[Andrew Whitehouse]

Thought I should have a go at doing a trip report for my recent excursion to the Antipodes. It was really rather a top trip, with good birding throughout. The basic itinerary was as follows:

18th - 21st June, Singapore
21st - 29th June, Perth and SW Western Australia
30th June - 7th July, Cairns and NE Queensland
8th - 11th July, Brisbane and Lamington National Park, Queensland
11th - 21st July, Newcastle and Sydney, New South Wales

During the last part I was attending a conference but still had time to do some birding (some was even laid on as part of the conference!).

I flew out with Qantas and returned with BA. The east coast internal flights were all with Virgin Blue. I mostly hired cars to get around, which was interesting in itself given that I'm not a particularly experienced driver. In fact I'd relearnt to drive specifically for this trip, so there was quite a lot to figure out. I won't say I drove perfectly, but I managed to avoid hitting anything, which is always good. I hired through Britz except in Newcastle, although it turned out that this meant I was actually hiring from Thrifty. I used a local company in Newcastle. They drive on the left in Australia, which I was rather grateful for.

[jennakellogg]

So how was your trip?? It sounded like an amazing time just from the itinerary!

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Originally Posted by jennakellogg

So how was your trip?? It sounded like an amazing time just from the itinerary!

From previous experience of writing trip reports, it might be quite a long slog of doing a report for each day. So, starting as I mean to go on, here's the first day, in which I did my first ever birding in southeast Asia, before heading 'below the equator'.

I arrived the previous evening in Singapore and settled in to my noisy but comfortable accommodation at Footprints Hostel in Little India. If you like Indian food, and I think it's fair to say that I do, then Little India is a good place to stay. It's also well situated for transport links.

I wasn't absolutely sure where I was going to head for in the morning. Initially I was going to go to MacRitchie Reservoir in the central catchment area, but the taxi drivers I hailed all gave me rather bewildered looks when I mentioned the name. I decided to change tactics and ask to be taken to the slightly more well-known forest reserve of Bukit Timah. This seemed to be a bit more effective and I was soon on my way.

It's been said before I know but Singapore is quite a warm place. This in itself isn't a problem but it becomes a bit of an issue when you head out of an air-conditioned environment and into the heat. On getting out of the taxi at Bukit Timah I found that my bins and glasses were soon covered in a thick film of condensation and so it was extremely difficult to actually see anything for the first twenty to thirty minutes, until they warmed up a bit.

I did manage to see one or two birds initially but was frustrated by murky views of fast moving specks in the canopy. I was able to identify a very lovely male Crimson Sunbird, the ubiquitous Yellow-vented Bulbul and Asian Glossy Starling and a smart looking Black-naped Oriole. Long-tailed Macaques were prowling around the car park.

I headed up Bukit Timah hill and along the forest trails, having some good views of Greater Racquet-tailed Drongo and some less satisfactory views of a Pink-necked Green Pigeon. As the sun climbed higher the birds seemed to get more active and it was quite busy along the trail. I began to see a few of the smaller passerines, including a lovely Orange-bellied Flowerpecker and the only Common Tailorbird of the trip, zipping briskly through the trees and calling loudly. A few Purple-throated Sunbirds were busying themselves in the foliage and overhead a couple of subadult White-bellied Sea-eagles darkened the sky.

A little further along, numerous birds seemed to be mobbing some unseen threat. I didn't see what they were having a go at, but I did see quite a few new birds while I looked including Red-eyed and Olive-winged Bulbuls and Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker. A tight group of Striped Tit-babblers were very confiding at the side of the trail. A good sighting was a luminous Greater Green Leafbird moving quietly through. Saving the best for last, I came across a wonderful Asian Fairy Bluebird singing from a branch in the middle of the canopy.

After a refreshing midday downpour I got on the bus and headed for the Singapore Botanical Gardens. Despite being full of people this was a really good place to spend a few hours. The various lakes held some interesting waterfowl, including 8 Lesser Whistling Ducks, several White-breasted Waterhens and a Striated Heron. The gardens were awash with Common and Javan Mynahs and Spotted and Zebra Doves.

I spent most of my time around Eco Lake, where the birding was busy throughout. Pink-necked Green Pigeons were regularly flying over and eventually I had some good views of a pair. Over the lake were a few Pacific Swallows and various confusing swiftlets. In Singapore you get both Black-nest and Edible-nest Swiftlets and, without seeing the nests, they're extremely difficult to identify. I certainly saw one or other or both, but that's about all I can tell you. A bit easier were the white-rumped Germain's Swiftlets.

Long-tailed Parakeets were easily seen around the lake, exploring holes in some of the larger trees and gathering in a large and noisy group to roost. I was pleased to a see a tiny Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot as it stopped briefly in a tree. I had excellent views of a Banded Bay Cuckoo as it sat quietly for a few minutes. A spankingly vivid White-breasted Kingfisher perched up prominently.

