tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53094002163199763292024-03-13T10:35:39.425+08:00Urban ForestUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-90379654292449306582018-06-23T23:49:00.000+08:002018-06-24T11:22:31.844+08:00Beach Cleanup #1 & #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Browsing through my Facebook feed nowadays is quite depressing. Especially when I have many friends who are environmentally conscious and share sad articles on the state of our seas, rubbish killing animals, micro-plastics & fibres ingested by filter feeders, etc. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These past few years, I have been concentrating much in studying and upgrading my skills in the very competitive field of data science, and been too long an arm-chair environmentalist. Last weekend I decided to just go to Punggol Beach to have a look at the state of rubbish, and tug along a plastic bag.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC95J3NFPgcJWFqZvmXiA_5pZqF4Oed2HGuPkGK8Uavkv9YZzq0nNRZyuaYEffqoboAaEcwJzRn8EeeUWyvOKS5lzyplbu7iOHWgUkUo5gAvzspMT0Yfbx1SfkBkDxeBIMhv9d4NRZMoM/s1600/IMG20180617163127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC95J3NFPgcJWFqZvmXiA_5pZqF4Oed2HGuPkGK8Uavkv9YZzq0nNRZyuaYEffqoboAaEcwJzRn8EeeUWyvOKS5lzyplbu7iOHWgUkUo5gAvzspMT0Yfbx1SfkBkDxeBIMhv9d4NRZMoM/s400/IMG20180617163127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
#Trip 1. It wasn't that bad, but far from good too. Some of the plastics have been left so long that barnacles have grown on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbf4OwOgXZYkAPjGT1wCG81HfujiDfUHnwEGYJ70mhw-vH7Lafc9y-7SNjlNzQXsbt1tnEDRE__hyphenhyphenS_sp7nG1rYcisABgfm32zibi_YX9lTrssqCWbyIKsch7qyEC4aQ2o0w-q-b0oXE/s1600/IMG20180617163845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbf4OwOgXZYkAPjGT1wCG81HfujiDfUHnwEGYJ70mhw-vH7Lafc9y-7SNjlNzQXsbt1tnEDRE__hyphenhyphenS_sp7nG1rYcisABgfm32zibi_YX9lTrssqCWbyIKsch7qyEC4aQ2o0w-q-b0oXE/s400/IMG20180617163845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Look at this, the shoreline mark was littered with small pieces of degraded plastics. So many that its impossible to clear all.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZvaZCz6c03fcBFdCe0Wpl3zFRBNZsyDd45n84a8arHCko4ZUOfrhHDOXaFaNQcqhHhw4xscYLor1uZb4fv7BtJ0k93UTcpRVAKWI52x1SnZKpAk1k8B0JUaKymi7Eoebw6lksJw0s3w/s1600/IMG20180617163727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZvaZCz6c03fcBFdCe0Wpl3zFRBNZsyDd45n84a8arHCko4ZUOfrhHDOXaFaNQcqhHhw4xscYLor1uZb4fv7BtJ0k93UTcpRVAKWI52x1SnZKpAk1k8B0JUaKymi7Eoebw6lksJw0s3w/s400/IMG20180617163727.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much rubbish :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I gathered in 15 mins. Plastic bottles, cups, bags, and many many pieces of styrofoam. From my first trip, I decided that yes, there's enough plastics and rubbish to warrant another trip. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymb0vpwKrwAtvPfPMYCddzD8vHwTLsWbjoxDWpXBB5wEFVLJaqw7VV5CLIemVUMILIMaFizZhvmA7hOQiMiEetKHMm8a220ytG1MsZVnjrSMVPNciE4p6EjBNBURCpDXFxMXOTWDiavQ/s1600/IMG20180623175529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymb0vpwKrwAtvPfPMYCddzD8vHwTLsWbjoxDWpXBB5wEFVLJaqw7VV5CLIemVUMILIMaFizZhvmA7hOQiMiEetKHMm8a220ytG1MsZVnjrSMVPNciE4p6EjBNBURCpDXFxMXOTWDiavQ/s400/IMG20180623175529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some fishing going on here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#Trip 2. Collected 3 bags worth of rubbish. Scanned a wider stretch of the beach and realised that while there is evidence of contractors hired to clean the beach, there is more to be done for some areas. I shall be back again and better prepared. Had bought a small collapsible bucket, and will also bring a glove for safety reasons. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>No. Trips: 2</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Total Bags of Trash</b>: 4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-43422258581895249612017-11-04T23:28:00.001+08:002017-11-04T23:30:56.560+08:00Pitcher Plant HybridsFor those who have been following my blog, you might have realised that it has not been updated for 4.5 years! Time is not something that I have the luxury of nowadays, especially when priorities and goals changed. But it has always been in my mind to come back someday. Both this blog and my <a href="http://uforest.org/">plant identification website</a> serves as a form of education in some form to a wider audience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsflVXTBEtMEeWLzHoDF9ZdeC7WA48iZRdRRJZtzchkc-aZ5X2E6kb14mU_ZPuTH89oO2o_ddOIgP7MaydMBEo21nm9PBKVIzyBtVbweVSL8bBwhsPGFABk5qSubufKrcW9kmOvgwPHM/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsflVXTBEtMEeWLzHoDF9ZdeC7WA48iZRdRRJZtzchkc-aZ5X2E6kb14mU_ZPuTH89oO2o_ddOIgP7MaydMBEo21nm9PBKVIzyBtVbweVSL8bBwhsPGFABk5qSubufKrcW9kmOvgwPHM/s1600/1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Kent Ridge Park to most is just a park, or to others, a part of the Southern Ridges, or, to bikers, one of their off-road cycling haven. However, it is home to a unique native form of forest called Adinandra belukar (I might blog more about this next time). Above is how it looks like, taken in the undergrowth.<br />
<br />
Of course, as with the title, the aim is to search for a couple of pitcher plant hybrids which I have searched for in vain for awhile. Luckily, this time, I have the help of a knowledgeable pitcher plant researcher, who kindly agreed to show me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEblBymUBt8l9an46oJ-c9h3trUz7dHq0DTghziJ91VIbeQzFd_fGslpY_KAsB_RcztQ9nA2RwMnUf2u_8SlCUCH2PaHIQ3ddmbMW0bDTPSnGyxTi33F6bH1G5ld9zzn2KfugUCmlMJ8w/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEblBymUBt8l9an46oJ-c9h3trUz7dHq0DTghziJ91VIbeQzFd_fGslpY_KAsB_RcztQ9nA2RwMnUf2u_8SlCUCH2PaHIQ3ddmbMW0bDTPSnGyxTi33F6bH1G5ld9zzn2KfugUCmlMJ8w/s1600/2.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Introducing <a href="http://uforest.org/Species/N/Nepenthes_hookerana.php">Nepenthes x hookerana</a>. This is a hybrid of <a href="http://uforest.org/Species/N/Nepenthes_rafflesiana.php">Nepenthes rafflesiana</a> and <a href="http://uforest.org/Species/N/Nepenthes_ampullaria.php">Nepenthes ampullaria</a>. Such a beauty isn’t it! For those who have seen and known the native non-hybrid species, this hybrid pitcher looks totally different, being more slender and funnel like compared to rafflesiana.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT4dTlaK12-EpbGbkSaW_pe55RER2QtjVolL50FJefYTJPBn5aLcIAOeYNdKgVrdkTEkKsHmt3U2fivLxh8maHoMBvGk3wNbIFZnNcqHUcetHJEeeA5C2iStgIWj25w2vKcgbCuovuNw/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT4dTlaK12-EpbGbkSaW_pe55RER2QtjVolL50FJefYTJPBn5aLcIAOeYNdKgVrdkTEkKsHmt3U2fivLxh8maHoMBvGk3wNbIFZnNcqHUcetHJEeeA5C2iStgIWj25w2vKcgbCuovuNw/s1600/3.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
This is another hybrid called <a href="http://uforest.org/Species/N/Nepenthes_hookerana.php">Nepenthes x trichocarpa</a>. It is a hybrid of <a href="http://uforest.org/Species/N/Nepenthes_gracilis.php">Nepenthes gracilis</a> and <a href="http://uforest.org/Species/N/Nepenthes_ampullaria.php">Nepenthes ampullaria</a>. The pitchers are cute, stocky or plump in my opinion. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLTl8M01aTZJMW__RtQr7vAEo1c7PreISWXBO45K2j9X_nFyVKIhDciP7YNIc_lKxPn_QX0pCd6YUoQT22lZfSkp5C3fpCGmK2d6SH-rkR56vWw8qi3j4dM2rNXgc35Wt02GM-A870Js/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLTl8M01aTZJMW__RtQr7vAEo1c7PreISWXBO45K2j9X_nFyVKIhDciP7YNIc_lKxPn_QX0pCd6YUoQT22lZfSkp5C3fpCGmK2d6SH-rkR56vWw8qi3j4dM2rNXgc35Wt02GM-A870Js/s1600/4.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/$IMG_5601[6].jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/$IMG_5614[5].jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5309400216319976329" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5309400216319976329" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/$IMG_5599[5].jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/$IMG_5592[5].jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5309400216319976329" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5309400216319976329" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/$IMG_5592[5].jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/$IMG_5599[5].jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I was quite disturbed and dismayed when the researcher told me that he had seen evidence of people poaching the pitchers. I guess to some extent, humans always have a habit of wanting to possess things for themselves, like removing a piece of plant or animal from the environment and then growing it at their home. Personally, I gained more satisfaction seeing them in the wild, seeing them thriving in their habitat. I hope many of my readers feel the same way too.<br />
<br />
Singapore, while small, have many natural places that will surprise many, I have no doubt on that. We need to cherish and appreciate them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-43907031718622945202013-06-08T13:48:00.001+08:002013-06-08T13:49:48.700+08:00Tree Falls<p>The past few days of bad weather has taken its toll on our park trees. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5LugEaJqU5c/UbLFhAvLQRI/AAAAAAAADkw/Hhv9VFzxReM/s1600-h/IMG_8321%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8321" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_8321" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1AxlM9SoYUg/UbLFiPny8GI/AAAAAAAADk4/02fMdOKMMv4/IMG_8321_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="392"></a></p> <p>I was quite dismayed when I saw several uprooted trees in Punggol Park as I embarked on my weekend plant photography trip. Above is a <em><a href="http://uforest.org/Species/D/Dalbergia_oliveri.html">Dalbergia oliveri</a></em> which have been on that spot for many years, till now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pJKFrr3Z7Ac/UbLFi8g8a0I/AAAAAAAADlA/OJlsjyd1jH0/s1600-h/IMG_8324%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8324" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_8324" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eoUnlcq1D_s/UbLFjmQ_TwI/AAAAAAAADlI/8dn_2aBJB6M/IMG_8324_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="594"></a></p> <p>This uprooted tree, <a href="http://uforest.org/Species/T/Tabebuia_rosea.html"><em>Tabebuia rosea</em></a><em> </em>is being sawing into pieces by the contractors for disposal. Another tree with a mistletoe growing on it at face-level had its trunk snapped. I have been waiting for the parasitic plant to flower and fruits so that I can collect their photographs, but it is likely that the tree will be removed after this incident.</p> <p>Its such a pity that these greenery which have been part of the park landscape for so many years is gone.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-22924836920251684132012-12-30T19:27:00.001+08:002013-01-12T17:53:02.197+08:00A new Clover-leaf Desmodium in Singapore?<p>I’m back in Bidadari Cemetery to finish up taking photos of plants before the place is razed to become a HDB estate. Together with another enthusiastic lover of wildflowers, we went searching for macro subjects.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B-Z1LBsNlEg/UOAlFc4AnuI/AAAAAAAADhA/_aQR1LjMRmc/s1600-h/Untitled-5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled-5" border="0" alt="Untitled-5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4eJ5FEwbPz8/UOAlG1tN3-I/AAAAAAAADhI/fMk0Y0My5c4/Untitled-5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>One of the oddities I found was this little herb. The leaves are clearly <em><a href="http://uforest.org/Species/D/Desmodium_triflorum.html">Desmodium triflorum</a></em> but the flowers are white instead of purple!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xyDpKAYlcQM/UOAlH9TSWFI/AAAAAAAADhM/idXx-28ZCrk/s1600-h/Untitled-6%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled-6" border="0" alt="Untitled-6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xODgsJS62N0/UOAlJZhEJLI/AAAAAAAADhY/IKocmbPguQw/Untitled-6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>The purple flower <em><a href="http://uforest.org/Species/D/Desmodium_triflorum.html">Desmodium triflorium</a></em> grows just beside the white one on the same grass patch. I tried to see if they belong to the same individuals by tracing their creeping horizontal stems but they are apparently not.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UaYKyeXHHmE/UOAlKqUJWcI/AAAAAAAADhg/iMVsFJNOk10/s1600-h/Untitled-7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled-7" border="0" alt="Untitled-7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QG2BCmuwvQ8/UOAlMJ4_veI/AAAAAAAADho/LPU_uoAyiwE/Untitled-7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>This is another similar species, <em><a href="http://uforest.org/Species/D/Desmodium_heterophyllum.html">Desmodium heterophyllum</a></em> but it has larger leaves and the flowers are also starkly different close-up. The white flower <em>Desmodium</em> however is similar to <em>D. triflorium</em> in every aspect. I wonder if it is a variety or an entirely new species yet to be recorded in Singapore? :x</p> <p><strong>Update</strong>: Was just updated that this might indeed be just a variety of <em>Desmodium triflorium</em>. Oh well..</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-63188549618875221282012-12-24T19:49:00.001+08:002012-12-25T00:20:40.209+08:00My new website!<p>This took me 6 full months of hard work, from one who only knows how to read a few lines of html to designing an entire website from scratch. So here, I am proud to announce my new website: <a href="http://uforest.org/home.html"><strong>Urban Forest: An Identification Guide to the Flora of Singapore and Southeast Asia</strong></a> @ <a href="http://uforest.org"><strong>uforest.org</strong></a>.