Saturday 18 March 2023 – Sungei Buloh Reserve + Kranji Marshes

Today we hired a bus and driver to check out the Sungei Buloh Reserve and Kranji Marshes. Kranji Marshes is a 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland that is home to unique biodiversity. Located along the northwestern shore of Kranji Reservoir, it is one of the largest freshwater marshes in Singapore. Kranji Marshes is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies and 33 species of dragonflies. Together with Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, it provides an important habitat in the Kranji area for the conservation of biodiversity, especially marsh birds. With a range of natural habitats such as freshwater marsh, woodland and grass habitats, Kranji Marshes is a great place for visitors to observe and enjoy nature.

Common Redshank

Common Redshank

House Crows

Pacific Golden Plover

These sites include habitat for both marine and freshwater wetlands, mangrove forest and grasslands. We were hopeful of seeing a range of wetland species: migratory and resident waders, egrets, herons, storks, raptors and waterfowl. In the mangroves we managed to see a few tailorbirds in addition to the Copper-throated Sunbird. The waders were limited to only a few species albeit in reasonable numbers and maybe they are still to call in this year on their way back to their breeding grounds. The location at Sungei Buloh Reserve was worth the walk. Reptiles appeared to be more frequently seen today with a few new species species sited and an estuarine crocodile.

Copper-throated Sunbird

Copper-throated Sunbird

Ashy Tailorbird

Brown-throated Sunbird

Changeable Lizard

Baya Weaver