tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20455374320255143492024-03-15T18:10:16.881-07:00Fun with NatureFun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-9890853683315685782022-08-05T03:08:00.005-07:002022-08-05T03:08:25.070-07:00Pesta Ubin 2022: Fun @ Pulau Ubin Shore to Summit Walk<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><h2 style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Pesta Ubin
2022: Fun @ Pulau Ubin Shore to Summit Walk<br /></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;">By Tan Shin Ying, NSS intern</span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">On 25 June 2022, NSS Education
Committee Vice Chairperson Gloria Seow led a group of 19 NSS members on a fun
shore to summit walk at Pulau Ubin. The walk coincided with Ubin Day, the
finale for Pesta Ubin, an annual festival celebrating the culture and
environment of Pulau Ubin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Right after getting off the boat,
Gloria directed our attention upwards to some Asian Glossy Starlings perched on
the roof of the jetty. Why the bird is so named became apparent to us as the
adult’s glossy green plumage shone beautifully under the sun. These birds are
highly gregarious and are often found in large flocks at fruiting trees and
roosting sites throughout Singapore. A good example are the ones we can hear calling
raucously along Orchard Road in the evenings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy8pOZPKDNB3zIITAIfvA0-eJEQvJQZTxgUxVX_jRuwhyG5wqNqvfoMNGL98rfVgD2IGplgzbPAYJAcn_Ld6_NuFjrkwOMNZLP5HWKqtlTm8CUMTywuPXPgMWVxWrX7wW0VlmEFLzONeAOwloGzOS6hJ0hgk3cJiZZKUg13HY8gJxWAXrFxNWpNiC/s2048/Asian%20Glossy%20Starling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy8pOZPKDNB3zIITAIfvA0-eJEQvJQZTxgUxVX_jRuwhyG5wqNqvfoMNGL98rfVgD2IGplgzbPAYJAcn_Ld6_NuFjrkwOMNZLP5HWKqtlTm8CUMTywuPXPgMWVxWrX7wW0VlmEFLzONeAOwloGzOS6hJ0hgk3cJiZZKUg13HY8gJxWAXrFxNWpNiC/w400-h300/Asian%20Glossy%20Starling.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Asian Glossy Starling perched on the roof of
the jetty.</span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Near the Assembly Area, we found
ourselves gazing at what seemed to be a cluster of trees. In truth, it is a single
Strangling Fig or Banyan Tree surrounding a shorter host tree. Gloria explained
that a Strangling Fig begins life on the branch of its host, extending its aerial
roots downwards which thicken to form pillar roots that resemble tree trunks.
These roots progressively surround the host tree and prevent it from growing in
girth. Overtime, this tree also tends to out-shade its host with its taller canopy.
True to its name, the Strangling Fig might eventually ‘strangle’ its host tree
to death.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0rvyvZ9uNhJ-t99wgbjT4Exu2_mkHjfNLzZsh71bVU5SubJN0fS3iY4f98U2ss3mmteXV2jP4nJr0TQ6QeKUA0C3uCB9Z5QQ2eBTK9FO9rIISjYtUN1PZTFjeHJL6KoajoSkTpa4PpzIejxjg3DS7F0vC0s54dI_lZCShU_ChVetOx84tAOYomPO/s2048/Fig%20Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0rvyvZ9uNhJ-t99wgbjT4Exu2_mkHjfNLzZsh71bVU5SubJN0fS3iY4f98U2ss3mmteXV2jP4nJr0TQ6QeKUA0C3uCB9Z5QQ2eBTK9FO9rIISjYtUN1PZTFjeHJL6KoajoSkTpa4PpzIejxjg3DS7F0vC0s54dI_lZCShU_ChVetOx84tAOYomPO/w300-h400/Fig%20Tree.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><i style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Strangling Fig surrounding the host tree.</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">On our way to Pekan Quarry, we were
excited to see a Golden Orb Web Spider’s giant web next to the path. Weaving the
second largest web in the world, the beautiful hand-sized female spider
immediately drew oohs and aahs. This native spider exhibits sexual dimorphism,
with the female’s body length of 40 mm to 50 mm nearly 10 times bigger than
that of the male’s 5 mm to 6 mm body length.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAjLYBIMU3J3XDVwNQHU9-fgzcfKG7dLtEGmM3p2NUNtqFG_qVMAzGmkxF25edQYG21yC3u32dhgp-Et5RSZCpjGh1e6KdzUE-2xv6mNwmAnck1s3cCvbhlZ57WZs9AAZQFgmUOD1UNEDwY_Mw_p-qUv_FwdGqHxnU80lpShsIaOV5ycmg9m-Jkcp/s2048/Golden%20Orb%20Weaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAjLYBIMU3J3XDVwNQHU9-fgzcfKG7dLtEGmM3p2NUNtqFG_qVMAzGmkxF25edQYG21yC3u32dhgp-Et5RSZCpjGh1e6KdzUE-2xv6mNwmAnck1s3cCvbhlZ57WZs9AAZQFgmUOD1UNEDwY_Mw_p-qUv_FwdGqHxnU80lpShsIaOV5ycmg9m-Jkcp/w300-h400/Golden%20Orb%20Weaver.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Female Golden Orb Web Spider.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We observed the native Dutchman's Pipe
growing along the fence at Pekan Quarry. This is the host plant of Singapore’s
National Butterfly, the Common Rose, whose caterpillar feeds on the climber’s
toxic leaves. Gloria shared that the caterpillar and adult butterfly in turn
acquire the toxins and ‘dare’ to be highly visible. This is an example of
aposematic or warning colouration, where the bright colours of the insect
advertise that it is toxic, so that birds and other predators avoid eating them.
We were happy to see several Common Rose butterflies fly by. At Pekan Quarry,
we peered through the scopes provided by Ubin Day volunteers, for close-up
views of the Grey Heron colony and even a Brahminy Kite.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Passing through the mangroves at Jelutong
Bridge, we were greeted with numerous Mud Lobster mounds reaching about 1 m
tall. They act as ‘condominiums’ for numerous species including Tree-Climbing
Crabs, snakes, spiders and insects. Despite being common, Mud Lobsters are
rarely seen as they are mostly underground recycling nutrients in the ecosystem
through their feeding excavations. Gloria pointed out colourful Fiddler Crabs lining
the mudflats. The male fiddler has one greatly-enlarged claw that he waves
around to court females and fend off rivals, but is too big to use for feeding.
With only one functional feeding claw, males are less efficient in stuffing
themselves compared to female crabs with two feeding claws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We found many Archerfishes and Striped-nosed
Halfbeaks swimming in the mangrove river. The archerfish can shoot a jet of
water to knock an insect off a leaf into the river below and its waiting mouth.
Halfbeaks have lower jaws much longer than their upper jaws, which they use to
scoop food floating on the water surface. Their diet includes algae,
zooplankton, insects and small fishes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Our final stop was climbing up Puaka
Hill. At 74 m, it is the highest point on the island. Gloria directed our
attention to a White-bellied Sea Eagle’s nest built on a tall tree on the other
side of scenic Ubin Quarry. This is Singapore’s largest resident raptor with a
2-m wingspan. Sea-eagles are known to repair and reuse their nest each breeding
season. Overtime, a nest can become too heavy and snap the branches. We admired
a Weaver Ants’ nest halfway up Puaka Hill. Weaver Ants work together to pull
the edges of leaves into shape to form a nest, woven together by sticky ant
larvae silk.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp6mg6wpU5kcCDtRQYnqaRGmedfExO-ag61KJGSeAorpz1YgDNKoQZJudQuKKPCP0fzwY-VXrxJX0MAWj82ByPI-C_NrgtAj3NFc5WdE6cRe6MhKhd3Ev4JDudUv0fAHQhZXcz-yTBbp8hM9zBNwNQdZemYbCAlhK-8f38F0nT0SGbJ0raT2dpPRp/s2048/Weaver%20Ants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp6mg6wpU5kcCDtRQYnqaRGmedfExO-ag61KJGSeAorpz1YgDNKoQZJudQuKKPCP0fzwY-VXrxJX0MAWj82ByPI-C_NrgtAj3NFc5WdE6cRe6MhKhd3Ev4JDudUv0fAHQhZXcz-yTBbp8hM9zBNwNQdZemYbCAlhK-8f38F0nT0SGbJ0raT2dpPRp/w400-h300/Weaver%20Ants.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">Weaver Ants’ nest.</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This walk was an eye-opening experience
for me, and is suitable for participants of all ages. Many thanks to Gloria who
guided the group through the walk very patiently and eloquently, allowing
everyone to learn more about the flora and fauna that can be found on Pulau
Ubin.</span></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-29412045448135820702022-08-05T03:01:00.006-07:002022-08-05T03:01:39.765-07:00Fun with Nocturnal Animals at the Rail Corridor<p><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Fun with
Nocturnal Animals at the Rail Corridor<br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">By Gloria Seow, Education Committee Vice Chairperson<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Photos by Gloria Seow & Lena Chow</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRAYqDZ3N07IN6ziqIWj3PmKFoCKLPL0BQOuy4SwZ0WatXq7tEEs4dg4CQmfSV7fMdRtS_Y9ZArAMDgE1iVqeajxV_zLAur4vJddVga0ma2BPvNGYTiSted85HAV_6tPCTXRe_6OOBCHC2CDZBiEM9-LC_UPOCH2tzYgzoE6w8n6jl99jg8_SyJkn/s930/GSRailCorridorWoodlands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="930" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRAYqDZ3N07IN6ziqIWj3PmKFoCKLPL0BQOuy4SwZ0WatXq7tEEs4dg4CQmfSV7fMdRtS_Y9ZArAMDgE1iVqeajxV_zLAur4vJddVga0ma2BPvNGYTiSted85HAV_6tPCTXRe_6OOBCHC2CDZBiEM9-LC_UPOCH2tzYgzoE6w8n6jl99jg8_SyJkn/w400-h310/GSRailCorridorWoodlands.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Rail Corridor is teeming with nocturnal wildlife.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With nature walks
grinding to a halt during the two-year pandemic, it was a delight to gather
once more on 21 April 2022 for a cool night walk at the Rail Corridor to seek
out nocturnal animals. We split into two groups of 20 persons each, led by volunteers
and professional nature guides Gloria Seow and Andrew Tay respectively. The
walk was conducted with Covid-19 safe management measures in place. Both groups
started at opposite ends of the Rail Corridor to avoid intermingling, with safe
distancing between sub-groups. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Armed with torches and a
huge dose of enthusiasm, Gloria’s group set off from The Rail Mall and walked
the grassy stretch towards Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. We shared the path with
many night cyclists. Almost immediately, we spotted a Sunda Colugo (<i>Galeopterus
variegatus</i>) up a tree. Closely related to primates, the Colugo has a
membrane called the patagium that connects its limbs, tail and neck. When fully
opened, this mammal looks like a kite and is able to glide up to 136 m between trees.