A big feature were the sunbirds attracted to the many flowering shrubs and trees. I had good views of Olive-backed and Brown-throated Sunbird. These were accompanied by Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers, some busy Ashy Tailorbirds and a smart Common Iora. Several Oriental Magpie Robins and Pied Fantails were busying themselves in the understory.

As dusk fell I heard a gruff hoot coming from some of the tall trees near the lake. Then a large broad-winged bird flew out and across the water before disappearing to the other side: a Spotted Wood Owl. A splendid end to a very pleasant and relaxed day's birding.

I'll try to sort out a few pictures tomorrow, but here's a recording of the Asian Fairy Bluebird.

[birdboybowley]

Cool read....ah, Little India - great place!

[tjbirdofprey]

nice report mate love the bluebirds song

[chowchilla]

Excellent stuff Andrew; can't wait for the next installment.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Here are some pictures, all from the botanical gardens. First up, some waterbirds:

1. A brace of Lesser Whistling Ducks
2. A stalking Striated Heron
3. White-breasted Waterhen
4. White-breasted Kingfisher

[Andrew Whitehouse]

And some more terrestrial birds.

1. Banded Bay Cuckoo
2. Long-tailed Parakeet
3. Oriental Magpie Robin taking on a worm
4. Male Olive-backed Sunbird

[chowchilla]

Great pics! We get that Sunbird here in Cairns, as I dare say you are already aware. Tiny little things... often nest under people's verandahs here.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Originally Posted by chowchilla

Great pics! We get that Sunbird here in Cairns, as I dare say you are already aware. Tiny little things... often nest under people's verandahs here.

Yeah, it's one of the birds I managed to see in both Singapore and Australia. Very nice things.

[halftwo]

First trip to SE Asia - and you manage to grip me off with Spotted wood owl!!!!

I'm not jealous.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

My plan for the second day in Singapore was to head over to Pulau Ubin, the small undeveloped island between Singapore and Malaysia. I took a taxi to Changi village where the boats go from and, after a short wait, was heading off over the calm waters. Two introduced Tanimbar Corellas were in a tree by the jetty and a couple of Brahminy Kites headed across the strait.

In the small island village I picked up a map of the island and a bike ($10 for the day) and headed a short distance west. Just outside the village is Pekan Quarry, a lake with steep sides covered with forest and one of the best spots on the island. I made several visits during the day. An early highlight were a pair of sturdy Stork-billed Kingfishers in the submerged trees. One of the birds I was most keen to see was Oriental Pied Hornbill and I soon had views of first two and then eventually five birds flying around the lake and perching in the treetops. My first ever hornbills and every bit as impressive as I'd hoped. Large monitor lizards swam through the water and White-bellied Sea-eagles flew across the lake. Three Red-breasted Parakeets were perched distantly in a dead tree.

I then headed off on the bike towards Kekek Quarry, passing through forest and mangroves on the way. I tantalisingly heard a Red Junglefowl crowing from the forest, but well in and out of sight. The mangroves were quiet, as they would be for much of the day. Near the mountain bike track I picked up a couple of other new birds. Some Hill Mynas - rather more impressive than the other members of their family that festoon Singapore - were calling from some low trees and in the same area I had good views of some Black-crested Bulbuls.

Around Kekek Quarry I enjoyed watching a Dollarbird and a couple of Blue-throated Bee-eaters. Common Iora and Purple-throated Sunbirds were regularly seen in the trees. After a bit of work I managed to get some good views of Yellow-bellied Prinia in the grass. A Red Collared Dove was seen for a short time.

Cycling back towards the village for lunch I had found a pair of Dark-necked Tailorbirds and three Black-headed Munias along the roadside. Back at Pekan Quarry a Little Tern was fishing and I had flight views of a Collared Kingfisher along the nearby shore.

After lunch in the village I headed to the eastern end of the island and Chek Jawa wetlands. By now the island was very busy with people (it was a Saturday) and my wanderings around the wetlands were rather affected by the crowds. The best bird was right by the car park: a lovely White-rumped Sharma with its elegant long tail. The mangrove boardwalk held Collared Kingfisher, Ashy and Dark-necked Tailorbirds and Common Iora but I was struggling with some of the mangrove specialists I was hoping to find.

The afternoon continued with me seeing some of the same species but struggling to find anything new. My jet-lag was starting to catch up with me and I spent a while having a 'bit of lie down' near to Pekan Quarry. In between naps I had further views of a pair of Pied Hornbills in a small tree.

