Tuas 30Nov19

From KH

Danny and I went Tuas for raptor watch before the season come to a close.

This is how a Japanese Sparrowhawk looks like when it is too high up in the sky...

We were surprised to see an adult male Pin-tailed Whydah. Someone lost a pet?

It was nice to see the Chestnut Munias doing well here. There were a good number of juveniles, as well as adults.

1. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 40
2. Spotted Dove 8
3. Zebra Dove 8
4. Lesser Coucal 2
5. Asian Koel 1
6. cuckoo sp. (Cuculidae sp.) 1 - large cuckoo, skittish, only glimpses
7. dark swiftlet sp. 20
8. House Swift 1
9. Red-wattled Lapwing 8
10. Common Sandpiper 3
11. Gray Heron 1
12. Purple Heron 1
13. Little Egret 1
14. Cattle Egret 1
15. Striated Heron 1
16. Black-winged Kite 3
17. Oriental Honey-buzzard 4
18. Gray-faced Buzzard 1
19. Japanese Sparrowhawk 1
20. Accipiter sp. 1
21. Brahminy Kite 3
22. White-throated Kingfisher 3
23. Blue-tailed Bee-eater 10
24. Sunda Woodpecker 1 - heard
25. Golden-bellied Gerygone 1 - heard
26. Pied Triller 4
27. Black-naped Oriole 4
28. Common Iora 3
29. Malaysian Pied-Fantail 1
30. Brown Shrike 3
31. House Crow 10
32. Common Tailorbird 1 - heard
33. Ashy Tailorbird 1 - heard
34. Zitting Cisticola 3
35. Oriental Reed Warbler 3
36. Lanceolated Warbler 1 - heard
37. Barn Swallow 20
38. Pacific Swallow 5
39. Red-rumped Swallow 1
40. Yellow-vented Bulbul 5
41. Common Myna 4
42. Javan Myna 10
43. Eyebrowed Thrush 2 - seen and heard
44. Asian Brown Flycatcher 2
45. Yellow-rumped Flycatcher 1
46. Scaly-breasted Munia 20
47. Chestnut Munia 20
48. Pin-tailed Whydah 1 - male with long tail
49. Eurasian Tree Sparrow 10
50. Paddyfield Pipit 4

SBWR, Neo Tiew Harvest Lane 24Nov19

From KH

I dropped by Sungei Buloh to look-see, but there were not many waterbirds. Nevertheless, it was nice to see these non-avian residents.

Metre-long Estuarine Crocodile

Mangrove Pit Viper

Milkfish

Sungei Buloh

1. Red Junglefowl 1 - heard
2. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
3. Spotted Dove 2
4. Pink-necked Green-Pigeon 2
5. Asian Koel 1 - heard
6. dark swiftlet sp. 10
7. White-breasted Waterhen 1
8. Whimbrel 100
9. Common Sandpiper 1
10. Common Redshank 40
11. Milky Stork 10
12. Painted Stork 10
13. Milky x Painted Stork (hybrid) 10
14. Gray Heron 2
15. Purple Heron 1
16. Great Egret 10
17. Intermediate Egret 2
18. Little Egret 40
19. Brahminy Kite 1
20. Oriental Pied-Hornbill 2
21. Stork-billed Kingfisher 1 - heard
22. Collared Kingfisher 1
23. Black-naped Oriole 2
24. Common Iora 1
25. House Crow 10
26. Ashy Tailorbird 2
27. Barn Swallow 10
28. Arctic Warbler 1
29. Asian Glossy Starling 10
30. Javan Myna 10
31. Asian Brown Flycatcher 1
32. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker 1
33. Olive-backed Sunbird 2

Moving on to Neo Tiew Harvest Lane, there were some raptors.

Pale morph Changeable Hawk-eagle

Oriental Honey-buzzards

As well as this Brown Shrike.

