 18X zoom facility while I struggled with a Canon 40D with a standard lens with less than satisfactory results. The bird was never still for a moment flitting amongst the flowers of the jacaranda tree and we were both hoping for the best. Well, this is the one:

Asian Koel

2007-08-15T23:29:00.000+08:00

For years I have been hearing the calls of these birds without knowing how they looked. Information from various web resources tell me that these birds came from Thailand and have made Singapore their home.

The males are black and could be mistaken for crows. I read that these birds sometimes lay their eggs in the nests of crows with the latter hatching and raising the baby birds without a clue about their true identity till they are old enough to leave the coop.

These photos were taken of two male birds (apparently the females are brownish in colour with white specks on their feathers) hiding in the branches of a very tall Norfolk pine in the vicinity of Venus Drive.

Now see the video clip:

Little Heron

2007-08-03T09:38:00.000+08:00

This Little Heron was fishing on the edge of Upper Peirce Reservoir just below the embankment dividing the reservoir into upper and lower portions. I was close enough for it to sense danger. The bird chose to stay but kept me in sight while it looked for tiny fishes in the water.

It was determined to catch its breakfast.
On the wooden bridge at the Bukit Timah section of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, I spied this fairly large bird perched amongst the thick foliage.With my Olympus 18x zoom camera, I managed to capture the bird preening its feathers in the fading light of the day.
On another occasion, another Little Heron looking no different from the rest I have seen, waits for its prey in the shallow waters of a pond in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.Can't I have some peace and privacy while feeding?
On a bare tree on Sentosa Island, I spotted another Little Heron from afar. It was quite beyond the reach of my camera lenses.This is bird haven until the Integrated Resorts rise above nature and hopefully this tree and its residents or visitors will not disappear from the face of Sentosa. Now see how a Little Heron walks:

Bulbuls in my garden - the videos

2007-08-02T12:34:00.001+08:00

This is the first of 4 video clips of a couple of baby bulbuls in my garden. They were never alone as one of their parents was always around to keep an eye on them. See them huddling close to each other in the rain beneath the branches of my bougainvillea plant.

This pair of siblings were seldom apart. Here they are perched on the branch of a Guava tree.

Preening - never knew birds can be so fastidious about grooming.

This is the way that beaks are cleaned.

White-crested laughing thrush

2007-07-31T22:36:00.000+08:00

Stork-billed Kingfisher

2007-07-27T17:58:00.002+08:00

Photos taken on 18 April 2007

Bulbuls in my garden and house

2007-07-26T21:25:00.002+08:00

These birds are family-oriented from what I have observed in the past few weeks. Though they built their nests in my neighbours' gardens, they seemed to like my sturdy bougainvilla plant because it is shady and gives them a good camouflage. This month, we had 3 encounters with these birds and they were close enough to be photographed. I even managed to video them using my digital cameras and will put up a video clip soon.