Monday 20 March 2023 - Marina East (Gardens by the Bay: Bay East / Marina Barrage)

A day off today to ourselves ... so of course I went birding. Chasing waders in a different location with a race against a large high tide and a taxi driver who relied on my google maps to get us to our location.

Once more we were reminded how much Singaporeans enjoy a cycle or walk in the morning as we walked the roadway in Bay East.

Iconic Singapore

We walked the east bank of the reservoir and down to the Singapore Harbour in our quest to see waders. We found ourselves distracted by many other sights along the way however.

Singapore

Garden Dragon

Olive-backed Sunbird (Ornate)

Chestnut Munia

Lesser Sand-plover

Malaysian Plover

Malaysian Plover

Singapore Harbour

Singapore Harbour

Singapore Harbour

Malaysian Plover

Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot

Olive-backed Sunbird (Ornate)

Yellow Bittern

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Brown-throated Sunbird

Wednesday 15 March 2023 – Gardens by the bay.

This morning we headed to the The Gardens by the Bay (GBTB). It is a site recommended for those aiming to get good photographs as many of the birds there are very tame. For me it is one of the highlights of any visit to Singapore with the stunning architure, the cloud forest and the trees. Today was no different with absolute pleasure in being able to share it with others whom have not seen this place before.

Within the gardens, birders frequent the Satay by the Bay area (eastern end of the map) and here, many of the species are very quiet and confiding. Our first birds on arriving were two Common Flamebacks (Woodpeckers) that gave us very good views. https://ebird.org/checklist/S130945082

Common Flameback

Common Flameback

Purple Heron

Red-legged Crake

We had arrived in three taxis and so it took a little while to round everyone up so to speak. Once through the food hall area and near kingfisher lake, we were treated with a good sighting of a Purple Heron that stood basking in the sun. This was followed by an absolute treat of seeing a family of Red-legged Crakes foraging on one of the smaller and secluded lawn spaces.

I had great pleasure in taking a break from the birding and enjoying both of the biodomes which have different displays from my past visit. In particular the Cherry Blossoms and the Dale Chihuly installation.