It has even been observed ‘flying’ across a six-lane highway, never mind the
cars below.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Next, we explored the
freshwater stream that ran parallel to the path. We encountered Lowland
Freshwater Crabs (<i>Parathelphusa maculata</i>) scavenging for food and in
turn keeping the stream clean. Stirring the muddy bottom was the occasional Common
Walking Catfish. During the rainy season, this Catfish can gulp air directly
and wriggle between puddles, ‘walking’ from one waterbody to another. Its ‘whiskers’
(barbels) enable prey location even under muddy conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGoDxjhfKjGEvspTpAMZ6MSBkFTFy7byRI1yE4WCW9l014qXzGpfhD09zbKyTTWRXId6ew_okBpG1JcKA0eVbgbb2gV8qC3E_m_feZNWTWNnMP4lColrDOjf20IIOL59KaGdhWPnysYPo8OIC5sQwpZ8jUF9lA22hri603ZpN99VKEZvg9a3v7KyK/s3283/GS%20P1150198%20Lowland%20Freshwater%20Crab%20Lena.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2519" data-original-width="3283" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGoDxjhfKjGEvspTpAMZ6MSBkFTFy7byRI1yE4WCW9l014qXzGpfhD09zbKyTTWRXId6ew_okBpG1JcKA0eVbgbb2gV8qC3E_m_feZNWTWNnMP4lColrDOjf20IIOL59KaGdhWPnysYPo8OIC5sQwpZ8jUF9lA22hri603ZpN99VKEZvg9a3v7KyK/w400-h308/GS%20P1150198%20Lowland%20Freshwater%20Crab%20Lena.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />Lowland Freshwater Crab<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ghost Shrimps (<i>Macrobrachium
spp</i>) were present at some stretches, sometimes arching their body and
shooting backwards when threatened. Participants were excited to see several </span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Malayan Giant Frogs (<i>Limnonectes blythii</i>), marvelling
at their enormous getaway leaps. Where the water was more settled, we found the
tadpoles of the Copper-cheeked Frog (<i>Chalcorana labialis</i>). The curious
bird-like call of the Masked Rough-sided Frog (<i>Pulchrana laterimaculata</i>)
and the incessant clicks of the Dark-sided Chorus Frogs (<i>Microhyla heymonsi</i>)
proved intriguing. Joining the night chorus were crickets and katydids. We
learnt that only male crickets sport wings, where one wing has a comb-like
structure while the other has a scraper to produce the classic nocturnal
soundscape for mate location in the dark.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN2FyavLlkKa2wDvijHvLg5SF4femJlga6JeNUixKLek03vKqA0gN-H9A5dSUm4LoeMnBc3Zmqs_nRbzZf4b0Fwug2477i1NsPbah-ef0xI82QPI0l5YmC0FJk12rOGctDfbIJlDz6Xyh82HRJQSGuwTmeEG1V4LeORmsNE190hjaCdb4wyIrzVve/s2524/GS%20DSCN8945GiantFrogGS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1855" data-original-width="2524" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN2FyavLlkKa2wDvijHvLg5SF4femJlga6JeNUixKLek03vKqA0gN-H9A5dSUm4LoeMnBc3Zmqs_nRbzZf4b0Fwug2477i1NsPbah-ef0xI82QPI0l5YmC0FJk12rOGctDfbIJlDz6Xyh82HRJQSGuwTmeEG1V4LeORmsNE190hjaCdb4wyIrzVve/w400-h294/GS%20DSCN8945GiantFrogGS.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br />Malayan Giant Frog <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Gloria deployed her ultra-violet
(UV) torch and revealed that certain lifeforms like insects, fungi, lichens and
plants indeed glow in the dark. For example, chlorophyll in plants absorbs the
invisible UV rays and re-emits them as red light. Kids were enthralled that the
plastic in their sports shoes provided a multi-coloured UV light show.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTUSiog4L-uy9AkMJ7Q8nROSRbpJFK3VzmNeQk3hvt-Ur9OADTyfW69phYvJlVGGzNgCGlJcjJNOD1f_oh31xHBDHwfXGX23pHKBgWcYi-oiIEJzVmI9V7KoQiG1-RjocvvwXtQi3lGgZ2FX3du7J5LmB92aehhhiUjOXk8TqS0ih5VruGVONufqL/s884/GSFlowersUV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="884" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTUSiog4L-uy9AkMJ7Q8nROSRbpJFK3VzmNeQk3hvt-Ur9OADTyfW69phYvJlVGGzNgCGlJcjJNOD1f_oh31xHBDHwfXGX23pHKBgWcYi-oiIEJzVmI9V7KoQiG1-RjocvvwXtQi3lGgZ2FX3du7J5LmB92aehhhiUjOXk8TqS0ih5VruGVONufqL/s320/GSFlowersUV.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">The
mesmerising effect of glow-in-the-dark UV light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">There were many spiders
sitting in their orb webs and waiting for aerial insects to blunder in. We
learnt that only 50% of spiders spin webs, mostly at night. Gloria pointed out
a well-camouflaged </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Two-tailed Spider</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;"> </span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">(<i>Hersilia
sp</i>) waiting on a concrete pillar sans web. When an insect comes within
range, this spider will jump on it and bind it in spider silk before
envenomating it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY;">Despite looking hard,
the Common Palm Civet (<i>Paradoxurus hermaphroditus</i>) did not make an
appearance. Instead, we were treated to flight displays of Common Fruit Bats (<i>Cynopterus
brachyotis</i>) zipping overhead and feasting on Rough-leafed Stem Figs and
Yellow Stem Figs. We turned around at the rail marker halfway between Woodlands
and Tanjong Pagar. Here, participants learnt that conserving the 24-km long Rail
Corridor is important as it provides connectivity for wildlife in different
forest patches to move and breed freely. All told, it was a fun first outing
after the long hiatus.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-43842614042252860022022-08-05T02:54:00.006-07:002022-08-05T02:54:49.717-07:00Online Talk: Singapore’s Amazing Array of Spiders<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Online Talk: Singapore’s Amazing Array of
Spiders (conducted on Zoom </span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>26 February 2022)</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Speaker : </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Mr </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Nicky
Bay, Macro Photographer</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: -72.0pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hosts :<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosted on Zoom by Ms Gloria Seow &
Dr Yong Ding Li on behalf of Nature Society (Singapore) <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><b>Talk Synopsis</b><br />Join internationally-acclaimed macro
photographer, instructor and author Nicky Bay to learn about the uncommon and rare
spiders of Singapore. He will showcase his stunning collection of photographs that
reveal the fascinating body plans and vivid colours of forest and urban
spiders. His photos also capture hunting and other behaviours. Nicky will provide
tips on how and where to find and photograph these beauties. The talk will wrap
with a Q&A segment.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 107%;"><b>Speaker Biography<br /></b></span></span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Mr Nicky Bay is a
world-renowned macro photographer based in Singapore. His works have been
featured on National Geographic, BBC, WIRED and many other publications. Nicky
has held solo exhibitions in Europe including Senckenberg Museum in Germany and
Galerie du Lion in France. He has accumulated one of the largest arthropod
photo databases in the world with about 40,000 high-quality macro shots. These
can be found on </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nickybay.com/"><span lang="EN-MY" style="line-height: 107%;">www.nickybay.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">. His photos are also featured in his book "Borneo
Spiders". Nicky runs macro photography workshops in Borneo, Africa and
Central America, attracting participants from around the world, many of whom
are advanced photographers themselves. In addition, he is a competition judge for
the Singapore Nature Photographer of the Year award.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VJ6LawDH3Uk" width="320" youtube-src-id="VJ6LawDH3Uk"></iframe></div><br /><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-40494811983269748212022-08-05T02:46:00.001-07:002022-08-05T02:46:23.874-07:00Online Workshop: Fun with Singapore Marine Life<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Online Workshop: </b><b><span lang="EN-US">Fun with Singapore Marine Life (conducted on Zoom on </span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>20 February 2022)</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Speaker</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">: </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> Ms </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Lisa Lim, NSS Marine
Conservation Group</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: -72.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Host :<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosted
on Zoom by Ms Gloria Seow on behalf of NSS Education
Committee<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Talk Synopsis</b><br />When the tide is extra low, a
large swathe of intertidal habitat becomes exposed, where diving is not
required to experience the marine world. Join Lisa as she shares the fascinating
marine life found in Singapore’s shores. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">One can expect to see colourful sea cucumbers, sea
stars, sea slugs, sand dollars, sea urchins, and even seahorses and giant clams
if you know where to go and how to look for them. Singapore has hard and soft
corals as well as sponges, which are home to an array of crabs, fishes,
octopus, squids and more. Lisa will also share tips on how to explore the
intertidal habitat safely and the challenges in safeguarding them for future
generations. The talk will wrap with a Q&A segment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></b><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Speaker Biography<br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Ms Lisa Lim is an avid scuba diver and an active volunteer
with Nature Society (Singapore)’s Marine Conservation Group as well as NParks.
At NParks, she is one of the pioneer intertidal guides at Sister's Islands
Marine Park and helps in the marine turtles' conservation programme. In NSS,
she is the project representative for the Restore Ubin Mangroves Initiative,
where she conducts guided mangrove walks and guided kayaking along Pulau Ubin’s
mangrove-lined rivers. Lisa organises regular mangrove and coastal clean-ups as
well as activities that highlight mangrove biodiversity and marine pollution.
She participated in the NSS Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research programme and
outreach activities at NSS’s “Nature in the Heartland” roadshows. In addition,
Lisa is the Lead Organiser for “The Young Marine Biologist” online programme,
inspiring children to become good stewards of our marine environment.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/672lABPaL5M" width="320" youtube-src-id="672lABPaL5M"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-40657776023956773862022-08-05T02:41:00.001-07:002022-08-05T02:41:29.308-07:00Online Workshop: Fun with Forest Trees & Plants in Singapore<p><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Online
Workshop: Fun with Forest Trees & Plants in Singapore (conducted on Zoom on </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">26
December 2021)</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Speaker : </span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Dr Ngo Kang Min, Ecologist</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Host :<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Hosted on Zoom by Gloria Seow on
behalf of Nature Society <br /> (Singapore) Education Committee<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Talk Synopsis</b><br />The tropical
rainforest offers a cornucopia of plant forms, from shady undergrowth plants to
drapey lianas and awe-inspiring forest giants. Join forest ecologist Kang Min
to learn how to identify the common plant life that thrives in Singapore’s
primary and secondary forests. Get an insight on how the forest organises
itself to function as the green lungs of our city state, and how it supports
other life forms and perpetuates itself generation after generation. Kang Min
will also share fascinating findings in her research work at Bukit Timah Nature
Reserve. The workshop will wrap with a Q&A segment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vIMIKetT6Fg" width="320" youtube-src-id="vIMIKetT6Fg"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-25934991153371241812022-08-05T02:37:00.002-07:002022-08-05T02:37:22.437-07:00Online Workshop: Fun with Insects in Singapore<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>Online Workshop:</b> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 107%;">Fun with
Insects in Singapore (conducted on Zoom on </span><span style="background-color: white;"><b>6 November 2021)</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Speaker : Mr Sean
Yap, Entomologist</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: -72.0pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Host :<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosted on Zoom by Ms Gloria Seow on
behalf of Nature Society (Singapore) Education
Committee<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Join entomologist Sean
Yap in this fun talk to learn about the insects that can be found in Singapore.
We will explore questions such as: How is an insect different from a spider?
Why are some insects active in the day while others are active at night? How do
insects benefit the human race? Learn the difference between solitary and
social insects. The talk will also introduce us to the common insects that can
be seen in Singapore’s parks and gardens, if you know where to look. The talk
will wrap with a Q&A segment.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ur86emKYUco" width="320" youtube-src-id="ur86emKYUco"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-72588990265511531792022-08-05T02:34:00.000-07:002022-08-05T02:34:01.487-07:00Online Talk: Why do Birds Fall Out of the Sky?<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Online Talk: </b><b><span style="color: #1d2228;">Why do Birds Fall Out of
the Sky? (conducted on Zoom on </span></b><b>16 October 2021)</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Speaker : Mr David Tan</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: -72.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Host: Hosted on Zoom by Dr Yong Ding Li
(Bird Group) and Mr Timothy Pwee (Education Committee) on
behalf of Nature Society (Singapore)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Talk Synopsis</b><br />Bird-building collisions
are estimated to kill up to 1 billion birds annually in the United States. Outside
of the US, this phenomenon is poorly understood. Why do birds knock into
buildings? What species are the most vulnerable to building collisions? Join
David Tan in this talk as he presents the results of a 7-year long citizen
science study conducted in Singapore, exploring where, when, and why birds
collide with buildings. As one of the first studies conducted in Asia, it provides
useful insights into how we can reduce the number of bird-building collisions
in Singapore, and make our city a bird-friendly one. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The talk will wrap with a Q&A
segment.</span></p>
<p class="yiv0039335906msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Speaker Biography<br /></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Mr </span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">David Tan is a PhD
student at the University of New Mexico and the Museum of Southwestern Biology.
