The Salaryman Birder

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  • 26 Sep 26 – Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore

    Para-para-paradise.

    Today I’m off to the Singapore Botanical Gardens to look for the Amur and Blyth’s Paradise Flycatchers, both are migrant birds that spend their winter in Singapore.

    Amur Paradise Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Amur Paradise Flycatcher

    I arrived early at the Eco Lake but there wasn’t much birds of interest. So I headed to the Healing Garden area where a fellow birder pointed out an Amur Paradise Flycatcher.

    Amur Paradise Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Amur Paradise Flycatcher

    It didn’t take long to spot a second one. The pair flew around hunting for insects which kept a group of bird watchers and photographers entertained all morning long.

    Amur Paradise Flycatcher @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Amur Paradise Flycatcher

    While tracking the Flycatchers, a silhouette gliding across the sky caught my attention. It was a Japanese Sparrowhawk, my first migratory raptor spotted this season.

    Japanese Sparrowhawk @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Japanese Sparrowhawk

    After I was done with the Flycatchers, I dropped by the usual spot near the Raffles Building carpark to find the pair of Collared-scops Owls. One owl was asleep while the other was hidden from view.

    Collared-scops Owl @ Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore
    Collared-scops Owl

    I walked through the Rainforest Trail on my way out hoping to find the Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher but no luck. I’m going to have to find one dedicated day to search for this tick to my life list.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396449488

  • 20 Sep 26 – Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Malaysia

    We’re not done yet.

    Day 2 saw cloudy weather after a night of raining. I was the first to visitor at opening hour as I always am. A Little Spiderhunter perched on a fence, greeted me as I entered the park.

    Little Spiderhunter @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Little Spiderhunter
    Little Spiderhunter @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Little Spiderhunter

    Spotting a small bird foraging on the forest floor yielded my first lifer of the day – a Short-tailed Babbler. It was quite skittish and eventually moved deeper into the forest after I managed to get a few record shots.

    Short-tailed Babbler @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Short-tailed Babbler

    I finally got some decent photos of the Rufous-winged Philentoma where the bird is identifiable. My first photos from last year were just a blob of out-of-focus brown, gray and blue.

    Rufous-winged Philentoma @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Rufous-winged Philentoma

    A lone Tiger Shrike was spotted in the open looking for prey.

    Tiger Shrike @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Tiger Shrike

    As I was photographing the Tiger Shrike, I noticed movement behind some very thick foliage. I managed to capture this photo of a blue bird which I had assumed was a Black-naped Monarch.

    Pale Blue Flycatcher (?) @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Pale Blue Flycatcher (?)

    However, after checking some guides later, I wasn’t so sure. For now, I have identified it as a Pale Blue Flycatcher due to the darker wingtips and lack of noticeable marking on the head. It’s behavior of remaining still at low to middle elevations also matched the species description. If anyone thinks otherwise, do let me know.

    Later, I had a good look at a male Ruby-cheeked Sunbird through my binoculars but was unable to get a photo. It was feeding on a fruiting tree mixed in with a bunch of Flowerpeckers and other birds.

    Green Iora @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Green Iora

    As I was searching for the Sunbird, a singular chirp right above me caught my attention. I managed to get a few photos of the bird and was happy to get another lifer – the Spectacled Spiderhunter. It’s the largest species of Spiderhunters which looks gigantic compared to the Little Spiderhunter.

    Spectacled Spiderhunter @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Spectacled Spiderhunter
    Spectacled Spiderhunter @ Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, Perak, Malaysia
    Spectacled Spiderhunter

    And that’s a wrap. The 2 days of birding had added 8 more ticks to my life list. Despite that, the eBird “target species” tab still lists an additional 91 species that I can potentially see here. Malaysia’s forest biodiversity is truly incredible. Let’s see what else can I spot in December.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394433386

  • 19 Sep 26 – Kledang Saiong Eco Forest Park, Malaysia

    The gift that keeps on giving

    I’m back in Malaysia for the weekend so I’m going to bird at my usual spot at Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong. Ipoh had been experiencing some haze for the past week but I was fortunate to have good weather for the weekend.