Neo Tiew Harvest Lane

1. Spotted Dove 5
2. Zebra Dove 1
3. Asian Koel 1 - heard
4. dark swiftlet sp. 20
5. Intermediate Egret 5
6. Cattle Egret 2
7. Oriental Honey-buzzard 5
8. Changeable Hawk-Eagle 1
9. White-bellied Sea-Eagle 1
10. White-throated Kingfisher 1
11. Blue-throated Bee-eater 5
12. Lineated Barbet 1 - heard
13. Black-naped Oriole 1
14. Brown Shrike 2
15. Ashy Tailorbird 1 - heard
16. Zitting Cisticola 2 - heard
17. Yellow-vented Bulbul 2
18. Asian Glossy Starling 10
19. Chestnut Munia 1

Bidadari, Telok Blangah, Henderson Waves 23Nov19

From KH

Danny and I started the day's birding at Bidadari.

The highlight was a Japanese Paradise-flycatcher showing of the clear inverted V demarcation on the underparts.

A Tiger Shrike also showed well.

Blue-throated Bee-eaters were still around despite their breeding season already over.

A pair of Long-tailed Parakeets were inspecting a tree hole, possibly starting their breeding season soon.

This being raptor season, a Black Baza (left) and an OHB came to join in the fun.

This is one of two JSHs that caught us by surprise - disappearing as soon as they showed up.

Bidadari

1. Spotted Dove 5
2. Pink-necked Green-Pigeon 30 - feeding on fruit tree
3. Lesser Coucal 1 - heard
4. Asian Koel 1 - heard
5. dark swiftlet sp. 50
6. Oriental Honey-buzzard 1
7. Black Baza 1
8. Japanese Sparrowhawk 2
9. Oriental Pied-Hornbill 1 - heard
10. White-throated Kingfisher 1
11. Collared Kingfisher 1
12. Blue-throated Bee-eater 10
13. Dollarbird 1
14. Lineated Barbet 1 - heard
15. Rose-ringed Parakeet 1
16. Red-breasted Parakeet 3
17. Long-tailed Parakeet 2
18. Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot 1
19. Pied Triller 2
20. Black-naped Oriole 2
21. Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher 1
22. Tiger Shrike 1
23. Brown Shrike 1
24. House Crow 1
25. Common Tailorbird 1 - heard
26. Yellow-vented Bulbul 4
27. Arctic Warbler 1
28. Asian Glossy Starling 5
29. Javan Myna 10
30. Asian Brown Flycatcher 1
31. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker 2
32. Olive-backed Sunbird 5

Someone reported a possible Taiga Flycatcher at Telok Blangah Hill, so we went there. However, it turned out to be a female Yellow-rumped Flycatcher instead. JS joined us in time to expose the imposter.

Yellow-rumped Flycatcher

Telok Blangah Hill Park

1. Arctic Warbler 1
2. Swinhoe's White-eye 5
3. Asian Glossy Starling 30
4. Yellow-rumped Flycatcher 1 - female
5. Mugimaki Flycatcher 1 - male
6. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker 1

Next up, raptor watch at Henderson Waves. There were waves of OHBs and JSHs, plus an Osprey thrown in for good measure. The OHBs came mostly in waves of teens, with the largest kettle numbering 42. While the JSHs came in single digits, with the largest flocks numbering 8.

Juvenile Japanese Sparrowhawk

Henderson Waves

1. Osprey 1
2. Oriental Honey-buzzard 149
3. Japanese Sparrowhawk 47
4. Accipiter sp.
5. White-bellied Sea-Eagle 1
6. Blue-tailed Bee-eater 5
7. Black-naped Oriole 2
8. Brown-throated Sunbird 1

Other raptor photos from JS at Henderson:

The smaller looking raptor that flew away from the ohb flock. Head seems rounded like a harrier

Versus an OHB in similar pose

Pretty thick dark undertail band... But still a Japanese Sparrowhawk

Telok Blangah, Seletar East 17Nov19

From KH

This pair of Red-breasted Parakeets was enjoying the morning sun.

