Newsletter of the Nature Society (Singapore) Jul – Aug 2019

NATURE NEWS MCI (P) 023/08/2018 ISSN: 2010-4308

ACTIVITY CALENDAR

Activity Date Butterfly Walk at Alexandra Woodlands Bordering Green Corridor 7 Jul NSS Kids' Fun with Butterflies at Ubin Butterfly Hill 14 Jul Kayak ’s Three Rivers 14 Jul Dragonfly Walk at Town Park 20 Jul 21st Mid-Year Bird Census 20 & 21 Jul Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Programme 21 Jul Mangroves cum Coastal Clean-up at Ubin (RUM Initiative) 21 Jul Ramble "Sustainability" at MacRitchie Reservoir 21 Jul Volunteers Needed: Coast Fun-mily Fiesta 27 Jul Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Programme 4 Aug Ramble "Conservation" from Kranji to Rail Mall 10 Aug Butterfly Walk at Pulau Ubin 10 Aug “Threatened Birds of Singapore” Photo Exhibition 16 to 23 Aug Birdwatching for Beginners at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park 18 Aug International Coastal Clean-up (Singapore) 21 Sep Singapore Bird Race 2019 9 & 10 Nov

TRIPS LED BY NSS MEMBERS

Activity Date 4D/3N Lombok & Bali Shark Conservation and Adventure Trip 31 Aug – 3 Sep

JULY

7 Jul ‘19, Sunday Butterfly Walk at Alexandra Woodlands Bordering Green Corridor Just behind the old Alexandra Hospital and alongside the former railway line (today known as the Green Corridor), there is a charming area of woodlands, interspersed with old black and white houses, where various species of butterflies can be found. Recent sightings included Common Rose and Common Birdwing, two of our beautiful butterflies at risk (vulnerable status), and others like Tailed Jay, Jacinta Eggfly, Malayan, Plain Banded Awl, Smooth-eyed Bush Brown, Centaur Oakblue. Meet Simon Chan at the start of Jalan Hang Jebat, off Portsdown Ave, at 9.30am. If you are driving, park along Jalan Hang Jebat. Hat, water and walking shoes are advisable. Any queries, pleases contact Amy at 98175549. Time: 9.30am – 11.30am. Members and their friends only.

14 Jul ‘19, Sunday NSS Kids' Fun with Butterflies at Ubin Butterfly Hill Butterfly Hill at Pulau Ubin boasts over 50 species of butterfly-attracting plants, and was created to conserve and showcase many species of local butterflies, including about 140 species that have been recorded there so far. Join Auntie Lena Chow as we explore the hill and its surrounding area to admire these painted wings. We hope to see uncommon and rare species, such as Singapore's National Butterfly, the Common Rose, as well as the Common Birdwing, Dwarf Crow, Black-veined Tiger and Angled Castor, as well as common and widespread ones like the Peacock Pansy, Leopard, Dark & Blue Glassy Tigers and Lemon, Orange & Mottled Emigrants. Meet at 8am at the jetty on Pulau Ubin. Note: The ferry will only depart Changi Point Ferry Terminal when there are 12 pax onboard. Do cater a buffer for waiting time. Cost: Member: $2 per child | Non-Member: $10 per child. Fees will be collected on the spot. Parents, caregivers and older siblings are encouraged to join in at no charge. To attend, please register your children (4 to 12 years old) at http://tinyurl.com/nsskidsevent. Confirmation details will be emailed after the closing date. For enquiries, please contact Gloria at [email protected]. Time: 8am to 10am. Open to the public.

14 Jul ‘19, Sunday Kayak Pulau Ubin’s Three Rivers Pulau Ubin is crisscrossed by many waterways. Suitable for beginners, this kayaking trip explores 3 waterways of this intricate river systems, linking them in a closed loop within the island. At some sections, the river narrowed and the trees closed, creating a natural canopy of arching branches and leaves. Numerous species of birds are easily spotted among this mazy waterways such as kingfishers, hornbills and eagles. Bigger reptiles like monitor lizards and snakes also call this place home. Cost: $95 (members); $120 (non-members); $50 (children). Payment can be made via cash, bank transfer or cheque made out to ‘Nature Society (Singapore)’. No refunds will be given for no shows or dropouts. Min Age: 8 years old. Children (8 to 11 years old) must be accompanied by one parent in the same kayak. No guardians are allowed. To attend, register at: http://tinyurl.com/nsskayakubin. A payment direction email will be sent to you after registration. Additional details will be emailed to you upon successful registration and payment. Members will be given priority. Min. & Max. No. of Participants: 18/28 pax. For enquiries, please contact Say Chong at [email protected]. Trip is subject to cancellation in the event of adverse weather and/or insufficient participants. A replacement trip will be offered if cancellation is due to poor weather. Closing date: 5 July, Friday. Time: 7.30am – 12.30pm. Open to the public.