He is currently studying the biogeography of the genus </span><i style="color: #1d2228; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Pitta</i><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">. As
Singapore's former ‘Dead Bird Man’, he has been collating records of dead birds
from across Singapore in the last 7 years as part of a long-running citizen
science initiative.</span></p><p class="yiv0039335906msonormal" style="background: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VNfmlhpEhco" width="320" youtube-src-id="VNfmlhpEhco"></iframe></div><br /><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-79760938822043298472022-08-05T02:30:00.004-07:002022-08-05T02:46:53.730-07:00Online Workshop: Fun with Singapore Snakes & Frogs<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Online Workshop: Fun with Singapore Snakes & Frogs (conducted on Zoom on </b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>5 September 2021)</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Speaker: Ms Natalie Quah, Herpetological Society of Singapore</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Host :<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosted
on Zoom by Ms Gloria Seow on behalf of Nature Society (Singapore) Education Committee<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Talk Synopsis</b><br />Snakes are seen as slimy and dangerous, and most
people fear them. Join Natalie Quah from the Herpetological Society of
Singapore as she dispels the myths surrounding snakes, and shares fun facts
about those found in Singapore. Learn the difference between venomous and
poisonous, how to observe snakes safely and where to find them. Aside from
snakes, Natalie will also highlight other fascinating herptiles (i.e. reptiles
and amphibians) resident in Singapore, including frogs, lizards and turtles. The
talk will be followed by a Q&A segment.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Speaker Biography <br /></b><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ms Natalie Quah is a volunteer with the Herpetological Society
of Singapore and has a keen interest for reptiles, amphibians, and all things
nature! Since her teens, she has helped out in various conservation efforts
within Singapore and hopes to spread an awareness of our rich biodiversity to
everyone. She is currently an undergraduate studying Environmental Science </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 107%;">in UCLA</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">, and hopes to learn
more about the magic behind all things green and blue.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3ufG9t8gWo4" width="320" youtube-src-id="3ufG9t8gWo4"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-51980757450965012972022-08-05T02:26:00.001-07:002022-08-05T02:26:36.058-07:00Online Talk: Orangutan Fossils – Conservation Lesson from the Deep Past<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span lang="EN-MY">Online Talk: Orangutan Fossils – Conservation
Lesson from the Deep Past (conducted on Zoom on </span></b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>28 August 2021)</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: helvetica;">Speaker : Mr </span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: helvetica;">Lim Tze Tshen</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;"><span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hosts: Hosted by Dr Yong Ding Li (Bird Group) and Gloria Seow (Education Committee) on behalf of
Nature Society (Singapore)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Talk Synopsis<br /></b></span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: helvetica;">The Orangutan is the only surviving
non-human great ape in Asia. It is the only extant great ape with a relatively
‘readable’ fossil record, stretching from 2.5 million years ago to the time when
its current geographic regions were occupied by human hunter-gatherers. Both
facts make the Orangutan a unique subject matter when discussing current
environmental and human impacts on great apes. Prime among the paleontological
and zooarchaeological sites that yield Orangutan remains are the archaeological
sites at Niah Caves in Sarawak, Borneo. The deepest zooarchaeological record is
around 45,000 years old, and is also the most complete and relatively unbroken
record known so far from Borneo. What do these ancient remains tell us about
past populations in prehistoric Niah? Is there a conservation lesson from these
old bones and teeth? What do recent findings beyond Niah tell us about past
distribution of the Orangutan? In the natural history exploration of Southeast
Asia, who may have first encouraged the systematic search for Orangutan
fossils? Who uncovered the first Orangutan fossils known to the modern
scientific world, and where did this happen? Join vertebrate palaeontologist and
zooarchaeologist Lim Tze Tshen as he sheds light on these exciting scientific
and historical questions. </span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: helvetica;">The session will wrap with a Q&A
segment.</span></span></p>
<p class="yiv0039335906msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: helvetica;"><br /><b>Speaker Biography<br /></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: helvetica;">LIM Tze Tshen (MPhil, Cambridge) was a
research fellow of the Sarawak Museum Campus Project from 2019-2020. He is now
based in the Geology Department, University of Malaya. By profession, he is a
vertebrate palaeontologist and a zooarchaeologist. Lim has carried out
systematic research on historical and more recently discovered orangutan
fossils kept in museums worldwide.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In collaboration with colleagues from the
University of Malaya and Palaeontology Society of Malaysia, he is also actively
involved in the search for and study of fossil orangutans and other mammals
recovered from palaeontological sites in Peninsular Malaysia. His research
topics in Sarawak Museum focused on the systematic cataloguing of the rich and
diverse zooarchaeological collections stored in the museum, and detailed
investigation of the large mammal remains from Niah Caves archaeological sites,
particularly, primates and other locally extinct mammal species.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_9Ec_NB_9_aInRHKDeKfU7llnPSNnIlRbrt0HWXDs9sXhLJQhwAhmtaCuyDPFzAbdmiGSWhqU9pT7eMILmvx-cwm9TpKFt9frUsIGd7CMNWhhZ_uCWf1enh79XKRglNduW22wvNWuNXoyb39Tyc7ArF8mo4Ll9RDh79mMhkC-HpBtYV56wWGjGljR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="56" data-original-width="1782" height="10" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_9Ec_NB_9_aInRHKDeKfU7llnPSNnIlRbrt0HWXDs9sXhLJQhwAhmtaCuyDPFzAbdmiGSWhqU9pT7eMILmvx-cwm9TpKFt9frUsIGd7CMNWhhZ_uCWf1enh79XKRglNduW22wvNWuNXoyb39Tyc7ArF8mo4Ll9RDh79mMhkC-HpBtYV56wWGjGljR" width="320" /></a></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qweqWz6DUV8" width="320" youtube-src-id="qweqWz6DUV8"></iframe></div><br />Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-84211769525785951682022-08-05T01:21:00.006-07:002022-08-05T01:21:46.416-07:00Online Workshop: Fun with Singapore Mammals <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Online Workshop: Fun with Singapore Mammals (conducted on Zoom on </b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>3 July 2021)</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Speaker : Ms Gloria Seow, Vice Chairperson Education Committee, NSS</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: -72.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Host :<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosted
on Zoom by Mr Timothy Pwee on behalf of NSS Education Committee<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Most of Singapore’s mammals are nocturnal, waking up
at dusk to begin their day. Join Gloria Seow as she sheds light on the mammals
that become active when they feel the protection of darkness, from the
enigmatic Malayan Colugo that can glide up to 136 m between forest trees to the
House Shrew that scurries around on their cute short legs in urban areas,
giving off squeaks now and then. She will also share fun facts about
Singapore’s diurnal mammals such as the Long-tailed Macaque, Plantain Squirrel
and Wild Pig. The workshop will be followed by a Q&A segment.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VqE0o5PWiNE" width="320" youtube-src-id="VqE0o5PWiNE"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-11701474491428177502022-08-05T01:17:00.001-07:002022-08-05T01:17:49.012-07:00Online Talk: Migratory Birds on the Malay Peninsula<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Online Talk: Migratory Birds on the Malay Peninsula (conducted on Zoom on 26 June 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Speaker : Dr Yong Ding Li</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: -72.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Host :<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosted
on Zoom by Gloria Seow (Education Committee) on behalf of NSS<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Join Dr Yong Ding Li of Birdlife International in this webinar to learn
about migratory birds using the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, in which Singapore
and Peninsular Malaysia are a part of. What are the species that migrate
through, and overwinter on the Malay Peninsula? Where are the main spots used
by large congregations of migratory birds, such as raptors and landbirds, as
they move through the Peninsula? How important are our wetlands and rainforests
for migratory species? What are the threats that affect these migratory
species, and how can we better deal with them? All these questions and more
will be answered in this illuminating talk. The session will wrap with a Q&A
segment.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TwMp-0Ha4Ps" width="320" youtube-src-id="TwMp-0Ha4Ps"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-2503805971556106002022-08-05T01:10:00.004-07:002022-08-05T01:10:31.765-07:00Online Workshop: Fun with Backyard Butterflies<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Online Workshop: Fun with Backyard Butterflies (conducted on Zoom on 25 April 2021)</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; mso-tab-count: 1;">Speaker </span><span style="background-color: white;">: </span><span style="background-color: white; mso-tab-count: 1;"> Ms </span><span style="background-color: white;">Sung Mei Yee</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Host:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosted on Zoom by Gloria Seow </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">on
behalf of NSS Education Committee</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Keen to get acquainted with Singapore’s backyard butterflies? Join
Sung Mei Yee in this online workshop to find out about the common species living
in our parks and gardens, from the attractive Lime Butterfly that starts life feasting
on our lime plants to Singapore’s National Butterfly, the Common Rose. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The workshop will
be followed by a Q&A segment with members from the Butterfly and Insect
Group of Nature Society (Singapore). The webinar is hosted on Zoom by Gloria
Seow, Vice Chairperson of the Education Committee in Nature Society
(Singapore).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1KmZ_Mg5szI" width="320" youtube-src-id="1KmZ_Mg5szI"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-67683855623981853572022-08-05T01:03:00.004-07:002022-08-05T01:07:23.823-07:00Online Talk: Wildlife of Mesangat Wetlands, Kalimantan<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="yiv0039335906msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Online Talk: Wildlife of Mesangat Wetlands, Kalimantan (conducted on 24 April 2021 on Zoom)</span></span></b></span></span></p><p class="yiv0039335906msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Speaker : Mr Rob Stuebing</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Location<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -72pt;">Hosted by Dr Yong Ding Li (Bird Group) & Ms Gloria Seow (Education </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -72pt;">Committee)
on behalf of Nature Society (Singapore)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #1d2228;">Talk Synopsis: <br />The little-known, forest wetland ecosystems of Danau Mesangat in eastern Borneo
(Indonesia) are extremely rich in biodiversity. They include some of Southeast
Asia’s most threatened wildlife. Pride of place of Mesangat Wetlands is the
False Gharial, a shy, specialised crocodile of peat and freshwater swamp
forest. The False Gharial shares its home with other charismatic wildlife,
including the Storm’s Stork, Malaysian Giant Turtle and Proboscis Monkey. In
this online talk, renowned herpetologist and conservationist Rob Stuebing will
share with us the biodiversity of Danau Mesangat, with special focus on its two
crocodile species and the Storm’s Stork. He will also discuss the conservation
efforts led by Indonesian conservation group, Yayasan Ulin. </span>The talk
will be followed by a Q&A segment.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q3HIJMlq8LM" width="320" youtube-src-id="Q3HIJMlq8LM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-6488961243770267312021-03-08T01:51:00.000-08:002021-03-08T01:51:53.199-08:00Online Workshop: Fun with Mangrove Wildlife <p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Education Committee led by Vice Chairperson Gloria Seow has temporarily suspended all nature walks. We have instead organised a number of online workshops and talks. Watch them on NSS's YouTube Channel or below:</span></span></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5938508715353140314" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 808px;"><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Online Workshop: Fun with Mangrove Wildlife </b>(conducted on 20 February 2021 on Zoom)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HkYFMDb0dZw" width="320" youtube-src-id="HkYFMDb0dZw"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Join Gloria Seow in this online workshop to learn how to spot and identify the common wildlife found in mangroves around Singapore, such as at Sungei Buloh, Pasir Ris Park and Pulau Ubin. These hardy plants and animals can tolerate the salty and wet high tides, yet do not dry out completely during the low tides. Learn about the clever adaptations that allow them to survive in this amazing habitat. The workshop was followed by a Q&A segment. </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: verdana;">In the post-webinar survey, one participant remarked that "</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #030303; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The workshop was very informative and I enjoyed it very much.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: verdana;">"</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14.85px;">If you cannot view the video above, please go to: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkYFMDb0dZw </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>About the Speaker</b>
