2018 August 4 - Otters

Along Singapore River, near Jiak Kim bridge.

Question 1: Why do the otters go on land?

I have seen the otters:
a) sleeping under Jiak Kim bridge;
b) rolling on sand and grass patches (at Marina East, see http://cethosia.blogspot.com/2015/11/marina-east-2015-november-28.html and Gardens by the Bay, as well);
c) resting on grass patch (at Marina East).

Question 2: How do they get in and out of the water?

a) Staircases around Jiak Kim bridge;
b) sloped embankment at Marina bay.

Other observations:
I have seen the otters swimming further upstream near Zion Riverside food centre but there is no staircase or sloped embankment upstream from Jiak Kim bridge.
Downstream from Robertson bridge, there is no sand or grass patches.

Conclusion: The conditions at Jiak Kim bridge are just right for the otters!

2018 May 19 - Chinese Garden

otter at the bonsai garden

2018 May 12 - Great Slaty Woodpecker

The female Great Slaty Woodpecker (GSW) was first sighted at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR) on May 2.
I walked the way to the summit on Saturday late morning but did not see many birders nor photographers, and came away with no luck.
Later that day, I received news that BTNR was abuzz with activities throughout the day; GSW made her appearance in the morning and afternoon as well. I missed the show!!! No news of GSW on the following days.

Report by Bird Group, Nature Society (Singapore)
https://singaporebirdgroup.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/return-of-the-king/

On May 11, Francis Yap found it near treetop walk.
I alerted Doreen, who managed to get the exact location very quickly.
The next morning we headed to Rifle Range Road; it was still dark and we had our torchlights.
We arrived at the spot just before 7am, and waited patiently.

Sun rays kept us accompanied.

More people arrived to try their luck. An hour passed, patience was wearing off slowly; some walked off to other parts of Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
At about 8:30am, GSW appeared; patience has paid off for those who waited. Everyone stared at the bare branch and cameras clicked hastily.

Photo by Michael Toh.

After a round of photo shoots, we high five to congratulate each other. Then it was quick messaging to inform the others who might be in the area. We left the scene at about 9:30am.

2018 April 21 - Lighthouse tour

Bedok heritage trail

Route travelled https://sg.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4682961.html

2018 February 4 - Raptor watch from the kitchen - 2

Sunday, 4 February 2018, 07:25 am.
A big bird flew from the tree on the right to the roof of the neighbouring block.
Noticed a second bird when I looked through the binoculars.

While video recording, a third bird appeared.