The Salaryman Birder

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  • 22 Mar 26 – Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, Singapore

    The quest for the Forest Wagtail.

    I dropped by Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve to try my luck again at spotting the Forest Wagtail (FW). Arriving in the hot afternoon sun, I was told by other birders that the FW was seen earlier but had gone hiding. I decided to wait to see if it would show up again. 

    Sometimes, waiting can be fun to see what other birds come my way. The first was this Ashy Tailorbird actively flying around in search of food. 

    Ashy Tailorbird @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Singapore.
    Ashy Tailorbird

    Next, an Oriental Magpie Robin was seen actively foraging on the ground. At one point, it plopped itself on the ground and looked like it was panting. I understand this is a common reflex in birds to cool down their bodies (it was a really hot day). 

    Oriental Magpie Robin @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Singapore.
    Oriental Magpie Robin

    I thought this scene of the Common Iora staring at the Ornate Sunbird to be quite amusing. I have not seen these two species interact with each other before. 

    Common Iora and Ornate Sunbird @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Singapore.
    Left: Common Iora, Right: Ornate Sunbird

    After 4 hours of waiting, I was on the brink of giving up. Then, another birder sighted the FW hidden amongst the undergrowth. I managed to capture a few record shots before letting others take my spot. 

    Forest Wagtail @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Singapore.
    Forest Wagtail

    Not the best of photos but I’m just happy to not walk away empty handed from the 4 hours of waiting.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311795340

  • 21 Mar 26 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (Part 3)

    Other miscellaneous birds of the interest.

    Here’s one last batch of photos from the productive day of birding at the Singapore Botanic Gardens on 21-Mar. Starting at the Eco Lake, I spotted a Grey-rumped Treeswift (lifer) flying overhead.  

    Grey-rumped Treeswift @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Grey-rumped Treeswift

    I also counted eight Oriental Pied Hornbills flying across the Eco Lake one after another. That was the first time I’ve seen such a large flock traveling together. 

    Oriental Pied Hornbill @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Oriental Pied Hornbill

    While photographing the Crested Serpent Eagle, I spotted a small bird perched on the canopy of the same tree. Surprise, surprise. It was a Mugimaki Flycatcher. This one is a bit late on the migration as they mostly should have returned north by now.

    Mugimaki Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Mugimaki Flycatcher

    Lastly, I decided to check out the Raffles Building car park which is a known hiding spot for a pair of Collared Scops Owls. I managed to see both owls but they were quite high up and well hidden. I left them to their slumber after taking a few quick shots.

    Collared Scops Owl @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Collared Scops Owl

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311805155

  • 21 Mar 26 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (Part 2)

    Fairy Pitta revisited.

    After the encounter with the Crested Serpent Eagle (CSE), I decided to revisit the Fairy Pitta (FP). Reports had emerged in the birding community that the FP had started to forage nearer to the boardwalk which allowed for better views of the bird. 

    I arrived at the Rainforest Trail boardwalk packed with birders and photographers who were eagerly searching for the FP. Meanwhile a lone staff member was struggling to handle the crowd control. Not wanting to add to the crowd situation, I decided to wait at the edge in the hopes that the FP may come my way instead. 

    I guess I was at the peak of my lucky streak that day as the FP began to hop my way, so I managed to snap some close-up open photographs of the FP. 

    Fairy Pitta @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Fairy Pitta

    The FP picked up a snail but dropped it shortly after.

    Fairy Pitta @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Fairy Pitta

    At one point, the FP was so near that my lens could not focus but I guess that’s a good problem to have. 

    Fairy Pitta @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Fairy Pitta

    The FP then surprised everyone by somehow flying through the crowd of birders from one side of the boardwalk to the other. It continued to forage after that unfazed

    Fairy Pitta @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
    Fairy Pitta

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311805155

  • 21 Mar 26 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (Part 1)

    An audience with the Crested Serpent Eagle.

    I spent Saturday morning birding at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Reports emerged a few days ago on the sighting of the Crested Serpent Eagle (CSE) at the Healing Gardens. So that was where I was headed. 

