Nature Society new...Created Date 4/27/2015 12:52:55 AM

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NATURE NEWS MAY-JUN 2015

May-Jun 2015

MCI (P) 027/08/2013 ISSN: 2010-4308

Green Corridor Walk: Harbourfront to the old Bukit Timah Railway Station May 03

Birdwatching at Lorong Halus May 10

Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Programme May 10

Paddle the Hidden Waterways of Sungei Khatib Bongsu 2 May 17

Butterfly Walk at the Rail Corridor May 17

NSS 61st Annual General Meeting May 23

Talk: A Dive into the Coral Triangle’s Marine Biodiversity May 29

Wildlife Sketching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Jun 06

NSS Kids’ Fun with Inter-tidal Marine Life @ Changi Jun 07

Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Programme Jun 07

Ubin Day: Coastal Clean-up Jun 13

Ubin Day: Vertebrate Study Group Booth & Night Walk Jun 13 & 14

Ubin Day: Kayaking at Sungei Jelutong Jun 13 & 14

Ubin Day: Birdwatching at Pulau Ubin Jun 14

Ubin Day: Forest Clean Up Jun 14

Talk: Southern Africa Trip Presentation Jun 20 Coastal Clean-up at Mandai Mudflats Jun 21

Activities 2An Inspiring Chat with 13-Year Old Birder Raghav

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61st Annual General Meeting of NSS – 2nd Notice & Agenda 6

NSS Exco Calling… 7

5th Annual Parrot Count 2015 8NSS Kids’ Fun with Pulau Ubin’s Natural & Cultural Heritage

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Announcements 11

NSS Directory 11

NSS All Purpose Form 12

4D/3N Lombok Eco-Adventure Jun 9 to 12

Trips Led by NSS Members

NEWSLETTER OF THE NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE)

ACTIVITY CALENDAR CONTENTS Pg

61st Annual General

Meeting of NSS

2nd Notice & Agenda Pg 65thAnnual Parrot Count

Pg 8

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Sunday 3 May

Jane 's Walk - Green Corr idor Walk: Harbourfront to the old Bukit Timah Railway Station As part of the Jane's Walk programme, Green Corridor Watch Group Coordinator Paul Wonnacott will conduct a public walk along the Rail Corridor. Please meet at the junction of Spooner Road and Kampung Bahru Road. The walk will end at the old Bukit Timah Railway Station next to Bukit Timah Road. Please wear good walking shoes and bring water along. Time: 8.30 am to 11.30 am. For registration and details, please see http://peatix.com/event/85813. Max: 30 pax. Open to the public.Sunday 10 May

Birdwatching at Lorong HalusIn collaboration with PUB, the Bird Group will conduct a birdwatching walk at Lorong Halus. In 2011, Lorong Halus Wetland was created by PUB to help purify water that flows through the former rubbish dump. For years, Little Grebes have made their home at Lorong Halus and they continue to do so. Grassland birds such as Yellow-bellied Prinias, Munias, Baya Weavers and Long-tailed Shrikes also thrive here. Please register at the NSS website before 4 May 2015, subject to confirmation on a first-come-first-served basis. Max: 30 pax. Details will be emailed upon registration confirmation. Kindly contact Lee Ee Ling ([email protected]) for more information. Open to the public.

Saturday 10 May

Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research ProgrammeHorseshoe crabs (HSC) are in decline globally due to habitat loss, poaching and overfishing. They get trapped in abandoned fishing nets and need our help to set them free. NSS aims to continually monitor our local HSC population to ensure that they stay around for many generations to come. If you would like to be part of this important mission to rescue and study the HSC at Mandai Mudflats, please register at http://tinyurl.com/nsshscreg. If you have any queries, please contact Vanitha ([email protected]). Bring along cap, shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, cutter for HSC rescue and camera. Washing facilities are available. Details will be emailed upon successful registration. Time: 9 am to 12 pm. Open to the public.

