Jurong Lake, Poyan 27Nov09

From Danny

Started at JL this morning with my scope. On arrival there were a few very senior birders including some from KL led by Prof. Chan. Senior not just age but methodology in birding, looking through my scope, details of Malayan Night-heron was clearly sketched and id text written on note book, I felt inadequate. Their enthusiasm made my day.

The Heron shifted to its hiding ground among bushes below those matured trees after few rounds of succulent breakfast - earthworms. We moved over to the other side of the compound but couldn't locate it. After about 15 min, it came out again but due to the higher fencing height, not really suitable for photography. I was hoping it started preening to show up its crest but no avail. What little crest seen as per the pic attached.

More photographers and birders came along and it was time to leave for Poyan. I hope some photographers (including Con who went over after I left) will capture the crest up moment.

Over at Poyan, contractors' trucks to my dismay were working as per normal. Beside the usual birds, found one non breeding Chinese Pond-heron high up in the tree. Notice the long toe/nails in pic are really not suitable for perching.

Went up Temple Hill but no sign of migratory raptor passing by. Whole morning only 2 Black Baza and one CHE.

Another interesting bird sighted was a female Indian Cuckoo with her distinctive orangey breast wash.

From Con

I had something to attend to this morning, so I didn't get to Jurong Lake until around 9:30 and stayed until 11:30am. The heron was in the middle of the fenced up area, far from either side. Here is one group of folks who were hoping the bird would come closer, it never did while I was there. I didn't take any pictures. There was another group of people on the other side of the fenced up area too.

I only ever saw the crest partially raised, never fully raised.