Singapore March Trip 2024

The Hill Myna in the biodome is part of Mandai's collection. They recently acquired a few individuals as part of the European breeding programme. There are also wild Hill Mynas on Zoo grounds of course.

Oh ok, thanks for the clarification.
 
Sorry for not posting for a while, I was really busy.

On Tuesday, I visited Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. Around the entrance plaza, I spotted the Sea Eagle nest, and I could also see the chick inside. Both mom and dad were sitting on branches close to the nest. At Eagle Point, I saw the impressive Sea Eagle fishing, and also a Brahminy kite with prey. There were many Collared Kingfishers around the Coastal Trail as I headed to the visitor center. I couldn't spot the buffy fish owls, and I walked over to the Migratory Bird Trails around the Buloh Tidal Ponds. I spotted a flock of redshanks, and a Terek Sandpiper mixed in with them. I spotted a Purple heron next to them so I decided to get a shot. Little did I know that later I would have discovered a juvenile crocodile sitting right next to it! Suprisingly, I did not spot any storks around the tidal ponds, though I saw a couple soaring above. Many Collared Kingfishers, and a male crimson sunbird was a delight! Just as I turned the corner, I saw a closed porch-like viewing platform that was looming over a small shallow pond, where I spotted the highlight of the day. A Blue Eared Kingfisher was sitting right on a branch that was growing out of the water, and I was able to get really nice photographs. I walked on, and looked over at the buloh tidal ponds, and just took a photo of the view. I realized later that there was another crocodile in the shot, though it was very blurry. I walked back to the Wetland Center, on the way seeing a pair of Copper Throated Sunbird, and I came across some birders who informed me of Black and Red Broadbill that was apperently sighted next to one of the hides. I walked back again, and though I couldn't spot them, I saw my first Striated Heron and Ashy Tailorbird. As the hot humid Singaporean daylight swept in, I ended the walk there. While I couldn't see all the birds I had wanted, I still managed to see many new species and was a great day of birding.
 
@Dr. Wolverine , I can also recommend the Botanic Gardens at night if you want to see a Large-tailed Nightjar. Also, not sure about your fitness level, but it will be difficult to do Bukit Timah and another park in one day.
As for more specific tips, try to give Bird Paradise more time, from experience you have a 15 min grace period before they chase you out when the park closes, but ideally you should try to give the place 6 hours.

Are the Botanic Gardens open 24/7?
 
Hindhede Nature Park review

On Monday, I decided to hire a professional birding guide, because I was not used to birding in Singapore. We first visited Hindhede Nature Park early in the morning, and stayed at the quarry for about an hour. We spotted many wildlife around the quarry and in the forest. The highlight was undoubtably the Brown Boobook that I spotted after "weeks of disaperance" according to our guide.

Species list:

Mammals

Sunda Colugo
Plantain Squirrel
Common Treeshrew

Birds

House Swift

Spotted Dove

Pink Necked Green Pigeon

Red Legged Crake

Oriental Darter

Brahminy Kite

Brown Boobook

Stork Billed Kingfisher

Collared Kingfisher

Blue Eared Kingfisher

Blue Tailed Bee Eater

Long Tailed Parakeet

Ashy Minivet

Pied Triller

Black Naped Oriole

Greater Racket Tailed Drongo

Olive Winged Bulbul

Straw Headed Bulbul

Yellow Vented Bulbul

Pacific Swallow

Barn Swallow

Ashy tailorbird

Asian Fairy Bluebird

Asian Glossy Starling

Javan Myna

Common Myna
Which guide did you contact?
 
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