Sunday 17 May

Paddle the Hidden Waterways of Sungei Khatib Bongsu 2Join us as we explore Sungei Khatib Bongsu 2

(SKB2) by kayak. SKB2 is a land of giants compared to SKB1. Everything here seems to grow bigger, from clams to trees. The waterways and ponds are confusing, making navigation a challenge. Once inside, it is hard to know where things are relative to each other. Still, the allure of SKB2 lies in our curiosity to explore this almost-forgotten river. Paddling beneath the hanging roots of an immense fig, past canopied creeks, one cannot help but wonder if this natural playground can be conserved for others to appreciate the richness of one of Singapore’s last great rivers. Min/Max: 18/28 pax. Time: 7.45 am to 1 pm. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Kids 12 years old and under must be accompanied by one parent (no guardians) in the same kayak. Closing date: 9 May 2015. Member price: $100 (cash/cheque) / $105 (online payment). Non-member price: $125 (cash/cheque) / $130 (online payment). Members will be given priority. Cheques should be made out to ‘Nature Society (Singapore)’. Please register with Kerry Pereira at [email protected] with your full name, email, mobile number and state if you are a member or not. Seats will be confirmed only upon payment receipt. All participants will be required to sign an indemnity form before taking part. Details will be emailed upon successful registration, return of indemnity form and payment. Open to the public.

Sunday 17 May

Butterfly Walk at the Rail Corridor Simon Chan (HP: 9748-5465) will lead us on a butterfly quest following the former railway track, from King Albert Park passing through Bukit Timah Railway Station and ending at Old Holland Road. The walk runs through Clementi forest and is probably the richest butterfly stretch along the entire Rail Corridor. A good mix of forest and open field butterflies is anticipated. Often Singapore’s largest butterfly the Common Birdwing, a nominee for the National Butterfly title, can be spotted here. Meet at 9.30 am at the start of King Albert Park Road, off Bukit Timah Road. The walk ends at 12 pm. Bring along your binoculars, cap, water and lots of sunblock. Members only.

Saturday 23 May

NSS 61st Annual General Meeting Nature Society (Singapore) warmly welcomes all members to the 61st Annual General Meeting at 2.30 pm. It will be held at the Conference Room on the first storey of Strathmore Block, located at

Activities MaySunday 2 May

Saturday 23 May

Sunday 10 May

Sunday 10 May

Sunday 17 May

Sunday 17 May

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Saturday 06 Jun

Wildlife Sketching at Sungei Buloh Wetland ReserveJoin wildlife illustrator Van Wangye for a casual site drawing session at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This is a fun gathering of fellow wildlife art lovers to observe and sketch Singapore’s diverse fauna. Beginners are welcomed. No drawing experience is necessary. Time: 8 am to 11 am. Meet at the main entrance of the Visitor Centre. Please register with Kerry Pereira at [email protected] with your name, email and mobile number. Max: 10 pax. Details will be emailed upon successful registration. Open to the public.

Sunday 07 Jun

NSS Kids’ Fun with Inter-tidal Marine Life @ ChangiOnly during low tides does the inter-tidal habitat off Changi Beach become exposed, revealing its precious denizens including sea stars, sea urchins, shellfish and even seahorse if we are super lucky. Join veteran tide chaser Marcus Ng as he leads us in search of these beauties. Time: 7.15 am to 9.30 am. Please register your children (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria Seow at [email protected], stating their names and ages, if they are NSS members or not, and let us have your mobile number. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up. Open to the public.

Sunday 7 Jun

Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research ProgrammeHorseshoe crabs (HSC) are in decline globally due to habitat loss, poaching and overfishing. They get trapped in abandoned fishing nets and need our help to set them free. NSS aims to continually monitor our local HSC population to ensure that

they stay around for many generations to come. If you would like to be part of this important mission to rescue and study the HSC at Mandai Mudflats, please register at http://tinyurl.com/nsshscreg. If you have any queries, please contact Vanitha ([email protected]). Bring along cap, shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, cutter for HSC rescue and camera. Washing facilities are available. Details will be emailed upon successful registration. Time: 8.30 am to 11.30 am. Open to the public.