</p> <p><a href="http://uforest.org"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Msg7PPZIuUc/UNhBPAn31iI/AAAAAAAADgc/hXhrSZuimRw/Capture8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="593" height="573"></a></p> <p>Join its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Urban-Forest/450854238306234"><strong>FACEBOOK</strong></a> page to keep yourself updated about the latest species featured in this website!</p> <p>A gratitude for the Botany Lab in NUS where I worked for the past 3 years. Almost everything in this website is from what I have absorbed and learnt from through the guidance and patience of my colleagues and boss.</p> <p>Thanks also to Long and Ron for their advice on web design and pushing me to set a higher standard for myself. Some will probably squirm in terror if they see version 1 of my website. Haha~</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-20225946719937617312012-12-16T18:06:00.001+08:002012-12-16T18:42:59.012+08:00Bidadari Trees<p>The now defunct Bidadari Cemetery consists of a big parcel of open space and a forested area. I love the former because the openness of the area with the carpet of greenery gives me an unspeakable sense of awe.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AycTlqla6_c/UM2WFLOkfCI/AAAAAAAADdY/zwU7It8eYyg/s1600-h/IMG_4618%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4618" border="0" alt="IMG_4618" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g1eytls0Da0/UM2WGexSccI/AAAAAAAADdg/NBFhEUWV6OM/IMG_4618_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>Many of the trees which stand individually have the space to grow to their full size without restriction. It is just amazing to appreciate their size and form, not to mention that they serve as excellent models for me to collect nice photographic memories of them. <p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x_WsOiZcW8c/UM2WIRma6SI/AAAAAAAADdo/luYplC0ZLkg/s1600-h/IMG_4598%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4598" border="0" alt="IMG_4598" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zZqNJ8HS78s/UM2WKiR5RHI/AAAAAAAADdw/WETWMabZ-5c/IMG_4598_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>An <em>Acacia auriculiformis</em> with a <em>Ficus benjamina</em> growing on it. The stray branch extending on the left reminded me of our iconic heritage tree (Fagraea fragrans) in the botanic gardens which had graced the back of our S$5 note.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qyu6JAk3QrE/UM2WMLFKk-I/AAAAAAAADd4/2vQW2XA04cE/s1600-h/IMG_4603%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4603" border="0" alt="IMG_4603" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I8V3NUD6KSw/UM2WONY2WAI/AAAAAAAADeA/gojow2t1Ga0/IMG_4603_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p><em>Pithecellobium dulce</em>. I have been looking for a nice lone specimen for awhile, and this is probably the best place to take a shot of it. The straggly branches make it a very identifiable species from afar.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-enxcsvkCBJ8/UM2WPoraCNI/AAAAAAAADeI/IIkb9_yRlq8/s1600-h/IMG_4591%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4591" border="0" alt="IMG_4591" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9uiSQv10ebQ/UM2WSKAbduI/AAAAAAAADeQ/WdZrXRfxpj8/IMG_4591_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="740"></a></p> <p>The Indian Mango, <em>Mangifera indica</em>. This huge tree was fruiting profusely when I was there. The mangoes are rounded compared to the typical ovate ones. Probably one of the many cultivars of the species. The tree also hosts many species of epiphytes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yt7jYXU05H4/UM2WT1bjsbI/AAAAAAAADeY/U7fxobtvfzE/s1600-h/IMG_4631%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4631" border="0" alt="IMG_4631" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qp3w6MHPitk/UM2WU-hJB6I/AAAAAAAADeg/D_t1eO9QeXA/IMG_4631_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="723"></a></p> <p>Tembusu trees (<em>Fagraea fragrans</em>) typical form is an architecture wonder. Its primary branches will branch into many upright spokes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BP-I2uBIt6s/UM2WWbUiJ6I/AAAAAAAADeo/OaIWpvW49oo/s1600-h/IMG_4630%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4630" border="0" alt="IMG_4630" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kqWsUSV4Vyo/UM2WYKZCdII/AAAAAAAADew/6HA3Rwf6HGA/IMG_4630_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="858"></a></p> <p>This <em>Livistona rotundifolia </em>palm<em> </em>(I think) is so tall that it is more than twice the height of the Angsana trees in the background! Beats me on why there is a need to grow so damn high, since there are zero competitors for sunlight in the surroundings.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pmpcSgvRj0I/UM2WaDCewzI/AAAAAAAADe4/aMthpVdHa5Y/s1600-h/IMG_4634%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4634" border="0" alt="IMG_4634" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RKxfqC_2SZg/UM2WbwHVW6I/AAAAAAAADfA/ORe_hxuGxjA/IMG_4634_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>I have seen many larger <em>Ficus benjamina</em> trees but this particular one captured my attention more than anyone else, probably because of its extensive drooping leaves.</p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X1n63wNRgRg/UM2dK2pqrGI/AAAAAAAADfs/QGzmVeQY1pc/s1600-h/IMG_4621%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4621" border="0" alt="IMG_4621" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-713dXQZuEKg/UM2dM79CMLI/AAAAAAAADf0/IsGg4MdG5Sw/IMG_4621_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="829"></a> <p>Another of the same fig species (<em>Ficus benjamina</em>) but this time it comes in two. The two towering figs serves as a majestic gateway for the uncle with his two adorable dogs - Beacon and Dognut, as he lovingly told me earlier. The yellow leaves from the tree on the left is actually a mistletoe, <em>Viscum ovalifolium.</em></p> <p>And so, a tribute to the “heritage” trees of Bidadari, before they will be fell for residential development next year. I hope at least some will be conserved!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-26133768040753302252012-11-03T17:02:00.001+08:002012-11-04T08:26:34.927+08:00Whiskered Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker<p>I have always wondered two things when I passed by two <em>Wrightia religiosa</em> shrubs in Punggol Park:</p> <ol> <li>Why couldn’t I find the seeds of the Wrightia so that I can take pictures of them when the fruit ripes? <li>Why do I always see the female Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (<em>Dicaeum cruentatum</em>) on the shrub?</li></ol> <p>Today, the mystery is finally solved. Seems like both questions lingering in my mind are related.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2gbOc1B-_2U/UJTdaTJ4dNI/AAAAAAAADb0/ZW9hXIO5EBk/s1600-h/IMG_3466%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3466" border="0" alt="IMG_3466" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vrtngposwAQ/UJTdeeUzgHI/AAAAAAAADb8/I44PM2_vMEw/IMG_3466_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>The flowerpecker actually collects the fluffy seeds of the <em>Wrightia religiosa</em>! What the bird was perching on is actually one end of the split fruit. Most members of the family Apocynaceae splits and have wind dispersed fruits like this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OOT2k_dVsNw/UJTdgnw4B7I/AAAAAAAADcE/gWYaYeJigEM/s1600-h/IMG_3451%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3451" border="0" alt="IMG_3451" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Q3K2WN1e48/UJTdoodJp1I/AAAAAAAADcM/aV3jJVBjKEQ/IMG_3451_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>The bird was really very hardworking in collecting the seeds. In fact, it managed to clean up the seeds of the two opened fruits in its mouth! Having so much white hair sticking out at this angle made it looked as if it had grown a crazy length of moustache. Haha~</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6nnjB9RYSSk/UJTdsPCg22I/AAAAAAAADcU/0u405ZrPfbE/s1600-h/IMG_3439%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3439" border="0" alt="IMG_3439" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bc0QkwiAF_Q/UJTduc5_sPI/AAAAAAAADcc/SX7tSV1M2KM/IMG_3439_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>When I went home to process the images, I noticed that the bird was perching on a Malayan Mistletoe (<em>Dendrophthoe pentandra</em>) parasitising on the <em>Wrightia </em>in one of the pictures. Another on its right has already germinated. It is likely to be the dispersal agent for the mistletoe since I have read accounts of it feeding on the mistletoe’s fruits.</p> <p>Unfortunately the offspring of these <em>Wrightia</em> are not so lucky. Looking at pictures of the flowerpecker’s nest, they will probably end up as the ingredients for a warm and cosy home for the bird’s chicks.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-66631836041539475392012-08-20T01:30:00.001+08:002012-08-21T23:32:42.333+08:00Some city biodiversity in Saigon<p align="justify">Ho Chi Minh City is formerly known as Saigon prior to the Vietnam War which ended in 1975, but people still used the latter name frequently. This is a continuation of my previous post, showing some of the biodiversity which can be found here. The flora and fauna life listed here is certainly not exhaustive, as there are many which I did not feature here. It is just a matter of showing what I think are the more interesting ones in this post.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jrXvXrJOM68/UDEiDnFLidI/AAAAAAAADWs/xmwi65HdE7Q/s1600-h/IMG_1716%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1716" border="0" alt="IMG_1716" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qbqR_b6iEoU/UDEiFd1e2RI/AAAAAAAADW0/v6Pwxe1qz5I/IMG_1716_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">The city, just like Singapore is pretty abundant with mistletoes. Mistletoes are semi-parasitic plants that attached on its host tree and derive water and nutrients from it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hMSiW2lVn1U/UDEiGhsP5qI/AAAAAAAADW8/k7hTkxxCHeY/s1600-h/IMG_1946%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1946" border="0" alt="IMG_1946" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jhfa7IPbNoU/UDEiIPlRBmI/AAAAAAAADXE/mG_rwquqOPU/IMG_1946_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">All of the mistletoes I saw seemed to be an unknown species of <em>Dendrophthoe</em>, which have yellow flowers. I was browsing through the Flora of Vietnam in the library the other day and I was unable to find a close identity. It doesn’t help that the book is in Vietnamese too…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-afQtxsLnPRU/UDEiJPbjWNI/AAAAAAAADXM/Cci_aXzz7a0/s1600-h/IMG_1726%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1726" border="0" alt="IMG_1726" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ixFmJueXJVk/UDEiK9RaJkI/AAAAAAAADXU/gUZdiLpARzg/IMG_1726_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">Many of their cultivated tree species are also commonly planted in Singapore. An example is this Tanjong Tree, <em>Mimusop elengi</em>. I was trying to take a photo of the flowers when a bee decided to steal the limelight. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-43DrQLL-ye0/UDEiMTNfcrI/AAAAAAAADXc/cIPaJooiEi0/s1600-h/IMG_1730%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1730" border="0" alt="IMG_1730" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tPIKVisxc2w/UDEiN1Rx5lI/AAAAAAAADXk/9k3rFlC0x0k/IMG_1730_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">I must be quite ignorant because this is the first time I saw the Flame of the Forest tree (<em>Delonix regia</em>) fruiting with their large seed pods! I don’t think I have seen it in Singapore yet. But I guess they planted it more in this city then compared to Singapore, making it more obvious when the whole row of <em>Delonix</em> fruits.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qe-N6TtIWX8/UDEiPX3dP3I/AAAAAAAADXs/yuC8pHjRX0A/s1600-h/IMG_1954%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1954" border="0" alt="IMG_1954" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BLhgnEPWFaM/UDEiRcNH6eI/AAAAAAAADX0/JMqll3mFlyA/IMG_1954_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">This is one of the two larger parks which I visited near my hotel in District 1. It is a rather pleasant respite from the blazing sun. It is pretty quiet on a working day morning…</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-csHxCWlo2rs/UDEj3wSWHxI/AAAAAAAADZs/ASqzXwFxf18/s1600-h/IMG_1735%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1735" border="0" alt="IMG_1735" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A0Q45pM70zE/UDElXC46zaI/AAAAAAAADZ8/TKPw1PnjFn4/IMG_1735_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>But during the weekends, many come for a jog or walk, and also play badminton and other sports.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KA42oFoqTqM/UDElYYC-z2I/AAAAAAAADaE/IswLb0lSh3I/s1600-h/IMG_1756%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1756" border="0" alt="IMG_1756" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S7FpZN05wus/UDEm4LaTP1I/AAAAAAAADaU/XyPu0YrTS44/IMG_1756_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">At night, my friends brought me to another park to chit-chat. I was amazed to see it to be filled with people (mostly teenagers and young adults). They told me that it is always packed at night. What a big contrast with our parks here.