    As I entered the area, I immediately noticed a large brown protrusion sticking out of a tree branch. It did not look like an extension of the branch. As I was trying to make sense of what I was looking at, it turned its head and gave me a side eye.  There it is, the CSE! 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    I managed to photograph the CSE from various angles as it remained still, keeping a lookout for prey. 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    Soon, a small crowd of birders and curious parkgoers began to congregate around the CSE, but it did not seem fazed. 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    After an hour plus, the CSE took off to perch on a higher tree and began to call. I waited with anticipation to see if there was another CSE nearby that would return its call. 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    About 10 minutes later the CSE took off to the skies and slowly gained elevation before going out of sight. Pleased to get a photograph of the CSE in-flight showing it’s characteristic wing patterns. 

    Crested Serpent Eagle @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Crested Serpent Eagle

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311805155

  • 15 Mar 26 – Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore

    Singapore’s (unofficial) national bird.

    There wasn’t any exciting rarities reported over the weekend. So I decided to bird at Dairy Farm Nature Park on Sunday morning because it’s one of those locations that gives me this feeling like anything may appear.

    Common Sun Skink at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore.
    Common Sun Skink

    At the viewing platform, another birder mentioned that the Red-crowned Barbet was spotted at the same time the day before. I decided to wait as well for any action. I was not disappointed.

    Red-crowned Barbet at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore.
    Red-crowned Barbet

    The mulberry tree near the platform was attracting many birds including some Asian Fairy Bluebirds that dropped by for a meal.

    Asian Fairy Bluebird at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore.
    Asian Fairy Bluebird

    There were also a lot of Olive-winged Bulbuls there. I could not resist snapping a photo of one on a nice, open perch.

    Olive-winged Bulbul at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore.
    Olive-winged Bulbul

    Next, I spotted two flycatchers – an Asian Brown Flycatcher (ABFC) and a Dark-sided Flycatcher (DFC). Couldn’t get a decent photo of the DFC but managed to get one of the AFC that looked like it was yawning.

    Asian Brown Flycatcher at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore.
    Asian Brown Flycatcher
    Dark-sided Flycatcher at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore.
    Dark-sided Flycatcher

    Lastly, some Crimson Sunbirds were seen flying in and out of the shrubbery next to the platform. Sometimes the male would perch for extended periods in an open area which allowed for some good photography opportunity.

    Crimson Sunbird at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore.
    Crimson Sunbird
    Crimson Sunbird at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore.
    Crimson Sunbird

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S309309761

  • 14 Mar 26 – Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore

    Backyard birding with unexpected results.

    Had a busy Saturday with other life commitments. But I managed to squeeze out a few hours of birding at my “backyard” Bukit Gombak Park in the evening. So here we go with the highlights.

    March is when the breeding season begins and you are likely to find birds building nests in Singapore. This male Common Iora is already in it’s breeding plumage (black cap, wings and tail).

    Common Iora at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Common Iora

    These Asian Glossy Starlings seem to have started earlier. The two birds on the left are juveniles while the one on the far right is an adult.

    Asian Glossy Starling at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Asian Glossy Starling

    I also spotted two Asian Brown Flycatchers again just like the week before. I suspect they might be the same birds since they behaved similarly though they were spotted at different locations in the park.

    Asian Brown Flycatcher at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Asian Brown Flycatcher
    Asian Brown Flycatcher at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Asian Brown Flycatcher

    Lastly, there was an unexpected sighting of three Black Bazas (uncommon migratory raptors) flying at low elevation toward the forest in the army camp. I had initially thought they were crows but decided to snap a photo anyway.

    Black Baza at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Black Baza

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S308972172

  • 08 Mar 26 – Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore

    Return journey.

    It’s time for more backyard birding at Bukit Gombak Park. The highlight of the day was spotting two Asian Brown Flycatchers. These birds are commonly seen in local parks and forests during the migratory season.

    Asian Brown Flycatcher at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Asian Brown Flycatcher
    Asian Brown Flycatcher at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Asian Brown Flycatcher

    However, the two birds I spotted were surprisingly calm and allowed me to observe them for quite some time. Perhaps they were exhausted from flying. We are approaching the tail-end of the migratory season now hence they should be heading back north now as spring approaches in the northern hemisphere.

    Asian Brown Flycatcher at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Asian Brown Flycatcher
    Asian Brown Flycatcher at Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore.
    Asian Brown Flycatcher

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307123847

  • 07 Mar 26 – Singapore Quarry / Jalan Asas, Singapore

    Back to basics.

    I spent Saturday morning birding at Singapore Quarry and along the road leading up to the quarry (Jalan Asas). This was one of the first locations I visited when I began my birding journey in 2023.