Saturday 13 Jun

Ubin Day: Coastal Clean-up In line with the Restore Ubin Mangroves (RUM) initiative, join us as we do a coastal clean-up to remove abandoned drift nets and marine debris that choke up the Ubin coastline. This will ensure that our wildlife continue to have the proper environment to thrive. Kindly register with Lisa Lim at [email protected] stating your full name, gender, email, contact number and past coastal clean-up experience if any. Please prepare $10 for transportation fees (bumboat and van pick-up). Details will be emailed upon successful registration. Max: 24 pax. Time: 12.30 pm to 4 pm. Meeting Point: Changi Village Jetty. Open to the public.

Weekend 13 & 14 Jun

Ubin Day: Vertebrate Study Group Booth & Night WalkThe Vertebrate Study Group (VSG) will have a booth at the Ubin Day weekend together with other nature groups. Do drop by from 10 am to 5 pm on either day to learn more about the diurnal and nocturnal ‘verts’ (any wildlife with a backbone) that inhabit our natural habitats. VSG may organise a joint night walk with Cicada Tree Eco-Place on 13 June to try to spot wildlife such as snakes, mousedeers, wild pigs, owls and more. Please check back at the Ubin Day web site http://ubinday2015.blogspot.sg/ for updates

Tanglin International Centre in Tanglin Road. Please see page 6 for details.

Friday 29 May

Talk: A Dive into the Coral Triangle’s Marine BiodiversityThe Coral Triangle is a global epicentre for marine biodiversity. This talk by Francesco Ricciardi will be a visual treat and virtual dive to spot pygmy seahorses,

clownfishes, commensal shrimps, nudibranchs and some of the amazing cryptic creatures that live in the Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Filled with stunning photographs of the blue realm, we will explore examples of the astonishing interactions that can occur between organisms populating this biodiversity hotspot, and learn the most interesting animal behaviours that can be witnessed just a few hours flight from Singapore. Time: 7 pm to 8 pm. Venue: NSS Office. Open to the public.

Saturday 13 Jun

Weekend 13 & 14 Jun

Friday 29 May

Activities JuneSaturday 06 Jun

Sunday 07 Jun

Sunday 07 Jun

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and registration details, as well as for activities organised by other nature groups which you can also register for. Open to the public.

Sunday 14 Jun

Ubin Day: Kayaking at Sungei Jelutong There will be a series of guided kayak tours of Sungei Jelutong's fascinating mangroves over two daays. Volunteer guides will explain interesting facts about mangrove plants, importance of our coastal forests, and what we can do to conserve them. This trip is suitable for both adults and children. Pre-payment and registration is required. Max per trip: 10 pax. Cost: $20 per pax. All profits will be donated to NSS. Each trip will last 1.5 hours including safety briefing. As this is a charity event, we seek your understanding that there will be no refunds once sold. In the event of bad weather, departure timings may be delayed or may be cancelled with refunds. Participants must be 8 years old and above. Participants 12 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian in the same kayak. For registration and more information, please visit: http://ubinday2015.blogspot.sg. Details will be emailed upon successful registration, return of signed indemnity form and payment. Open to the public.

Sunday 14 Jun

Ubin Day: Birdwatching at Pulau UbinMeet Willie Foo ([email protected]) at Changi Jetty at 7.30 am. We will take a bumboat (one-way fare of $2.50 per person) to Pulau Ubin, an island that never fails to surprise. There are always new things waiting to be discovered. We will look out for island specialities including the Red Junglefowl, Oriental Pied Hornbill and the globally-endangered Straw-headed Bulbul. Open to the public.

Sunday 14 Jun

Ubin Day: Forest Clean UpJoin us to do a forest clean-up at Ubin, removing trash to ensure a proper and safe environment for our forest wildlife to continue to thrive. Time: 9.30

am to 12.30 pm. Meeting Point: Pulau Ubin NParks Info Kiosk. Please prepare $10 for transportation fees. Kindly register with Kerry Pereira at [email protected] stating your full name, gender, email and contact number. Details will be emailed upon successful registration. Open to the public.

