【Nature walk】2018.0909 Punggol east - Lorong Halus wetland park
- Lorong Halus Wetland : From Garbage Dump to Eco Water Treatment Park
The Lorong Halus Wetland is a functioning organic water treatment system, a test bed for new bio-engineering water treatments, also serves as an education centre and a nature park.
There is a visitor kiosk with information boards explaining the mission and methods of the wetlands. The ponds, reservoir and greenery act as a haven for wildlife attracting plenty of birds and other animals, creating a natural recreational spot for residents. The riverside park is quiet and serene, and a great place for biking, walks or just to get away from city life.
Lorong Halus is a somewhat remote road and area. You’ll either need to drive to the wetlands located at the end of Lorong Halus and Pasir Ris Farmway 3, or else get to it by biking or walking across the Lorong Halus Bridge from the Punggol side across the Serangoon River.
Singapore Park Connector Network (PCN) - Coney Island to Lor Halus wetland bridge
Cycle from Coney Island Entrance Gate to Lor Halus Wetland Bridge
Singapore, biking from Lorong Halus Wetland to Pungol East | SJ5000X 2K30 FY WG
Singapore, biking from Coney Island East Entrance to Lorong Halus Wetland | SJ5000X 2K30 FY WG
Partners of Singapore World Water Day 2013 at Lorong Halus Wetland
Check out one of our leading partners, Pasir Ris West Citizens' Consultative Committee for the event at Lorong Halus Wetland and hear how they will be contributing towards the water cause as part of Singapore World Water Day in this International Year of Water Cooperation
Many countries including Singapore commemorate World Water Day. The international World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Singapore held its first World Water Day in 2009 and developed a tradition of community led water-centric activities at our Active, Beautiful Clean Waters (ABC Waters) sites. Year on year, in that way the community is inspired to conserve, value and enjoy this precious resource.
Join us in the World Water Day celebrations in Singapore on 16 March. For more information, visit: singaporeworldwaterday.com. LIKE, SHARE and follow our updates on facebook.com/PUBsg or twitter.com/PUBsingapore
Golden-backed Weaver (P. jacksoni) Nesting @ Lor Halus Wetland Singapore
WEAVERS (SUBFAMILY: PLOCEINAE) IN SINGAPORE
The weavers of the Family Ploceidae is a group of Old World seed-eaters found mainly in the Afrotropics. There are three main groups: buffalo-weavers, typical weavers and sparrow weavers. We are here concerned with the typical weavers of the Subfamily Ploceinae.
Genus Ploceus
The Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) is a common resident in Singapore LINK. Most people are familiar with its characteristic upside down flask-shaped nest hanging from the ends of branches. But there is another species, the Streaked Weaver (P. manyar), a rare introduced species recorded as far back as 1997 (below left). This species is seen only in select locations, often in small colonies, breeding near water bodies.
There is a third species, the Asian Golden Weaver (P. hypoxanthus). This species is native to Southeast Asia but not to Singapore. However, a small breeding colony was recently seen in Tampines LINK. The male is pictured bringing back a strand of grass for nest building purposes in the image above (right).
A fourth species, also recently encountered, is the Golden-backed Weaver (P. jacksoni). Both male and female were spotted of this African native. Pictured here is the brightly plumaged male (above left). A fifth species, the *Vitelline Masked Weaver (P. vitellinus), is another African species that was probably released during a recent religious festival. A male was recently seen attempting to build a nest. The image (above right) is a record shot of the male of the species.
Genus Euplectes
The Euplectes, also native to Africa, includes the bishops and widowbirds. In the past there have been some sightings of the Red Bishop [Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix)] and the Golden Bishop [Yellow-crowned Bishop (E. afre)]. I do not have these birds in my collection. Recently however, the Zanzibar Bishop (E. nigroventris) which is another bird in the genus was found in two places in the east of the island coinciding with certain religious festival. Pictured here (below left) is one of the male bird with a cut-off tail, wrote Francis Yap.
