Woodlands Height 28Feb26

From KH

Chestnut-cheeked Starling was reported on 24 Feb at Woodlands Height. This sent the entire birding community, including me and the Lau family, to this part of Singapore that birders rarely visit.

Firstly, at about 7pm, the first small flock of Daurian Starlings came circling the field. As more and more flocks joined in, at about 7:15pm, a spectacle was formed: a starling murmuration.

Flight shots were difficult in the fading light, but here's one of them. Any cheeky starling inside??

Some roosted on a tree, joined by Javan Mynas.

After the flight show, the search for the rarity began. Soon, just before 8pm, Frank spotted one in his scope by the ramp. Initially, it was mostly blocked by Daurian Starling.

Then, it moved and bingo! Bird behind, with chestnut on face, grey flank contrasting with white belly.

As the crowd gathered, security came to chase people away.

The search for cheeky continued on ground level. On a tree at the roundabout, Frank spotted another one at about 8:15pm. Bottom bird.

Finally, as the crowd dispersed, the few diehards stayed on and was rewarded with a different bird with a thin chestnut breastband.

With 3 birds in the bag, time to go.