Lesser Adjutant Stork spotted in Singapore

ATTENTION!!!

These are the Military faces of the bird world. They look Fierce and Assertive. They can been seen in certain parts of Asia but extremely rare in Singapore. Just like Military Adjutants, these Feathered Adjutants, with stunning light blue eyes, do look like military officers when standing at Attention! and can do so for a long time without moving. They do look the part don't they? and according to Wildlife Conservation Society that was how it got its name.

Unfortunately, these storks are currently classified as 'Vulnerable' under the International Union for the conservation of Nature, the world's main authority on the conservation status of species.

I can consider myself very fortunate to have spotted this species of stork in Singapore, at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the 7th of March 2014 @ about 11.40 am.

Below are the 2 photos of that very bird.

After some researching, I believe this is probably the most recent recorded sighting of the Lesser Adjutant stork on the shores of Singapore. Yes, it could be a wanderer from Johor. Nevertheless it did excite the Staff of the wetland reserve when I updated them on this sighting. I could not get a good close up photo as it was quite a distance away.

This lone Lesser Adjutant was happily patrolling the north western mudflats of Pulau Buloh, a little Mangrove Island in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. As I predominantly hunt for crocodiles, I initially did not realize the species of bird and its rarity. I can gladly say that my knowledge of fauna has improved ever since. Its quite satisfying to spot this rare bird in Singapore.

From then on I have always been on the lookout for these birds. Sad to say, I have not seen them in the reserve ever since. That part of the Reserve has now been closed off to the public. This was done to keep a portion of the reserve as a safe haven for the fauna without them being disturbed.

These birds can still be seen Parit Jawa, a coastal fishing village in the state of Johor, Malaysia. Below are photos of the Lesser Adjutant taken in Parit Jawa and Sg Balang, Malaysia in Dec 2014.

Enjoy, as we will never know when these Military Officers of the wild would just ........... retire.
Lets hope Never!


Click for larger image

 Looking out.....

Circling for a landing

 Sleeping under watchful eyes.

 Waiting for an opportunity.....

 Commanding views

Co-existing

 I'm watching !

 With a snake or an eel.

 Among the clouds...

Along side a swallow.

I'm still watching......bye for now.

2015 - To reach for the skys

One can always try, but to emulate the Masters is a totally different matter. Mud-Skippers are very optimistic fish, trying to reach for the sky after knowing they have conquered land.

But When it comes to the sky, nothing beats our winged friends, especially the high flying Eagles. The True Masters of the Sky. These beauties take to the sky with ease. They take control of the wind and maximize its potential. With excellent eyesight that can distinguish fish from leaf.

So as a first post for 2015 I would like to share a few photos of eagles I've taken in Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.

The person who coined the term "Dog Fight" must have never seen eagles in combat or in play for that matter. 

White bellied catching fish

Soaring.....

The Osprey, a very hardworking bird, would dive into the water to get its catch. Its whole body would at times be completely submerged before emerging with its prize catch. Watch the video below to see it how it catches a fish.

In the video you would see the Osprey go for a fish only to lose it because a White bellied sea eagle tried to steal it of him. Angered at this, the osprey attacked the eagle a couple of times before flying off. You would also be able to see the osprey and eagle maneuverability.

Below is an identical flight bottom view of an adult and juvenile.

Adult White Bellied Sea Eagle above

 Juvenile White Bellied Sea Eagle above

As for the Mud-skipper, aim for the Sky.... Never give up! Keep on Trying!
Have a great 2015 everyone!

Details of Photos and video
Camera used: Canon 7d mk II
Video: Panasonic FZ1000 in 4k downsampled to full HD low bit rate.