</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #030303; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gloria Seow is a volunteer from Nature Society Singapore and has been running the Fun with Nature programme for children and their parents since 2008 as the former Chairperson, and now as the Vice-Chair of the Education Committee. She has been involved in bird and wildlife surveys for close to 15 years and has travelled to many countries to watch wildlife. She formerly worked as a communications professional but switched to become a financial consultant and professional nature guide a year ago.</span></p><p><span style="color: #030303; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>If you wish you engage Gloria and/or other nature guides for affordable private, school or company walks, please contact Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #030303; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p></div>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-59385087153531403142021-02-01T01:08:00.002-08:002021-03-08T01:53:57.042-08:00Online Workshops: Fun with Backyard Birds (Parts 1 & 2)<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;">In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Education Committee led by Vice Chairperson Gloria Seow has temporarily suspended all nature walks. We have instead organised a number of online talks and workshops. Watch them on NSS's YouTube Channel or below:<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;"><b>1. Fun with Backyard Birds </b>(Part 1, conducted on </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">21 November 2020 on Zoom)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OewotRLw544" width="320" youtube-src-id="OewotRLw544"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Keen to start birdwatching? Even without binoculars, you can spot colourful birds in your backyard if you know how. In this interactive webinar, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Vice Chairperson of the Education Committee </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gloria Seow</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> revealed the 33 </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">common bird species found in our parks, streets and water bodies, from the showy blue Collared Kingfisher to the sunny yellow Black-naped Oriole. Participants learnt how to tell these birds apart, where similar-looking species were juxtaposed to good effect. Gloria also shared the typical behaviour of these birds and fielded questions in an AMA (Ask Me Anything) segment. In the post-webinar survey, one participant summed up the sentiments saying that she "t</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">horoughly enjoyed this as a starter". </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;">If you cannot view the video above, please go to:<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OewotRLw544</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;"><b><br />2. Fun with Backyard Birds </b>(Part 2, conducted on </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">12 December 2020 on Zoom)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qu1mWN1UTNc" width="320" youtube-src-id="qu1mWN1UTNc"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Continuing the workshop in this interactive webinar, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Vice Chairperson of the Education Committee </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gloria Seow</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> elucidated on </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">the basics of birding including binoculars use as well as spotting and recording birds. She also recommended various useful resources available for birders, including guide books, apps, websites and guided walks. Gloria then </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">fielded questions in an AMA (Ask Me Anything) segment. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the post-webinar survey, one participant remarked as follows: "</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Good session, will recommend highly".</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span>If you cannot view the video above, please go to:</span><br /><span>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu1mWN1UTNc&t</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>About the Speaker</b>
</span></span></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gloria Seow is a volunteer from Nature Society Singapore and has been running the Fun with Nature programme for children and their parents since 2008 as the former Chairperson, and now as the Vice Chairperson of the Education Committee. She has been involved in bird and wildlife surveys for close to 15 years and has travelled to many countries to watch wildlife. She formerly worked as a communications professional but switched to become a financial consultant and professional nature guide a year ago.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #030303; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>If you wish you engage Gloria and/or other nature guides for affordable private, school or company walks, please contact Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com.</b></span></span></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-49066639907200961352021-02-01T00:31:00.000-08:002021-02-01T00:31:29.529-08:00Online Talks: 1. Fun with Hornbills & 2. Fun with Otters<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Education Committee led by Vice Chairperson Gloria Seow has temporarily suspended all nature walks and has instead organised a number of online talks. Watch them on NSS's YouTube Channel or below:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>1. Fun with Hornbills </b>(conducted on </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">2 August 2020 on Zoom)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q7n5dwpdjlQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="Q7n5dwpdjlQ"></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Singapore has two hornbill species – the iconic Oriental Pied Hornbill and the rare Black Hornbill. In this interactive webinar, Ms Ng Bee Choo revealed fun facts and unravelled the behaviour of these beloved birds, as well as shared about the ongoing </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">conservation efforts in Asia</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bee Choo is the International Coordinator for the Hornbill Research Foundation based in Thailand, as well as the Programme Officer for the IUCN Species Survival Commission – Hornbill Specialist Group. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Fun with Hornbills online talk ended with a Q&A segment as well as a fun quiz for kids between 4 to 12 years old, where the winner walked away with the book "Hornbills of the World". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you cannot view the video above, please go to: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7n5dwpdjlQ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>2. Fun with Otters</b> (conducted on </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">25 October 2020 on Zoom)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cfqa-A9pJaA" width="320" youtube-src-id="Cfqa-A9pJaA"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />The Smooth-coated Otter is a national darling when it comes to wildlife in Singapore, appearing in the news ever so often, in countless social media posts, artworks and even government banners. Aside from finding them irresistible, how well do you know your otters? Wildlife photographer "OtterGrapher" Bernard Seah opened our eyes to their colourful lifestyle in this interactive webinar: from their hunting behaviour to mating, parenting, exploring, sheltering, territorial disputes, and interactions with other species including humans. He also shared about the threats they face and dished out tips on where and how to watch them. The talk ended with an AMA (ask me anything) segment.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you cannot view the video above, please go to:<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfqa-A9pJaA&t</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-31096835513067359442021-01-31T23:51:00.003-08:002021-01-31T23:51:49.112-08:00NSS Kids’ Fun with Birds at Lorong Halus Wetland<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">By
Gloria Seow, Education Committee </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">Vice Chairperson</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">The
8-km long Serangoon River wends its way across the Hougang, Sengkang and
Punggol housing estates. It is flanked by the park connector network of cycling
and jogging paths and prettified with stylish viewing decks and fishing
platforms. The river terminates at the rehabilitated former landfill site of
Lorong Halus Wetland, where a dam constructed across its mouth in 2011
converted it into a reservoir.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrySdSvltKhLdxpm12rZpIwoQO_NpF3eBpWfBEpfyY14iX21-09c4JAW8QvR9yjOinVWcf_eebHwnmh-J6GeMCx6p8JBe3biPnc3N__owFy-uFenIMp6hV_G96LqP32mUnKEWl5Qm-zc/s685/DSCN5002HalusBridgeGrp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="685" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrySdSvltKhLdxpm12rZpIwoQO_NpF3eBpWfBEpfyY14iX21-09c4JAW8QvR9yjOinVWcf_eebHwnmh-J6GeMCx6p8JBe3biPnc3N__owFy-uFenIMp6hV_G96LqP32mUnKEWl5Qm-zc/w640-h536/DSCN5002HalusBridgeGrp.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While folks went about their morning exercise at Halus, NSS kids and their parents, led by Auntie Lee Ee Ling, gathered on 28 December 2019 to check out its thriving bird life. First up, Auntie Gloria Seow spotted a White-breasted Waterhen (<i>Amaurornis phoenicurus</i>) that had sauntered out of the riverside vegetation onto the footpath. It quickly dived back in when it saw us, and continued to forage on the ground, shielded by thick cover. Auntie Ee Ling then had us tune in to the soothing background coos of the Zebra Dove (<i>Geopelia striata</i>). Soon enough, we found a couple in a nearby tree as they belted out their duet.</span></p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW4MQmbOE5oRZGIn29Fy8pSytGixyIS0xvMwSIWqViGR9RxrR2jU6dL1R4cQ2ywvi_WjCq68_gToPiWDRNQseuKk5dXi9gh_2BPVAUIMNC4xFaK1MOCmNDg5siSnOTzwryvoFJjEUC-I/s2048/GS-DSCN5000BoywithNotebook%2526Bins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="2048" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW4MQmbOE5oRZGIn29Fy8pSytGixyIS0xvMwSIWqViGR9RxrR2jU6dL1R4cQ2ywvi_WjCq68_gToPiWDRNQseuKk5dXi9gh_2BPVAUIMNC4xFaK1MOCmNDg5siSnOTzwryvoFJjEUC-I/w640-h492/GS-DSCN5000BoywithNotebook%2526Bins.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Self-taught 9-year old birder Jorge with Auntie Ee Ling (carrying scope).</span></div></span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We saw the usual suspects of garden birds such as the Yellow-vented Bulbul (<i>Pycnonotus goiavier</i>), Pink-necked Green Pigeon (<i>Treron vernans</i>) and Brown-throated Sunbird</span> (<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anthreptes malacensis</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">). One of the participants, 9-year old Jorge, turned out to be an impressive self-taught birder. He had persuaded his parents to buy him a pair of binoculars, read up obsessively on Singapore’s (and other) birds, and even had an app on avian calls. He was able to identify the birds we encountered, dutifully recording them in his notebook. Such kids are as scarce as <a name="_Hlk32311733">hen’s teeth</a>.<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSRaxli0u-p1iaAur_WPE_P7ZP9h2OeJ1iHZQzTdAgazWcep9vPbKiXT5YYc6sVYk06v6uDO7x-OhCLB6qOrOhw4TEO_LKStp4MqA7_J5VenH59y5Igic5XLEb6tSCcPzMSYG6UDAggk/s812/GS-DSCN4984SeaPoisonFlower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="812" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSRaxli0u-p1iaAur_WPE_P7ZP9h2OeJ1iHZQzTdAgazWcep9vPbKiXT5YYc6sVYk06v6uDO7x-OhCLB6qOrOhw4TEO_LKStp4MqA7_J5VenH59y5Igic5XLEb6tSCcPzMSYG6UDAggk/w640-h600/GS-DSCN4984SeaPoisonFlower.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">The flamboyant blossom of the Sea Poison tree.</span></div></span></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the trip highlights was the Rose-ringed Parakeet (<i>Psittacula krameri</i>). This large green bird announced its presence as it nosily flew into view with a flourish. It proceeded to do a few energetic swoops and even perched obligingly for us to take a good look. It was not just birds we admired. Auntie Gloria picked up the flamboyant Sea Poison (<i>Barringtonia asiatica</i>) flower from underneath its tree and handed it around. This night-blooming flower is pollinated by moths and bats. Kids were fascinated to learn that the lantern-like fruits of the Sea Poison contain seeds that could be pulped and used to stun fish, hence its name.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">At the landmark red Halus Bridge, we encountered a Malayan Water Monitor (</span><i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">Varanus salvator</i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">) swimming lazily in the river. Auntie Ee Ling put her scope to good use, giving kids close-up views of a handsome Pacific Swallow (</span><i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">Hirundo tahitica</i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnqRpB8bAnL3u-1XYFAG6cyirr3OJ9yeJgr-skSkjjl-kyNr8pHFdpQOGaNmDyo9kmZE8GLpPUM3pDEQQOQG11YQt776zIKUOl11TmIYgBFQjV4rneYdpOgVOvRqZ9YsPfhCyXCJljdo/s808/GS-DSCN5022OpenbillsSmallFlock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="808" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnqRpB8bAnL3u-1XYFAG6cyirr3OJ9yeJgr-skSkjjl-kyNr8pHFdpQOGaNmDyo9kmZE8GLpPUM3pDEQQOQG11YQt776zIKUOl11TmIYgBFQjV4rneYdpOgVOvRqZ9YsPfhCyXCJljdo/w640-h384/GS-DSCN5022OpenbillsSmallFlock.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br />Suddenly, Uncle Timothy Pwee drew our attention skywards as a flock of some 30 Asian Openbills</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">(<i>Anastomus oscitans</i>) swirled in the distance towards us. These storks had been in the news with thousands upon thousands observed coming down Peninsular Malaysia. Then they started appearing all over Singapore with the largest flock seen numbering about 1,000 birds, a rare phenomenon indeed. Some were even photographed flying across the sun during the annular solar eclipse on 26 December 2019. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">These storks usually forage for prey such as water snails in the rice fields up north, especially along the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins. However, the drought in countries such as Thailand could have reduced their prey base and triggered their flight south in search of food. The Asian Openbill is so named as adult birds have a gap between their bills to allow them to better handle water snails, much like a nutcracker. Curiously, young storks do not have this gap. As we gawked at the majestic sight, another 30 Asian Openbills flew in from the opposite direction. The two flocks crossed each other before parting again, which set our party all atwitter with excitement.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKgAsUYlkhddlN_yQAAvcvfZBgy05czg53WehP-8TgTps87y5lW7X-5MbE9YJhKm5uTf_mKgoKGZIGjveC48pdFcWZHZ6DDkr6R1td_frQEiLNR4RxPLgh0zVr7_mahCCfh9o97gWjhs/s829/GS-DSCN5032OpenbillFlock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="829" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKgAsUYlkhddlN_yQAAvcvfZBgy05czg53WehP-8TgTps87y5lW7X-5MbE9YJhKm5uTf_mKgoKGZIGjveC48pdFcWZHZ6DDkr6R1td_frQEiLNR4RxPLgh0zVr7_mahCCfh9o97gWjhs/w640-h444/GS-DSCN5032OpenbillFlock.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">Some 60 Asian Openbills filled the skies above Halus.</div></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_u6dsO0lOEpjhjsecNj6clv-6I8iqzZfHs6au4Urea-hZcDA0JTuqMheHnDujpEmBmPWCbqirhorJdqOPmsdkqqJ8hHwOoB2IAon5mFcCo48-betpiWE9yY9PW0rVwJ3ytvdDJY17Haw/s725/GS-DSCN5044Olive-backedSunbird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="585" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_u6dsO0lOEpjhjsecNj6clv-6I8iqzZfHs6au4Urea-hZcDA0JTuqMheHnDujpEmBmPWCbqirhorJdqOPmsdkqqJ8hHwOoB2IAon5mFcCo48-betpiWE9yY9PW0rVwJ3ytvdDJY17Haw/w516-h640/GS-DSCN5044Olive-backedSunbird.JPG" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">A female Olive-backed Sunbird on the Heliconia flower.</span></div></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">Crossing