So was this male Pink-necked Green-pigeon.

When I was leaving the area, this OHB flew overhead.

Telok Blangah Forest Walk

1. Red Junglefowl (Domestic type) 2
2. Pink-necked Green-Pigeon 5
3. Asian Koel 5
4. dark swiftlet sp. 20
5. Oriental Honey-buzzard 1
6. White-bellied Sea-Eagle 1
7. Lineated Barbet 2
8. Tanimbar Corella 3
9. Rose-ringed Parakeet 1
10. Red-breasted Parakeet 5
11. Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot 1
12. Black-naped Oriole 8
13. Red-billed Blue-Magpie 1 - heard
14. House Crow 2
15. Barn Swallow 2
16. Pacific Swallow 2
17. Yellow-vented Bulbul 2
18. Swinhoe's White-eye 2
19. Pin-striped Tit-Babbler 2 - heard
20. White-crested Laughingthrush 1 - heard
21. Asian Glossy Starling 10
22. Common Hill Myna 2
23. Daurian Starling 10
24. Javan Myna 10
25. Asian Brown Flycatcher 1
26. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker 1
27. Olive-backed Sunbird 2

Moving on to Telok Blangah Hill Park for raptor watch, there were a few more OHBs.

As well as a Black Baza really high up.

The resident juvenile Crested Goshawk stayed lower.

Not so for this immature Brahminy Kite.

Telok Blangah Hill Park

1. dark swiftlet sp. 20
2. Oriental Honey-buzzard 5
3. Black Baza 1
4. Changeable Hawk-Eagle 1 - heard
5. Crested Goshawk 1
6. Accipiter sp. 1
7. Brahminy Kite 1
8. Blue-tailed Bee-eater 5
9. Arctic Warbler 1
10. Swinhoe's White-eye 2
11. Asian Brown Flycatcher 1
12. Olive-backed Sunbird 2

At Seletar East, there was a flock of 17 White-shouldered Starlings.

A few Javan Mynas were hanging around with them.

Lastly, an introduced Bronze Munia showed up.

Seletar East

1. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
2. Intermediate Egret 5
3. Cattle Egret 2
4. Blue-tailed Bee-eater 1
5. Black-naped Oriole 2
6. Long-tailed Shrike 2
7. Barn Swallow 2
8. Pacific Swallow 2
9. White-shouldered Starling 17 - 1 flock
10. Common Myna 2
11. Javan Myna 20
12. Bronze Mannikin 1
13. Paddyfield Pipit 2

Henderson Waves, Telok Blangah 16Nov19

From KH

After SBG, I went to Henderson Waves. It was nice to see a Jerdon's Baza, albeit a rather tattered one.

This adult Brahminy Kite was rather high up.

Henderson Waves

1. Asian Koel 1 - heard
2. dark swiftlet sp. 30
3. Osprey 1
4. Oriental Honey-buzzard 65
5. Jerdon's Baza 1
6. Black Baza 45
7. Changeable Hawk-Eagle 3
8. Accipiter sp. 10
9. Brahminy Kite 3
10. White-bellied Sea-Eagle 3
11. Gray-headed Fish-Eagle 1
12. Blue-tailed Bee-eater 5
13. Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot 1
14. Barn Swallow 5
15. Pacific Swallow 5
16. Red-rumped Swallow 3
17. Asian Glossy Starling 5
18. Common Hill Myna 2

At Telok Blangah Hill Park fruiting tree, a female Blue-and-white/Zappey's Flycatcher was nice to see, but not possible to ID to species level.

This female Mugimaki Flycatcher is easily IDed based on its orangey throat and breast.

Finally, an Arctic Warbler to round the day's birding up.

