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Last Update 13 March 2010

While we try to be as forthcoming as we possibly could with the latest interesting bird sighting, we would also like to remind all birders and photographers following up on the sightings to always have the welfare of the bird in mind. We urge birders and photographers to minimise disturbance to the birds as much as possible. Thank-you for your co-operation! The birds will appreciate it.

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(Posted 13 March 2010)

Singapore is home to over 180 resident bird species, a respectable total considering our modest land area of slightly over 700 sq km. Located in the heart of Sundaic Southeast Asia which was formerly covered entirely in forest, Singapore’s own forests are no doubt an important bird habitat supporting rich numbers of resident birds. More species of birds are found in forests than any other habitats. These include communities of babblers, bulbuls and woodpeckers. Other important habitats here include secondary scrub, abandoned plantations, freshwater marshland, mangroves and grasslands. In Singapore, secondary scrub is still extensive and may support some bird species that are usually found in forests (e.g. Rufous woodpecker).

Habitat destruction due to the rapid pace of Singapore’s urban development has led to the loss of over 95% of our original forests and mangroves. This has also resulted in the creation of secondary habitats such as scrub and old plantations which can only support few bird species, mainly adaptable ones. Consequently, many of our forest and mangrove birds are now extinct, while a great number are in danger of extinction. Singapore’s Red Data Book lists over 50 species that are either critically-endangered, endangered or vulnerable. This comprises an alarming 30% of extant species. Examples of birds with such worrying statuses include our largest woodpecker, the White-bellied Woodpecker, which was last seen definitively in 2004. Sadly, it may already be extinct. Another example is the Great-billed Heron, a huge heron that persists precariously on islets south of the mainland which are in increasing pressure from development.

Despite the presence of extensive research facilities in Singapore (eg. bird collections, libraries and labs), it is surprising that so little research has been carried out on our threatened bird species. Existing research work tends to concentrate on the overall avifauna situation, highlighting general threats to our resident birds, but fail to address conservation and ecological concerns of individual species or groups of species. Furthermore, there are no long-term scientific studies of population patterns of most of our threatened species. We continue to speculate how these species are faring, based on observations sent in by birdwatchers. Furthermore, we lack reliable population information even for our commonest raptors like the Brahminy Kite and White-bellied Fish Eagle.

The Bird Group is introducing the “Small Grant Scheme for Bird Conservation Research” to address the paucity of local ornithological research, and to complement our existing annual censuses of Singapore’s avifauna. The key objective is to encourage and provide financial support for field research of birds in Singapore, with an emphasis on locally threatened species. Research work may include extensive field surveys, population counts and mapping, followed by statistical analysis. Field research will also be integral to local bird conservation, by generating much-needed updates and knowledge of local species that are currently at stake and will support future conservation assessments and measures. The scheme will provide funding of up to S$2000 to cover transport costs, logistics and purchase of research equipment and software during the course of research work. Interested applicants are encouraged to write to the author at zoothera@yahoo.com to enquire and get advice on drafting up a project proposal.

By Yong Ding Li

(Posted 24 February2010)

This report covers noteworthy bird sightings in November 2009 for Singapore and the surrounding region. In general, the report will include but are not limited to the following categories: rarities, breeding or nesting records, arrival and departure dates for migratory species, new locality records, escapees and unusual behaviour.

Singapore Avifauna Vol 23 No 11 (November 2009)

(Updated 16 February 2010)

· Singapore Raptor Report January 2009 by Tan Gim Cheong

· Singapore Raptor Report December 2009 by Alan OwYong, edited by Kenneth Kee

· Singapore Raptor Report November 2009 by Alan OwYong, edited by Kenneth Kee

· Raptor Watch Report November 2009 by Alan OwYong, edited by Kenneth Kee

· Singapore Raptor Report October 2009 by Alan OwYong, edited by Kenneth Kee

· Autumn Raptor Migration, Early arrivals for September 2009 by Alan OwYong, edited by Kenneth Kee

(Posted 7 January 2010)

The Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) 2010 for Singapore is scheduled for 16 January 2010 from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

The following sites will be count: Lower Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Mudflats, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji Dam, Kranji Dam, Pulau Ubin, Pasir Ris and Lorong Halus.

The census covers all waterfowl and also birds associated with wetlands such as raptors and kingfishers in Asia. This year additional site information will be collected to monitor Important Bird Area (IBA) sites.

If you are interested please email the AWC 2010 Singapore Coordinator, Lim Kim Keang at <kklimsg@singnet.com.sg> or sms to 97391142 before 11 January 2010.

Thanks n Regards,

Kim Keang

(Posted 7 January 2010)

Click to read this report by the Records Committee of the NSS Bird Group.

(Posted 7 January 2010)

Hurrah, I graduated! The much awaited Basic Birdwatching Course (BBC) was held from 24^th Oct to 29^th Nov taught by our dear instructor Lim Kim Seng. This 6 week course comprised of a 3 hour classroom session on Saturday afternoons followed by Sunday morning field trips for the entire duration of the course.

In Kim Seng’s words – ‘The course was designed to provide students with a firm foundation in basic ornithology and core competencies for improving their birdwatching skills as well as some knowledge on the major bird habitats in Singapore and the complex relationships between birds and humans’.

21 of us who graduated from the course felt that the objectives were duly met. Thanks to our instructor the course was superbly designed. In 6 weeks we learnt so much that few among us even called it the ADVANCE Birdwatching Course.

Click to read full report by Anuj Jain

(Updated 4 December 2009)

Ten teams participated in the 26th Singapore Green Bird Race 2009. There were two categories: Full Race (24hrs) and Sunday Race (10hrs). The Full Race started on 17^th October at 1700hrs and ended on 18th October at 1700hrs. The Sunday Race started on 18th October at 0700hrs and ended on the same day at 1700hrs. For the first time, teams had to forego the luxury of private cars or taxis and use public buses and MRT instead or opt to race on bicycles.