Saturday 20 Jun

Talk: Southern Africa Trip Presentation With 1,550 avian species, Africa is the second birdiest ornithological realm after the Neotropics. The southern portion of this continent presents a wide range of habitats, from the papyrus swamps of the Okavango inland delta, the vast salt pans of Etosha, the bone-dry Namib desert, the unique floral kingdom of the fynbos habitat at the southernmost tip of Africa, to the 3,000 m highlands of the Drakensberg. This slideshow by Gerard Francis will visit seven of the eight major habitats in southern Africa covering six countries. The focus will be on the bird fauna. However, the rich diversity of mammals and flora will not be neglected. Africa has a unique assemblage of large grazing animals, with more than half the continent being natural grassland and open woodland. Whales come to calve off the Cape of Good Hope in spring. Trip practicalities such as timing of visit, guiding, birder-friendly accommodation, and travel safety will also receive mention. Meet at 3 pm at the NSS office. Open to the public.

Sunday 21 Jun

Coastal Clean-up at Mandai MudflatsJoin us to clean up the Mandai Mudflats to benefit the wildlife that thrives here. Designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, this stretch of coastline is a key habitat for horseshoe crabs and an important feeding site for wading birds. Time: 8.30 am to 11 am. To participate in this meaningful exercise, please register at http://tinyurl.com/nssccreg. For queries, please contact Say Chong ([email protected]). Details will be emailed to those who sign up. Open to the public.

Trips Led by NSS Members4D/3N Lombok Eco-Adventure

Dates: 9 to 12 June 2015 Minimum: 4 pax (subject to flight availability)Closing Date: 24 May 2015 Cost: $400/$450 (member/non-member)

Join Kathy Xu on a marine conservation responsible holiday. Activities include snorkelling in pristine waters, beach

hopping, mini cliff-trekking, as well as nature trail and waterfall trekking. Your participation will aid in shark conservation by providing an alternative income to shark fishermen. Tour fare includes accommodation with WiFi and breakfast, land transfers, full-day beach hopping and snorkelling boat trip with

a visit to Pink Beach's pink sand and dramatic cliffs, full-day waterfall trek, snacks, drinks, packed lunch and snorkelling gear. Cost excludes flights, insurance and dinners. For enquiries or to register, please email [email protected]. For more information, please see Kathy's article 'Reality Bites – A View to Lessen the Kill' in Nature Watch Jan-Mar 2014. Open to the public.

Saturday 20 Jun

Sunday 14 Jun

Sunday 14 Jun

Sunday 21 Jun

Weekend 13 & 14 Jun

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Can you tell us a bit about yourself?I am 13 years old, and started birding almost three years ago. Besides birding, I also play field hockey and tennis.How did you get started on birdwatching? In the summer of 2013, my family went on a trip to Taman Negara. At the hotel, we saw a line of Oriental Pied Hornbills following each other in a straight line across a busy human footpath. The next day we were out in the field for almost six hours!What do you get out of birdwatching?The satisfaction of seeing a new species is incredible. Besides, there is always something happening when you are out in nature. One of my best birding moments came in the form of a bird wave with Red-crowned Barbets, Greater Green Leafbirds, Chestnut-bellied Malkohas and Asian Paradise Flycatchers.Did anyone inspire you to take up birding and photography?My mom was the inspiration when she decided to “just walk” at Taman Negara. From then on, we never looked back. We go birding once or twice a week.What is your list like now? What is your best bird so far?My bird list is touching 200 species, including escapees in Singapore. My best bird so far is the Sri Lankan Frogmouth from Thattekad. We had the unbeatable experience of walking around this Frogmouth, viewing and photographing it from different angles and watching its eyes follow us.Do you have a favourite birding site in Singapore? Why?This is a tough one to answer. It would have to be the Prunus Trail at MacRitchie Reservoir. The joy of listening to and seeing a Short-tailed Babbler singing as well as a Siberian Blue Robin bathing is pretty awesome.Do you have a favourite family or group of birds? Why?It has got to be the Babblers. Their singing is

