In commemoration of World Wetlands Day 2021, we conducted our first guided walk at Kranji Marshes, one of the largest marshland habitats in Singapore. It was Cicada Tree Eco-Place’s first walk since the opening of Phase 3 and everyone was very excited. We were joined by new faces and familiar faces, all eager to learn about the biodiversity at Kranji Marshes.
Some of the fauna we spotted along our walk included:
- Green Crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella)
- Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor)
- White-bellied Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus leucogaster) – pair
- Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus)
- Yellow-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier) in their nest
- Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) diving for fish
- Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
- Yellow-Barred Flutterer (Rhyothernis phyllis) – swarm
- Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)
- Pied Triller (Lalage nigra)
- Jacintha Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina)
“It was an enjoyable walk at Kranji Marshes. Our guide Shao Hua has extensive knowledge on the biodiversity there. He was very patient and answered our enquiries to the best of his knowledge. I saw many creatures including the White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), butterflies, Green Crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) etc. I also learnt that the Fishtail Palm has leaves with jagged edges, which make it look like it has been eaten. Its purpose is actually to prevent other creatures from eating the leaves.”
Elsie lim
Check out some photos of the walk below! The walk was led by volunteers Li Fang & Shao Hua.
Looking at a Stork-billed Kingfisher 
Descending from the tower, happy faces 
Raptor Tower 
Little Michael trying to photograph the lapwings 
Bulbul chicks in nest 
Group photo at the top of Raptor Tower overlooking the marshes 
Red-wattled Lapwings enjoying a nice morning sun 
Little Michael trying to photograph the lapwings 
Group photo at the top of Raptor Tower overlooking the marshes