20 Jul ‘19, Saturday Dragonfly Walk at Toa Payoh Town Park Join Lena Chow to discover and admire the beautiful dragonflies of Toa Payoh Town Park. Some of the many species found there include Trumpet Tails, Scarlet Adjutants, Common Amberwings, Blue Dashers, Common Scarlets, Scarlet Baskers, Common Parasols, Common Bluetails and many more. Meet at 10am at side of the park next to the swimming complex (indicated by the red balloon on the map below). Time: 10am - 11.30am. Open to the public.

1 20 & 21 Jul ‘19, Saturday & Sunday 21st Mid-Year Bird Census This is the time of the year when resident birds are completing their breeding cycle. Some early migrants have start arriving. The count is designed to monitor these two bird groups. We have entered the third decade of this census. Such counts have assisted us in formulating conservation proposals to government agencies, substantiated with hard data. Some birdwatching experience is required to volunteer for the census. Please register with Lee Ee Ling ([email protected]) or Veronica Foo ([email protected]). Details on sites and their leaders will be provided upon registration. Closing Date: 11 July 2019, Thursday. Only those who sign up before the closing date will be assigned to a site. Time: 7.30am to 10.30am on either day. Open to the public.

21 Jul ’19, Sunday Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Programme Horseshoe Crabs (HSC) are in decline globally due to habitat loss, poaching and overfishing. NSS aims to continually monitor our local HSC population to ensure that they stay around for generations to come. If you want to be a part of this important mission to rescue and study the HSC at Kranji Mudflats, please register individually at https://tinyurl.com/nsshorseshoecrab. Details will be emailed about 7 days before the programme date. For queries, please contact Lester at [email protected]. Do bring along your cap, boots/booties, sunblock, repellent, and plentiful drinking water. Washing facilities are not available. Children with parent supervision are welcome to attend. Time: 7.45am to 10.00am. Open to the public.

21 Jul ’19, Sunday Mangroves cum Coastal Clean-up at Ubin (RUM Initiative) Pulau Ubin is designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. In line with the Restore Ubin Mangroves (RUM) initiative, join us as we remove abandoned drift nets and marine debris that choke up Ubin’s coastline. This prepares the selected sites for scientific surveys and RUM restoration works. It ensures that our wildlife have the proper environment to thrive. Please register at http://tinyurl.com/ubinrum21jul2019. Registration will be opened 2 weeks prior to actual event date. Max. no. of participants: 30 pax. Details will be emailed to registered volunteers 3 – 4 days prior to event. Meet Lisa at 8am at Changi Point Ferry Terminal. For enquiries, contact Lisa at [email protected]. Time: 8am to 11am. Open to the public.

21 Jul ’19, Sunday Ramble "Sustainability" at MacRitchie Reservoir Completed in 1868, MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore’s oldest reservoir. Despite parts of the surrounding forest being converted into plantation in the past, more than one square kilometre of primary forest is still standing in Central Catchment Nature Reserve today, particularly around Macritchie Reservoir. Forest trees, remnants of the plantations from the 20th century, can still be seen along the fringes of the reservoir. The Ant plant (Macaranga bancana) and pitcher plants are common in the area. Join Pandian for a scenic ramble through this beautiful forest. The walk will end at Bukit Timah Visitor Centre. Meet Pandian at 8am at MacRitchie Reservoir Park Café Entrance at Thomson Road. Ramble Terrain: Causal Trek-Distance. Participants must be physically fit. Not suitable for children below 14 years old. Things to bring: Water 1.5 litres bottle, poncho, walking stick, and proper walking/trekking shoes. Please bring extra money for emergencies. Recommended items to bring include a hat and a pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife. Time: 8am - 2pm. Open to the public.

27 Jul ’19, Saturday Volunteers Needed: Coast Fun-mily Fiesta 2019 A weekend getaway beckons for families and young kids in the first-ever Theme Park in a Car Park, Punggol Coast Fun-mily Fiesta 2019! There will be 5 different experience zones along with a host of activities and performances as well as games. Under the Wildlifeland theme, NSS will be engaging the public on a variety of biodiversity and conservation issues through a mix of games, crafts, and exhibition. Volunteers are needed for the role of game and craft facilitators, membership recruitment, merchandise sales, and event management. If you are keen to help out, please register at https://tinyurl.com/nssoutreachvolunteers. Venue: Block 676/677, Waterway Brooks, Deck 1, Punggol Drive Multi-storey carpark. Closest train station: Damai LRT. Time: 11am - 6pm. Open to the public.

2 AUGUST

4 Aug ’19, Sunday Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Programme Horseshoe Crabs (HSC) are in decline globally due to habitat loss, poaching and overfishing. NSS aims to continually monitor our local HSC population to ensure that they stay around for generations to come. If you want to be a part of this important mission to rescue and study the HSC at Kranji Mudflats, please register individually at https://tinyurl.com/nsshorseshoecrab. Registration will open on 22 July. Details will be emailed about 7 days before the programme date. For queries, please contact Lester at [email protected]. Do bring along your cap, boots/booties, sunblock, repellent, and plentiful drinking water. Washing facilities are not available. Children with parent supervision are welcome to attend. Time: 7.45am to 10.00am. Open to the public.