probably the coolest thing that I have experienced as a birder.Are there any favourite bird or birds that you want to see?I am happy as long as the list is ticking along, so I do not really have a favourite.What do you aspire to become as a birder?My raptor identification skill still has a long way to go. I would really like to improve on that.How long have you been a member of NSS and what do you like about it?I became a member two years ago. NSS walks are a great way to begin my weekends.Any advice to youngsters like yourself on taking up birdwatching?When you start off, it seems really easy to add on to your (bird) list. You start to think that it would be like that forever. But after a few years, you start to slow down. At this point do not give up, no matter how hard it is. Keep pushing on. Once you see one new bird, your count will keep ticking on.Where else have you been birdwatching outside Singapore?We made one trip to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in India last fall and another to Panti Forest in

M a l a y s i a last spring where we s a w t h e c o v e t e d B l a c k -t h i g h e d F a l c o n e t . I n o u r China trip, we v is i ted Chanba in Shaanxi.

An Inspiring Chat with 13-Year Old Birder Raghav

The Bird Group is pleased to introduce an up and coming young birder, 13-year old Raghav. Raghav has been birding for only three years, but has already recorded close to 200 bird species, many with his camera. We do not get too

many keen and committed birders in this age group. So we are very happy to see him progress and help out with the study of local birds. I met Raghav a few times birding with his mom at Bidadari and have been very impressed each time with his knowledge of our avifauna. This teen is credited for photographing the rare resident Cotton Pygmy Goose at Turuk Ponds this year. This is probably only the second photo of this water bird taken in Singapore. You can view his bird images at Flickr under birdbrains@sgp. I had a chat recently with Raghav to find out more about his birding passion.

By Alan OwYong

Raghav (seen here with his mom Subha) is the photographer behind what is believed to be only the second photo of the rare resident Cotton Pygmy Goose taken at Turuk Ponds this year.

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Nature Soc i e t y ( S i ngapore ) warm ly welcomes all members to the 61st Annual

General Meeting (AGM) on 23 May 2015 (Saturday) at 2.30 pm. It will be held at the Conference Room (1st storey) of Strathmore Block, located at Tanglin International Centre, 354 Tanglin Road.

The Annua l Report 2014 and F inanc ia l Statements for 2014 will be posted up on our website by latest 15 May 2015.

For items 2 to 4 below, the President, Chairs and Treasurer will just stand up to table their reports, with at most one or two choice slides. They will then take questions or facilitate discussions. This should make the AGM as short as that in the last two years, and much shorter than in earlier years.

Agenda:

1. Minutes of the 60th Annual General Meeting held on 24 May 2014 – Amendments & Approval

2. Pres ident ’ s Report – To rece ive the President’s Report (on behalf of the NSS Execut ive Committee) for January to December 2014

3. Treasurer ’s Report – To receive the Treasurer’s Report for 1 January to 31 December 2014, including the presentation and adoption of the Audited Accounts for the same period

4. Committee and Special Interest Group Reports – To rece ive ( i ) Committee Reports for January to December 2014 (ie. Conservation Committee and Education Committee), and (ii) Special Interest Group Reports for January to December 2014, in reverse alphabetical order this year starting with the Vertebrate Study Group

5. Elect ion of the 2015-2016 Execut ive Committee Members

6. Election of one 2015-2018 Finance Advisory Group Member

7. Appointment of an Auditor or Auditors for accounts 1 January to 31 December 2015

8. Any Other Business

Minutes of the 60th Annual General Meeting

The Minutes will be posted to members and/or be available at the AGM.

Quorum

The quorum for the AGM is 60 vot ing members, not counting the outgoing Executive Committee. If there is no quorum at 2.30 pm, the meeting will be adjourned until 3 pm. At 3 pm, the AGM will commence with any number of members present.

