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.