the bridge, Auntie Lena pointed out the Common Parasol (</span><i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">Neurothemis
fluctuans</i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">), easily distinguished from other red dragonflies as the only one
with reddish wings (versus clear wings). We also enjoyed eye-level views of an
Olive-backed Sunbird (</span><i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">Cinnyris jugularis</i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">) when one came to collect
nectar from the Heliconia flower. Too bad we ran out of time for the Little
Grebe pond, but the morning’s many great sightings well made up for that.</span></p></div>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-48589820190136310952021-01-31T23:14:00.002-08:002021-01-31T23:14:28.025-08:00NSS Kids’ Fun with The Bigfoot Leave No Trace Challenge<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> By Gloria Seow, Education Committee Vice Chairperson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr9PvF3x-IxbYI_k8bhRwe4yhOOTNO5BrdHREEko0zABGc3O_Ve7tDmn5NFjQ2gUMKvp9C72ddRq7G30DhLtc6xNVpZ5MTiXfZHcGLXlswflqjDXJ6gJRklzGrH2O86gfbdseYN4cTjw/s678/GS-P1440322HangChongGroup.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="678" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr9PvF3x-IxbYI_k8bhRwe4yhOOTNO5BrdHREEko0zABGc3O_Ve7tDmn5NFjQ2gUMKvp9C72ddRq7G30DhLtc6xNVpZ5MTiXfZHcGLXlswflqjDXJ6gJRklzGrH2O86gfbdseYN4cTjw/w640-h540/GS-P1440322HangChongGroup.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bigfoot (also known as </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sasquatch) </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">is a mythical ape-like bipedal creature that people claim to have seen in the wilds of America and Canada. However, investigations by scientists and the authorities have never found it, and Bigfoot is regarded as mere </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">folklore, a misidentification or a hoax, rather than a real animal. Just as 'Bigfoot' leaves no trace of his passing through wild areas, we should do the same, to minimise our impact on the environment. This was the message that Uncle Hang Chong brought to NSS Kids on 5 October 2019 in a fun session held at MacRitchie Reservoir. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the seven Leave No Trace principles is to 'Respect Wildlife' by not feeding them intentionally or unintentionally, and viewing them from a respectful distance. How far is a 'respectful distance'? A rule of thumb that </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Uncle Hang Chong taught was to literally use one's thumb as a gauge. Hold out one's thumb at arm's length and close one eye. If your thumb is able to block out the animal you are observing, then you are far enough. We tried this on a </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">troop of playful Long-tailed Macaques about 20 m away and were glad that we were already keeping a respectful distance from them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaBqoVardYcITJNAQdnjxF2tAndZg5OYiZMXIspu5Lr7XMnwVMYgtAZoW67zJcQX-tdztxDHBCla5sm3iWQf8guyk9pTVWvfXA7ChDMpnW301AToHERLcMyuSvby87dgmstM3JKNYjwo/s768/GS-P1440324PickUpLitter.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaBqoVardYcITJNAQdnjxF2tAndZg5OYiZMXIspu5Lr7XMnwVMYgtAZoW67zJcQX-tdztxDHBCla5sm3iWQf8guyk9pTVWvfXA7ChDMpnW301AToHERLcMyuSvby87dgmstM3JKNYjwo/w640-h480/GS-P1440324PickUpLitter.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Another Leave No Trace principle is to 'Dispose of Waste Properly'. This is in line with the Keep Singapore Clean mantra. Uncle Hang Chong modelled this behaviour by picking up banana peel litter and binning it. In the context of outdoor camping, this principle will require people to pack up their trash to take away with them, bury their faeces, w</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">ash things about 70 m (200 feet) away from water sources to prevent pollution, amongst other measures. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBIqaWjnMU3GjrGyalxJP_c1Uja0OXQdCukRUfeMPFjSxTF7IBMXW58N5wKiEsGiNYR_zRX9Ej7-W7Wo7yE6KliJwFJfUX9nIZ8Vvd6CqB-r-fq5QPtiQtraiDfg3KrX3ZSRHspFU0nc/s768/P1440329EquipmentChoice.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBIqaWjnMU3GjrGyalxJP_c1Uja0OXQdCukRUfeMPFjSxTF7IBMXW58N5wKiEsGiNYR_zRX9Ej7-W7Wo7yE6KliJwFJfUX9nIZ8Vvd6CqB-r-fq5QPtiQtraiDfg3KrX3ZSRHspFU0nc/w640-h480/P1440329EquipmentChoice.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Uncle Hang Chong took out a variety of objects from his backpack including a torchlight, magnifying glass, magnetic compass, insect repellent, rain gear, map etc. Every kid chose an item and Uncle Hang Chong proceeded to explain each object's use in an outdoor trip. He was also demonstrating another Leave No Trace principle of 'Plan Ahead and Prepare'. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi3z175aTEv1HUWqEcWy7cdMustMxs5gsJ9kcBjDZBY1YZX3bXE4vZApMCPNt0UJRou28AlGZ3Kw_njwr4txh1zNvUte2TO5gNreycDcuBvETeV12Ksx6Yaiu_GmupGQwxe525MLHiIc/s654/P1440340StorkbilledKF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="654" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi3z175aTEv1HUWqEcWy7cdMustMxs5gsJ9kcBjDZBY1YZX3bXE4vZApMCPNt0UJRou28AlGZ3Kw_njwr4txh1zNvUte2TO5gNreycDcuBvETeV12Ksx6Yaiu_GmupGQwxe525MLHiIc/w640-h606/P1440340StorkbilledKF.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">One parent spotted a bird which Auntie Gloria identified as the majestic Stork-billed Kingfisher, the largest of nine kingfishers found in Singapore. This was a welcome break to appreciate wildlife living in the great outdoors. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xjeZix4vLfB6o4On1ksWVA3WiZwTeNlLB6GqqL2MPsKcuMlajpMYDDMmBjwza5IVBANbXN7xOEREIpPkad1kntMk8eNJ_mGQqL8RTj7Dtewh2OWJi5rmSqj4KfH-kpdtNovQ7cOukLY/s768/P1440345OutdoorPrinciples.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xjeZix4vLfB6o4On1ksWVA3WiZwTeNlLB6GqqL2MPsKcuMlajpMYDDMmBjwza5IVBANbXN7xOEREIpPkad1kntMk8eNJ_mGQqL8RTj7Dtewh2OWJi5rmSqj4KfH-kpdtNovQ7cOukLY/w640-h480/P1440345OutdoorPrinciples.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><br /></div><div>Uncle Hang Chong then played a game with the kids, getting them to sort through photos and cluster them under the correct Leave No Trace principles they represent. Read more about the seven principles at https://www.bigfoottrail.org/route/leave-no-trace/. </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-64343355031869408312021-01-31T04:38:00.001-08:002021-01-31T04:38:44.885-08:00NSS Kids’ Fun with Butterflies at Ubin Butterfly Hill<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #26282a;">By Gloria Seow, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: verdana;">Education Committee </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: verdana;">Vice Chairperson</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyc6lGDUu3X0uFLu5Per3m96I9Gm3EGD3O4YPos9JZyj-oA9udlnnLTUQ8TBhd69Jr_eOCob7UuG8JCtwMstVQ3mli509kUiPk92T3-h5gLSK7XmCw532dmTMMZRVlFo1saniCbGGp1I/s721/DSCN4472TortoiseBeetleNymph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="721" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyc6lGDUu3X0uFLu5Per3m96I9Gm3EGD3O4YPos9JZyj-oA9udlnnLTUQ8TBhd69Jr_eOCob7UuG8JCtwMstVQ3mli509kUiPk92T3-h5gLSK7XmCw532dmTMMZRVlFo1saniCbGGp1I/w640-h490/DSCN4472TortoiseBeetleNymph.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">On the fine morning of 14 July 2019, Auntie Lena Chow led us on a butterfly and insect walk at Pulau Ubin's Butterfly Hill. Our first find was the nymph of the Tortoise Beetle looking all prickly. There were a number of these larvae but no sign of any adults.</p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCWNWmib01j7RO83mLAhuTbEOeyJ0o8un3bU5qusrLjttB9esfw43AVELwzGbxpqb16rfZps0R007E_PLfm3AIU4KvJ5EIK0IOweDK5bcw-6S8TmAiFcmRkQ7IkTyGLKpavfzIeHoTHQ/s769/DSCN4478LadyBug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="608" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCWNWmib01j7RO83mLAhuTbEOeyJ0o8un3bU5qusrLjttB9esfw43AVELwzGbxpqb16rfZps0R007E_PLfm3AIU4KvJ5EIK0IOweDK5bcw-6S8TmAiFcmRkQ7IkTyGLKpavfzIeHoTHQ/w506-h640/DSCN4478LadyBug.JPG" width="506" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kids and parents were equally thrilled to see a Ladybug/Ladybird (species unidentified) hiding under a leaf. There are about 5,000 species of ladybugs in the world. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRoJW0sxsa2avY1p58Hyo5zYNdM2e9PDfSEsq7pZn26ubz-n8-bcQs2sBLA6MAWOt7KuRk78cXUkU60p6gTzmwTqTqrXWgJV9Esx0NocR1_ME0-6Xk5P5ivsq00LnpJmdE5U6GMe_rn4/s680/DSCN4486BambooTreeBrown%2528Lethe+europa+malaya%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="680" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRoJW0sxsa2avY1p58Hyo5zYNdM2e9PDfSEsq7pZn26ubz-n8-bcQs2sBLA6MAWOt7KuRk78cXUkU60p6gTzmwTqTqrXWgJV9Esx0NocR1_ME0-6Xk5P5ivsq00LnpJmdE5U6GMe_rn4/w640-h554/DSCN4486BambooTreeBrown%2528Lethe+europa+malaya%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We were fortunate to see the rare Bamboo Tree Brown </span>(<i>Lethe europa malaya</i>)<span style="font-family: verdana;">, spotted by Auntie Gloria who happened to have just read about it on a nearby information board. Its host plant is the </span>bamboo that is cultivated in lowland areas. This butterfly is usually seen during the rainy season. According to www.butterflycircle.com, only a handful of sightings have been recorded in the past decade, including at Khatib Bongsu, Sime Forest and the Singapore Botanic Gardens.</div><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG71LgKsMUnwB4Oqh1Sr-ShcLiAAC3SitB2t0TyI5WFdRuSkjmMB3yZiMcFGn6o5ThTftFNn0LydPLtzd1tNlKaIIRkphyphenhyphen2_CyYFWFP3lPoHrGwAvT_0zhhAeGeVoTPdSqbo4G8gDgDLA/s782/DSCN4488BlueGlassyTiger+%2528Ideopsis+vulgaris+macrina%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="782" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG71LgKsMUnwB4Oqh1Sr-ShcLiAAC3SitB2t0TyI5WFdRuSkjmMB3yZiMcFGn6o5ThTftFNn0LydPLtzd1tNlKaIIRkphyphenhyphen2_CyYFWFP3lPoHrGwAvT_0zhhAeGeVoTPdSqbo4G8gDgDLA/w640-h434/DSCN4488BlueGlassyTiger+%2528Ideopsis+vulgaris+macrina%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Butterfly Hill is planted with the host and nectar plants of many butterfly species. We found t</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">hree Blue Glassy Tigers (<i>Ideopsis vulgaris macrina</i>) </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">and a Dark Glassy Tiger </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(<i>Parantica agleoides agleoides - </i></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">3rd from left) actively feeding. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-imXhw5a4QmdsuH_fe69r8u5qfj_nJ8frex2XiFET8-ZA2GASPyBd7VRuSEAZ5Aj-ymrRiYumqQB9O2osGmvACQx45pu2c5-jXVKq_-PUUIujKL3bfSn3LZvVRHzv92H99aQdvdbjPTo/s682/DSCN4497SpiderWasp+Family+Pompilidae.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="682" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-imXhw5a4QmdsuH_fe69r8u5qfj_nJ8frex2XiFET8-ZA2GASPyBd7VRuSEAZ5Aj-ymrRiYumqQB9O2osGmvACQx45pu2c5-jXVKq_-PUUIujKL3bfSn3LZvVRHzv92H99aQdvdbjPTo/w640-h482/DSCN4497SpiderWasp+Family+Pompilidae.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We came across this striking Spider Wasp from the <i>Pompilidae </i>family</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnTQR7Xi7OdEJaigcO8ti33L63PIAWuWP22V42H6s7474ivgujWBVz2odyjxS9BeD8PEBat9S8IjBuXEpYYMbDM3FMldPqWeucKSZVzIinbUrtRUec84VdpnlvPxVmlK6cpiZr4sRAFw/s851/DSCN4509Common+Tiger+%2528Danaus+genutia+genutia%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnTQR7Xi7OdEJaigcO8ti33L63PIAWuWP22V42H6s7474ivgujWBVz2odyjxS9BeD8PEBat9S8IjBuXEpYYMbDM3FMldPqWeucKSZVzIinbUrtRUec84VdpnlvPxVmlK6cpiZr4sRAFw/w422-h640/DSCN4509Common+Tiger+%2528Danaus+genutia+genutia%2529.JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Common Tiger (<i>Danaus genutia genutia</i>) feeding on the nectar of the Blue Snakeweed (<i>Stachytarpheta indica (L.) Vahl</i>). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V3xBgVB5pN1HZWUU5dTvgGHtBckyc07YAZKOhvvcUU3-N8vwqIZcLOWdAp5ykFm7ZZHlLvXAqrsexbVWGpVNcWlKVi4NaXFHAL0sAVHIXz5a4gNEkZflh50nR6tso2rkb_SqXrGSvIs/s728/DSCN4543TawnyCoster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="728" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V3xBgVB5pN1HZWUU5dTvgGHtBckyc07YAZKOhvvcUU3-N8vwqIZcLOWdAp5ykFm7ZZHlLvXAqrsexbVWGpVNcWlKVi4NaXFHAL0sAVHIXz5a4gNEkZflh50nR6tso2rkb_SqXrGSvIs/w640-h460/DSCN4543TawnyCoster.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Tawny Coster </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(<i>Acraea terpsicore</i>) is a common butterfly that can be seen all over Singapore. This butterfly's southward expansion to Singapore from India took place over a span of 30 odd years. It was first recorded here in 2006. Due to the commonness of its host plant and weed <i>Passiflora foetida</i>, it is now widespread across the island and of course has arrived in Pulau Ubin. Here, it is seen feeding on the <i>Bidens pilosa.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4E9BTn7rrwyRJIpsxed6mexs6CtspzYtLEB-s-LHO9x1hUbshATQft1pgsOxbeMIAC9WDKWi1KYDCRc8swjIWMxRFWwdvXNHSxw7EiNekpCThbcaHPP8Wd-nSXD4kVEd4dSOG1uh5c2A/s737/DSCN4528CapeGooseberryPhysalis+peruviana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="737" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4E9BTn7rrwyRJIpsxed6mexs6CtspzYtLEB-s-LHO9x1hUbshATQft1pgsOxbeMIAC9WDKWi1KYDCRc8swjIWMxRFWwdvXNHSxw7EiNekpCThbcaHPP8Wd-nSXD4kVEd4dSOG1uh5c2A/w640-h480/DSCN4528CapeGooseberryPhysalis+peruviana.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some of us stayed back after the walk and explored a nearby area of Ubin where we found the Wild Cape Gooseberry/Bladder Cherry (<i>Physalis minima</i>) </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">looking like an elaborate lantern. It is a most attractive weed, and its orange berry is edible when ripe. