Chek Jawa 26Apr26

From KH

The 2nd SG record of White-bellied Erpornis was first spotted at Chek Jawa on 12 Apr earlier this month. Danny and I finally made this trip to try for this SG tick, and we were glad that we did, as the bird was not seen there after!

Other birds here included this male Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker.

These shouting Red-whiskered Bulbuls and Yellow-vented Bulbuls.

A surprising Red Collared Dove.

This Little Tern was flying towards us. Nice.

Some of the trees here:

Sea Almond

Chek Jawa 15Apr25

From KH

Danny and I made this trip to Chek Jawa, following report of a Singapore First, a female Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker, and the 3rd record of Stripe-throated Bulbul.

Glad that the Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker was still around, but no shot from us.

Stripe-throated Bulbul was more cooperative, but very high up.

It was bulbul galore, with Stripe-throated Bulbul, Yellow-vented Bulbul and Olive-winged Bulbul, all lined up left to right.

A flock of 9 Eurasian Whimbrels were roosting on Frog Island.

Chek Jawa 09Feb25

From KH

A Red Knot was seen yesterday at Chek Jawa and a bunch of birders (including Danny and I) went searching today, but no luck.

But got other waders (left to right): Common Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper, Tibetan Sand Plover.

And Grey Plovers.

1 of 10 Grey Herons.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle with a catch.

Juvenile Oriental Honey-Buzzard came to see what all the commotion's about.

Chek Jawa 01May24

From KH

Having missed the female Scarlet Minivet on 27 Apr, and female Greater Flameback on 28 Apr at Chek Jawa, Danny, JS and I had to make this trip a few days later.

No Greater Flameback today, only 2 Common Flamebacks.

Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike was still around, as usual, looping out briefly to the sea and back to the tree line.

A whole flock of 55(!) Yellow-vented Bulbuls also performed the same feat.

Bukit Timah, Pulau Ubin 27Apr24

From KH

Danny and I went to Bukit Timah summit, our annual health check.

Just the usual forest birds at the fruiting Benjamin's Fig.

And a female Wagler's Pit Viper in one of the bushes.

Soon, news of female Scarlet Minivet broke on Pulau Ubin, so off we went.

No minivet, but Black-and-red Broadbill still around. Yes, that blur blob in the middle.

Chek Jawa 14May23

From KH

Last try for Stripe-throated Bulbul with Danny at Chek Jawa. No happiness, but nice to welcome Chinese Egret with Korean flag K090 back.

Great-billed Heron couple.

Grey Heron. Medium Egret.

Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike taking up permanent residence.

Pacific Swallow: now that we're on the beach, you are dozing off??

As it was low tide, there were a myriad of mudflat acitivities going on, such as these Gold-spotted Mudskippers skipping around.

Alpheus snapping shrimp busy digging its burrow, while its goby buddy stood guard.

Their busybody crab neighbour came to see what the commotion was about.

A closer look at the kay-poh crab.

Another goby was lamenting: hey buddy, time to come out to work!

Lots of Asian Blue Swimming Crabs were out and about.

Some in the company of small fish.

Here's a bigger crab with blue pincers.

What a cute little horseshoe crab.

Singapore Glassy Perchlets also came out to play.

Different types of seagrasses.

Chek Jawa 07May23

From KH

Others who reached Chek Jawa earlier got the Stripe-throated Bulbul, but Danny and I only got Olive-winged Bulbul...

Female White-crowned Hornbill showing upperwing and eating fruit while perched on Sea Almond.

This is the time of the year that the White-winged Tern wear their striking breeding plumage.

Lone Smooth Otter again. An outcast?

Chek Jawa 03May23

From KH

News broke on the 2nd Singapore record of Stripe-throated Bulbul at Chek Jawa on 2 May 2023, so this trip is mandatory for Danny and I.

No luck, but female White-crowned Hornbill was still around. The tail condition didn't look good, not able to close up the barbules.

Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike still around too.

Pulau Ubin 22Apr23

From KH

I went with Danny to Chek Jawa to see the female White-crowned Hornbill that was first reported here on 16 Apr 2023. Apparently, it stayed until 3 Sep 2023.

10 Cinerous Bulbuls came flying in one by one in response to someone's playback.

Female White-rumped Shama brooding in her nest.

Eurasian Whimbrel roosting on Frog Island.

Grey Heron too.

Termites

Along the trail just before Chek Jawa gate, first time seeing the Black-and-Scarlet Cicada, and there were many of them, some were even molting.