Look who just flew into Singapore

The avian migratory season is here and birds are appearing by the thousand, choosing Singapore as their stopover, much to the delight of birdwatchers.

Each year, approximately 2,000 migratory birds arrive in Sungei Buloh in August and September, taking a respite from harsh winters, said National Parks Board conservation director Wong Tuan Wah.

They make their way here from as far away as Russia, Mongolia, China and Japan. Some fly off again, heading to Australia and Indonesia. Others stay on in Sungei Buloh and surrounding areas to feed and roost until the following March or April.

The intrepid voyagers then journey back to their breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere.

Migratory birds can be seen in other parts of Singapore, but Sungei Buloh offers a wide variety of habitats, including mudflats and mangroves, so it provides an ideal sanctuary, said Mr Wong.

This article was first published on Sep 22, 2014.
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