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTP3SL3UhAbB7evsGbPgNlB42YbrZxHC8ZMFS1aeCCTzcCMsjyL8eUhnmRhgNSspbu39U__lYNB3zl4NiG8xn9KiLodQ1UTCFguI8Gf8IE3URFFppUEtvCOZGFedTt_LEsdogPdVFxIs/s829/DSCN4535CastorOilPlant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="829" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTP3SL3UhAbB7evsGbPgNlB42YbrZxHC8ZMFS1aeCCTzcCMsjyL8eUhnmRhgNSspbu39U__lYNB3zl4NiG8xn9KiLodQ1UTCFguI8Gf8IE3URFFppUEtvCOZGFedTt_LEsdogPdVFxIs/w640-h480/DSCN4535CastorOilPlant.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We also found the Castor Oil Plant (<i>Ricinus communis</i>) </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">growing wild. Its seed is used to produce castor oil. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: DengXian; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></p></div>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-70965828525301203152021-01-31T03:02:00.000-08:002021-01-31T03:02:10.126-08:00NSS Kids' Fun with Marine Life at Changi Beach<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #26282a;">By Gloria Seow, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-size: 14.85px;">Education Committee </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-size: 14.85px;">Vice Chairperson</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGjgeZhbHm92L2rOD4ednhyphenhyphenPyX6pxFOXzyb9lpHJrUYJok6yA7pDTHbNFqNxuEip2yNdxw7GGRE-kpHXeNkx81kLDS5XD9yU2NKojM9GBSgw9O4Usu9x5s1-wIlzguThChzL_8TvokxU/s663/DSCN3982MarcusBriefing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="663" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGjgeZhbHm92L2rOD4ednhyphenhyphenPyX6pxFOXzyb9lpHJrUYJok6yA7pDTHbNFqNxuEip2yNdxw7GGRE-kpHXeNkx81kLDS5XD9yU2NKojM9GBSgw9O4Usu9x5s1-wIlzguThChzL_8TvokxU/w640-h480/DSCN3982MarcusBriefing.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We gathered bright and early on 8 June 2019 at Changi Beach. Uncle Marcus Ng was our guide, assisted by Auntie Lena Chow. As advised by Auntie Gloria, all of us were togged out in covered shoes. Uncle Marcus even came in long sleeves and pants, a precaution against vicious sandflies. We avoided the use of insect repellent as we were entering the water and it would injure marine life. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0gNYWtOeM8Ba2YwQn7NP_gBe-6EPIAgG749xqX1AgL1rIShuBXG87vOenoUrdUv3uA8UCv3jPQdPOcCOh7vBem1gjJ3BQIY8rYNVCXO66YdeA0cwGvcvBzbIcN2gHpeaCCYqcr463Hw/s746/DSCN3999ChangiSeagrass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="746" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0gNYWtOeM8Ba2YwQn7NP_gBe-6EPIAgG749xqX1AgL1rIShuBXG87vOenoUrdUv3uA8UCv3jPQdPOcCOh7vBem1gjJ3BQIY8rYNVCXO66YdeA0cwGvcvBzbIcN2gHpeaCCYqcr463Hw/w640-h480/DSCN3999ChangiSeagrass.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The inviting expanse of the seagrass bed, exposed by the low tide, teems with intertidal life. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBLgSLlJ1rgRA1L1nB0v3UULzZc_kwakOwxnP35m4oKCh82VFmmbOoWg0keWV_HSvSOCKBo3TPNlUmYf5ai_HzO1WTaV6i0Jhyb6l40uMDNod1gfx7qam6RTgDiH1tApZTVummzPXmbQ/s688/DSCN4005NobleVolute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="688" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBLgSLlJ1rgRA1L1nB0v3UULzZc_kwakOwxnP35m4oKCh82VFmmbOoWg0keWV_HSvSOCKBo3TPNlUmYf5ai_HzO1WTaV6i0Jhyb6l40uMDNod1gfx7qam6RTgDiH1tApZTVummzPXmbQ/w640-h620/DSCN4005NobleVolute.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is always a delight to find the Noble Volute, a gorgeous snail with zig-zag markings on its attractive shell. Its body is largely black with orange spots. As a predator, it feeds on clams. It has a restricted range of only Singapore and Malaysia as it does not have a free-swimming larval form (conducive to being carried by sea currents). As such, the Noble Volute is vulnerable to over collection. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even when dead, its shell is useful, serving as homes for large hermit crabs. Hence, we should not collect shells from seashores as we would be depriving hermit crabs of suitable abodes.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByyUsaM44N32nS5XRAaxCeQyLAYDgcY1IpzZghTc8FdsPPL0VlgTgZ2Ic9s-GR914Db0LdOEZP9d8p6DARxYEsTZaDJnRFX5b-3k-MmIRtQ0FW29toJpFp0w3LRf13RjYNRutaeCLGRE/s650/DSCN4021BiscuitSeaStar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="650" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByyUsaM44N32nS5XRAaxCeQyLAYDgcY1IpzZghTc8FdsPPL0VlgTgZ2Ic9s-GR914Db0LdOEZP9d8p6DARxYEsTZaDJnRFX5b-3k-MmIRtQ0FW29toJpFp0w3LRf13RjYNRutaeCLGRE/w640-h568/DSCN4021BiscuitSeaStar.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tiny Biscuit Sea Stars are relatively common on the seagrass beds. Larger ones are usually found on coral rubble.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY2DKbnr-AdaXQ8fknFAertVzfZOSGKl_ofGTXI-OTciAeZ2ohhVv0lCIowA6ppmNCqE4vh-pGZKu_v7dpb9NiymHj2_X3ydZG3V-I_RWPlJbDeRxiyRf7c6ON4gQCFokuvC45v8-WZ4/s666/DSCN3995BiscuitStarUpsideDown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="666" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY2DKbnr-AdaXQ8fknFAertVzfZOSGKl_ofGTXI-OTciAeZ2ohhVv0lCIowA6ppmNCqE4vh-pGZKu_v7dpb9NiymHj2_X3ydZG3V-I_RWPlJbDeRxiyRf7c6ON4gQCFokuvC45v8-WZ4/w640-h552/DSCN3995BiscuitStarUpsideDown.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The underside of the Biscuit Sea Star has orange tube feet tipped with suckers.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkmIq9tGjjo1fb2_aC4zokawWgjafNf7fgRFVXhvYZf2yDvalvD6syIWDqXYDP6pSpzjt_hRd1oPQ_lKAKXfHi4b92OvLeVbpLlSj0BiACpOimmD5yHEtLlEG1LSkYmb9RgNL5MxHjf8/s655/DSCN4038WhiteSeaUrchin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="655" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkmIq9tGjjo1fb2_aC4zokawWgjafNf7fgRFVXhvYZf2yDvalvD6syIWDqXYDP6pSpzjt_hRd1oPQ_lKAKXfHi4b92OvLeVbpLlSj0BiACpOimmD5yHEtLlEG1LSkYmb9RgNL5MxHjf8/w640-h534/DSCN4038WhiteSeaUrchin.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">White Salmacis Urchin with short and sharp spines. It feeds on seaweed. This sea urchin can quickly gather various items, including seaweed and shell, to cover itself as a form of camouflage.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5pP5MuAwkxf7f4Dvtb7bXT3BxeYCFb7oSXkt4W4IaISyOx7WTMemhT1WNPleKn8tFYIxhiosvWE3pOn2dXtWrT70SxmBZwB104abf_IPZJQssySMvqHthD-WAzIlAofgMXIarBTL9L0/s663/DSCN4012HermitCrab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="663" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5pP5MuAwkxf7f4Dvtb7bXT3BxeYCFb7oSXkt4W4IaISyOx7WTMemhT1WNPleKn8tFYIxhiosvWE3pOn2dXtWrT70SxmBZwB104abf_IPZJQssySMvqHthD-WAzIlAofgMXIarBTL9L0/w640-h480/DSCN4012HermitCrab.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">A hermit crab sitting on Mermaid's Fan Seaweed. This seaweed can be eaten and is used as animal feed, fertiliser and traditional medicine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQraEL4-r5jcvN-i258Di2mlMO64mVRcStr-raaOBkfXA7UxQNKFHuj41Ewaq0dZgwBnGGJp1rKRlLZOLXvyrUcuWdcW6BhdinVJXr3vWbMdGo86zeDYFdVysJYUL5hNW92RqliTJSpQM/s729/DSCN4020Shrimp%2526BiscuitSeaStar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="729" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQraEL4-r5jcvN-i258Di2mlMO64mVRcStr-raaOBkfXA7UxQNKFHuj41Ewaq0dZgwBnGGJp1rKRlLZOLXvyrUcuWdcW6BhdinVJXr3vWbMdGo86zeDYFdVysJYUL5hNW92RqliTJSpQM/w640-h436/DSCN4020Shrimp%2526BiscuitSeaStar.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">An unidentified shrimp.<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhtxF50WwSQrPSH4udbbhdgmWmBZAVci5FgPCAhrU-dRQZbaOzpcJsAxIvc4GxGRSMWwoY9GT5RaNQMj2uvPCPk6-4mGracMb0szvXXrkHoRfTPuQ_89Q4CJ0HaqjgNiBrxrch8nq_t0/s716/DSCN3988+elbow+crab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="716" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhtxF50WwSQrPSH4udbbhdgmWmBZAVci5FgPCAhrU-dRQZbaOzpcJsAxIvc4GxGRSMWwoY9GT5RaNQMj2uvPCPk6-4mGracMb0szvXXrkHoRfTPuQ_89Q4CJ0HaqjgNiBrxrch8nq_t0/w640-h462/DSCN3988+elbow+crab.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A gangly-looking Elbow Crab with enormous pincers many times longer than its body.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhkn9XO5DpA9y4a9fkmtbNh729-GZOwptl5fHc1ONFTkimoG9EXEz-B61SU2snp_m4mZj9QxjOI6n6HwTGeTsXic5Gd2DWdki0JNTIOw4H4cqfJKclQMwm2p-n0GLkJ4SxXPcnv9-dMc/s663/DSCN4037GiantCarpetAnemoneBallSeaCucumber.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="663" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhkn9XO5DpA9y4a9fkmtbNh729-GZOwptl5fHc1ONFTkimoG9EXEz-B61SU2snp_m4mZj9QxjOI6n6HwTGeTsXic5Gd2DWdki0JNTIOw4H4cqfJKclQMwm2p-n0GLkJ4SxXPcnv9-dMc/w640-h480/DSCN4037GiantCarpetAnemoneBallSeaCucumber.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Haddon's Carpet Anemone with Ball Sea Cucumber and Pink Warty Sea Cucumber.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_alN34OlE21CXc2FrHFi9t9I0YShVnGxJOm8N72DzwPKYXeoXMMEHl20waNA8PZTuz2QOhMgFFFUINGvupcSJ938QrcL2g1AfrLjDBf8Inu-pdup0q4JCjSI58eR4zGiN4BdZus1fTrU/s641/DSCN4041GumDropAscidians.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="641" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_alN34OlE21CXc2FrHFi9t9I0YShVnGxJOm8N72DzwPKYXeoXMMEHl20waNA8PZTuz2QOhMgFFFUINGvupcSJ938QrcL2g1AfrLjDBf8Inu-pdup0q4JCjSI58eR4zGiN4BdZus1fTrU/w640-h552/DSCN4041GumDropAscidians.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Green Gum Drops Ascidians clinging onto seagrass. Each 'drop' comprises many zooids embedded in a common tissue. </span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p1qQr2-H5qTrOJOR7Jfvtnp_dcKc8ANPiWCITLcnjgtpPaoPrl8NAkJRyDxm61oE5ZJjF22AuOuMWzO1iWaGducatXHARgDdinAu8I7QnVHTqFfoJXJzarE6DOALi8n7n9Ye-rg8o88/s885/DSCN4077MantisShrimpGS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="885" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p1qQr2-H5qTrOJOR7Jfvtnp_dcKc8ANPiWCITLcnjgtpPaoPrl8NAkJRyDxm61oE5ZJjF22AuOuMWzO1iWaGducatXHARgDdinAu8I7QnVHTqFfoJXJzarE6DOALi8n7n9Ye-rg8o88/w640-h394/DSCN4077MantisShrimpGS.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our best find of the day is the Spearer Mantis Shrimp, a formidable predator. On the left is its armoured tail while its head is partially hidden. Its huge pincers are akin to that of the Praying Mantis, hence its name. As a spearer, it has sharp spines on its pincers that attack at lightening speed to impale darting prey like fish and prawns. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OtkF4G5qmywvAdNwlXi-DDSP259lFKoBWXbGsSdimWX7hePmVPIrsO_g_BbyoeagGooDlBYHs33AFzmr3O8wSrLASLXZqD-UvVgmNvUpL79v3wfpkmOOlEI4-qzG-jzlERcZS9XEWhY/s752/DSCN4079MoonSnail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="752" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OtkF4G5qmywvAdNwlXi-DDSP259lFKoBWXbGsSdimWX7hePmVPIrsO_g_BbyoeagGooDlBYHs33AFzmr3O8wSrLASLXZqD-UvVgmNvUpL79v3wfpkmOOlEI4-qzG-jzlERcZS9XEWhY/w640-h488/DSCN4079MoonSnail.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Miliaris Cowrie with its mantle showing. The mantle can cover the shell completely such that it resembles a sea slug. The shell is glossy smooth and not encrusted because of the enveloping mantle. As a special organ, the mantle deposits a layer of pearl-like substance, and is responsible for the cowrie's colour, pattern and shell repair. The mantle also enlarges the shell. When threatened, the mantle retracts into the shell</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></div><div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><br /></div></div></div>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-63788043320475821652019-05-11T01:47:00.001-07:002019-05-11T02:05:19.585-07:00NSS Kid’s Fun with the Shorebirds of Sungei Buloh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">By Gloria Seow, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">Education Committee </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">Vice Chairperson </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83lukU8XAk1fPyn8uK58HJFB1p9_ZXpZcGTARtPYUMhhPHLF5M0hVeYX7a_FDeB8agyTwobvP7swdf0AYKZySjZofaYvkD-TTI1LIOMFS6YfhFs7my9wqc0p5KWb6RcAAQ4c-161xf5U/s1600/DSCN3580BatColony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="883" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83lukU8XAk1fPyn8uK58HJFB1p9_ZXpZcGTARtPYUMhhPHLF5M0hVeYX7a_FDeB8agyTwobvP7swdf0AYKZySjZofaYvkD-TTI1LIOMFS6YfhFs7my9wqc0p5KWb6RcAAQ4c-161xf5U/s640/DSCN3580BatColony.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This contingent of Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat (<i>Cynopterus brachyotis</i>) is always reliably present at the entrance of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to greet us each time we visit. They made no exception on 13 April 2019 when Uncle Ding Li guided us on our morning walk. We were there to bid adieu to the shorebirds before they embark on a long flight back to Siberia, Japan or China where they will raise a new brood. However, we were too late. Perhaps due to climate change which messes up the seasonal temperature differential (hot becomes hotter and cold becomes colder), practically all the migratory shorebirds had flown. Thankfully, we still had plenty to see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Malayan Water Monitor (<i>Varanus salvator</i>) is another denizen that is easily observable at Buloh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Instead of brownish squat shorebirds, we encountered good numbers of whitish leggy birds that were harmoniously feeding together: Little Egrets (<i>Egretta garzetta</i>), Cattle Egrets (<i>Bubulcus ibis</i>), Intermediate Egrets (<i>Ardea intermedia</i>), Painted Storks (<i>Mycteria leucocephala</i>), Milky Storks (<i>Mycteria cinerea</i>) and Grey Herons (<i>Ardea cinerea</i>). The Little Egret is generally migratory, but small groups are known to stay the summer in Singapore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">More white birds feeding. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQgml2D82xYAv1m3hd2J5Qg7aJLuZ9Xta27SYHvDPui6RSDNcWzwo_st8tvIANCRN05FdtQxShiC0-AWg6v7cyYTIr8hSKioxgN-W857LqMl32e0_zE7FTdZL9iHZkEFC3CJj6RHP26s/s1600/DSCN3593SpottedScat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="853" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQgml2D82xYAv1m3hd2J5Qg7aJLuZ9Xta27SYHvDPui6RSDNcWzwo_st8tvIANCRN05FdtQxShiC0-AWg6v7cyYTIr8hSKioxgN-W857LqMl32e0_zE7FTdZL9iHZkEFC3CJj6RHP26s/s640/DSCN3593SpottedScat.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Spotted Scat (<i>Scatophagus argus</i>), along with other fishes, likes to hang around under the Main Bridge that spans Sungei Buloh (i.e. Buloh River). Its name 'scatophagus' means 'faeces eater', a clue to its diet which includes the droppings of animals, on top of detritus, algae, worms, insects and crustaceans. Anglers like to catch adults as table fish or keep juveniles in aquariums. The Spotted Scat can tolerate fresh, brackish and marine water.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpCpROAamsQorgYRf5h-KqJjWVN2nGwRbKMAt9ZJsGl97DBEX1oKLvYqODdBWF3e4qviUf5TPPXMkebXn0aMHC1eRAbsTPzusvcOAMA2FBO5O2FGjm6rJyseBGo6rCDMuAFWe6RVjgas/s1600/DSCN3600SpottheCroc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="694" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpCpROAamsQorgYRf5h-KqJjWVN2nGwRbKMAt9ZJsGl97DBEX1oKLvYqODdBWF3e4qviUf5TPPXMkebXn0aMHC1eRAbsTPzusvcOAMA2FBO5O2FGjm6rJyseBGo6rCDMuAFWe6RVjgas/s640/DSCN3600SpottheCroc.