Birding at Sungei Buloh on 12 Feb 2009

Frankly speaking, I didn't really go Sungei Buloh for birding. I was there today to conduct a mangrove workshop for some secondary school students. Somehow, however, I managed to get a few decent shots of a few birds, so thought I will do a blog entry on these feathered creatures for a change.


Before the students arrived, I went to the bridge area to see if there's anything interesting and spotted this common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) on the branch of an api-api putih (Avicennia alba). I often see this wader walking alone by the edge of the water, bobbing its head and tail as it walks.


The yellow bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) can sometimes be seen near the various fresh water ponds of Sungei Buloh, and today, we were rather fortunate that one decided to make its appearance.


Since it's still the migration season, we saw lots of other waders at the main hide, including this flock of whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus). These birds have a distinctive long down-curved bill, allowing it to reach deep into the mud for little animals.


Before the students arrived, I also saw this male pink-necked green pigeon (Treron vernans) near the information counter.


After the workshop, I saw it in the same area again, which makes me suspect that its mate is probably nesting nearby.


Looking around, I saw a female pigeon just a short distance away, blending in nicely into the surrounding greenery with its greenish plumage. I didn't managed to spot any nest though.


Here another shot of it from a different angle.

Today was the last session of the mangrove workshop for these students, and it has been an interesting experience with various interesting finds. I will be coming back at the end of the month for yet another series of walks, and well, I certainly look forward to more exciting sightings to come! :)