    Asian Brown Flycatcher @ Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong
    Asian Brown Flycatcher

    The first bird of interest were some White-rumped Shamas. Very pleased to photograph this beautiful bird in warm sunlight with a clean background.

    White-rumped Shama @ Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong
    White-rumped Shama

    I also managed to get this juvenile perched on a branch searching for prey.

    White-rumped Shama @ Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong
    White-rumped Shama

    It didn’t take long for it to spot a spider and catch it for breakfast.

    White-rumped Shama @ Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong
    White-rumped Shama

    Now, for the first lifer of the day, a Lesser Cuckooshrike, quietly foraging high up on a tree.

    Lesser Cuckooshrike @ Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong
    Lesser Cuckooshrike

    The next lifer was a pair of Red-throated Sunbirds. Photographing sunbirds in the forest is always a challenge due to their fast movement and lack of sunlight. I, unfortunately, did not get a photo of the male.

    Red-throated Sunbird (female) @ Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong
    Red-throated Sunbird (female)

    After that, I spotted a pair of Orange-backed Woodpeckers (lifer) foraging on a tree.

    Orange-backed Woodpecker (female) @ Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong
    Orange-backed Woodpecker (female)

    Fate had one last surprise for me as I was leaving – a Blythe’s Hawk-Eagle soaring in the sky. The raptor was a good distance away and went out of sight as soon as I got a few shots.

    Blyth's Hawk-eagle @ Taman Eko Rimba Kledang Saiong
    Blyth’s Hawk-eagle

    All in all, a productive first day of birding to add another 4 species to my life list.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394095424?continue

  • 13 Sep 26 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore

    Sunday morning birding.

    Another Sunday morning, another session of birding at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR). Today, there was a large flock of Eurasian Whimbrels (I counted 70) resting around the tidal ponds which I did not see the week before.

    Eurasian Whimbrel @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Eurasian Whimbrel

    The incoming tide filled the tidal ponds with water bringing with it a source of food. Some Little Egrets were chasing others off to stake their claim on their hunting grounds.

    Little Egret @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Little Egret

    This Little Egret was trying to catch something in the water. Although it did not catch anything, I’ll give it 10 points for doing it in style and with flair.

    Little Egret @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Little Egret

    While resting at the Main Hide, I saw a White-bellied Sea Eagle fly pass to escape harassing crows. This one’s a juvenile based on the colors. It will gradually develop into it’s black and white plumage as it matures.

    White-bellied Sea Eagle (juvenile) @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    White-bellied Sea Eagle (juvenile)

    I also saw a pair of Sunda Pied Fantail darting from branch to branch hunting for insects.

    Sunda Pied Fantail @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Sunda Pied Fantail

    Lastly, I spotted my first Common Kingfisher of the migration season. Unfortunately, it promptly disappeared after diving for a catch so I was unable to look for an unobstructed shot.

    Common Kingfisher @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Common Kingfisher

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S392354252

  • 12 Sep 26 – Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore

    In search of the Brown-streaked Flycatcher

    I’ve been putting off a trip to Jurong Lake Gardens to find the Brown-streaked Flycatcher which would make my 307th species sighted. Finally, I decided to try my luck last weekend.

    Arriving early in the morning, I stumbled upon a group of photographers with cameras and tripods pointed at a tree cavity. They told me it was a Rufous Woodpecker nest. I stayed for awhile and saw the parent come back to feed the chick.

    Rufous Woodpecker @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Rufous Woodpecker

    The chick was still very young though and could not be seen but could be heard calling from inside the cavity.

    After awhile, I walked off to the viewing platform where I had seen the Watercock earlier this year. It didn’t take long to spot a small bird darting around the trees opposite the platform. Bam, target bird acquired.

