*[CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO GET A CLEARER & BIGGER VERSION :)]
Of course, the adventures that later led to キラキラの初めて (kira-kira no hajimete) has yet to come. After a rather long, albeit jerky nap on the bus, it was time to continue on the journey, with this time being along the Upper Seletar Road. And along the way, we found some ‘gold’. =)
(left): On the leaf of a Koster’s curse (Clidemia hirta), AY found a shiny, golden beetle (edit). Did you know that there’s a difference between a bug and a beetle?* Identification would be a little hard since I did not manage to get a top and front view of the insect. Besides being all shimmery and shiny, this bug also have several spots (3 if I am not mistaken) on its back.
*True bugs belong to the Order Hemiptera (hemi = half + ptera = wing) because of its forewings which are hardened near the base, but membranous at the ends. Its defining feature is its possession of mouthparts which have evolved into a proboscis and forms a "beak" of sorts which is capable of piercing tissues (usually plant tissues) and sucking out the liquids, usually sap.
On the other hand, beetles belong to the Order Coleoptera (coleo = shield + ptera = wing) because of its hardened shield-like forewing. Some examples besides the beetles are the ladybugs and weevils.
(right): Another insect which was also found nearby. I am not too sure about its identity though. But I have a feeling that this might be a cricket. Any ideas?
After checking up on the ‘A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia’ by Craig Robinson, the drongo that was spotted should be the Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) as the species has a forked tail with long bare outer shafts (though it ain’t that visible -.- ). It cannot be the Lesser Racket-Tailed Drongo (Dicrurus remifer) since this species has a square tail tip instead. [1] AY, my apologies for the erroneous identification.
(left): A snapshot of a plant with its leaves being perfectly heart-shaped!
(right): Unlike the previous plant which just the margin being white, the entire leaf of the Congea tomentosa is whitish-silver. The stuff that lies in the middle is its inflorescence (= cluster of flowers), which can be described as rather tiny in size.
As I sat on the ledge overlooking the reservoir, I snapped pictures of the view that flanked both my sides. With the sun hidden behind the clouds, the air turned cooler. It was simply heaven as I sat down to relax while enjoying the gentle caress of the breeze.
As much as I would like to stay on longer, it was time to head back to campus as the journey back would take quite a while. However, AY and I came to a stand-still when we heard rustling in the bushes. And the cause was none other than the changeable lizard (Calotes versicolor). It’s a pretty common species that can be seen in most urban areas where trees have been planted such as parks, gardens, tree-lined roads etc. However, this guy here comes from a genus that’s not native to Singapore, but is believed to have been introduced from northern Peninsular Malaysia or southern Thailand. It’s presence is believed to have caused a decrease in the numbers of the indigenous green crested lizard (Bronchocela christatella). [2]
And just as were trying to locate the lizard which seemed to have escaped into the shrubs, our ears caught the loud, rising calls of the Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis). The female (as depicted by both pictures above) possesses a downcurved bill, an all-yellow underside with an extensive white hue at its tail. [1]
With a curious look, it peered at my direction before it went on to feed on the Ixora which it was perching daintily upon. However, it wasn’t easy to catch this female in action as it was all ready to take to the skies at the slightest disturbance. But then again, she wasn’t as hard to get a snapshot of as compared to the male one.
The males are more conspicuous (and let’s not forget, pretty too) as its forehead, throat and breast are an iridescent black-blue. There were altogether 3 of the sunbirds which we spotted. One was the female while the other 2 were these males (one was chubbier than the other). [1] Not only were they flighty, they also tend to stop and rest behind a cover of branches, twigs and leaves; making it rather difficult for me to capture a decent picture of them. Compared to me, AY had more luck with them. =p
After having our fill with the rather flighty trio, we turned and caught sight of the most splendid scenery for that afternoon. As the sun rays hit the lapping waves of the reservoir, the upper surface of the waters lit afire with the sparkle (@キラキラ) akin to diamonds and precious jewels. A priceless moment indeed~~
On the receding 'beach' (due to a long week without rain), the seashore morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) proliferated with abundance on the sandy substrate. A sun-loving plant, it’s no wonder that this plant seemed to be blooming in abundance. Their growth is quick and flat on the ground on sites closest to the seafront. This exclude other competitors as they soon cover an extensive part of the land. [2]
According to AY, this plant which bears this small, purplish blossom is the Elephantopus scaber. It’s a weed that grows close to the ground. As can be seen (with close-up scrutinization), one can see that the stem of the plant is rather hairy.
It all seemed too soon when the trip ended. And as we walked along the dusty, grey road (left), AY and I gave the reservoir one last glance before taking the bus back to NUS. All in all, it was a fruitful day… no doubts about that. ^^v
Thanks LK, for the pointing out the errors! =)
References:
1. ‘A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia’ by Craig Robinson
2. Tan et al. (2006). The Natural Heritage of Singapore
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