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y9A921T1L04/UDEiSuyvw0I/AAAAAAAADX8/leto-0673b0/s1600-h/IMG_2054%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2054" border="0" alt="IMG_2054" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-biDCHks3lLg/UDEiT9RgD4I/AAAAAAAADYE/Z_mTBWkIo5M/IMG_2054_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">The next morning, I went to Tao Dan Park, beside the reunification palace. Two Ang Mohs were learning martial arts from a Vietnamese girl on the right. And I must say… they were pretty good at it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-24AV1OYp9bY/UDEiVovHeYI/AAAAAAAADYM/2gROHsnCSAw/s1600-h/IMG_2142%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2142" border="0" alt="IMG_2142" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zufuS05Hdq0/UDEiXNCElbI/AAAAAAAADYU/lI_eg2IUess/IMG_2142_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">Some of the trees are tagged. I doubt most park visitors were interested but it is definitely well appreciated by me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lmRjUJu1jrs/UDEiZHJngkI/AAAAAAAADYc/7A-6N2II6UY/s1600-h/IMG_2137%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2137" border="0" alt="IMG_2137" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yRPbyEELoqA/UDEiatuSYHI/AAAAAAAADYk/55WYTreGwW8/IMG_2137_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">I was rewarded with some interesting fauna life after lingering around the park looking up at the large trees. This is a Golden Tree Snake (<em>Chrysopelea ornata</em>; thanks Ivan for the ID). It slithered quickly into a hole on the tree when I saw it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8XShUaEKJaE/UDEicV6ENBI/AAAAAAAADYs/oI85kG3--Ho/s1600-h/IMG_2120%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2120" border="0" alt="IMG_2120" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N1w527y6cdg/UDEieRkBU-I/AAAAAAAADY0/OhERvYPutGI/IMG_2120_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">I initially thought that this was a baby Plantain Squirrel that is very common in Singapore till I realised that the strips was at the wrong side. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yJGgzqO07vI/UDEif0_WBGI/AAAAAAAADY8/0hGZTavII1I/s1600-h/IMG_2122%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2122" border="0" alt="IMG_2122" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iD9DLxGo4rs/UDEihUWixgI/AAAAAAAADZE/2vqcqRBSEMw/IMG_2122_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">There are four distinct white stripes on its back (compared to two on the Plantain Squirrel’s belly). It looked similar to the Himalayan Striped Squirrel (<em>Tamiops macclellandi</em>) but I can’t be sure since the IUCN only put its range in Vietnam as North Vietnam only.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XK82Y0UFtLc/UDEii7MBrmI/AAAAAAAADZM/olpWUQVpma8/s1600-h/IMG_2046%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2046" border="0" alt="IMG_2046" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OZtlxnBK-vg/UDEikQefOcI/AAAAAAAADZU/TzztrsMIdmU/IMG_2046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">I find this street (Truong Dinh Street) which cuts through the park quite aesthetic because of the tall pillars of Dipterocarps (<em>Dipterocarpus alatus</em>) flanking the roadside.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CVKnG_GdrBo/UDEil39wukI/AAAAAAAADZc/q7MiGCMvFYw/s1600-h/IMG_2042%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2042" border="0" alt="IMG_2042" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zVYlf66VmA4/UDEin0Kz2UI/AAAAAAAADZk/Bc0_Md0XIcY/IMG_2042_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="894"></a></p> <p align="justify">To my Vietnamese friends, the spinning dipterocarp fruits are already a common sight for them. But they are much revered for students of biology in Singapore (at least that is what I feel) since these primary forest species are few and very much threatened in our remaining forests. <p align="justify">After visiting a few Southeast Asian countries, I am of the opinion that Singapore probably put in the most resources in urban greening; hence deserving of the title of “Garden City”. However, Ho Chi Minh City also hold a special place in me because of its giant Dipterocap trees which have probably been here for a century. <p align="justify">Till we meet again, Vietnam! <br> <hr> <p align="justify"> <strong>Related posts:</strong> <p>1) <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2011/03/giant-trees-of-ho-chi-minh-city.html"><strong>Giant trees of Ho Chi Minh City</strong></a><br>2) <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2012/08/tree-climbers-in-ho-chi-minh-city.html"><strong>Tree climbers in Ho Chi Minh City</strong></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-65403457259027342502012-08-17T00:58:00.001+08:002012-08-21T21:32:45.357+08:00Tree climbers in Ho Chi Minh City<p align="justify">I was in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for a holiday for the past week. It was an enjoyable trip during which I spent two mornings sitting in the park observing the people around. And the main highlight was definitely the gung-ho tree pruners.</p> <p align="justify">I am not sure how the contractors in Singapore prune the trees in parks, but I am pretty certain that they do not do it like their Vietnamese counterparts!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gAT1UwntbYQ/UC0mesd7TtI/AAAAAAAADTk/uffm__0UuB8/s1600-h/Untitled-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled-1" border="0" alt="Untitled-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hPdK0sbB0EA/UC0mflqBB5I/AAAAAAAADTs/1cT5_tkhcZo/Untitled-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="572"></a></p> <p align="justify">Basically, these people use a rope system to physically hurl themselves up the tree, saw down the unwanted branches and climb down again. Of course, this is easier said then done (though it certainly does seemed like that it was a piece of cake for them). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6AJ9J60-FaU/UC0mhXyorFI/AAAAAAAADT0/ZjbJ17T-hMg/s1600-h/IMG_2071%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2071" border="0" alt="IMG_2071" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OA0VHLe2iBE/UC0miBY7XbI/AAAAAAAADT8/ww1F_ZqGwPU/IMG_2071_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="232"></a></p> <p align="justify"><br>Firstly, a rope was thrown up a branch and the end was secured to the pruner. An assistant will then hold on to this rope to help him climb up the trunk. The selected pruner, barefooted for better grip I guess, wrapped a thicker band of rope around the trunk, secured to his harness and started to ascend quickly.</p> <p align="justify">Once up, a saw was delivered to him using a rope pulley system. Just prior to the pruning, the same rope used to pull him up was used to secure a large branch which needs to be removed. You can roughly see this knot on the branch in the picture below.<br><br><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VPDEGGtRF-I/UC0mj4klAfI/AAAAAAAADUE/2MvuzfPDa2A/s1600-h/IMG_2077%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2077" border="0" alt="IMG_2077" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YuriCpG1tmw/UC0mksPEd-I/AAAAAAAADUM/TJQwWCFQEq4/IMG_2077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>And so, the sawing starts…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sMhZjQVlxwE/UC0mlscEiLI/AAAAAAAADUU/VObpItc9uvM/s1600-h/IMG_2083%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2083" border="0" alt="IMG_2083" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JiTWFve-eHI/UC0mm0Afn1I/AAAAAAAADUc/fz1LaDLik6Q/IMG_2083_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="892"></a></p> <p align="justify">The branch he was sawing was pretty large as you can see here. the secured rope was tugged by the ground men to pull it down once the branch was partly snapped from the sawing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4yy51KKkxcY/UC0mnhmKcFI/AAAAAAAADUk/QBU5eZIrl-g/s1600-h/IMG_2154%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2154" border="0" alt="IMG_2154" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i3mZXnFFl9g/UC0moT1t3oI/AAAAAAAADUs/XxCyU2FGkSs/IMG_2154_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">I decided to take a walk around the park at this time, and returned to the same spot about half and hour later. By then, the guy has already removed enough foliage to fill up a trunk.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--KjM5hqht80/UC0mpRiJDWI/AAAAAAAADU0/99aV7ZW25Ts/s1600-h/IMG_2160%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2160" border="0" alt="IMG_2160" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1623aSvRGQw/UC0mq35_hJI/AAAAAAAADU8/UHAhTWSP73M/IMG_2160_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="892"></a></p> <p align="justify">And… he was up about 10 metres high… His only safety net is nothing more than a rope secured on the tree branch. If he fell, he will surely suffer a spine-snapping injury from the force of the rope holding him, just like when Bruce Wayne fell during his failed attempts in the dungeon prison climb to the surface in recent Batman movie.</p> <p align="justify">Worse still, the entire branch could break under his weight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/----1ZdTcXPk/UC0mruGafFI/AAAAAAAADVE/2su0c4TUuFE/s1600-h/IMG_2165%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2165" border="0" alt="IMG_2165" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kx_lMf0MUdg/UC0mshbphiI/AAAAAAAADVM/pV_p73W1hwA/IMG_2165_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">Obviously, he is immune to the fear of heights and still diligently saw the next few branches, taking a few seconds of break once in awhile if the branch is too thick.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NHe1X_af2mM/UC0mtBDv3AI/AAAAAAAADVU/-jx6s8OrCvc/s1600-h/IMG_1967%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1967" border="0" alt="IMG_1967" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p_8GTCG9dJM/UC0muKI1QYI/AAAAAAAADVc/9F9yMGgR-xc/IMG_1967_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>It is probably best to be just be the assistants and lend some morale support.</p> <p>Keep a lookout for my next post of my encounters of the the flora and fauna of Ho Chi Minh City!</p> <hr> <p><strong>Related posts:</strong> <p>1) <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2011/03/giant-trees-of-ho-chi-minh-city.html"><strong>Giant trees of Ho Chi Minh City</strong></a><br>2) <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2012/08/some-city-biodiversity-in-sagion.html"><strong>Some city biodiversity in Saigon</strong></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-70548244497700155312012-08-09T11:50:00.000+08:002012-08-10T21:08:48.735+08:00Champerai Trail on National Day<p align="justify">It has been more than 6 months since I last visited a forest in Singapore. This year has been an especially interesting one, since I have changed a few of the priorities of my life because of some chance events. Nevertheless, I am glad to say that my obsession with plants did not falter. </p> <p align="justify">Since I have a bit of time to spare this morning, I decided to head down MacRitchie Reservoir for a walk around the Champerai Trail to familiarised myself back with its floral life.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zU78S6vJPPg/UCPwDNZG-PI/AAAAAAAADSc/RQC5JR1p3TA/s1600-h/IMG_1605%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1605" border="0" alt="IMG_1605" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ite7RapyoKQ/UCPwDuvuj7I/AAAAAAAADSg/kGamboGgCYQ/IMG_1605_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">I was in luck! The Bats Laurel, <em>Prunus polystachya</em>, was showing off its fluffy white flowers during national day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kr9Ixs5PdGk/UCPwEiv3KkI/AAAAAAAADSk/-k7oOabEbAU/s1600-h/IMG_1615%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1615" border="0" alt="IMG_1615" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-swTi2XgUKI8/UCPwFWt7jmI/AAAAAAAADSo/nZ_kjCbYXKs/IMG_1615_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="765"></a></p> <p>The entire tree was flowering profusely as you can see. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a300rFjfuzU/UCPwGDqAjNI/AAAAAAAADSs/8U-niYi9Zbw/s1600-h/IMG_1624%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1624" border="0" alt="IMG_1624" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6Pe2wKZfRTs/UCPwGoafpGI/AAAAAAAADSw/cXZtDmQgbM8/IMG_1624_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">In cahoots with the Bat’s Laurel, the <em>Aidia densiflora</em> also decided to show off its national pride by hanging out their bright and red berries. It was really quite a spectacle to behold when almost all of these individuals along the boardwalk decorated the landscape in these dots of red.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TpzoH13FTFA/UCPwHYEh5mI/AAAAAAAADS0/36eEZEjLrBU/s1600-h/IMG_1687%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1687" border="0" alt="IMG_1687" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9G6NtnHbLQg/UCPwIJa3NyI/AAAAAAAADS4/OYDyu1Y4EsM/IMG_1687_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">Not to be left behind, a few <em>Clerodendrum laevifolium</em> managed to display its black fruits flanked by its red starry sepals. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I27U4PodHMg/UCPwI8aPyWI/AAAAAAAADS8/BduCLg-e4YQ/s1600-h/553568_10151067821052696_1765911550_n%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="553568_10151067821052696_1765911550_n" border="0" alt="553568_10151067821052696_1765911550_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FIEBOK7js0U/UCPwJVW9nJI/AAAAAAAADTA/Z7tY5mwmHsg/553568_10151067821052696_1765911550_n_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">From my writing, I was in an obvious cheerful mood today. Three Pacific Swallows also shared my joy by whistling loudly and flying back and fro to a low lying branch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bAShp8zv6MU/UCPwJ7xy6dI/AAAAAAAADTE/OklXkydBRRk/s1600-h/IMG_1639%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1639" border="0" alt="IMG_1639" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TFbR2J7LSm4/UCPwKm5x_xI/AAAAAAAADTI/005wkGPGPs8/IMG_1639_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p>There is a plant whose identity eluded me, for now. Looks like it did not managed to get its fruits ripen in time for this festive season though.