    Brown-streaked Flycatcher @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Brown-streaked Flycatcher

    There were multiple flycatchers darting around the same tree. I managed to track another one which turned out to be a female Yellow-rumped Flycatcher.

    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (female) @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (female)

    Later in the day, I also spotted a male Yellow-rumped Flycatcher nearby. How fortunate to spot both genders on the same day! These beautiful little birds migrate annually from Siberia, Korea and China to spend winter in this part of the world.

    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (male) @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (male)

    Next, I decided to check out the usual Large-tailed Nightjar spot next to the Garden House. Sure enough, there was one resting there.

    Large-tailed Nightjar @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Large-tailed Nightjar

    A passing shower then sent me scrambling for shelter. Nevertheless, it was nice to relax and just listen to the sound of the falling rain.

    After the rain had eased, I checked the bamboo area near the Therapeutic Garden where I had spotted various flycatchers in the past. Surprisingly, there was a lone Tiger Shrike there.

    Tiger Shrike @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Tiger Shrike
    Tiger Shrike @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
    Tiger Shrike

    I went back to watch the Rufous Woodpecker nest but there wasn’t much happening. The chick did not seem too interested to eat. Hopefully it grows well and I can return a few weeks later to see it.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S392013404

  • 06 Sep 26 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore

    Welcome back.

    Last Sunday was my first time birding in SBWR for the past 4 months. It’s good to be out again to get some much needed exercise.

    Common Redshank @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Common Redshank

    The migration season is well and truly here with large flocks of Common Redshanks and Pacific Golden Plovers sighted. Unfortunately, all the birds decided to forage very far away from the trails and hides which means no luck getting good photos.

    Painted Stork / Common Redshank / Pacific Golden Plover @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Painted Stork / Common Redshank / Pacific Golden Plover

    Some of the tidal ponds have dried up considerably due to the recent hot weather. I saw a few Collared Kingfishers take advantage of this to hunt for prey.

    Collared Kingfisher @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Collared Kingfisher

    While the birds were far away from the Main Hide, I distracted myself watching the Mudskippers nearby. The one behind was aggressively chasing other Mudskippers out of its territory.

    Mudskipper @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
    Mudskipper

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S390219032

  • 05 Sep 26 – Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore

    Resuming normal programming soon

    Another weekend, another evening spent doing some casual birding at my “backyard”. This time, I had a pleasant encounter with a beautiful Long-tailed Shrike, I have not seen one here since 2023.

    Long-tailed Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Long-tailed Shrike

    Most of the time, it was perched on some small trees at eye level. It didn’t seem to mind my presence too much so I managed to get some decent photos.

    Long-tailed Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Long-tailed Shrike

    Occasionally, it would dive to the ground to catch an insect if it spots something. But sometimes it would return to it’s perched empty handed.

    Long-tailed Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Long-tailed Shrike

    After awhile, it took off toward the fenced off area next to the park. It must have came from there in search of food.

    Long-tailed Shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Long-tailed Shrike

    There wasn’t much of anything else to report. There was a curious Sunda Pied Fantail which landed close to me almost like it was checking me out but took off after I took a few photos.

    Sunda Pied Fantail @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Sunda Pied Fantail

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S390215003

  • 10 Aug 26 – Bukit Gombak Park, Singapore

    Refresher course

    It’s been 2 months since I last went out to bird. I’ve been using the time for personal commitments and to revisit another past hobby, reading (don’t get me started on the crazy hot weather of late). Nevertheless, I thought it’d be nice to just spend a few hours for some casual birding at my favorite “backyard” today.

    The first bird of interest I spotted was a pair of Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker calling and foraging. These beautiful little birds are always a joy to photograph provided they stay still.

    Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker

    On the same plant was a lone female Brown-throated Sunbird busy feeding on a flower. It didn’t mind my presence too much as I tried to find a better angle to photograph it amongst the congested leaves and branches.