I finished the day by walking around what's called 'the Sensory Trail', which runs out from the village and around various pools and mangroves. This proved to be rather good. At the pools I had further views of Black-headed Munias and was surprised to see an Oriental White-eye, a bird that is supposed to be scarce in Singapore. Also in the mangroves were Collared Kingfisher, Ashy Tailorbird and Brown-throated Sunbirds. An unexpected sighting was of a family group of Wild Boar, including some stripy babies. Nearby I had splendid views of a group of four Oriental Pied Hornbills feeding in palms. At one point they all perched up in a tight line, bowing at me from the trees. Further around I saw two more Blue-throated Bee-eaters and found a jet black male Asian Koel, which sat quietly for several minutes. Later I saw a female more briefly, just before the sun set and I headed back over the strait, watching the White-bellied Sea-eagles heading with me.

The following morning I was off early to the airport to catch my flight down to Perth for the next leg of the trip. Thanks to BF's Kcstang for his advice on this stage.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Here's a few pictures from Pulau Ubin.

1. The lake at Pekan Quarry
2. A 'money shot' of Dollarbird
3. The view from the tower at Chek Jawa

I saw around 65 species in Singapore, which I suppose is reasonable for just a couple of days at not the best time of year. It was a good first taste of southeast Asian birding.

[Allen S. Moore]

Originally Posted by Andrew Whitehouse

Here's a few pictures from Pulau Ubin.

1. The lake at Pekan Quarry
2. A 'money shot' of Dollarbird
3. The view from the tower at Chek Jawa

I saw around 65 species in Singapore, which I suppose is reasonable for just a couple of days at not the best time of year. It was a good first taste of southeast Asian birding.

Andrew, I've really enjoyed reading this thread, and not just because I was in Singapore myself for (less than) 2 days last November. I identified 27 bird species, visiting the Botanic Gardens and Mount Faber. I'm especially inpressed to read your account of visiting Pulau Ubin. On the photograph from the tower at Chek Jawa, am I correct in thinking that it is Singapore in the middle distance? What are the peaks in the background? Indonesia?

I'm looking forward to the next installment (and the rest!).

Allen

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Originally Posted by Allen S. Moore

Andrew, I've really enjoyed reading this thread, and not just because I was in Singapore myself for (less than) 2 days last November. I identified 27 bird species, visiting the Botanic Gardens and Mount Faber. I'm especially inpressed to read your account of visiting Pulau Ubin. On the photograph from the tower at Chek Jawa, am I correct in thinking that it is Singapore in the middle distance? What are the peaks in the background? Indonesia?

I'm looking forward to the next installment (and the rest!).

Allen

Checking Google Earth I think that would be a view towards Pulau Tekong and Malaysia. It's looking more or less due east from the eastern end of Pulau Ubin.

Glad you're enjoying the report!

[hampers]

Andrew
Looking forward to next installment, thanks for a very interesting report.

Cheers


Phil

[Vectis Birder]

Oooh, I feel some very recent memories coming back!

Singapore's great, one of my favourite cities. I particularly liked the botanic gardens, a good place for birding and photography.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I arrived in Perth mid-afternoon and, owing to the apparent absence of public transport from the airport, I got a taxi to my accommodation. I was staying at Karrinyup Waters Resort, a caravan site in the northern suburbs of the city. On the journey I managed my first couple of new Australian birds: Willie Wagtail and Magpie Lark. Both would be constant companions throughout the wide brown land.

Karrinyup is recommended as a good birding site in Lloyd Neilsen's Australian birding directory. It's not very extensive but has a small lake that's good for waterbirds and some flowering trees that attract honeyeaters. It's also near to Lake Gwelup, an area of wetland and bush that has a good range of species. Not surprisingly, my arrival there was followed by a flood of new birds as I did my first birding on the continent. The trees were busy with colourful Rainbow Lorikeets, New Holland and Brown Honeyeaters and Red Wattlebirds. The eerie cries of Australian Ravens - like a wailing baby - filled the air. Around the lake were a few common waterbirds, including Dusky Moorhen, Pacific Black Duck, Little Pied Cormorant, Purple Swamphen and Australian Wood Duck. There were also a couple of duck species that I only went on to see a few times elsewhere: the smart looking Australian Shelducks and a strange Musk Duck, with its hanging pouch under the bill.

Around the back of the lake I found a few more passerines including a busy Grey Fantail, a quick look at a Western Gerygone and a Singing Honeyeater. An Australian White Ibis was stalking about and around the entrance to the site I found a couple of emerald green Twenty-eight Parrots, the local form of Ringneck Parrot and one of the commonest parrots in the southwest.