</p> <p align="justify">It is quite unfortunate that most of the visitors who venture to this nature reserve gave scant notice to the rich and beautiful flora life here. So if you happen to be one of them, open your eyes wide next time!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-61732130108323126652012-07-16T23:07:00.001+08:002012-07-16T23:29:10.701+08:00Feeding birds in Punggol Park<p align="justify">Ever since I bought my tele-zoom lens, I have been attempting to document photographic records of bird feeding records of plants. This was partially motivated by the <a href="http://www.besgroup.org/"><strong>BESG blog</strong></a>, as well as my previous job which emphasises on the importance of plants’ ecosystem services. For one, having a better knowledge of what plants certain guild of birds prefer helps a practitioner to decide on the species and diversity of plants to cultivate in order to attract a rich bird diversity.</p> <p align="justify">This post is a continuation from my <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2012/07/punggol-park-oasis-for-urban-nature.html"><strong>previous one</strong></a> introducing Punggol Park but with emphasis on bird feeding.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RU85nqIXLPw/UAQt_uE_xiI/AAAAAAAADPE/mX7iEtWfGfA/s1600-h/Melaleuca-bird%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Melaleuca-bird" alt="Melaleuca-bird" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KA1MWjHSm6A/UAQuBxuQRyI/AAAAAAAADPM/nq1GNOSTdYE/Melaleuca-bird_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="550" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The Tea Tree (<em>Melaleuca cajuputi</em>), attracts a good abundance of nectar feeders, which includes bees, butterflies, the Olive-backed Sunbird (<em>Nectarinia jugularis</em>; top left) and the Brown-throated Sunbird (<em>Anthreptes malacensis</em>; top right). I also managed to spot an Oriental White-eye (<em>Zosterops palpebrosus</em>; bottom) poking into the flower buds, presumably attempting to extract some nectar too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OEGjzybiJOs/UAQuDRiBPTI/AAAAAAAADPU/IniEgwruzBk/s1600-h/Erythrina-fairchildiana-sunbird%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Erythrina-fairchildiana-sunbird" alt="Erythrina-fairchildiana-sunbird" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wx78PAWuWgo/UAQuE5k9FxI/AAAAAAAADPc/EZH1mCSrNZI/Erythrina-fairchildiana-sunbird_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="481" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The Coral Tree (<em>Erythrina</em> species; left) and the Clitoria Tree (<em>Clitoria fairchildiana</em>, right) are two small trees that flower perpetually, therefore providing a good nectar source for the Olive-backed Sunbirds.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VmBoAISsCNI/UAQuHBUItZI/AAAAAAAADPk/w1yA8CvGmZk/s1600-h/IMG_8416%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_8416" alt="IMG_8416" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sfn4KUIFr5Q/UAQuI8GfpvI/AAAAAAAADPs/AtMMa5nMhYc/IMG_8416_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="394" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The most common mistletoe in Singapore, the Malayan Mistletoe (<em>Dendrophthoe pentandra</em>) is frequently visited by the Brown-throated Sunbird when it flowers. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HWAwKfcslYo/UAQuKXI40RI/AAAAAAAADP0/-sRZKXeMr7Q/s1600-h/Syzgium%252520polyanthum-bird%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Syzgium polyanthum-bird" alt="Syzgium polyanthum-bird" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hDL2YUNGy4Q/UAQuL-tcXCI/AAAAAAAADP8/46ECOa4o5Jw/Syzgium%252520polyanthum-bird_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="671" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The Salam Tree (<em>Syzygium polyanthum</em>), flowers and fruits profusely several times a year. Its cherry red fruits attract frugivores like the Yellow-vented Bulbul (<em>Pycnonotus goiavier</em>; top), Asian Koel (<em>Eudynamys scolopacea</em>; bottom), and Pink-necked Green Pigeon in the park.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2PeCLECg1cQ/UAQuOAp5z8I/AAAAAAAADQE/cN7n6vYALmc/s1600-h/bulbul%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="bulbul" alt="bulbul" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XInzgQdFDWQ/UAQuPg2Qg5I/AAAAAAAADQM/exTnbnv5MbQ/bulbul_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="198" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The Yellow-vented Bulbul also feed on many other plant materials here; like the fruits of the Sea Gutta (<em>Planchonella obovata</em>), and even the leaves of the Rain Tree (<em>Albizia saman</em>)!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GKVILtZGpJg/UAQuQzFeUQI/AAAAAAAADQU/xzM3qpLo-40/s1600-h/bird-caterpillar%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="bird-caterpillar" alt="bird-caterpillar" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M4wf8HRNE2o/UAQuSSBOA4I/AAAAAAAADQc/8UqsV9dHoYg/bird-caterpillar_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="438" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The Pied Triller (<em>Lalage nigra</em>; top) and Common Iora (<em>Aegithina tiphia</em>; bottom) are two birds which often hang around the canopy of trees, hence they are more challenging for me to capture sharp photographs. However, I did observe quite clearly through the lens of my binoculars (supported by blurry images) that they will hop from twig to twig in search of caterpillars. The two pictures were taken from the Golden Shower Tree (<em>Cassia fistula</em>), thus indicating that the caterpillars could be the larvae of the Lemon Emigrant butterfly which feed on its leaves and are very common in the park.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-16316589699766214752012-07-11T20:15:00.001+08:002012-07-11T22:19:16.681+08:00Flowerpecker eating Myrmecodia fruits<p align="justify">I was in Sarawak for the past week, and spent a few days in Kuching. One of the most interesting flora there was probably the epiphytic ant plant, <em>Myrmecodia</em> species, which can be found in reasonable abundance in the city. The species is likely to be <em>M. tuberosa,</em> which is also found in heath forest of the nearby Bako National Park. In Singapore, the species is already presumed extinct.</p> <p align="justify">The ant plant have a swollen spiny base with many tunnels within that provided a protective nesting site for ants. In return, the waste left by the ants gave nourishment to the plant. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HjxXeHbImdM/T_1uRRlIFpI/AAAAAAAADOg/OvhUCI8zBRI/s1600-h/Scarlet-backed%252520Sunbird%252520with%252520Myrmecodia%252520fruit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Scarlet-backed Sunbird with Myrmecodia fruit" alt="Scarlet-backed Sunbird with Myrmecodia fruit" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7X3g73ThfdU/T_1uSmYjrbI/AAAAAAAADOo/2D35lCKJ3Tg/Scarlet-backed%252520Sunbird%252520with%252520Myrmecodia%252520fruit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="454" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I was taking photos of the plant growing on a Yellow Flame (<em>Peltophorum pterocarpum</em>) beside the road when I saw a tiny bird flying to and pecking on the plant. Initially, I thought that it was picking up the ants residing in the plant. But on closer inspection of my photographs back in the hotel, it was holding the plant’s yellow-orange fruit with a red dot at its tip. The red head gave the bird’s identity away as a Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (<em>Dicaeum cruentatum</em>).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XYP1TIpmdU4/T_1uTvknNpI/AAAAAAAADOs/VlK2cvn4KEY/s1600-h/IMG_0869%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0869" alt="IMG_0869" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GtbGfy-Fis0/T_1uUY1R9FI/AAAAAAAADO0/fePcWeZxcYk/IMG_0869_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="421" /></a></p> <p align="justify">You can vaguely spot tiny dots of white on the stem of the prior photograph. Those are the flowers, which can be seen here from another ant plant which have fallen.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-59356385358135016232012-07-03T23:52:00.001+08:002012-07-20T21:17:50.222+08:00Punggol Park: an Oasis for Urban Nature<p align="justify">I recalled lamenting in my previous <strong><a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2011/05/smelly-lotus-pond-in-amk-park.html">post</a></strong> on how my neighbourhood park, Punggol Park, is lacking in nature compared to the semi-natural Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West. Oh, how ignorant I am!</p> <p align="justify">Even though I jog in the park at least once every week, I am pretty much unaware of the life that lurks behind the scene of this green space which seems to be meant solely for humans – till now.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IfXuDBR7Lck/T_MUUXij4pI/AAAAAAAADKU/TPtjlqM75qs/s1600-h/5130834308_a396474e32_z6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="5130834308_a396474e32_z" alt="5130834308_a396474e32_z" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vOAWy55LZH4/T_MUXDdD8EI/AAAAAAAADKc/3dy_u4dwinM/5130834308_a396474e32_z_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">This park was created more than 20 years ago. I recalled when I was just a little boy, the land just north of this area was all mangroves and I had caught some tadpoles from there to rear. Now, they were all filled up and formed the Sengkang and Punggol new towns.</p> <p align="justify">The highlight of this park is a large pond where people do fishing and also sometimes play with their remote control miniature ships. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cZXK7oybAZQ/T_MUaLoRD6I/AAAAAAAADKk/pk8tk5FKD3A/s1600-h/7393542626_f388d9ffd6_z2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="7393542626_f388d9ffd6_z" alt="7393542626_f388d9ffd6_z" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sw9ZW1k7QXA/T_MUb006WuI/AAAAAAAADKs/xyBHKp2U3Yc/7393542626_f388d9ffd6_z_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="397"></a></p> <p align="justify">But what lies beyond the pond? Birds for one, is a major attraction for me ever since I bought my new telephoto lens. Throughout many of my nature-focused walks in the park, I got to know many of these park residents.</p> <p align="justify">This Pied Thriller (<em>Lalage nigra</em>) on a Golden Shower tree (<em>Cassia fistula</em>) is one of those that I see often. However, they often forage high up the tree branches searching for caterpillars so it is considered lucky for me to get this decent picture above.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--DKYJwk65Vc/T_MUd7ou3EI/AAAAAAAADK0/Gf1UjtV-6sU/s1600-h/bird16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="bird1" alt="bird1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YMU3Dw02N3o/T_MUgHPY6II/AAAAAAAADK8/6Ct_kj9Qmf4/bird1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="381"></a></p> <p align="justify">The Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) and the Common Iora (<em>Aegithina tiphia</em>) are two are beautiful residents in the park. Just like the Pied Thriller, I have seen the Iora feeding on caterpillars, especially the Grass Yellow caterpillars that were plentiful on their host plant, the Golden Shower.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JDLWCSQYX8g/T_MUh0bMGeI/AAAAAAAADLE/kytdWKbUl7k/s1600-h/IMG_88357.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_8835" alt="IMG_8835" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7xZc3WWfQJk/T_MUkKwNW9I/AAAAAAAADLM/dGmqFip50Xc/IMG_8835_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390"></a></p> <p align="justify">Despite my strong appreciation for nature, there are some wildlife which I can’t stand. The Weaver Ants (<em>Oecophylla smaragdina</em>) definitely ranked the top. They built spherical nests using live leaves. If you are not careful while walking on the grass patch, one of them might just climb up your leg or even ‘heliborne’ onto your head from a tree above, delivering a painful bite with their large jaws. Just to enhance the effect, they sometimes inject some acid from their abdomen onto the wound. </p> <p align="justify">Talk about adding salt to the wound eh?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DTD5Bwb34R0/T_MZ67DkqFI/AAAAAAAADOM/EWHosJBOTUI/s1600-h/562420_10150878737762696_1037620643_n%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="562420_10150878737762696_1037620643_n" alt="562420_10150878737762696_1037620643_n" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KNj3QvPeTxg/T_MZ71cLWbI/AAAAAAAADOU/tnD3-_8QANQ/562420_10150878737762696_1037620643_n_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="426"></a></p> <p align="justify">The bank of the pond is tastefully planted with Cat’s Tails (<em>Typha angustifolia). </em>Often<em> </em>lurking within the tall aquatic plants is the Yellow Bittern (<em>Ixobrychus sinensis</em>). With stripped lines running down its neck and body, they camouflage well within the foliage just like zebras among tall grasses.