Week 2

Our term began in the usual fashion with a Monday walk from Bishan to Ang Mo Kio through parkland and around a reservoir. We encountered some wildlife including a very relaxed couple of monkeys! We also walked passed an area where the locals take their pet birds so the birds get fresh air and sunlight and the owners get to sit around and socialise. Most of the birds in these cages were zebra doves but the cages are lovely.

Chinese Pond Heron top left

After a brief rest I met with Helen and Jo for dinner in Hougang before going to June's for an evening of cards. The world has been restored to rights as Helen won the evenings game after finishing in last spot at our previous night..an unprecedented result!
After a lazy Tuesday Pip and I met up with the Pinks and Smiths at SQUE bar on Clark Quay for a pleasant relaxed dinner and drinks. 

Before work on Wednesday I had lunch with Robert and Maria in Hougang to catch up with news on Mum. Good to hear that she is mending well and hopes to go home next week.
After my regular Doctors visit on Thursday I took a stroll through Punggol Park and despite not having my binoculars to hand I did manage to spot some birds including some olive backed sunbirds building a nest in the reeds. As soon as I entered the park I could hear music and singing and tracked it down to this group of musicians enjoying time together under one of the shelters. They were happy for me to take their photo and even gave me a wave as I did.

My photos piqued Libby's interest so on Friday morning I met with her to revisit the park. Before she arrived I received a text saying she had to cancel as she had tripped on the stairs and broken her finger. Of course I fell for it forgetting it was April 1!
Luckily the birds didn't play jokes on us and we saw a variety of species, although the nest from yesterday was empty. We did see a pair of sunbirds collecting fibres from the top of the reeds. The male has a brilliant blue throat when you get it in the sunlight.

Yellow bittern, olive-backed sunbird (male), Sunda pygmy woodpecker

After work on Saturday night June and I went in to Little India for dinner and a wander around. We passed the Indian Heritage Centre which opened in May 2015. The centre is the first museum in Southeast Asia to focus on the diverse heritage of the Indian community. Although it was closed it looks like it could be worth a visit at a later date.

detail of entry door, statue at the entrance