Leisure walk at SBWR - 14 March

March was really a mad month at work with all the tight deadlines, and I ended up with lots of blog debts of all the weekend trips!

Together with a few friends, we spent an entire morning on 14 March at Sungei Buloh, and were pleasantly surprised with many unexpected sightings.

The replanted Berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris) at the entrance of the Reserve has always been in the limelight as this species is very rare in Singapore. This Serembang that has grown naturally is likely to take over the spot the next time we visit the reserve. The only Sonneratia with red stamens, it also has a flat calyx. Durian lovers have the Sonneratia to thank, because of its role as a food source to sustain bats who polinates the Durian trees. The Sonneratia is especially importatnt during the times when Durian tree is not flowering.

 

The Sea Hollies are named after the unrelated Christmas plant Holly because their leaves look fairly similar. However, not all species have spiny leaves though. The Acanthus volubilis usually does not have the sharp spiny leaves and is more of a climber.

Acanthus ebracteatus, on the other hand, has very spiny leaves. The Sea Hollies adapts to the environment of high salinity by secreting excess salt through the leaves.

Less common in the reserve is the Acanthus ilicifolius with the light violet flowers.

Another great discovery is that of a fruiting Finlaysonia Ovobata along the mangrove boardwalk. Needless to say, we spent a good 15-20 mins taking many shots of the fruits.

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Living in harmony were 3 species of birds, perching on a barren tree. We have the Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis), the Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans) and probably Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) 排排站ing on the branches.

True to its name, the Yellow-Barred Flutterer (Rhyothemis phyllis) was fluttering over our heads really quickly, as if playing the game of catching with our cameras. It was really exasperating trying to take a sharp photo of it.

Safety in numbers, the Shield Bugs (Calliphara nobilis) gathered behind the mangrove leaves possibly for shelter. Their shiny wings make them look just like gems, albeit hidden, in the mangroves. They apparently disperses with a loud buzz when disturbed, so be sure not to do disturb them if you don't want to be startled!

After so many trips to the reserve, its only my first time meeting the Yellow-spotted Mudskipper(Periophthalmus walailakae). I guess thats because I never really took a closer look because they are supposedly one of the larger and obvious mudskippers around. This Yellow-spotted Mudskipper can tolerate long durations out of water by trapping water and oxygen to help them breathe on land. Their ability to breathe through their moist skin helps too, which is why we often see them walking into small puddles (to keep skin damp).

As the tide rose, we saw this Blue-spotted Mudskipper (Boleophthalmus boddarti) who appeared to be hanging on to a mangrove root for dear life using its muscular pectoral fins (although it can actually swim!). Unlike other mudskippers who are predators, the Blue-spotted Mudskipper grazes on the layer of algae growing on the mud instead.

I was a little disturbed by this pack of fierce dogs who were barking and fighting in the reserve. I've seen stray dogs chase after otters and essentially, they become a threat to our wildlife in the reserve. Hopefully they will be displaced at another more appropriate environment soon!

My all-time favourite Smooth Otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) also made a stopover at their usual sandbox! This was a group of 3 and 2 of them were grooming each other - quite a sweet sight!

,,,while the third one made itself really comfortable, sleeping on its back, at the same time enjoying a bask in the sun.

Was it my eyes or did the otter just winked at us? =P

One of the common reptiles in the Reserve, the Malayan Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) was sun-tanning to regulate the temperature of its blood. It has an excellent sense of smell, owing to its forked tongue that it sticks in and out of its mouth. The bite of the monitor lizard is venomous so be sure to leave them alone and not provoke them if you cross their path.

My second time seeing the Green Crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella), the first being more than 1 year ago! This lizard's body can turn brown when threatened. The number of Green Crested Lizard is apparently on the decline in Singapore - some said possibly due to competition from the Changeable Lizard, an introduced species.

While the Lizard was fairly cooperative in posing for photos, it was still challenging to get a clear sharp shot with the poor lighting.

The amazing fact of such nature places is that there are always new surprises on every trip, no matter how many times you have been there. I guess this is also why many of us keep visiting these havens over and over again because each experience is never quite the same!