Beginner's luck really works wonders..

Finally our date materialised, and I was at SBWR with yy last Sunday. Thanks to her virgin trip, her luck brought us many interesting sightings! (And, I think I found a twitcher in her!)

She was introduced to the usual residents such as Archerfishes and Half-beaks at the main bridge. In the distance, the migratory Little Egrets were foraging for food. We couldn't miss the Pacific Golden Plovers, Red and Green Shanks on the mudflats as well. After spending some time at the main hide, we decided on the route towards Platform 2 which, we later realised, was a great move.

As we were about to reach platform 1, a loud 'cluck cluck cluck' sound distracted us. Wondering if it was a bird call, we were searching for movements in the canopy before realising that it was the Plantain Squirrel's (Callosciurus notatus) way of telling us that it is enjoying a hearty breakfast.

Easily recognised by the black and white stripes by its side, this local squirrel is often seen in the mangroves. With great agility, one can often see it leaping from branch to branch

Platform 2 was a great stop for us. On the opposite bank, a Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) was easily spotted being in full view. This hunter can stab quickly at a prey in the water with its special kink in the neck, and typically swallows its prey whole, thus have a strong and efficient digestive system.

On a closer look, 3 other Grey Herons were resting on a tree not too far away. A top predator in the ecosystem, presence of a healthy number of herons are good indicators that our wetland is healthy and conducive. Unfortunately, these majestic birds are threathened by loss of habitat locally.

We observed another 3 more Grey Herons landing on the same tree. Maybe theres a special attraction between that tree and the Herons, but it was getting a little crowded. =P

Overhead, 2 White-bellied Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) hovered, swooning occasionally, close to ground. The other visitors were so thrilled and were commenting that it was a free performance by the Eagles. Unfortunately, all I managed were very blurred shots not worthy of posting.

The only consolation was the elegant Great Egrets (Casmerodius albus), whose flight I managed to capture. Must be a double-bliss day - apart from the pair of eagles, we also witness a pair of Great Egrets 'chasing' each other in flight. This species is the largest egret in Singapore and is distinguished by the pronounced kink in the nick.

We were chanting 'otters otters' and 'crocodile crocodile' but it didnt work. With our main objective at Platform 2 not accomplished, we retreated back to the main bridge in view of time constraints.

On our way back, I pointed out the 'Ba Chang' look-alike leaves to yy. These triangular shaped leaves are actually homes of the Weaver Ant (Oecophylla smaragdina). This complex nest is build by worker ants who joins the edges of the leaves using a strong silk produced by squeezeing a larva.

Its beginner's luck because 2 surprises were awaiting us at the main bridge! Instantly, I assumed that the Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) has made is appearance again, after seeing Dr Chua at the main bridge with a few other cameras pointing at the water.

I was hoping for some action that I missed the day before, and was staring intently at the Crocodile when yy exclaimed, 'OTTER'. I gave her the skeptical look but soon had to take it back. True enough, a small head bobbed in and out of water! It was too fast for me to capture any shots, and I was also busy worrying for this chap, as it was swimming just 10m away from the crocodile. Thank goodness for its agility in water!

Before we left, I wanted to try our luck at the fresh waterpond, thinking that the Otter might return. Instead, it was the Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) that caught our attention for 10 full minutes. Well protected beneth the Simpoh Ayer, it was enjoying a feast by extending its neck quickly to stab on probably fishes in the pond.

While we only managed to cover the distance from main bridge to Platform 2, it was one of my most efficient trip to Sungei Buloh, having seen so many amazing animals and birds. I guess, it also gives a reason to bring yy back for the mangrove boardwalk in future. =)