Changi, Pulau Punggol 19Sep09

From KH

Danny and I had a recce trip today, rather than a birding trip. In summary, LP149 is assessible but only good for grassland birds, while KT is the only way to the coast provided you can pass the guards. Nevertheless, it was still nice to see 3 Malaysian Plovers (2 males, 1 female).

At Changi, KT guards won't let us in, so we have to take 149. The tracks were somewhat changed, so we spent some time searching for the right track. We managed to located the one along the runway fence, only to realise that they've added a gate between the runway fence and the exhibition area. Unless, anyone of you can find the key to this gate, there is no way to get to the coast from 149...

Nevertheless, as no one was around at the exhibition area, we let ourselves roam around to enjoy the airshow by a Malaysian Plover and then a Common Sandpiper on the road.

After lunch, we headed to Pulau Punggol and the same thing happened - the workers won't let us in. I guess, it was just not our lucky day.

From Danny

Yes, more a recce trip than birding. Spent time following the bike tracks and no way past the RSAF runway. Fortunately, relatively dry hence did not stuck in the mud - stay away from bike tracks. Unless the Short-eared Owl turned up, not worth the morning.

Notable bird seen at Changi was a Ruddy-breasted Crake, and a Large-billed Crow on Pulau Punggol. I did drive around on P. Punggol and realised the end of the new highway is the dam across Sungei Punggol, over which is Punggol Marina.