I continued down the road to Lake Gwelup. It wasn't quite as busy for birds here but what I saw was interesting. A Grey Butcherbird was surveying the world from a high perch in a snag and I was soon watching a classic Australian species in the shape of a Laughing Kookaburra. In this part of the country they're actually an introduced species, but they seem to be fairly common, noisy and conspicuous in many areas. A young Straw-necked Ibis was creeping about in the grass and two White-faced Herons were in the marsh. Two Galahs flew past, on soft wings. Finally, as dusk fell I had good views on two occasions of an accipiter, which from its small size was clearly a Collared Sparrowhawk. It proved to be the only one of the entire trip.

[Geoff Pain]

After reading that list for Singapore I wish I'd been interested in birding 40 odd years ago when I lived there in my youth.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

My first full day in Australia included some relaxing birding and some fairly stressful driving. I shall begin with the nice bits.

In the morning I had a quick look around Karrinyup Waters first thing. The only new birds were a pair of Hardheads on the lake. A group of corellas landed in a tree, but I struggled to identify which species they were, a theme that was to continue through the day.

I headed off to Lake Gwelup, where I spent most of the remainder of the morning. Initially I saw similar birds to the previous evening. The first new species was a bird that puzzled me for a bit: a rather plain passerine with some streaking on the underparts. Eventually I figured out it was an immature Rufous Whistler. Soon after I saw an adult male, which was much more distinctive and really rather impressive looking. In the same area was a charming group of Yellow-rumped Thornbills, which trotted about on the ground almost at my feet. Further around I had good views of a pair of tiny Weebills. A bird I was a bit surprised to see in the southwest in the winter was a skulking Australian Reed Warbler. It was kind of strange to see a warbler amongst all the other passerines from unfamiliar families.

Over the damp marshland of Lake Gwelup a few interesting birds began to appear. Two huge Australian White Pelicans soared about, then I had brief views of a Whistling Kite showing its distinctive underwing pattern. Then an Australian Black-shouldered Kite was followed by a Yellow-billed Spoonbill. I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out some more corellas. I was hoping for a while that they were the endemic Western Corellas but eventually came to the conclusion that they were the more widespread Little Corellas. The books are rather unhelpful with this tricky species pair though. A large group of Tree Martins gathered over the lake and then I had my first sighting of a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, with its soft plumage and graceful, almost raptor-like flight. As with a number of species, a distinctive subspecies is found in the southwest, in this case the form subpallidus, which is white on the belly.

Around midday I headed into the centre of Perth, where there were lots of Silver Gulls haranguing the passers-by. One of the particularly 'interesting' aspects of this trip for me was driving. Those of you who know me will know that I'm not really a driver at all. In fact I hadn't driven for twelve years until a couple of months ago, when I decided to relearn to drive just so I could travel about more easily in Australia. Anyway, I picked up the car in central Perth and then promptly failed to get into the right line to get onto the freeway to the north suburbs. I then spent the best part of an hour having a not particularly good time driving around the city trying to get back onto the freeway. I suppose it was all good practice, but I could have probably done without the stress of figuring out how to drive the car properly whilst also being lost.

Once I got back to Karrinyup I didn't fancy doing too much driving so I used the remaining hour or two of daylight to go for a walk to Karine Swamp, another nearby area of bushland. It was actually pretty quiet, but there was a very large roost of Little Corellas wandering around the lawns at one end of the swamp.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Here are a few pictures from Lake Gwelup.

1. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
2. Brown Honeyeater
3. Straw-necked Ibis
4. Yellow-rumped Thornbill

[Andrew Whitehouse]

And here are some Little Corellas from Karine Swamp.

[chowchilla]

Some great pics there Andrew. Since I might be in WA in September, I'll have to bear in mind to gen up on the differences btw Little and Western Corellas!

[Mark Harper]

Originally Posted by chowchilla

Some great pics there Andrew. Since I might be in WA in September, I'll have to bear in mind to gen up on the differences btw Little and Western Corellas!

As I will be there in October I am hoping Andrew is going to provide a run down on the differences between Little, Western and Long-billed, as the field guides do not seem brilliant in this regard. Don't know whether it is correct, but I am expecting that once I get out of the suburbs of Perth, the scope for feral populations of Little and Long-billed will reduce.

Just for the fun can you also provide help on the differences between the "Muir's" Corella and Western Corella, because there is nothing in the fieldguide on this one.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

There's a bit of info on the two different forms of Western Corella in Lloyd Nielsen's Birding Australia directory:
http://www.birdingaustralia.com.au/bird_aust.html
The northern population has a shorter bill it seems, so is perhaps more easily confusable with Little Corella. Checking the very useful Australian bird data site:
http://www.birdata.com.au/maps.vm
... it seems that Long-billed Corella is mostly just in Perth but Little is widespread to the north of Perth. In other words, the short-billed northern populations of Western can be found in the same areas as Little but the long-billed southern population is fairly isolated from other corellas.