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do you sense danger lurking? This Saltwater Crocodile (<i>Crocodylus porosus</i>) was just off the main path, cooling off in the water barely 3 m from our group. One cannot be too complacent around crocodiles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was quite amusing to see white birds lining the entire length of a stream that cuts through this patch of mudflat. The round depressions in the foreground is likely made by Giant Mudskipper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">An iridescent Cuckoo Wasp, the size of a housefly, was buzzing around in the mangrove swamp. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There were many Tree-climbing Crabs (<i>Episesarma spp</i>) that were barely noticeable, going about their lives stealthily amongst the roots and trunks of the mangrove trees. There is also a Lined Nerite Snail (<i>Nerita articulata</i>) in this photo. It is possibly the most widely-distributed of Singapore's nerites, abundantly found on seawalls, canals and mangrove trees. It feeds on algae. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUXrYhh7C_BGAfqXQ4tFyBeByF8rztsJSo20n3h69rbX4D3zwLFoP5jucEGwIr4gO9KrpgqCDDHP03GO-4_RabuA6u38VEQaOm88MK-rsYwHlC4Y6kRFyzGoyYd7E-dK5kYuH70lxXyY/s1600/DSCN3620CrocLog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="1018" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUXrYhh7C_BGAfqXQ4tFyBeByF8rztsJSo20n3h69rbX4D3zwLFoP5jucEGwIr4gO9KrpgqCDDHP03GO-4_RabuA6u38VEQaOm88MK-rsYwHlC4Y6kRFyzGoyYd7E-dK5kYuH70lxXyY/s640/DSCN3620CrocLog.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We ended our walk back at the Main Bridge where another Saltwater Crocodile graced the mudflats with its presence. Crocodiles are crowd favourites, and this one prompted a good deal of finger pointing and camera snapping. </span>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-53487932089660233542019-05-11T00:31:00.001-07:002019-05-11T02:31:12.294-07:00NSS Kids’ Fun with Marine Life at Sentosa’s Natural Shore<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">By Gloria Seow, Education Committee Vice Chairperson </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photos by Lena Chow</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi3r5jkhrJexqA-23WLevMPi-n2G3gIDHBAf0J5VLMGePtkgASgb3A6_Dmc3_9kK1nWd3hR7ln5RN0Te4fMCb0CZTiN75C1RmABIco7mTe83pz3olVsBoZ5kc-WYs1y3JRi9hFOfzm6w/s1600/MarcusGroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi3r5jkhrJexqA-23WLevMPi-n2G3gIDHBAf0J5VLMGePtkgASgb3A6_Dmc3_9kK1nWd3hR7ln5RN0Te4fMCb0CZTiN75C1RmABIco7mTe83pz3olVsBoZ5kc-WYs1y3JRi9hFOfzm6w/s640/MarcusGroup.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our favourite shore guide Uncle Marcus Ng wowed us with the marine life at Sentosa’s natural shore in Tanjong Rimau on 24 November 2018. Setting off from the cable car station, we skirted the periphery of Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort to access this stretch of rocky beach where our exploration began. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) standing erect amidst clumps of seaweed and corals exposed by the receding waters. This sponge is maroon to pinkish in colour and has a cavity in the centre that makes it a ready receptacle for animals to take refuge in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">This amazing shoreline brims with life, from colourful </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">corals to crabs, fishes, molluscs and more. We are always motivated by the possibility of new discoveries carried in by the tides. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIiWT_44rVKGyJub_wOoSoDxpFTPc4WWn022kEE93szHFK3oLc0oG0DhMEa118kBp67jUJLix2CbO9dkVWMKtSNgaCaWmIjETR6MrLXa9PaLlHCzwg5hulModk6oks7u64shRiGxhffM/s1600/GiantCarpetAnemone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIiWT_44rVKGyJub_wOoSoDxpFTPc4WWn022kEE93szHFK3oLc0oG0DhMEa118kBp67jUJLix2CbO9dkVWMKtSNgaCaWmIjETR6MrLXa9PaLlHCzwg5hulModk6oks7u64shRiGxhffM/s640/GiantCarpetAnemone.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The Giant Carpet Anemone is made up of masses of swaying tentacles that host </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">symbiotic single-celled algae called zooxanthellae. Food produced by </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">zooxanthellae</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">photosynthesis </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">is shared with the host. Carpet anemones supplement their diet by trapping fine particles, but do not eat large animals. If you look closely, you might find </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Peacock-tail Anemone Shrimp (<i>Periclimines brevicarpalis</i>) or False Clown Fish (<i>Amphiprion ocellaris, </i>or simply 'Nemo') amidst the tentacles. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0nrjDiB3xv5khzyd6VxP8956NUAeStZh-M0RY36yHfw3-eg_8cqxFTnv4RQ7AudiLYNjFyr14Uqhk1WzOFNNeH0KvKnkRICSg69pcG0NWTN4F2VVBQCPuU_5BaF6u9hefY3iVLdb2Z0/s1600/PolkadotNudibranchJorunna+funebris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0nrjDiB3xv5khzyd6VxP8956NUAeStZh-M0RY36yHfw3-eg_8cqxFTnv4RQ7AudiLYNjFyr14Uqhk1WzOFNNeH0KvKnkRICSg69pcG0NWTN4F2VVBQCPuU_5BaF6u9hefY3iVLdb2Z0/s640/PolkadotNudibranchJorunna+funebris.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Nudibranch means "naked gills" and there are about 3,000 species in the world today. We came across the dapper Polka-dot Nudibranch (<i>Jorunna funebris</i>), a handsome blob at 5 cm long with feathery gills on its back. It </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">feeds on </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">a blue sponge (<i>Neopetrosia spp</i>). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">This is an odd flattened view of the Ornate Leaf Slug (<i>Elysia ornata</i>) with its 'wings' or parapodia fully obscuring its head and long body. Usually, it appears slug-like with parapodia that ripple with each passing wave. It is fairly well camouflaged against what it feeds on - the Hairy green seaweed (<i>Bryopsis spp</i>), which gives it a greenish coloration that varies between individuals. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJr8a_DOjfVDCOHBoezKGyxXuRc8Wa_J_m8u60hTRP4go4RqPXgCLnsTPFEdgeO7CqGNDAV5BkWWUyvTa7ycs7VI8mmH32oCPUbbqYtRkz2QRvddYoi14dn_gvtAbKQhnjccjKBvMano/s1600/OmeletteLeatherySoftCoral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJr8a_DOjfVDCOHBoezKGyxXuRc8Wa_J_m8u60hTRP4go4RqPXgCLnsTPFEdgeO7CqGNDAV5BkWWUyvTa7ycs7VI8mmH32oCPUbbqYtRkz2QRvddYoi14dn_gvtAbKQhnjccjKBvMano/s640/OmeletteLeatherySoftCoral.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Does this coral resemble a fried egg? It is called the Omelette Leathery Soft Coral. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Unfortunately, halfway through the walk, we were chased away by a Sentosa ranger. He claimed that we needed a permit from Sentosa to be there. There was no such requirement in the past. Such bureaucracy is uncalled for as we were simply accessing a public area. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; text-align: center;">Perhaps the best solution is to construct a proper footpath at the hotel's periphery </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; text-align: center;">for the public, to eliminate any possibility of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; text-align: center;">trespassing into hotel grounds. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-12114684533521943132019-05-01T03:47:00.000-07:002019-05-11T02:05:53.756-07:00NSS Kids’ Fun with Rainforest Life at Rifle Range Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">By Jake Liew, aged 11 (and Gloria Seow)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Photos by Gloria Seow, Vice Chairperson Education Committee, Nature Society (Singapore)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">At the very end of Rifle Range Road, past the Rifle Range
Military Camp, down a long and windy road, the NSS kids and our parents assembled on 24 February 2019. Our guides were Uncle Si Guim and
Auntie Gloria.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6t2tChmaerHjcgSIZwfU52QUnrbMLLKuOi3rjarjCdQMRQ4auly1hyu63QIffMMIJBXHiQEO-Vtwuhwxs1l9I7tyqSH0OdoQSWYRo0zVHkZcOzvSI5o7m6t2lPvgZ-kJuZFChcAaAAM/s1600/DSCN3292YoungMacaquePair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="917" height="623" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6t2tChmaerHjcgSIZwfU52QUnrbMLLKuOi3rjarjCdQMRQ4auly1hyu63QIffMMIJBXHiQEO-Vtwuhwxs1l9I7tyqSH0OdoQSWYRo0zVHkZcOzvSI5o7m6t2lPvgZ-kJuZFChcAaAAM/s640/DSCN3292YoungMacaquePair.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A group of noisy monkeys greeted us at our meeting point.
They were adept at foraging for leftover food in the garbage bins. McDonald’s breakfast seemed to be the order of the day. Their after-meal antics were fairly entertaining - climbing onto the roofs of parked vans, shimmying down to the ground, and
leaping from one vehicle to another. Later on, we came across another troop in the forest behaving more naturally, like the two babies in this photo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RKE5J7P1-tKl4UyFHEXJz1MNfCGzRbjG6kuAYt3xMvA1ykay2ZkG_nPK0KXcOlDNhx-Yfnt4LwG52-RL68U3d1dTN3itsXK07GDlFD4yVzLCkGYtcVEAgOJVXO6EtSoNdKn8zRPvKYY/s1600/DSCN3253DragonFlyTreeHugger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="858" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RKE5J7P1-tKl4UyFHEXJz1MNfCGzRbjG6kuAYt3xMvA1ykay2ZkG_nPK0KXcOlDNhx-Yfnt4LwG52-RL68U3d1dTN3itsXK07GDlFD4yVzLCkGYtcVEAgOJVXO6EtSoNdKn8zRPvKYY/s640/DSCN3253DragonFlyTreeHugger.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Auntie Gloria pointed out the distinctive Treehugger Dragonfly (<i>Tyriobapta torrida </i>- photo above). Commonly seen in the Central Catchment area, this territorial dragonfly prefers shaded spots and breeds in forest streams. Its perch is vertical on tree trunks (giving it its name) or on rocks at eye level, affording it good views of its surrounding as it hunts for midges and other insects. This dragon was </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">well-camouflaged against the black-and-white lichen on the bark of an old tree. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When we became quiet and were guided to stare intently at the forest floor, we could spot forest cockroaches scuttling around. They are much smaller than the cockroaches found in our homes, usually the </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">American or German roaches. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Similarly, the Tent Spider, named for its pyramidal three-dimensional web, was nearly missed as it has a tendency to hide in leaves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We enjoyed close-up views of the Saint Andrew's Cross Spider, an easy-to-identify arachnid as its eight legs are held together in four pairs, forming an X-shaped cross.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">It was difficult to miss the </span>Golden Orb Web Spider (<i>Nephila pilipes</i>)<span style="font-size: 16px;"> as its huge web spanned a good half-metre across, the better to catch prey with. Inadvertently, leaves, twigs and other ‘junk’ get trapped, making the web even more visible. </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Right in the middle of the silky structure was the massive spider itself. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What you see here is the underside of the female, a matriarch that is many times bigger than the diminutive reddish males that often hang around inconspicuously at the periphery of the web.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Peering closely at a leaf revealed a cute cricket with striking stripes all over, and twitchy antennae that are more than twice the cricket's body length. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> A teensy-weensy spider that has an abdomen that resembles an Easter Egg. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Uncle Si Guim explained how ‘humanised’ features of plants were used to give them their names. For example, the <i>Campnospermum auriculatum</i> (see photo) has ear (auricle)-like lobes at the base of its leaf petiole. Interestingly, he also said that certain plants and animals </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">discovered in Singapore are named ‘<i>Singaporensis</i>'. Examples include the Singapore Freshwater Crab (<i>J</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>ohora singaporensis</i>) and several plants such as the Singapore Walking-Stick Palm (<i>Rhopaloblaste singaporensis) </i>and Singapore Durian (<i>Durio singaporensis)</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After all of us crossed a shallow stream to the deeper woods, Uncle Si Guim entreated us to observe a moment of silence. The music of the rainforest filled our ears – the incessant chorus of the male cicadas, a sound made by the vibrations of a membrane in their abdomens, the cheery chirping of birds and even the rustle of falling leaves. We left with a newfound respect for nature’s wonders.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">An unidentified forest beauty that was carried by the wind to land near us. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDra8RQFSvN7NZJf9LZLctJT8jBdZJt9tF0zOmbVrg308kSopT-zNKIzx8_g4gdpQhBJlLSUTaCq1HyiKgq72fMQkgGHesIqWKafGntYafjv92Br54sI6EFc0U1lTWqHHo_O7oakd8Xw/s1600/DSCN3309Sterculia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="949" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDra8RQFSvN7NZJf9LZLctJT8jBdZJt9tF0zOmbVrg308kSopT-zNKIzx8_g4gdpQhBJlLSUTaCq1HyiKgq72fMQkgGHesIqWKafGntYafjv92Br54sI6EFc0U1lTWqHHo_O7oakd8Xw/s640/DSCN3309Sterculia.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Uncle Si Guim was pleased to spot the Common Sterculia (<i>Sterculia parviflora</i>) just off the main trail. It was his trip highlight and a fitting end to an excellent walk. </span>Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-23358701086149246762019-03-07T21:44:00.002-08:002019-03-07T21:44:30.477-08:00NSS Kids’ Fun with Community Gardening<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By Gloria Seow, Vice Chairperson Education Committee<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photos by Gloria Seow & Lena Chow</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Moulmein-Goldhill Community Garden brims with the earth’s goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite
the looming school exams, a group of children and their parents turned up to
admire the lush and beautiful Moulmein-Goldhill Community Garden on 29
September 2018. Led by Auntie Angel Ang who lives a literal stone’s throw away,
we were brought on a tour of the substantial plot of community land brimming
with the earth’s goodness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Under
the loving care of 30 odd volunteer gardeners, this award-winning garden was
heaving with fruit trees such as Papaya, Banana, Breadfruit, Starfruit and Kedondong.