</p> <p align="justify">They are also excellent gymnasts, apparently being able to do leg splits very well (see the left photo). In fact, they are able to walk from each leaf to the next like that. Ouch…</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><u><font color="#33aaff"></font></u></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vS77yIl3uDs/T_MUo4d5o0I/AAAAAAAADLk/CvizLSRKtDU/s1600-h/IMG_872111.jpg"><u><font color="#33aaff"></font></u><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_8721" alt="IMG_8721" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BgHqM-XMulw/T_MUqmWE5-I/AAAAAAAADLs/Ez-waf3lUJ8/IMG_8721_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="270"></a></p> <p align="justify">There were many plants that were cultivated specifically to attract nectar birds like this male Olive-backed Sunbird (<em>Nectarinia jugularis</em>). This is the tiniest and most common sunbird in the park, with a distinct curved beak that allows it to reach into the Coral tree (<em>Erythrina</em> species) above.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xaVt_XGtDBA/T_MUsOOYzaI/AAAAAAAADL0/OdYiUylyLZE/s1600-h/IMG_8736%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_8736" alt="IMG_8736" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AcpX1udRNf8/T_MUtxaQ48I/AAAAAAAADMA/hzg89UN_Br0/IMG_8736_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="279"></a></p> <p align="justify">Have you ever romanced under a mistletoe? I think most of the couples who visited this park have, since it is a common sight to witness smooching activities when I jog at night since young till now. :x</p> <p align="justify">Mistletoes (<em>Dendrophthoe pentandra</em>) are abundant in Singapore and certainly no less so in Punggol Park. Their flowers provide good flow of nectar for birds while their leaves feeds the pretty Painted Jezebel caterpillar (<em>Delias hyparete metarete</em>).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rEcGfwlJKig/T_MUw8K1E2I/AAAAAAAADMI/cJHcsqV8khU/s1600-h/7393569084_95f75785b8_c6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="7393569084_95f75785b8_c" alt="7393569084_95f75785b8_c" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9T310HR8VpA/T_MUzhZzjfI/AAAAAAAADMQ/h_9wMsBjfDI/7393569084_95f75785b8_c_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="390"></a></p> <p align="justify">The Tea Tree (<em>Melaleuca cajuputi</em>) gives a flush of white with their erected bottle-brush flowers when they bloom. This species is nationally-extinct in Singapore, but can be found in coastal and swampy areas around Southeast Asia and Australia. Catch this, the oil in the leaves is the key ingredient of the Tiger Balm!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vSzBQdgYzb4/T_MU1Rjh1II/AAAAAAAADMY/EmQodB_9ArU/s1600-h/leopard-and-jezebel2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="leopard and jezebel" alt="leopard and jezebel" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-euu1XfBUntI/T_MU34z7RrI/AAAAAAAADMg/j7QdBHLMuIU/leopard-and-jezebel_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="591" height="257"></a></p> <p align="justify">Brushy flowers are insect-pollinated, and butterflies are included in this category too. On the left is the Painted Jezebel butterfly which I mentioned earlier on mistletoes.</p> <p align="justify">The Leopard (<em>Phalanta phalantha phalantha</em>) butterfly is a guarantee sight among the numerous saplings of the <em>Flacourtia inermis</em> plants. They often hover already it, presumably searching for a nice spot to lay their eggs on it since its caterpillars feed specifically on this plant species.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mV_iuAmeRXc/T_MU6AQI-NI/AAAAAAAADMo/YbHXPRkIBJI/s1600-h/Ceiba2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Ceiba" alt="Ceiba" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IWicm2tQw7E/T_MU8b-yC2I/AAAAAAAADMw/WdkdhsTqlrQ/Ceiba_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="390"></a></p> <p align="justify">The Kapok Tree (<em>Ceiba pentandra</em>) is unmistakable when its ripe pods split. When it does so, smooth silky cotton is released to disperse the seeds entangled within. Some people call it the False Cotton Tree too since cotton wool itself is made from a distantly related plant species, <em>Gossypium hirsutum</em>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SLtry1UBRaU/T_MU-xmXiUI/AAAAAAAADM4/oiT8uVEXgGI/s1600-h/Untitled-16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Untitled-1" alt="Untitled-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VnQgh19W3NE/T_MVBUNDZYI/AAAAAAAADNA/AByJGREncHo/Untitled-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="593" height="331"></a></p> <p align="justify">Since there is water, there is a high chance to see the kingfishers. The Collared Kingfisher (<em>Todiramphus chloris</em>) on the left is a very ticklish species which gives off a loud and unmistakable laughing call. On the other hand, the White-throated Kingfisher, despite having a bigger mouth, have a more pleasant voice.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h5Pvz2VjD7I/T_MVDAdmapI/AAAAAAAADNI/uZ2-f2hUkeA/s1600-h/7219932192_1bfe7c7f7c_c2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="7219932192_1bfe7c7f7c_c" alt="7219932192_1bfe7c7f7c_c" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7EozrmuxBVQ/T_MVEyeSwZI/AAAAAAAADNQ/eiuKYw4aCbc/7219932192_1bfe7c7f7c_c_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="390"></a></p> <p align="justify">This is the flower of the Handkerchief Tree (<em>Maniltoa browneoides</em>), so named because of its drooping young leaves. I find its flowers more intricate though. From the looks of it, it is probably a nice insect attracting plant.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kidY83HaVxA/T_MVG0SXZtI/AAAAAAAADNY/LSYPoI1p89Q/s1600-h/IMG_87853.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_8785" alt="IMG_8785" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7CcE1wDgbUg/T_MVIjUEA-I/AAAAAAAADNg/3yoiAOGIBYk/IMG_8785_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390"></a></p> <p>Besides birds and insects, mammals are very prominent here too. I know of a few felines that live in the park but this particular tree-climber was new to me. In fact, this is the first time I saw one on a tree!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gU63M_Zy-NY/T_MVMT3TnkI/AAAAAAAADNo/O6pRuWtTU4I/s1600-h/7156618714_dbda63fcac_c2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="7156618714_dbda63fcac_c" alt="7156618714_dbda63fcac_c" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-db7TC1Jsc1Q/T_MVO2IbbwI/AAAAAAAADNw/0k5HUTEgA7c/7156618714_dbda63fcac_c_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="390"></a></p> <p align="justify">One of the most domesticated birds here is the Zebra Dove (<em>Geopelia striata</em>). This is due to active feeding from park goers. While it is therapeutic to see the wildlife enjoying the meal one offers, I wouldn’t encourage it since pigeons are known to spread certain diseases. You wouldn’t want their population to bloom and after that, getting culled by the authorities would you?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gIXKhI5mDHo/T_MVQqSkLMI/AAAAAAAADN4/eV-y_nMTXNg/s1600-h/IMG_93497.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9349" alt="IMG_9349" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B1t3lwwyEM4/T_MVR92qxHI/AAAAAAAADOA/wKmK0Nak8xo/IMG_9349_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="372"></a></p> <p align="justify">This was the only chance encounter with the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle (<em>Haliaeetus leucogaster</em>). In fact, I ran from one end of the park to another in order to get a clear shot of this where it glided low above the pond, probably eyeing at its next potential meal in the waters. Unfortunately, it left after awhile without displaying its dive-bomb fishing ability.</p> <p align="justify">Singapore has many green spaces that I feel are under-appreciated in terms of their value in nature. In this increasingly urbanised city, with diminishing natural greenery, our younger generations might not have the chance to access throughly wild nature in the future. However, we can still inculcate conservation values just at our nearest park. </p> <p align="justify">So why not start observing nature at your doorstep?</p> <hr \> <p align="justify">Related post: </p> <p align="justify">1) <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2012/07/feeding-birds-in-punggol-park.html"><strong>Feeding Birds of Punggol Park</strong></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-27065275123056334542012-07-01T16:12:00.001+08:002012-07-01T16:12:02.428+08:00Blank map of Singapore for download<p align="justify">I remember that it was quite a pain to draw a map free hand when I was trying to illustrate my study sites for my Honours thesis. Now that I have learnt a thing or two about using Geographic Information Systems, map making is much easier and recyclable if you have a base map in hand.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-diE6D9XsZ0s/T_AGSqTC5LI/AAAAAAAADKA/XSoQjg0cho4/s1600-h/Singapore%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Singapore" alt="Singapore" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ozKLvgI19Uo/T_AGT26LpdI/AAAAAAAADKI/Mlo-SBXflPc/Singapore_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="422" /></a></p> <p align="justify">This is just one of my efforts to create base maps so that the effort to create future maps with data will be significantly reduced. The map was drawn using Google Earth. While I cannot guarantee that this is what Singapore’s land coverage looks like at this point of time, this is probably the most updated based on Google Earth’s satellite images.</p> <p align="justify">I have uploaded a high-resolution version in JPEG so that anyone can use it for illustrations. Please use the <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/p/downloads.html"><strong>download</strong></a> tab at the horizontal navigational bar to access. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-1198340748287542132012-06-26T17:16:00.001+08:002012-06-27T20:56:23.735+08:00The Bidadari Squirrel<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FKYgnngn-Go/T-l92EjleqI/AAAAAAAADIU/JXOc318NZEY/s1600-h/IMG_9714%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left; margin-right: 20px" title="IMG_9714" alt="IMG_9714" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fmv61UN7K80/T-l93LSxUpI/AAAAAAAADIc/nHUHHJJG31s/IMG_9714_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="369" 20px;="20px;" margin-right:="margin-right:" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The variable squirrel, <em>Callosciurus finlaysonii</em>, has long established itself in the Aljunied areas since early 1990; according to the book “Wild Animals of Singapore”.</p> <p align="justify">Native to Thailand and its surrounding countries, this beautiful squirrel is unfortunately not native to Singapore. To me and my friends, it doesn’t really matter since one is almost certainly to squeal in delight exclaiming “so cute!” seeing the squirrel and its acrobatic antics. </p> <p align="justify">It is almost a guarantee that you can find the squirrel in Bidadari Cemetery in the mornings. We were particularly lucky as quite a number of large figs in the place were figging, and we get to see one of them foraging about a <em>Ficus microcarpa</em>.</p> <p align="justify">A side effect of squirrel-watching is the same as birding though. Intense neck craning from looking up the tree for too long.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GWxUrXn6JQc/T-l94QNFavI/AAAAAAAADIk/1eNNPbqtSOA/s1600-h/Untitled-3%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Untitled-3" alt="Untitled-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q0vI3bWhf0U/T-l95tyGuQI/AAAAAAAADIs/onw4GnV5We4/Untitled-3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="798" /></a></p> <p align="justify">A religious one also went about its prayers before commencing with its breakfast at another fig tree. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9RDq6cPi05M/T-l96iONCGI/AAAAAAAADI0/narCrxZDUCA/s1600-h/IMG_9798%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9798" alt="IMG_9798" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eXhy3SfR5QI/T-l977EAGMI/AAAAAAAADI8/ovTf1qUESJY/IMG_9798_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It must really suck to have Acrophobia, or a fear heights for a squirrel. Look at how intensely it grabbed the tree branch below. It was almost as if it was scared to fall down. Haha~</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bxCuuJT5CA8/T-l99GTLBVI/AAAAAAAADJE/PtvzPHg7GCs/s1600-h/IMG_9802%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9802" alt="IMG_9802" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O7G9_6J7qH0/T-l9-mphPHI/AAAAAAAADJM/Qq7GwhUueFw/IMG_9802_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">No problems hopping on the ground though, as this one below escaped from our overwhelming curiosity and enthusiasm.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5H_AaQ-0Ru0/T-l9_48qLbI/AAAAAAAADJU/sMM1ZcDVJao/s1600-h/IMG_9741%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9741" alt="IMG_9741" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-07IFac4GiEs/T-l-AiqCXqI/AAAAAAAADJc/07x2VsYSNzI/IMG_9741_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="202" /></a></p> <p align="justify">For those who are unaware, Bidadari Cemetery, just like the Bukit Brown Cemetery, will be eventually cleared for residential use. While a large portion of the area are open spaces (most graves are exhumed), it still host a number of big mature trees like the Tembusu (<em>Fagraea fragrans</em>), Bodhi Tree (<em>Ficus religiosia</em>), Malayan Banyan (<em>Ficus microcarpa</em>), Benjamin Fig (<em>Ficus Benjamina</em>). All these fruit/fig bearing trees provide plenty of resources for birds and this charismatic squirrel. The open spaces and good shade from the trees also make a nice spot for a picnic or kite-flying. </p> <p align="justify">Therefore, take a look before it is gone!