10 Aug ’19, Saturday Ramble "Conservation" from Kranji to Rail Mall Join Pandian for this ramble via the Green Corridor. Start at Kranji and enjoy this easy trek to Rail Mall. Meet Pandian at 8.30am at Kranji MRT Station. Ramble Terrain: Easy. Participants must be medically fit and healthy. Not suitable for children below 14 years old. Things to bring: Water 1.5 litres bottle, poncho, walking stick, and proper walking/trekking shoes. Please bring extra money for emergencies. Recommended items to bring include a hat and a pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife. Time: 8.30am - 12pm. Open to the public.

10 Aug ’19, Saturday Butterfly Walk at Pulau Ubin Head to Pulau Ubin to spot butterflies at Butterfly Hill and its surrounding area. A good range of butterflies can be sighted on sunny days such as Black Veined Tiger, Copper Flash, Grey Pansy, Tailed Jay, Horsfield's Baron, Spotted Black Crow, Bamboo Tree Brown. Rarer finds include Great Mormon, Dwarf Crow, Yellow Glassy Tiger, Common Jay (only found in Pulau Ubin), Angled Castor, and the Banded Swallowtail. Meet Amy punctually at 8.30am Changi Point Ferry Terminal (proceed downstairs at the wait area to assemble). Ferry ride cost $6 ($3 per person per direction). A hat, water and walking shoes are advised. For queries, please contact Amy at 98175549. Time: 8.30am - 12.30pm. Members only.

16 to 23 Aug ’19, Friday to Friday “Threatened Birds of Singapore” Photo Exhibition Nearly a third of our resident bird species are currently threatened with extinction and documented in our Red Data Book. One of the best known is the Straw-headed Bulbul, a species recognised by the IUCN as Critically Endangered and recently the focus of an NSS/BirdLife-led conservation workshop. To promote better awareness of our endangered birds to the public, NSS and Mapletree Investments is jointly organising the ‘Threatened Birds of Singapore’ Photography Exhibition at Vivocity. The exhibition will bring together a specially curated series of works by Singapore’s leading bird photographers. The exhibition will also promote the 35th Singapore Bird Race, coming up in November 2019, and there will be opportunities to find out more about the race, and how to take part in it. Venue: Vivocity. Open to the public.

18 Aug ’19, Sunday Birdwatching for Beginners at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is a pleasant green space of open lawns, trees and shrubs, with a stream meandering through it. It is home to easily seen bird species including the White-breasted Waterhen, Collared and White- throated Kingfishers, Yellow-vented Bulbul and Pink-necked Green Pigeon, providing a great introduction to birdwatching. Meet Lee Ee Ling (HP: 96935870) at 7.30 am at Carpark B, opposite SPC station located along Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, between the junctions of Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 and Marymount Road. Please bring along a pair of binoculars if you have them. Time: 7.30am - 10.30am. Members only.

SEPTEMBER

21 Sep ’19, Saturday International Coastal Clean-up (Singapore) Join us to clean up Kranji Mudflats to benefit the wildlife that thrives there. Designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, this coastline is a key habitat for horseshoe crabs and an important feeding site for wading birds. To attend, please register at http://tinyurl.com/iccsnss. Details will be emailed to participants who have successfully registered about 1 week before the date. Closing date: Saturday, 14 September. For enquiries, contact Bryan at [email protected]. Time: 7am to 10am. Open to the public.

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NOVEMBER

9 & 10 Nov, Saturday & Sunday Singapore Bird Race 2019 Save these dates! The 35th edition of the Singapore Bird Race will take place on the weekend of 9 and 10 November 2019. An exciting program is being planned and more information will be shared on NSS website/Facebook page and Singapore Birders Facebook page.

Trips Led by Members

The private trips here are the initiative of members who wish to travel to nature locations with other members or like-minded people. Arrangements will be made through a travel agency.

4D/3N Lombok & Bali Shark Conservation and Adventure Trip

Dates: 31 Aug to 3 Sep ’19 Closing Date: 16 Aug ’19 Cost: $450/$500 per member/non-member Minimum: 4 pax to go

Join Kathy Xu on a marine conservation responsible holiday. Activities include snorkelling in pristine waters, beach hopping, mini cliff trekking, as well as nature trail and waterfall trekking. Your participation will aid in shark conservation by providing an alternative income to shark fishermen. Cost includes accommodation with WiFi and breakfast, land transfers, full-day beach hopping and snorkelling boat trip with a visit to Pink Beach's pink sand and dramatic cliffs, full-day waterfall trek, snacks, drinks, packed lunch and snorkelling gear. Cost excludes flights, insurance and dinners. Please ensure that flights are still available before signing up for the trip. For registration or enquiries, email Kathy at [email protected]. Read Kathy's article 'Reality Bites – A View to Lessen the Kill' in Nature Watch Jan-Mar 2014 for more information. Open to the public

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