    Olive-winged Bulbul at Singapore Quarry / Jalan Asas.
    Olive-winged Bulbul

    The early morning walk along Jalan Asas yielded many of the common resident birds. However, they were all perched high up on some very tall trees which did not make for good photography.

    Blue-throated Bee-eater at Singapore Quarry / Jalan Asas.
    Blue-throated Bee-eater

    At the quarry, there is a resident pair of Gray-headed Fish Eagles. I only saw one of them and it was perched quite a distance away. It did not attempt any dives in the 1.5 hours I was there.

    Gray-headed Fish Eagle at Singapore Quarry / Jalan Asas.
    Gray-headed FIsh Eagle

    An Asian Brown Flycatcher stops by the viewing platform for a look around before disappearing into the forest again.

    Asian Brown Flycatcher at Singapore Quarry / Jalan Asas.
    Asian Brown Flycatcher

    On the way out, I spotted this Tiger Shrike along Jalan Asas. Pleasantly surprised to see this uncommon migrant again as I have not spotted one for some time already.

    Tiger Shrike at Singapore Quarry / Jalan Asas.
    Tiger Shrike

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S306611837

  • 01 Mar 26 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore

    Routine birding.

    On Sunday, I went to SBWR for some early morning birding as I had to leave by late morning for an afternoon appointment. Arriving on the first bus at 7:00AM as usual, this time, I was ready with camera out for my encounter with the Blue-eared Kingfisher.

    Blue-eared Kingfisher at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), Singapore.
    Blue-eared Kingfisher

    Sure enough, it was perched near the pond diving into the water to catch breakfast. Unfortunately, it was too dark to capture any action shots but I’m pleased with these photos that I’ve shot. After a few successful dives, the bird disappeared into the forest behind the pond.

    Blue-eared Kingfisher at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), Singapore.
    Blue-eared Kingfisher

    There were more shorebirds this time around inside the wetlands but nothing out of the ordinary. So I turned my attention back up the sky to find a lone Red-collared Dove (lifer) perched high up on a tree adding another unexpected tick to my life list.

    Red-collared Dove at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), Singapore.
    Red-collared Dove

    Later, I decided to walk near the carpark as there were reports of a Forest Wagtail in the area on eBird. Alas, only common birds like the Red Junglefowl and Ashy Tailorbird were around to entertain me.

    Red Junglefowl at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), Singapore.
    Red Junglefowl
    Ashy Tailorbird at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), Singapore.
    Ashy Tailorbird

    Finally, I saw a pair of Lineated Barbets bring food back to this hole in a tree which I presume is a nest. I only saw the adult birds coming in and out to drop off food though. There was no sight of any chicks.

    Lineated Barbet at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), Singapore.
    Lineated Barbet

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304815047

  • 28 Feb 26 – Jelutong Tower, Singapore

    In the mood for love.

    This week’s Saturday morning birding was at Jelutong Tower inside Singapore’s central catchment area. It was another early morning trek to the tower, just in time to witness the glorious colors of the morning sky.

    Morning sunrise at Jelutong Tower, Singapore.
    Morning sunrise from atop Jelutong Tower

    The first sighting of interest was a mating pair of Red-crowned Barbets. Hoping for a successful breeding season as the species’ conservation status is classified as “Near Threatened” due to habitat loss.

    Red-crowned Barbet at Jelutong Tower, Singapore.
    Red-crowned Barbet
    Red-crowned barbet at Jelutong Tower, Singapore.
    Red-crowned Barbet

    Several Crested Honey Buzzards were also seen flying over the forest.

    Crested Honey Buzzard at Jelutong Tower, Singapore.
    Crested Honey Buzzard

    This is today’s target bird – the Violet Cuckoo (lifer). The male has a beautiful coat of iridescent violet on it’s head and back. Unfortunately, this could not be photographed clearly due to the harsh backlighting.

    Violet Cuckoo at Jelutong Tower, Singapore.
    Violet Cuckoo

    Nevertheless, it was a joy to observe the bird calling out from atop the forest to attract a mate. There will always be other opportunities in the future to get better photographs.

    Violet Cuckoo at Jelutong Tower, Singapore.
    Violet Cuckoo

    Lastly. a Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots was seen perched on a nearby palm tree.

    Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot at Jelutong Tower, Singapore.
    Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304445929