Telok Blangah Hill Park

1. Red Junglefowl (Domestic type) 2
2. Yellow-vented Bulbul 4
3. Swinhoe's White-eye 10
4. Asian Brown Flycatcher 3
5. Blue-and-white/Zappey's Flycatcher 1
6. Mugimaki Flycatcher 1
7. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker 1

SBG 16Nov19

From KH

The star bird at SBG is the male Daurian Redstart (below), shown here with a Common Kingfisher.

It was also nice to have a Cinnamon Bittern flew by.

This Long-tailed Parakeet was enjoying the Simpoh Air fruit.

While these Black Swans were resting.

Finally, a Common Treeshrew to round up this short walk around SBG Eco Lake.

1. Red Junglefowl (Domestic type) 20
2. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 20
3. Spotted Dove 3
4. Zebra Dove 3
5. Pink-necked Green-Pigeon 10
6. dark swiftlet sp. 10
7. White-breasted Waterhen 3
8. Cinnamon Bittern 1
9. Black Bittern 1
10. Little Egret 1
11. Common Kingfisher 1
12. Banded Woodpecker 1
13. Long-tailed Parakeet 2
14. Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot 1 - heard
15. Black-naped Oriole 2
16. Malaysian Pied-Fantail 2
17. Ashy Tailorbird 2 - heard
18. Yellow-vented Bulbul 2
19. Olive-winged Bulbul 1
20. Swinhoe's White-eye 10
21. Asian Glossy Starling 20
22. Javan Myna 10
23. Oriental Magpie-Robin 2
24. Daurian Redstart
25. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker 2 - heard
26. Olive-backed Sunbird 2

Bidadari 10Nov19

From KH

A male Zappey's Flycatcher was reported at Bidadari earlier in the day and sure enough the bird was still around late afternoon.

There wasn't much else going on, except for this male OHB seen circling above.

1. Spotted Dove 1
2. dark swiftlet sp. 5
3. Oriental Honey-buzzard 1
4. Blue-tailed Bee-eater 5
5. Red-breasted Parakeet 5
6. Yellow-vented Bulbul 2
7. Asian Glossy Starling 10
8. Javan Myna 5
9. Asian Brown Flycatcher 3
10. Zappey's Flycatcher 1
11. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker 2
12. Olive-backed Sunbird 3

Halus 09Nov19

From KH

Today is the Singapore Raptor Watch. Danny was here with me. So was Kerry and daughters, Shon & friend, and Herman & friend.

This is one of the 9 migrant Black Bazas seen today.

Here are some of the migrant OHBs.

Local raptors, like this dark morph CHE and this adult WBSE joined in the fun.

This migrant Blue-tailed Bee-eater was also raptor-watching!

A couple of Smooth Otters caused some excitement among the kids.

1. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 10
2. Spotted Dove 1
3. Asian Koel 1 - heard
4. dark swiftlet sp. 50
5. Common Sandpiper 3
6. Yellow Bittern 1
7. Gray Heron 2
8. Purple Heron 1
9. white egret sp. 1 - too high to ID
10. Black-crowned Night-Heron 2
11. Oriental Honey-buzzard 16
12. Black Baza 9
13. Changeable Hawk-Eagle 2
14. Japanese Sparrowhawk 1
15. Accipiter sp. 4
16. Brahminy Kite 2
17. White-bellied Sea-Eagle 3
18. Gray-headed Fish-Eagle 1
19. Blue-tailed Bee-eater 10
20. Dollarbird 1
21. Rose-ringed Parakeet 1
22. Long-tailed Parakeet 10
23. Golden-bellied Gerygone 1 - heard
24. Black-naped Oriole 1
25. Common Iora 1 - heard
26. House Crow 10
27. Ashy Tailorbird 1 - heard
28. Barn Swallow 1
29. Pacific Swallow 5
30. Yellow-vented Bulbul 1
31. Asian Glossy Starling 30
32. Javan Myna 5
33. Brown-throated Sunbird 1
34. Olive-backed Sunbird 2