Pre-AGM Programme for Members

Talk on Wildlife in Singapore (2 pm to 2.30 pm/3 pm) – NSS member Adrian Hall will give an illustrated talk on the wildlife in Singapore based on his upcoming e-book “Birds, Words, Creatures & Features”. Part of the proceeds from this e-book will be donated to NSS. Come and enjoy Adrian’s photos and the stories behind them.

Pre-AGM Programme & Lunch for Volunteers

Talk on Horseshoe Crab Popu la t ion & Density in Singapore (12.30 pm to 1.15 pm) – A presentation on the results of the recent horseshoe crab survey will be given by Vanitha J. Volunteers who took part in this survey are particularly invited to attend. All members are welcome too.

Appreciation Lunch for Volunteers (1.15 pm to 2 pm) – Project and activity leaders will contact their respective volunteers and volunteering members to invite them for an appreciation lunch. Please get in touch with Kerry if you do

61st Annual General Meeting of NSS 2nd Notice & Agenda

Margie Hall, Honorary Secretary

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In the previous issue of “Nature News”, the NSS Executive Committee (Exco)

called for various volunteer positions, and especially for an Assistant Treasurer. Our cal l was answered almost immediately. Already, our nominated Assistant Treasurer is working on a strategic planning exercise for NSS . Other members have come forward to help with governance and Exco succession matters. We can hardly believe our luck. Taking another perspective, it is representative of the ethos of our Society and the commitment that characterises our membership.

Now, without pushing our luck, we hope that we might find a volunteer amongst our membersh ip with account ing and data systems expertise. What we wish to achieve is the implementation of a financial accounting and membership data software system for NSS. The tasks involved may well include the following: i) Researching the requirements from Exco and the Secretariat,

ii) Researching software available in the market, iii) Documenting the rationale for software selection, and iv) Implementing the infrastructure and underlying processes including planning, testing, data cutover from the old system to the new software, data val idation, user training and post-implementation monitoring. If you have the skills and the time to work on this task, please do contact us or speak to one of us at the upcoming 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM).

We still hope that those of you with fund-raising experience will eventually come forward to help. We shall be particularly ca l l ing for fund-ra is ing help when the ongoing strateg ic p lanning exerc ise is completed. Other skills are needed too. So if you think you have something to offer the Society, please let us know. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the AGM on 23 May 2015 (refer to page 6 for details)!

By Margie Hall, Honorary Secretary

NSS Exco Calling…

not hear from your leader. If you are not yet a volunteering member but would like to attend, please register in advance with Kerry.

Post-AGM refreshmentsRefreshments will be available at the end of the AGM.

Free Green Rail Corridor Guide A fold-out guide to the Green Rail Corridor has been jo int ly produced by NSS and Singapore Heritage Society, kindly sponsored by Jebsen & Jessen. The guide shows access points and details biodiversity, habitat, history and cultural points of interest. The first printing, sponsored by Shell, was done in time for the Green Corridor Run in March 2015. Copies are available at the NSS office, priced at $10 for non-members and $5 for members. As a special gesture, we will give out one free copy to each volunteer or volunteering member at the appreciation lunch, as well as

to each member at the AGM (one per person, while stocks last). A second printing will be done in late May, sponsored by Jebsen and Jessen. Thereafter, copies will be on sale again at the same price at the NSS office.

Venue Location & Directions Tanglin International Centre is located at 354 Tanglin Road. Access is via a large gate diagonally opposite the Esso petrol station. Walk or drive straight up from the gate. Strathmore Block is the first low-rise block, on the right. Ample parking space is available, but parking is chargeable via electronic card payment. For public transport, get off at Redhill MRT station and walk 15 minutes, or take Bus 132 from the bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station and get off at the next bus stop. Alternatively, alight at Orchard MRT station and take Bus 111 from Orchard Boulevard.

