Singapore Botanic Gardens 03Jan10

From Danny

Managed to squeeze an hour to visit SBG today before lunch hoping to sight the Hooded Pitta and MN Heron. On arrival, it was obvious wrong timing with hordes of tourists from all over the World visiting SBG. At Ginger Garden met one senior photographer who sighted the Hooded Pitta earlier in the morning and patiently waiting for it to turn up again. He claimed many of the photographers went over to the Car Park area for BW Pitta. Left him to walk around for the MN Heron meeting more tourists but no sign of any birds other than Mynas.

Went around and asked for direction from the lonely photographer who was packing up, he mumbled Macanraca Avenue. Well it turned out to be Miranta Avenue but there was no Heron or bird. As I turned from end of Miranta Ave thru' a small path towards the water fall (Red-legged Crake spa location) a large group of Japanese tourists came thru' and I kindly allowed the group to passed before moving forward. A few steps into the trail spotted this Nightjar perched on the lowly sign post. Based on the rufous tinge at the upper throat, id it as LT Nighjar. The white throat was not visible. Too close for my scope , had to moved along the trail and managed to select an angle to snap the Nightjar showing the white patches on the undertail, typically seen in flight but seldom at perched. Based on the white patches instead of buff, sex it as a male Nightjar.

It's apparent the Nightjar is pretty specific about his choice of tree to roost, as observers the sign should read "Do Not Disturb". Point taken. Left quietly for lunch with my family.