Sunday, November 23, 2008






A Gap of 27 Years in Singapore

A Nordmann's Greenshank at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 15 Nov 2008 (Photo copyright of Mendis Tan)

It has been a historical moment for many birdwatchers in Singapore when 2 Nordmann's Greeshanks turned up unexpectedly at Sungei Buloh Wetlend Reserve on 15 Nov 2008 - after 27 years since it was last reported in Singapore (Nature Society Singapore).

The bird was first discovered by Tan Kok Hui, Danny Lau and Lau Jia Sheng and Tan Gim Cheong. Soon afterwards the ID was confirmed by David Li who has previous experience with the species in Malaysia.

The event coincided with a very high tide in the noon where most mudflats around Singapore and Johor had been flooded and many shorebirds were forced to retreat to few remaining wetlands still not submerged such as Sungei Buloh Wetlend Reserve.

Nordmann's Greenshank is an Endangered species according to BirdLife International where its migratory routes are confined to East Asian Australasian Flyway. Its global population is very low and is estimated at less than 1000 individuals. There has been many encouraging sighting of Nordmann's Greenshanks lately, many from the sites where this species was never officially reported previously, such as Sumatra, Java and NW Australia.

RIGHT: One of two Nordmann's Greenshank found strutting on the muds in Singapore. An inconspicuous rarity that has caused much excitement among local and international birdwatchers. (Photo Copyright: Howard Banwell 2008)








However, this sighting in Singapore is signficant and unique because the birds were located within a nature reserve and have been observed feeding actively on the site. The combination of easy accessibility with hides as well as good number of local experienced birdwathcers and photographers mean that this is a rare opportunity to better study Nordmann's Greenshank's feeding and movement behaviour.





LEFT: A Nordmann's Greenshank showing its unique semi-webbed feet. (Photo Copyright: LIM Kim Chual 2008)






RIGHT: A Nordmann's Greenshank feeding on a crab. If you know the species of the crab, pls let me know copsychus at gmail dot com
(Photo Copyright: TAN Gim Cheong)





Well done to those who had discovered this little known and easily overlooked shorebird!!
Hope the birds will hang around a bit longer so that every birder in Singapore or visiting international birder will have a Christmas Gift!!

9 comments:

Larry said...

Hi Tippitommy, congratulations on your ability to spread the word about the endangered Nordmann's Greenshank. I applaud everyone who takes their time and energy to help all of us keep the diversity of species we have on our planet. You have posted some great photos of these beautiful, rare birds. Thank you for sharing this information. I will be happy to write a post on the Nordmann's Greenshank on my blog to pass this information on to my readers also.

Larry said...

Tippitommy, it might be a good idea to edit your Comment settings on your blog to allow comments from "Registered Users". This will help you get more comments from people without Google accounts.

Luuuuuua said...

f interesant blog,bravo

urgent Finance said...

Do you need a Loan?
Are you looking for Finance?
Are you looking for a Loan to enlarge your business?
I think you have come to the right place.
We offer Loans at low interest rate.
Interested people should please contact us on
For immediate response to your application, Kindly
reply to this emails below only.
Whats app +918256953815
indiafinace@gmail.com
Please, do provide us with the Following information if interested.

1) Full Name:………
2) Gender:………
3) Loan Amount Needed:………
4) Loan Duration:………
5) Country:………
6) Home Address:………
7) Mobile Number:………
8)Monthly Income:…………………
9)Occupation:………………………
)Which site did you here about us…………………

Thanks and Best Regards.
indiafinace@gmail.com
+918256953815

urgent loan said...

BUSINESS LOAN PERSONAL LOAN HERE APPLY NOW WhatsApp +918929509036 financialserviceoffer876@gmail.com Dr. James Eric

Private Financing Foundation Ltd said...

Hello,

With all due respect, Are you interested in a personal or business loan at 2% low interest? Apply to this company today and get a loan only with your signature.

Please confirm receipt of this email for more detailed information. Quick and urgent loans can be provided depending on the severity and urgency of the borrower's loan.

Your win is 100% assured and guaranteed.

Awaiting your urgent response.
ronaldfoundationhome@gmail.com
(Whats App) number: +916913609653
Mr. Ronald

Gabriel said...

In the world we live today there are more fakes than real ones, in other there are more liars than people who are truthful and been told lies everytime can be so hurtful when you start to realize that you have been lied to too many times and all you brought to the table was honesty and the truth, moving forward you could change that situation with the right help, be it that have been lied to by your spouse and you want to know the whole truth, be it the truth in your place of work, just name it to Brillianthackers800@gmail.com Whatsapp +14106350697 and all your cyber problems comes to an end.

FAST LOAN OFFER said...

QUICK EASY EMERGENCY URGENT LOANS LOAN OFFER EVERYONE APPLY NOW +918929509036 financialserviceoffer876@gmail.com Dr. James Eric

Financing / Credit / Loan We offer financial loans and investment loans for all individuals who have special business needs. For more information contact us at via email: bullsindia187@gmail.com From said...

DO YOU NEED FINANCES? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FINANCES? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FINANCING TO ENLARGE YOUR BUSINESS?via email:bullsindia187@gmail.com