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5th Annual Parrot Count 2015By Albert Low & Alan Owyong Photo by Shirley Ng

The World Parrot Count was initiated five years ago by Michael Braun and Roelant

Jonker from the parrot researchers’ group of the International Ornithological Union (IOU). The study’s key objective was to document the status and abundance of feral and non-native parrots in urban environments globally where populations are established. Being part of this study provides an excellent opportunity for us to also monitor native parrot abundance and diversity in Singapore beyond our nature reserves. Given that some species such as the non-native Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri) have increased in abundance across Singapore, it is also timely to identify the areas and roost sites where such species are concentrated. Coordinated annually by the Bird Group since 2011, this year’s Parrot Count took place on 28 February 2015. Twelve sites across mainland Singapore were covered by 27 surveyors.

A change in the timing for the main counting period, coupled with optimal counting conditions, have resulted in an unprecedented 2,725 parrots of seven identifiable species being recorded. In the history of the Singapore Parrot Count, this is the first time that we have exceeded the 1,000 parrots threshold. Another breakthrough for us was our discovery of Bottle Tree Park in Yishun, a new site for this year’s survey. It turned out to be the top site in terms of total abundance, with 594 individuals from four parrot species recorded. The change in timing has allowed a more accurate estimate of the large congregation of Long-tailed Parakeets (Psittacula longicauda) roosting here.

As was the case in 2014, the well-wooded Mount Rosie was the most species-rich site, with seven parrot species recorded. In a continuation of 2014’s trend, the Long-tailed Parakeet was the most numerous parrot recorded, with 2,059 individuals seen. This is a significant increase from the 373 individuals observed last year. It constituted 75.6% of all parrots counted. We also recorded 513 Red-breasted Parakeets, making up the bulk (18.8%) of the remaining parrots seen. Other species logged included small numbers of Tanimbar Corellas (Cacatua goffiniana), Coconut Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus), Rose-ringed Parakeets (Psittacula krameri), Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots (Loriculus galgulus) and a single

Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatus sulphurea). A single African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was the only escapee recorded from Mount Rosie.

Following on from 2014, the continued addition

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of previously un-surveyed sites in northern Singapore has resulted in an increasingly clear picture of the roosting behaviour of the Long-tailed Parakeet. Of late, we have discovered that large flocks of Long-tailed Parakeets regularly travel along the eastern boundary of the Central Nature Reserve to roost sites in Yishun via staging areas in Springleaf. Conservative estimates show at least 1,000 of these parakeets observed across the various sites in the area. These findings have important conservation implications for this globally near-threatened species, particularly as its roost sites are in urban areas, at least in northern Singapore.

While the non-native Red-breasted Parakeets are still numerous and widespread, we are heartened that large congregations of native Long-tailed Parakeets still exist in Singapore. The presence of urban greenery and the persistence of roost sites in urban areas are likely important for the long-term survival prospects of the Long-tailed Parakeet in Singapore. Our findings also highlight the significant role birdwatchers play in the long-term monitoring of our parrot populations, by documenting active parrot roosts in their backyards.

During the census, parrot numbers peaked between 7 pm and 7.30 pm with 1,832 parrots counted. As suggested by the 2014 results, the largest parakeet flocks were mainly observed at last light. As such, the decision to delay the start and end times of this year’s census by half an

hour has paid off handsomely. Counters at many sites managed to observe the noisy spectacle of hundreds of parakeets returning to their roosting trees just before complete darkness.

On behalf of the Bird Group, we would like to thank the following people for their willingness in carrying out parrot monitoring – Site Leaders: Albert Low, Lim Kim Chuah, Doreen Ang, Alan Owyong, Lim Kim Keang, Debra Yeo, Lee Ee Ling, Jane Rogers, Shirley Ng, Ng Bee Choo, Morten Strange and Angus Lamont, as well as Assisting Counters: Peng Ah Huay, Kerry Pereira, Yan Jiejun, Amaury Cazenave Gassiot, Leow Yoon Li, Loh Leewen and husband, Nessie Khoo, Ryan Tiew, Elliot Ong, Rachel, Yip Wai Kum, Mark Wen Strange, Paul and Lucile Passy. Finally, we are grateful towards Roelant and Michael for inviting us to be part of this study.

