[Photography] Photowalk: Pasir Ris Park (Again)

Pasir Ris Park is a quaint and quiet park that I enjoy visiting. In addition one can spot many birds rather easily.

Today a juvenile Oriental Magpie Robin showed its finesse in hunting. It caught 3 insects in a minute. Later I came across the regular residents - Collared Kingfisher. There were a couple of them around. I did not see the Stork-billed or the Laced Woodpecker this time. I was hoping to see a one-eyed Fish Owl called Buffy though.

Oh well.

The juvi OMR greeted me when I arrived at PRP.

One of its catch. Couldn't get a sharper copy because this guy was moving around so fast! Before this bug, it caught an grasshopper. After this bug, it caught another bug!

Before it vanished back into the woods, it did a pose for me.

Collared KF is becoming a common sight in PRP for me. Here's one looking up. If you see closely there's another one on the right. I honestly did not see it when I was taking this photograph. 

This Collared KF was perching in another location while I was on my way to see if I could spot any owl.

~ZF

[Photography] Photowalk: Pasir Ris Park

Just went for a walk at Pasir Ris Park, and took the opportunity to spot some birds. Birdwatching in the afternoon is never a good idea. Not only the Sun is hot, not many birds are going to appear since most of them would have done their hunting and feeding in the morning.

I was just lucky, managed to capture a Common Iora, not 1 but 3 Stork-billed Kingfisher, a Collared Kingfisher and a pair of Common Flamebacks Laced Woodpeckers, with none other than the Fujifilm X-T1 and the XF 100-400mm lens.

A Common Iora. Their calls are actually very nice to listen too! But they can be challenging to photograph, given their size and speed.

A Collared Kingfisher. They are probably the noisiest kingfishers that I know of.

As mentioned, I saw not 1 but 3 Stork-billed Kingfishers. Not sure if they are a family. This is SBKF #1. Perching on one of the branches amongst the mangrove. Took this because I did not know they could turn their head almost 180 degrees.

Still SBKF #1 because it was the closest to me and easiest to photograph. I decided to use the Velvia film simulation in the X-T1 to do these colourful birds more justice.

SBKF #2. Perching on a tree beside a river (or canal). SBKF #3 not shown.

Near SBKF #1 were these beautiful Common Flamebacks Laced Woodpeckers. I suppose it was a mother-daughter couple, the mother is in the background, because I saw her feeding the one on the foreground. Highly elusive birds. The photo did not turn out crisp sharp, I was a tat disappointed, but I guess I'll accept this for now, since it is pretty rare to be able to photograph these.

~ZF

[Photography] 5 Reasons To Visit Singapore's Botanic Gardens

1. Because of its history.

I am not a history buff, but I know it is more than a century old. More info in the wiki page. You can learn much of its history there.

The gate at the Bukit Timah entrance, just outside the train station.

2. Because it is accessible.

The botanic gardens is one of the interchange stops for the Downtown Line (DTL) and Circle Line (CCL), situated at the Bukit Timah Entrance. There is another entrance, the Tanglin Entrance, which is also accessible by foot from Orchard Road, but it will be quite a walk.

3. Because it is a large and quiet place.

While it is situated in somewhat prime land, the botanic gardens is a great place to escape from the city buzz. While it can be crowded during weekends, you can still enjoy some tranquility, because the area is just too big.

There are many benches like this for visitors just to sit and enjoy the tranquility. [Taken with the Redmi Note 3]

If you like quiet with a touch of nature, the botanic gardens is the place to go! [Taken with the Redmi Note 3]

4. Because it is also home to many birds and little critters.

I have been to the botanic gardens a couple of times to bird-watch. Yes, there are raptors and many birds to be spotted. Unfortunately it was rainy today and many of them went to hiding. Nevertheless I still have a couple of shots that I could share here.

An Oriental Magpie Robin. [Taken with Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 100-400mm]

A squirrel. They are quite common in the gardens! [Taken with Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 100-400mm]

A monitor lizard. Well, there are three lakes in the gardens, so I suppose they can be common, just that these creatures are elusive. [Taken with Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 100-400mm]

A red-neck slider. These, unfortunately, are probably released by pet-owners. [Taken with Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 100-400mm]

A White-breasted Water Hen taking a plunge! [Taken with Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 100-400mm]

5. Because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

It was awarded the status on 4 July 2015, which was considered one of an apt gift for Singapore's Golden Jubilee in that year.

At the Bukit Timah entrance.

A plaque at the Tanglin/Nassim entrance.

Due to unfavourable weather, I was not able to cover the whole gardens. But it is a great place to hang out with family and friends, provided the weather is good of course. Nevertheless, here are some photographs I would like to share.

Just an old tree. I was trying to compose something I think.

I do not know what species of papaya these are but the tree is rather short.

The stage at the Symphony Lake. This is one of the landmarks in botanic gardens. Many concerts and performances are occasionally held here.

Side note: The Redmi Note 3 camera is only so-so, but I have to make do as my wide angle camera for now.

~yZhifa