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-79833415245172715002012-06-20T20:36:00.001+08:002012-06-20T20:46:15.260+08:00Google Maps changed BTNR to CCNR<p align="justify">I am pleasantly surprised that after reporting to Google Maps about the erroneous labelling of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve as Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (see my previous <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2012/06/how-to-report-google-map-error.html"><strong>post</strong></a>), they have acted fast and verify and correct the label slightly after one week!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X7qgbzF-Cig/T-HD3ydeAUI/AAAAAAAADGg/wwabIQez0jY/s1600-h/Untitled%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Untitled" alt="Untitled" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ktkr890h9UE/T-HD5e7SqbI/AAAAAAAADGk/ZsiZC1NdkY4/Untitled_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="496" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It is comforting to know that we have a responsive team in Google Maps that value our feedback seriously. Looking forward to more things to come from this great company!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-66600487374842190712012-06-19T23:42:00.001+08:002012-06-19T23:44:09.316+08:00Fledgling Pacific Swallows<p align="justify">It is tough being a baby swallow. One have to share the tiny space that is seemingly half the size of a typical nest since it was pasted to a wall. It must suck to be born as a claustrophobic swallow.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3xAFkm8kCb8/T-Cd6sioDmI/AAAAAAAADFs/AJLycdkVkNI/s1600-h/2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="2" alt="2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7V5haPa0kMc/T-Cd7U_sSNI/AAAAAAAADF0/YF760Kev4Zs/2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Even emptying the bowels is a tricky affair. I saw the middle baby shown above pushing its siblings gently so that it can turn around and drop the poop down to the ground. It then squeezed to make room so that it can turned itself around again.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yCoDtzttRGE/T-Cd8k-C67I/AAAAAAAADF8/K1WSxf8Jah8/s1600-h/1%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="1" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L77Cjy6uYBY/T-Cd9d71hqI/AAAAAAAADGE/KdF_2lALC80/1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I have been observing this nest in the National University of Singapore since 2007 in my previous <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2007/06/nest-nus_27.html"><strong>blog post</strong></a>. Every year I will see little chicks sitting here till now. I wonder if they do nest maintenance once in a while? </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-48791661475540596672012-06-10T18:25:00.001+08:002012-06-20T20:38:49.860+08:00How to report a Google Map error?<p align="justify">From my previous blog <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2012/06/where-is-central-catchment-nature.html">entry</a>, I indicated that Google Maps gave an inaccurate description of our Central Catchment Nature Reserve. What exactly is it?</p> <p align="justify">If you see the embedded map below, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve is labelled as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. An outright blatant error.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6YsF_44mU_4/T9R161ReT3I/AAAAAAAADDk/h2gvqqzaQoo/s1600-h/Untitled%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Untitled" alt="Untitled" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CHRYTrjohgE/T9R190IMUZI/AAAAAAAADDs/LhmGxhchWrs/Untitled_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="409" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I decided to report this error. This can be done through the following:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Uywb5nqAMhM/T9R1_FiUl_I/AAAAAAAADD0/_-pPxaOED58/s1600-h/2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="2" alt="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g4IBHg37NMo/T9R2A81kHlI/AAAAAAAADD8/8X06inW5nmo/2_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="448" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Left click on the marker, and click “More” > “Report a problem”.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tsKoswnGKn4/T9R2EcPSC8I/AAAAAAAADEE/S0YAOkd491s/s1600-h/1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="1" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oqz-Ja_O4xI/T9R2H_Gv3JI/AAAAAAAADEM/kdTFsfmSHNk/1_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="680" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Then, you will be led to this page, whereby more details about the problem can be elaborated before submitting the report to Google.</p> <p align="justify">You may sign in Google at this stage (so that they have your email) and check the box to request them to update you when the fix is done. For now, lets see how fast they will take to verify and correct the error.</p> <p>Google have since fixed the issue after slightly more than a week. See my latest <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2012/06/google-maps-changed-btnr-to-ccnr.html"><strong>post</strong></a>.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-16796582157630723282012-06-05T22:38:00.001+08:002012-06-05T22:46:46.476+08:00Back to the blue at Changi Beach<p>After close to 2 years, I am finally back to the intertidal zone! </p> <p align="justify">The purpose for returning back to the blue was to continue with the sea cucumber research which I set aside 2 years ago. This project was highlighted during the recent <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/2012/05/singapores-sea-cucumbers-dichotomous.html">Festival of Biodiversity</a> organised by the National Parks Board.</p> <p align="justify">The first stop was at Changi Beach Park, which has always been my favourite Singapore’s mainland intertidal spot because of the diversity of faunal life. I was with Ron and two of my colleagues.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AcQqvNywUDo/T84Y_Un_VLI/AAAAAAAAC_s/e2BxemY0x6U/s1600-h/IMG_9056%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_9056" alt="IMG_9056" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vDBGyiMEvtk/T84ZBrubIAI/AAAAAAAAC_0/PLeANI4NP7I/IMG_9056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The first creature we saw was the horned-eye ghost crab, <em>Ocypode ceratophthalmus. </em>This is a scavenger which is also known to be able to run very fast! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5IKdRJyU05I/T84ZEbcvtkI/AAAAAAAAC_8/B6BlCkQUjqQ/s1600-h/IMG_9058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_9058" alt="IMG_9058" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pdIebU7WgyE/T84ZGRzl2oI/AAAAAAAADAE/5tgjw46OmSc/IMG_9058_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">A live bivalve was attempting to burrow itself in the sane with much effort. It is interesting to observe its siphon which allows water to enter and exit its body for breathing and filter-feeding.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SJ_O39TkWfU/T84ZIo7UcOI/AAAAAAAADAQ/-qTyuyJ4Y08/s1600-h/IMG_9064%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_9064" alt="IMG_9064" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YO3IdL7HFg8/T84ZKr3nviI/AAAAAAAADAY/53sCEoTE2ec/IMG_9064_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">There were a lot prickly white sea urchin, <em>Salmacis</em> sp, scattered all over the beach. They camouflaged themselves by trapping pieces of shells, algae, and sea grasses cover their top.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-586-Iki5amU/T84ZMbLcwdI/AAAAAAAADAg/hjVv1PXN8e8/s1600-h/IMG_9076%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9076" alt="IMG_9076" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9siouzQHhm0/T84ZOa0mMvI/AAAAAAAADAs/L4F1E6Lz_nU/IMG_9076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">This ribbon worm was extremely long, being close more a metre! It seems as that this relatively common worm still do not have a scientific name yet. Hopefully the Mega Marine Survey will eventually help to solve this mystery.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tlhzo2sD3SM/T84ZQKDr8EI/AAAAAAAADA0/9XBqCi-vJy8/s1600-h/IMG_9085%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9085" alt="IMG_9085" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rU-1XjUqQiM/T84ZS0n1SkI/AAAAAAAADA8/ETb-Wdm1JJ4/IMG_9085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">A nice find was this knobbly sea star, <em>Protoreaster nodosus</em>. This is still a little juvenile, and can grow up to more than twice its size eventually.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C6wtQV0ULPY/T84ZU1j953I/AAAAAAAADBE/4cGnCv54EZQ/s1600-h/IMG_9094%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9094" alt="IMG_9094" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y7NGUrNWKKg/T84ZXyhMPNI/AAAAAAAADBM/C-DMlfHmYvo/IMG_9094_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">There were quite a number of these sea slugs, or more specifically, the geographic sea hare, <em>Syphonota geographica</em>. They are thought to grazed on sea weeds.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A48DBrE2ze4/T84ZZxMV1GI/AAAAAAAADBU/4StsgJGMqhk/s1600-h/IMG_9114%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9114" alt="IMG_9114" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CVPClD_Rlww/T84ZfjrG3HI/AAAAAAAADBg/tAeMkUyDfQQ/IMG_9114_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p>I also found two octopi, one hiding in the a dead fan shell and another in a huge bailer snail shell.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BwJGo3XbCQY/T84ZmONEknI/AAAAAAAADBo/i7eUvhNpZ5U/s1600-h/IMG_9067%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9067" alt="IMG_9067" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7IAVfhBUKhY/T84ZsqnQrpI/AAAAAAAADB0/S__2IPSwn80/IMG_9067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Moving on to the sea cucumbers, I was quite surprised to find so many <em>Holothuria notabilis</em>. They lie buried horizontally just beneath the sandy surface with their butt sticking out for breathing. Yes, they breathe through their butt!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tW-5IJTHklc/T84ZyQAJ_CI/AAAAAAAADB8/EZy2v6Zr15M/s1600-h/IMG_9069%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9069" alt="IMG_9069" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g63mbSEZgBY/T84Z1MyrAjI/AAAAAAAADCE/2cxj_BzbpY0/IMG_9069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Another burrowing sea cucumber is this. In her comprehensive marine <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/smooth.htm">wild fact sheets</a>, Ria named it as the smooth sea cucumber. Based on some of its external characters, including their simple stubby tentacles, they can be safely placed in the genus of <em>Paracaudina</em> sp. Microscopic examination will be needed to further zoom in on its identity.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FJ9DPjD_hk4/T84Z3izU-7I/AAAAAAAADCM/0Oy5YBUefvc/s1600-h/IMG_9135%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9135" alt="IMG_9135" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4R4WKoWbM80/T84Z68uCVvI/AAAAAAAADCU/D0Q7g7x6soQ/IMG_9135_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Another which deserves some study is this purplish sea cucumber which is frequently found under the rocks. I was unable to tell what it was at first glance; hopefully it will not elude me for long. </p> <p align="justify">Meanwhile, at the other end of Changi Beach, Ria has found another fascinating sea cucumber which she highlighted in her <a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.sg/2012/06/weirdest-marine-creature-ive-seen.html#more">blog</a>. This is really interesting because it is very likely to be from a new family of cucumbers that is never recorded in Singapore!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-45854126786914145902012-06-03T23:05:00.001+08:002012-06-05T08:23:00.851+08:00Where is the Central Catchment Nature Reserve?<p>All of us know where the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) is. Or do we?</p> <p align="justify">I was unable to find an accurate map showing the boundaries of the CCNR from the National Parks Board (<a href="http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=naturereserves&id=46&Itemid=75">link</a>), Singapore Land Authority (<a href="http://www.onemap.sg/index.html">Onemap.sg</a>), and even Google Maps. </p> <div align="justify">In the end, after some research, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (<a href="http://www.ura.gov.sg/MP2008/">Master Plan 2008</a>) and the Ministry of Defence (Singapore Topographic Map) seem to be the only two which got it right. Not surprising, considering the need for accuracy for land-use planning and navigation for the military respectively.</div> <div align="justify"> </div> <hr /> <div align="justify"><b>Download the map of Central Catchment Nature Reserve</b></div> <div align="justify"> </div> <div align="justify">Unable to obtain a decent map, I decided to created one on my own. You may download the high-resolution map free at my <a href="http://uforest.blogspot.sg/p/downloads.html"><b>Download</b></a> page. Please email me if you find any discrepancies. I will be more than happy to correct it!</div> <div align="justify"> </div> <div align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w-cALXTmciI/T8t9NgDrgoI/AAAAAAAAC-0/y_V4tbcrqb0/s1600-h/CCNR%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="CCNR" alt="CCNR" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qPIWFumRi5I/T8t9PJofs6I/AAAAAAAAC-8/1ltjOTpO-zw/CCNR_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="702" /></a></div> <p>Some explanations of the legend are described below.