Table 1: Summary of count data across all sites

Clementi Eng NeoKing

Albert Park

Portsdown Changi Point

Dakota Crescent

Gymkhana Ave

Mount Rosie

Windsor Park

Springleaf Park Site

A

Springleaf Park Site

B

Bottle Tree Park

Long-tailed Parakeet 21 2 29 48 396 441 562 560

R e d -b r e a s t e d Parakeet

308 23 10 117 30 25

Rose-ringed Parakeet 1 1 7 8

B l u e -c r o w n e d H a n g i n g Parrot

1

R a i n b o w (Coconut) Lorikeet

4 4

Ta n i m b a r Corella 7 1 29 1 2 2

Y e l l o w -c r e s t e d Cockatoo

1

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Pu l a u U b i n

i s one o f Singapore’s l a s t

kampongs (villages). On 28 February 2015, a group of die-hard NSS Kids and their families made their way to this charming island, accessible by a $2.50 bumboat ride from Changi Village.

According to Uncle Tim, Pulau Ubin was originally a hub for granite mining. Today, these abandoned granite quarries form attractive water bodies teeming with wildlife. Uncle Tim showed us the village’s Tua Pek Kong Taoist temple and its wayang (Chinese opera) stage. He pointed out that the temple was constructed with a concrete base and a wooden superstructure built atop it. This allows the building to better withstand contact with rain water. Such architecture is typical of the many kampong homes that dot the island.

We encountered several tropical fruit trees including the fragrant jackfruit, banana and starfruit. Auntie Lena then unfurled a rolled-up banana leaf, and we were surprised to find a small greenish Banana Skipper caterpillar nestled within, covered in a white powder. Out of place amongst these Asian fruit trees is the invasive Hairy Clidemia originally from South America. It produces a

delicious fruit which we immediately nicknamed the ‘Furry Blueberry’ as it reminded us of real b lueberr i e s when we tasted them!

As we s t ro l l ed a long Ubin’s leafy avenue, Auntie Gloria pointed out giant termite mounds scattered amidst swaying coconut trees. A mound consists of a community of nymphs,

workers, soldiers and a few egg-laying queen termites, living in an elaborate system of tunnels. Termites are an intelligent society, responsible

for wood and p l ant breakdown, which is important for ecosystem recyc l ing . We learnt tha t bracket fungus also serves the same purpose by feeding off rotting logs.

We turned around at t he b l ue - and -wh i t e wooden house wi th a zinc roof of the late Mr Lim Chye Joo, the former Chinese village headman. In fact, Uncle Tim said that Ubin was previously run by one Chinese and one Malay headman. We took a quick peep inside and saw old-fashioned metal grills, bare cement floors, plastic chairs and dim lighting. A man surfing on his smartphone contrasted with this timeless tableau.

The walk also produced many Golden Orb Web spiders. They weave massive webs to catch prey such as flies, beetles and grasshoppers. Even birds are unintentionally caught in these elaborate webs. We then visited ponds covered by lotus and lily plants. Uncle Tim taught us how to differentiate the two. Lotus leaves are completely round, while lily pads have notches on otherwise round leaves. The flowers are pink and purple respectively. We were fortunate to spot dragonflies and a friendly ladybird, and catch sight of a magnificent Olive-Backed Sunbird resting on a pole. At the end of the trip, we were dog-tired from all that walking in the hot sun. The kampong dogs were equally sluggish from the heat, lying flat out at the jetty as

we waited f o r o u r return ferry.

NSS Kids’ Fun with Pulau Ubin’s Natural &

Cultural HeritageBy Ryan Liew (age 9) & Alastair Liew (age 11)

T h e Kampong h o m e o f U b i n ’ s f o r m e r C h i n e s e headman.

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