Auntie Lena Chow then pointed out the strange and barely-visible Starfruit
Plume Moth. There were rows of leafy pesticide-free vegetables growing under
mesh to protect them from insects and the harsh tropical sun. Vegetable
saplings are purchased from local farms and take about a month to mature. Auntie
Angel rattled off the various greens growing such as Cai Xin and Xiao Bai Cai,
which to the untrained eye were difficult to tell apart. One of these
vegetables has a funny Hokkien name ‘Pa Bor Cai’ (translated as Beat Wife
Vegetable). Auntie Angel then told the story of a husband attributing the
reason of a stack of vegetables shrinking substantially when cooked to his wife
having a lover, and consequently beating her up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;">Auntie Angel telling us about the many facets of her award-winning community
garden.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We
also found many other edibles growing, from Lime and Lady’s Fingers to pretty Double
Blue Pea flowers. The garden also has decorative ornamental plants, lattice
work and rock garden features. Auntie Angel revealed that to win competitions, she
and her gardeners outdo themselves every year by growing “difficult” plants
such as Dry Padi (rice). The kids were pleased to spot the Four-lined Treefrog
that lives in the pond area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnNbOtjE4ejfNSpz9pW8-xq2pmYMv14szdrdyJCyT0-uY1pLOLvBThmnRUSdRrcXoyHHpNiFCA08pVj1jraf8Iutk3EJXk1NnFIYky6cSu4Gz6jqgeFcwhGtMtFRgIU_ZZzbPg2aUMK8/s1600/P1220602+Starfruit+Plume+Moth+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1060" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnNbOtjE4ejfNSpz9pW8-xq2pmYMv14szdrdyJCyT0-uY1pLOLvBThmnRUSdRrcXoyHHpNiFCA08pVj1jraf8Iutk3EJXk1NnFIYky6cSu4Gz6jqgeFcwhGtMtFRgIU_ZZzbPg2aUMK8/s640/P1220602+Starfruit+Plume+Moth+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The tiny Starfruit Plume Moth on the leaf of the
Starfruit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Auntie
Angel’s husband Uncle Milton Ang then took over to tell us the story behind the
creation of the garden and nearby Malcolm Park (where great birds like the
Crested Serpent Eagle can be found). Malcolm Park and the garden itself were
once forested areas. Malcolm Park is one of the reasons why the Bukit Timah
area no longer experiences major floods. Singapore’s Water Agency PUB built a huge
storm drain through Malcolm Park to link the Bukit Timah canal with the Thomson
canal, so that excess rainfall can be shunted in either direction. The patch
that is now the community garden was cleared to facilitate the removal of a
hornet’s nest in the forest behind. The residents proposed a community garden in
its place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIKyhP-8Ci0le-RM-ublR4ruscyyfZip7oY-Ns9nQqLLXVIWJtwhBxb_Ls_-WsBpXsxUkEjRj8cxsjWWoEKW1pxfTa8B9aXPF_5Q_0acqNo6KssssLwonlVfoZpFe-HLdlJ5LBypXCIU/s1600/DSCN1492OPHornbillGS+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="525" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIKyhP-8Ci0le-RM-ublR4ruscyyfZip7oY-Ns9nQqLLXVIWJtwhBxb_Ls_-WsBpXsxUkEjRj8cxsjWWoEKW1pxfTa8B9aXPF_5Q_0acqNo6KssssLwonlVfoZpFe-HLdlJ5LBypXCIU/s640/DSCN1492OPHornbillGS+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our stroll through Malcolm Park produced the charming Oriental Pied Hornbill. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Uncle
Milton also related that during the infamous Mas Selamat escape from the nearby
Whitley Road Detention Centre, the police swarmed the Malcolm Park and Goldhill
neighbourhoods in door-to-door searches. We then strolled through Malcolm Park itself
for a spot of birdwatching. The place is a known stake-out for long-lens photographers
to shoot the resident Crested Serpent Eagle. Although we did not see the eagle,
we were rewarded almost immediately with a pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills that
flew in and landed at close range. We scoped the Asian Glossy Starling and
Pink-necked Green Pigeon, and encountered many other birds including flocks of
Red-breasted Parakeets and the Black-naped Oriole. The globally-threatened
Straw-headed Bulbul serenaded us with its distinctive call. We even had fun
harvesting fragrant Pandan leaves with pen knives. Auntie Lena Chow identified
a couple of dragonflies that hung out at the stream. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVDy4JixeZKUtk_f9gFQNe4ntOdWzlzB82LIRHS3QSzy4syy2_AYzYwL3gDurPxj-EYEZrTD1NMQhXu7zc_lb4fxsxqTT-qJsybN27ePwjBNoR8-Vhjlk666i5mTV2czd6zdcLKw9wPI/s1600/DSCN1539CommunityFeastingGS+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="692" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVDy4JixeZKUtk_f9gFQNe4ntOdWzlzB82LIRHS3QSzy4syy2_AYzYwL3gDurPxj-EYEZrTD1NMQhXu7zc_lb4fxsxqTT-qJsybN27ePwjBNoR8-Vhjlk666i5mTV2czd6zdcLKw9wPI/s640/DSCN1539CommunityFeastingGS+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> We ended with a delectable community feast prepared by Uncle Milton and Auntie
Angel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back
at the community garden, we trooped into the airy shelter where Uncle Milton
and Auntie Angel had graciously prepared for us a feast of Putu Mayam (an
Indian snack) and two kinds of Goreng Pisang (deep-fried banana) which we washed
down with refreshing Lemon Grass drink. We thank them for being the perfect
hosts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045537432025514349.post-68897850050504222192019-03-07T21:38:00.001-08:002019-03-07T21:47:03.081-08:00NSS Kids’-ESN Fun with Birds & Butterflies<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">By
Gloria Seow, Education Committee Vice Chairperson</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
Society’s Every Singaporean a Naturalist (ESN) programme has been raising a new
generation of naturalists in selected schools around Singapore since its launch
in mid-2018, following a 10-week pilot phase <span style="background: white;">from
January to March 2018. </span>Together with their teachers, participating
students regularly monitor their school compounds for birds and butterflies.
NSS Kids joined up with some of them at two walks on 14 and 21 July 2018. These
were conducted at Tampines Eco Green and Singapore Botanic Gardens
respectively. At both walks, ESN lead Sung Mei Yee introduced the programme and
shared its mini guides to 35 birds and 28 butterfly species easily seen in
Singapore. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCAZNLXlyZu69I5LiJcvJ4qm3mW_ljNTQ3JuLXCUOKD2KgQwyYpI_XR9Elno3KXV66VLyWYWT8irKWHg_EunBZ_8q48eQiLXgcHOFPxC6hQ0TstRN0SrfZ7K8AnT45JBWaOO5qyeTjRg/s1600/DSCN1127GreyHeron%2526Monitor+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="652" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCAZNLXlyZu69I5LiJcvJ4qm3mW_ljNTQ3JuLXCUOKD2KgQwyYpI_XR9Elno3KXV66VLyWYWT8irKWHg_EunBZ_8q48eQiLXgcHOFPxC6hQ0TstRN0SrfZ7K8AnT45JBWaOO5qyeTjRg/s640/DSCN1127GreyHeron%2526Monitor+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Grey Heron and Malayan Water Monitor co-existing in the same pond at Tampines
Eco Green.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
first outing at Tampines Eco Green was led by Lee Ee Ling of the Bird Group as
well as Amy Tsang, Simon Chan and Lena Chow of the Butterfly and Insect Group. At
the pond, we were treated to a Grey Heron (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ardea
cinerea</i>) patiently waiting for its fishy breakfast to show. Just metres
away, a gargantuan Malayan Water Monitor (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Varanus
salvator</i>) was scavenging cooked rice left by well-meaning but misguided
folks who regularly feed the pond creatures. Auntie Lena pointed out a Hoverfly
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Syrphidae spp</i>) which resembles a bee
with its yellow and black stripes. Auntie Ee Ling was in her element, finding
and scoping birds for close-up looks. We saw the White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis
phoenicurus), Zebra Dove (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Geopelia
striata</i>), Common Tailorbird (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Orthotomus
sutorius</i>) and Pink-necked Green Pigeon (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treron
vernans</i>) before the skies opened up, forcing us to take shelter at the
non-smelly eco-toilets. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyNSwwSNPyjOzztt4ERBOpFiw7mASwAEhXv2OLu-mlJk-o9bb4PeHJ7kueqttLvIOslwke3voZZRsbtJMBK45IWQvCIa6l3NiUwT-Y5NpjSBqwO4r9ybdooM4NrIET-BoA_zLM5kHW_E/s1600/DSCN1161ClubSilverline+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="774" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyNSwwSNPyjOzztt4ERBOpFiw7mASwAEhXv2OLu-mlJk-o9bb4PeHJ7kueqttLvIOslwke3voZZRsbtJMBK45IWQvCIa6l3NiUwT-Y5NpjSBqwO4r9ybdooM4NrIET-BoA_zLM5kHW_E/s640/DSCN1161ClubSilverline+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The rare Club Silverline at Tampines Eco Green.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After
the brief downpour, we found a tree with three Baya Weaver (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ploceus philippinus</i>) nests at different
stages of completion. Auntie Gloria explained that the male bird weaves a
pendulum nest that is inspected by various females. If courtship is successful,
he will complete the nest by building a narrow downward-facing tunnel that
deters predators such as snakes from entering. Uncle Simon and Auntie Amy showed
us several butterflies. Our star butterfly was the striking Club Silverline (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spindasis syama terana</i>). Next, we
observed a noisy parent-and-child pair of Red-breasted Parakeets (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psittacula alexandri</i>) feeding and found
another Grey Heron strangely perched high up in a tree. Our walk ended with Auntie
Lena highlighting the Petai Jawa (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leucaena
leucocephala</i>) tree, which has flat green pods with seeds that taste like
Petai (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Parkia speciosa</i>) or Stink Bean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Hairy moth caterpillars chomping voraciously on leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
second session at the Singapore Botanic Gardens was led by Yap Wee Jin and Lee
Ee Ling of the Bird Group as well as Amy Tsang, Simon Chan and Lena Chow of the
Butterfly and Insect Group. Auntie Gloria found a number of Yellow Vein Lancer (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pyroneura latoia latoia</i>) butterflies
sipping from clusters of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leea rubra</i>
flowers. Uncle Wee Jin then spotted a handsome Pied Imperial Pigeon (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ducula bicolor</i>) that had landed in a
distant tree. Our stroll yielded many bird species including families of Red
Junglefowl (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gallus gallus</i>) complete
with chicks, the ubiquitous Pink-necked Green Pigeon, the ‘scary’ Asian Glossy
Starling (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Aplonis panayensis</i>) with
its red eyes and more. The NSS Kids looked up to their older counterparts, the Secondary
3 ESN students who had come, for guidance on bird and butterfly identification
using the mini guides. Auntie Amy, Uncle Simon and Auntie Lena were excellent
in showing us the St Andrew’s Cross Spider, a typical cricket with antennae
longer than its body, and a bush covered in hairy moth caterpillars. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgDHv4ZzNOs3Yx3IB2KB6oCKfCk8FcX_yY2KtMh-_-ON7cQa_mfYtAUkvX1YyPLvF-YIcgqDbDdd3TOfS3fE0KyOzwd8dMu_8xYQ382zaGBJO5KzBbs-01P7v0pUO8HBY99oBAcPadvw/s1600/GSDSCN1230HillMyna+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgDHv4ZzNOs3Yx3IB2KB6oCKfCk8FcX_yY2KtMh-_-ON7cQa_mfYtAUkvX1YyPLvF-YIcgqDbDdd3TOfS3fE0KyOzwd8dMu_8xYQ382zaGBJO5KzBbs-01P7v0pUO8HBY99oBAcPadvw/s640/GSDSCN1230HillMyna+-+Copy.JPG" width="528" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Hill Myna is sometimes kept as a pet as it can mimic
the human voice, much like a parrot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;">The
trip’s highlight was two Hill Mynas (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gracula
religiosa</i>) singing a tuneful duet and perching cooperatively on lower
branches to give us awesome views. Auntie Gloria shared that this bird is kept
as a pet as it can mimic the human voice, much like a parrot. Our last stop was
the Healing Garden which features plants grown for their medicinal properties. This
garden tends to attract a higher density of butterflies. Here, kids and their
parents became excited over a Four-lined Treefrog (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Polypedates leucomystax</i>) up in a shrub. We had superb looks at the
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dicaeum
cruentatum</i>) as well as the Rustic</span><span lang="EN-SG"> </span><span lang="EN-SG" style="font-size: 12pt;">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cupha erymanthis lotis</i>) and Cycad Blue (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chilades pandava pandava</i>) butterflies. As
we exited the garden, a colony of Stingless Bees that had made its nest inside a
thick metal gate bade us farewell. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Fun with Nature - NSS Kids Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568085069523711888noreply@blogger.com0