</p> <hr /> <table style="width: 593px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="156"><b>Nature Reserve:</b></td> <td valign="top" width="435">Other than Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the rest of this category belong to CCNR. Note that CCNR also includes the reservoirs which it surrounds</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="157"><b>Non-Reserve Forest:</b></td> <td valign="top" width="434">Most of these areas are forest. Individual buildings within are excluded</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="158"><b>Park:</b></td> <td valign="top" width="433">MacRitchite Reservoir Park</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="159"><b>Residential:</b></td> <td valign="top" width="432">Mainly residential. Includes eateries and other commercial entities</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="160"><b>Singapore Zoological Gardens:</b></td> <td valign="top" width="431">Includes Night Safari, and the upcoming River Safari</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="161"><b>Utility:</b></td> <td valign="top" width="431">If you zoom into Google Earth at this patch, you can see satellite dishes with Singtel’s logo</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <hr /> <p>Having consistent and accurate information is important, especially when it involves the conservation of our fragile biodiversity. Already, the CCNR is already threatened by many developments and structures within and surrounding it; and it will continue to be faced with them in the future. </p> <div align="justify">But, that will be a separate post for another day. Stay tuned!</div> <div align="justify"> </div> <div align="justify"><font size="2"></font></div> <div align="justify"><span style="font-size: xx-small">The map was created using ArcGIS with the following resources:</span></div> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: xx-small">Google Earth Satellite Images</span> </li> <li><span style="font-size: xx-small">Master Plan 2008</span> </li> <li><span style="font-size: xx-small">Road layer was adapted from Cloudmade.com, which is in turned sourced from </span><a href="http://www.openstreetmap.org/"><span style="font-size: xx-small">www.openstreetmap.org</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small">.</span> </li> </ul> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-15941532482953955952012-05-28T23:08:00.001+08:002012-05-28T23:16:09.110+08:00Singapore’s Sea Cucumbers: A Dichotomous Key<p align="justify">The last weekend has been especially exciting because of the inaugural Festival of Biodiversity organised by the National Parks Board.</p> <p align="justify">For this festival, the South-east Asian Biodiversity Society set up a booth together with <a href="http://lewin.com.sg/"><strong>Lewin Education</strong></a> in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. There was a continuous flow of kids who love designing the free photo frames being distributed. We also took the opportunity to educate on-lookers about what we actually do. Being a young society, every single person we reach out to is important.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1hbFPz0cSRA/T8OUsH6rYRI/AAAAAAAAC9M/7H1FvtibFDU/s1600-h/IMG_7062%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7062" alt="IMG_7062" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RHK3R_Nu_cs/T8OUvy3kG9I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/b9PVjrky9lc/IMG_7062_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="611" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I was tasked to design a poster on a mini-project which I have been planning to do for awhile; identifying our local nameless sea cucumbers. The purpose of this poster is to basically let people know how I derive the identity of each sea cucumber, right down to their family level by using a simple Yes/No dichotomous key.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DkTZWFvwmbI/T8OUyv9mjfI/AAAAAAAAC88/8DGOTVWpkMw/s1600-h/Sea%252520Cucumber%2525202012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Sea Cucumber 2012" alt="Sea Cucumber 2012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t88_R5tuWfI/T8OU15Rl9oI/AAAAAAAAC9E/uqWN3aiMGVc/Sea%252520Cucumber%2525202012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="416" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The key was generated based on my current knowledge of the families and species of sea cucumbers in Singapore. Note that the pictures of spicules are not unique to all species within the family as there are some that do not possess the spicule designs. I will not be surprised if one or two more families are added next time; upon which I might update the poster again. </p> <p align="justify">But for now, everyone is free to download this poster free at the <strong><a href="http://uforest.blogspot.com/p/downloads.html">Downloads</a></strong> page at the horizontal navigation bar. For anyone who requires a higher resolution file for printing at A2/A1 size, please email me separately to request.</p> <p align="justify">Many thanks to Ria, Lewin Education, and Carmen for contributing their valuable photographs, sponsoring the printing for the exhibition, as well as helping to design the poster respectively.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-66735510401076694392012-05-09T22:48:00.001+08:002012-05-12T00:25:08.724+08:00New theme for Urban Forest<p align="justify">This must be the 4th time that I changed my blogger template. I can’t remember how long the former one had stayed till I removed it an hour ago (below). It must have been several years! While I am excited to have a nice new layout, I am also starting to miss my former one already .</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t0doyNIRQN4/T6qDkxta1RI/AAAAAAAAC74/yUYVMfKt6VY/s1600-h/Untitled%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Untitled" alt="Untitled" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ob7ommt6XJU/T6qDmqEHjTI/AAAAAAAAC8A/hrFmkhmXnEg/Untitled_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="588" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I have stayed in Blogspot faithfully despite the emergence of the newer and more popular Wordpress because of the limitations of the latter. While it is aesthetically superior with more templates, one will have to foot a sum to customise the html. Advertisements also appear after my posts when I am viewing the <a href="http://floraofsingapore.wordpress.com/">Total Vascular Flora Blog</a> – another blog which I am contributing to – on my IPad. </p> <p align="justify">In comparison, Blogspot has always allowed users who are more tech-savvy to play with its html. Unfortunately, with my fragmented knowledge, my former layout was probably the most that I could have managed. </p> <p align="justify">With the new Blogspot design, it allows more customisation of the theme by using WYSIWYG. That being said, it cannot tweak every single item in the theme, and that is where some little bit of html editing will make a big difference. And with that, I have been working hard last night to get my new layout ready for today.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sO5_mDLdOCY/T6qDobBh3pI/AAAAAAAAC8I/OAbdwM2m9Y8/s1600-h/7155982070_09ac96192a_z%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="7155982070_09ac96192a_z" alt="7155982070_09ac96192a_z" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yh6ehDejPKA/T6qDqKFjOhI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/Saa5jv43tvc/7155982070_09ac96192a_z_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I set the width of the posting much longer to allow larger photos to be uploaded. Hopefully this will appeal to people more since ‘’a picture says a thousand words'”! If you think the picture above of the Yellow Flame flowers looks familiar; it is, because that is used for my new blog banner. :)</p> <p align="justify">So, please look forward to more nature postings as I strive to deliver them in higher quality. Also anticipate better resources from here as I will expand my navigation bar pages to include more things. </p> <p>Thanks for the support!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-11636960657997437902012-04-01T15:23:00.001+08:002012-05-18T00:13:12.047+08:00Back to BulohIts been quite awhile since I came back to Sungei Buloh. I was here today with DL for a short walk and as usual with the bird man, I learnt more about birds from him.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iRuFVQDFVbk/T3gB-xLwSMI/AAAAAAAAC2o/sFvV7PbJcSE/s1600-h/IMG_7714%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7714" height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xxt-WAuGVFA/T3gCABRwufI/AAAAAAAAC2w/59QxETxLs3w/IMG_7714_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7714" width="450" /></a><br />
The migratory season is ending soon but we can still see quite some shorebirds foraging among the prawn ponds. However, DL pointed out that there are only two species of waders here, the Common Redshank and the Pacific Golden Plover.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dVc4oXGh4Ko/T3gCBtrtUXI/AAAAAAAAC24/fVP7WpdrPsg/s1600-h/IMG_7770%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7770" height="338" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tdaieEjCRH8/T3gCC7HjF3I/AAAAAAAAC3A/FTI_ium6tvU/IMG_7770_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7770" width="450" /></a><br />
They will soon be flying back to the North for breeding. Already, some Pacific Golden Plovers are assuming their breeding plumage with a coat of black running from the belly up to their heads. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9sN0FBBmryE/T3gCEeMerfI/AAAAAAAAC3I/S7CcyAfli1g/s1600-h/IMG_7724%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7724" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M6HwbuspDeE/T3gCFsafhLI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/cAtehRSKRGc/IMG_7724_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7724" width="450" /></a><br />
A lone Milky Stork was also sighted, which is likely to originate from free-flying stock introduced by the Singapore Zoo.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9fBBU1_4mG0/T3gCHO8VVTI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/aLhY_aCuMy4/s1600-h/IMG_7731%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7731" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A8VGObJQZSQ/T3gCIV70_zI/AAAAAAAAC3g/77kxpJwi_ew/IMG_7731_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; margin: 0px;" title="IMG_7731" width="450" /></a><br />
The Copper-throated Sunbird lives exclusively in mangroves and DL told me that Singapore is the easiest place to see the bird. Unfortunately, I was unable to take a decent picture of the pretty male showed on top.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yfq52nY02-Q/T3gCJ1hVgRI/AAAAAAAAC3o/mnra95cG7BQ/s1600-h/IMG_7733%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7733" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-giu0BXYOQ5g/T3gCKxjWcRI/AAAAAAAAC3w/dvVvS9Sge3I/IMG_7733_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7733" width="450" /></a><br />
But only managed an OK shot for the dull-coloured female.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JI-Opn-9dFM/T3gCMUcz5JI/AAAAAAAAC34/Ecpovs9IdmE/s1600-h/IMG_7744%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7744" height="338" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eu9alofMtrE/T3gCN0s8EPI/AAAAAAAAC4A/VC4GPEJxjCc/IMG_7744_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7744" width="450" /></a><br />
At the platform overlooking Pulau Buloh, we saw some House Crows bullying a Brahminy Kite. A fearsome predator but still defenseless being mobbed by these pest birds.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ninUmysB46k/T3gCQL1gQSI/AAAAAAAAC4I/ahHFW6hrJRs/s1600-h/IMG_7757%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7757" height="338" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RK2lg8vg7Ws/T3gCRwr5XhI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/pgKtCF14IoM/IMG_7757_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7757" width="450" /></a><br />
The Ashy Tailorbird is another mangrove bird species and it darted among the <i>Rhizophora</i> prop roots. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mFlYuB5XtvM/T3gCTywdr1I/AAAAAAAAC4Y/7nk9eODk1q0/s1600-h/IMG_7788%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7788" height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RyuiLgxrOXI/T3gCUyoKJkI/AAAAAAAAC4g/YSgGvAYX1ME/IMG_7788_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7788" width="450" /></a><br />
We then headed back to the mangrove boardwalk and saw a nice photographic opportunity to take a picture of a tree climbing crab feeding a piece of dead leaf.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ukRviSNxytE/T3gCWVJvbcI/AAAAAAAAC4o/ToC3_nLqtF8/s1600-h/IMG_7791%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7791" height="676" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rk57Y9C4KSs/T3gCYDjGHZI/AAAAAAAAC4w/CJ1PZUeuvy8/IMG_7791_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7791" width="450" /></a><br />
Some other sightings include these shield bugs.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XJPbFSgYAJk/T3gCatJldRI/AAAAAAAAC44/CCeSI26AWEo/s1600-h/IMG_7823%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7823" height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HidBr8R443s/T3gCb4z1eSI/AAAAAAAAC5A/54GB5bxp63M/IMG_7823_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; margin: 0px;" title="IMG_7823" width="450" /></a><br />