Genus Quelea
The Queleas similarly originate from Africa. According to Francis, As a trivia, the Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea) (which fortunately is not introduced to Singapore), is the world's most abundant wild bird species, with an estimated adult breeding population of 1.5 billion.
In Singapore, for a few year already, there have been some sightings of lone Red-headed Quelea (Q. erythrops). Recently they have been observed to be in a small flock and there may be juveniles or female birds amongst them. Pictured here is the male (above right), added Francis.
In 2011 there seems to be more releases of exotic birds in Singapore of birds originating from Africa. According to Haniman Boniran, The most favoured species from continental Africa is the genus Serinus. The song bird fanciers value this genus more than other genera from Africa.
Weavers, bishops, queleas, cordon blues and waxbills are usually by-products of the bird trade. Very seldom were they imported as a sole shipment for the pet trade. Often they come as 'fillers' together with other bigger species like parrots. The dealers will require importers take a certain quantity to complete the export quota. It's practical business sense and not based on national export quota.
These finches are usually sought after due to abundance, hardiness and also popularity as cage or aviary birds.
These species of passerines have been imported into many countries for a long time now. Like I mentioned, they have established themselves well in territories within the African continent and elsewhere. They thrive best in less temperate climate and Singapore seems to be ideal. But local extinction does happen to these exotics. How they will impact our local eco-system is yet to be seen. But I'm sure they add variety to our birding landscap, added Haniman.
This post is a cooperative effort between NaturePixels.org and BESG to bring the study of bird behaviour through photography to a wider audience.
*Originally thought to be the Southern Masked Weaver (P. velatus), it is now believed to be Vitelline Masked Weaver (P. vitellinus). This was confirmed after Francis Yap consulted Dr Dieter Oschadleus, an ornithologist working on African weaverbirds.
Singapore World Water Day 2012 @ Lorong Halus Wetland
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Lorong Halus Wetland Aerial view in HD
Lorong Halus Wetland along Sungei Serangoon collects and treats water passing through the former landfill, preventing it from flowing into the reservoir. This helps safeguard the quality of water in Sungei Serangoon. Like the Sengkang Floating Wetland, the Lorong Halus Wetland is developing into a natural habitat for wildlife over time. Members of the public can also go on the nature trails to learn more about wetland, the plants, and various wildlife that thrive there.
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On the Red Dot: Interview at Lorong Halus Wetland
Recorded on Nikon D90 Camera
Lorong Halus Wetland
Punggol's rustic charm at Lorong Halus Wetland is the first landfill-turned -wetland habitat in Singapore. The Punggol Promenade-Riverside Walk has multicoloured fibre optics lights that look like lalang plants, and a 3m-wide boardwalk, built from simulated timber planks. Peaceful and scenic place to explore and enjoy the unobstructed view, learn about polishing ponds and various species of plants known for their abilitiy to absorb nutrients, and spot several birds flying over the river and reservoir. Daily time devoted in mini retreats through peaceful relaxation, prayers, meditation, contemplation, introspection and learning something new can provide a refreshing experience for the mind, body and soul. The 'Daily Reflection' song by Muzhar Sujat from our album, Towards a More Refined Soul.
(Drone) Lorong Halus Bridge, SINGAPORE
Lorong Halus Bridge. Across Punggol Serangoon Resevoir, connecting Lorong Halus Wetland and Punggol Town.
Music: Kai Engel - Twinkling_Stars_Wont_Answer_Me
Singapore World Water Day 2013 @ Lorong Halus Wetland
Little Grebe - Lorong Halus Wetland, Singapore
The beauty of Lorong Halus Wetland
The flora of Lorong Halus Wetland .
Singapore Park Connector Network - Lorong Halus wetland to Punggol park
Ride from Lorong Halus Wetland bridge to Punggol Park
Pacific Swallow @ Lor Halus Wetland -Singapore
Beautiful Pacific Swallow nesting @ Lor Halus Wetland
Lorong Halus Wetlands
This is COPYRIGHTED!!!!
Place taken @ Lorong Halus Wetlands @ Singapore.
7th March 2012
Singapore World Water Day 2013 Lorong Halus Wetland