    Brown-throated Sunbird @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown-throated Sunbird

    This was the first time I’ve spotted a flock of Eurasian Tree Sparrows in the middle of the park. I’ve always observed them on the fringes of the park perhaps to avoid the many Javan Mynahs that forage in the same area.

    Eurasian Tree Sparrow @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Eurasian Tree Sparrow

    Lastly, I spotted a pair of Collared Kingfisher swoop down to the ground to catch an insect. Unfortunately, the action happened too fast for me to capture a meaningful photograph so here’s a shot of the bird post-meal.

    Collared Kingfisher @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Collared Kingfisher

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381992814

  • Birding Flashbacks #02: The Brown Shrike of Bukit Gombak Park

    Date: Oct 2023 to Mar 2024, Nov to Dec 2024
    Location: Bukit Gombak Park

    Over the winter migration seasons of 2023 and 2024, I would frequent my “backyard” Bukit Gombak Park to photograph a lone wintering Brown Shrike.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike (taken in 2023)

    I do not know if they are the same bird across both years. But I assumed they are since both were not skittish and allowed me to photograph them at a relatively close distance.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike (taken in 2024)

    I managed to get many photographs of the bird during that time including a flight shot and pictures of it with various prey in mouth.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike in flight (taken in 2024)
    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike with katydid(taken in 2024)

    The most memorable encounter had to be the time I observed it pull an earthworm out of the ground before settling on it’s favorite perch to finish it’s meal. As a child, I’ve seen so many picture books of birds pulling worms out of the ground but witnessing it in real life is quite something.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike with earthworm (taken in 2024)

    Unfortunately, I have not seen the bird in recent years. It may be wintering elsewhere but it’s also possible that it may have perished. Winter migration is a perilous journey and birds die for various reasons from predation, exhaustion to window strikes.

    Brown shrike @ Bukit Gombak Park
    Brown Shrike (taken in 2024)

    Wherever you may be, I hope you are in a better place.

    eBird checklist: Various (too many to put here)

  • Birding Flashbacks #01: My First Rare Species

    I’ll be on hiatus from birding for a few weeks due to other commitments in life. Hence, I thought I’d blog about some past birding experiences prior to 2026 (before this blog was born). I’ll start with my first sighting of a rare species in Singapore.

    Date: 25 Nov 2023
    Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG)

    It was my first time at SBG for birding. I remember arriving at the Eco Lake very early at 7AM. As I was photographing some Black-crowned Night Herons, two ducks flew in and landed on the surface of the lake.

    Black-crowned Night Heron @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Black-crowned Night Heron

    This was about 1 month after I started birding. I was still learning to identify most of the common species seen in Singapore. I had assumed those ducks were Lesser Whistling Ducks, an uncommon species, but can be sighted reliably in some locations. I took a few photos and then just stood to watch them before they disappeared among some foliage.

    Cotton Pygmy Goose @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Cotton Pygmy Goose

    There was another photographer with me on that morning but we did not speak with each other. He had no interest in the ducks which reinforced my conviction that they must be Lesser Whistling Ducks. Any seasoned local birder must have seen them to death.

    I went about my day after the birding session. When I arrived home in the evening, I used Merlin (a bird identification app) to identify what I’ve seen for the day. At that point, I realized the ducks I saw looked nothing like the Lesser Whistling Duck.

    After going through the list of ducks that have been spotted in Singapore before, I identified them as a pair Cotton Pygmy Goose. I asked for further confirmation on the Bird Sightings Group in Facebook and was given the affirmative. I was asked to submit an official sighting to the Bird Society of Singapore.

    Cotton Pygmy Goose @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
    Cotton Pygmy Goose

    Only then did I realized how incredibly lucky I was that morning. My sighting was only the 7th recorded sighting of the bird in Singapore. If I ever wanted proof of beginner’s luck, here it was staring me in the face. My only regret was not realizing the gravity of the situation earlier.

    eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S289268461