While waiting for our cab to pick us up, I saw this Malayan Water Monitor Lizard resting on this floating platform at the freshwater pond.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_duP91bgp8o/T3gCdQrPKLI/AAAAAAAAC5I/0Zgdk0CSY0E/s1600-h/IMG_7831%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7831" height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rcU6iZeUvXk/T3gCeueD87I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/r7ua2gFfKas/IMG_7831_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_7831" width="450" /></a><br />
Two White-Breasted Water Hen also walked about in a rather comical manner, and being quite nonchalant about my presence.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-75698696492857745742012-03-27T18:31:00.001+08:002012-03-27T18:42:05.617+08:00Birding @ Bishan Park<p>This is my first trip to the newly revamped Bishan Park. It came along with a new name too (the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park), though I doubt common folks like me will stick with its old and established one.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wNA0dn8wwSw/T3GWmaPKCvI/AAAAAAAAC0I/FrGbnN1aHO4/s1600-h/IMG_74793.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7479" alt="IMG_7479" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DJEwIRkEV6U/T3GWnjfYwDI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/xKzeSp_cDAA/IMG_7479_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a></p> <p>The main attraction is the deconcretisation (is there such a word?) of the canal that used to run through the park. It was converted to a natural low-lying river that meanders through rocks and long grasses. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K01c0ehFHDA/T3GWoyDLIFI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/9TQNHpEUrXg/s1600-h/IMG_75039.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7503" alt="IMG_7503" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ENtV72ixoRA/T3GWqG6sfvI/AAAAAAAAC0g/xsTSV_98LXk/IMG_7503_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a></p> <p>Because the river is so accessible to people, you can often see them stalking by the water with nets to catch fishes. Others tried to feed the fishes in the water with bread, which quickly gobbled the clumps like little piranhas. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BaRYA402fNw/T3GWr5Hgm7I/AAAAAAAAC0o/AL9IWGTW1WY/s1600-h/IMG_76359.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7635" alt="IMG_7635" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s5gQ2yWqlxY/T3GWtJNKDZI/AAAAAAAAC0s/VcjQ_HkCsHw/IMG_7635_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a></p> <p>You can see lots of Scaly-breasted Munias foraging among the grasses. Mowing of the area is probably done less frequently as you can see the fruiting love grasses which, if I’m not wrong, is one of the food sources of the munias.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w1FqgDg6LUY/T3GWuWQykPI/AAAAAAAAC04/6pju_Y7R9O0/s1600-h/IMG_76407.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7640" alt="IMG_7640" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kaw01zPrY9s/T3GWvDNpx0I/AAAAAAAAC08/jpqnI1zDM4M/IMG_7640_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Here is a flock of the munias soaring into the air.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u2b6YaSJVcU/T3GWwkwbDkI/AAAAAAAAC1I/cGLXI5Zcp00/s1600-h/IMG_76905.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7690" alt="IMG_7690" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UvRKgKKWeAE/T3GWxwL6MDI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/xEUjPKTr3oQ/IMG_7690_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a></p> <p>Some other birds which I saw includes two species of woodpeckers, which I found from the sound of them knocking on the trees. This one above is a female Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DzzoLawUlls/T3GWz6_G2jI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/OUucqdaZF6k/s1600-h/IMG_74784.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7478" alt="IMG_7478" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FubeIhOPs0U/T3GW03YJwZI/AAAAAAAAC1c/8BVmtCCUJ5Y/IMG_7478_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a></p> <p>And here is a female Common Flameback taking off from its perch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vpOKcNujeac/T3GW2WvUg7I/AAAAAAAAC1o/G-6Z-w8SggQ/s1600-h/IMG_75905.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7590" alt="IMG_7590" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qdSAycgT5xw/T3GW3dHz-AI/AAAAAAAAC1w/MMN3gtr-63o/IMG_7590_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="341" /></a></p> <p>A little Asian Brown Flycatcher.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FT_V4X3O87Y/T3GW48Jv_qI/AAAAAAAAC14/AJSwbjICNcU/s1600-h/IMG_75795.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7579" alt="IMG_7579" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C3jcSIypB90/T3GW53mpFII/AAAAAAAAC2A/udhAFiw0mUo/IMG_7579_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a></p> <p>And a pair of Koels, a female, </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CHw2szgc24U/T3GW7lhyBpI/AAAAAAAAC2I/AWqq1kkCpq0/s1600-h/IMG_75875.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7587" alt="IMG_7587" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gQw-pr-D-WE/T3GW8seifFI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/9hAfJJZSjvw/IMG_7587_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="339" /></a></p> <p>and a male.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8cM5oAkyZOg/T3GW-rHGxaI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/CK5-j5gf9pg/s1600-h/IMG_76953.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7695" alt="IMG_7695" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zPSy7GPqGts/T3GW_U36JWI/AAAAAAAAC2c/RtdoL9xTDIw/IMG_7695_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a></p> <p>Lastly, just before I left, I saw a White-collared Kingfisher flying to a branch. It was carrying something elongated in its mouth and started knocking it left and right on the branch before passing to its mate on the right which did the same motion. It then handed it back again and the original kingfisher gobbled it up.</p> <p>A pretty nice short trip to Bishan Park, though I am not satisfied with my photographs which were taken using my new tele-zoom lens. Hopefully it will fare better the next time.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5309400216319976329.post-51955810138489287382012-03-03T22:58:00.001+08:002012-03-03T23:00:35.938+08:00Cycling trip to Punggol<p>A recent meeting made me thoughtful about people’s perception of nature. It seems that there is general consensus that truly wild nature is not preferred. The reason being that the residents will not like it compared to manicured greenery. However, I do not believe that is a valid statement during my cycling trip to Punggol.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xb8B6RZK-44/T1Iw-LMfN5I/AAAAAAAACxY/OhyzBYvjGzg/s1600-h/IMG_7253%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7253" alt="IMG_7253" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z6FqO2LUb3w/T1Iw_fSoISI/AAAAAAAACxg/xSbqM3a-blg/IMG_7253_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a></p> <p>I believe that its a matter of how a wild patch of forest is “presented”. While cycling along the Park Connector Network in Punggol today, I can see that efforts are being done to keep parts of the original habitat. These natural habitats add to the rustic feel of the trail. I think that as long as there is some buffer zone between the trail and the forest, most people will not have any problems with their existence. Attractive cultivated plants can be done like the above could be introduced as a visual distraction to the forest background too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-739dGlyF_Rw/T1IxA9MXReI/AAAAAAAACxo/UVzEOrAuorU/s1600-h/IMG_7269%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7269" alt="IMG_7269" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o3SKQWwZsy4/T1IxCsFNdmI/AAAAAAAACxw/ItCe17vAGLM/IMG_7269_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="676" /></a></p> <p>This portion of the PCN is truly breath-taking. I love the view of the hilly forest at the opposite bank (even though the plants are all common species) where Lorong Harlus lies. I will definitely attempt conquering this hill when I am free.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J-kGzZm43r4/T1IxETDYh-I/AAAAAAAACx4/l7D83H-6a70/s1600-h/IMG_7279%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px; display: inline" title="IMG_7279" alt="IMG_7279" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jgSnf1thSoM/T1IxFWvs-XI/AAAAAAAACyA/K8RLox5-5PI/IMG_7279_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Aside my lamenting, our urban greenery have really improved so much over the years. In Punggol especially, the streetscaping is planted in a dense and heterogeneous manner. A daunting task for the streetscape managers but it is probably good for wildlife enhancement and reducing pest birds.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FAvU5csuKjY/T1IxHoyoXaI/AAAAAAAACyI/3lwMGkNmjzQ/s1600-h/IMG_7281%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7281" alt="IMG_7281" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibodk5lAo6E/T1IxIvOOitI/AAAAAAAACyQ/CaLrqWGUqY4/IMG_7281_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a></p> <p>In a particular precinct there, I was amazed to see grasses growing out from the roof of a communal shelter. Green roofing is really sprouting everywhere in Singapore and its also a welcoming sight. Surprisingly, no studies on whether it has any benefits towards urban wildlife was done in Singapore, at least to my knowledge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KpJTStxYTsE/T1IxKuyVbGI/AAAAAAAACyY/w-qTFrgyqt0/s1600-h/IMG_7282%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7282" alt="IMG_7282" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JtLDPubmi2w/T1IxMVGwE6I/AAAAAAAACyg/K0rM5ewSkHI/IMG_7282_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a></p> <p>A view of the Waterway @ Punggol. It is really a remarkable engineering feat. Do you know that this waterway was entirely dug from levelled land? </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FGdmnMZNM_U/T1IxOKXcRMI/AAAAAAAACyo/Brv8VBaUaBE/s1600-h/IMG_7288%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7288" alt="IMG_7288" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZzarSqMSfoY/T1IxPdvbVeI/AAAAAAAACyw/fqvXf8Bz8Xs/IMG_7288_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Venturing pass the waterway along Punggol Road, the forest caught my eye. Eventually, almost all the forest will be cleared in time to come. While it is not really a pristine forest, I still hope that at least portions of it can be preserved. Especially this giant durian tree, which is the tallest tree in this picture (at least 30 m tall). I can imagine that it will be pretty awesome to have a giant durian tree in the middle of an estate. How iconic it will be! However, its surrounding must be condone off because of falling durians when the season comes. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L1ntju4ZB7I/T1IxQ_KolII/AAAAAAAACy4/bDlcC0dofcQ/s1600-h/IMG_7302%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7302" alt="IMG_7302" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R66jGkpWMc4/T1IxSBKbycI/AAAAAAAACzA/RZEOaIPDnCs/IMG_7302_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="676" /></a></p> <p>I passed by a huge Indian rubber tree, <em>Ficus elastica</em> which was heavily pruned. From its massive size, it must be a really old one. Hope this is another tree that will be conserved.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dg2YFg4OagA/T1IxTGiu9KI/AAAAAAAACzI/O5FXAqhezGY/s1600-h/IMG_7324%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7324" alt="IMG_7324" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ichjYwbDkYE/T1IxUWZh3lI/AAAAAAAACzQ/e-UW7GEyai8/IMG_7324_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="336" /></a></p> <p>Another check from the butterfly list! A Grey Pansy. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ubzs_KcS88I/T1IxZLNhREI/AAAAAAAACzY/hGOPKKqpI9c/s1600-h/IMG_7328%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7328" alt="IMG_7328" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EBGjVErP4gY/T1IxaaPaqoI/AAAAAAAACzg/HIeNk4jt88s/IMG_7328_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Punggol Promenade was next, and my only thought was to search for the critically endangered climber which RY found last time, <em>Caesalpinia bonduc</em>. The plant seems to be doing fine, except for the fact that it was infested by leaf miners.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dZtjAJsyy1Q/T1IxcVlDdyI/AAAAAAAACzo/SWqquN5aB2k/s1600-h/IMG_7331%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7331" alt="IMG_7331" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H2Exi-mbniY/T1IxdoHvTUI/AAAAAAAACzw/52f7K8amT0A/IMG_7331_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="348" /></a></p> <p>There was a pretty large bodhi tree, Ficus religiosa at Punggol Jetty. Great that they decided to preserve this tree when they cleared the place to build the promenade.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RgmkdqWhpBE/T1IxfruqWrI/AAAAAAAACz4/YXkLhFWjIaw/s1600-h/IMG_7338%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_7338" alt="IMG_7338" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RJdLI1qtiYQ/T1Ixg682UOI/AAAAAAAAC0A/ckmIKJQ_LJQ/IMG_7338_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="340" /></a></p> <p>Turning back to cycle home, I saw three dogs foraging in the mangroves. They were rather shy seeing me and ran off quickly. Seems contrary to what the joggers experienced at the waterway. </p> <p>Finished the entire trip in a record 22 km!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1