tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54292224054314647392024-03-13T08:07:42.952-07:00into the wildexcerpts from a naturalistrusselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-14263540148694159522011-08-04T00:52:00.000-07:002011-08-04T00:59:49.619-07:00Kusu Island<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vI6n-WxMxlE/TjpRQXKu0sI/AAAAAAAAFjE/FDialsBQq9o/s1600/285574_207165199334880_109257872458947_619337_4713528_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vI6n-WxMxlE/TjpRQXKu0sI/AAAAAAAAFjE/FDialsBQq9o/s200/285574_207165199334880_109257872458947_619337_4713528_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907225146380994" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBJII568Nzc/TjpRQPiojYI/AAAAAAAAFi8/QYmYCKGQT_U/s1600/285463_207164339334966_109257872458947_619326_3441726_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBJII568Nzc/TjpRQPiojYI/AAAAAAAAFi8/QYmYCKGQT_U/s200/285463_207164339334966_109257872458947_619326_3441726_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907223099149698" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpBDUZYuaaI/TjpRPzVlwXI/AAAAAAAAFi0/FqdWUsiezRM/s1600/285444_207163482668385_109257872458947_619316_3227130_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpBDUZYuaaI/TjpRPzVlwXI/AAAAAAAAFi0/FqdWUsiezRM/s200/285444_207163482668385_109257872458947_619316_3227130_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907215528247666" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHY5VvrLKBI/TjpRPgdgHZI/AAAAAAAAFis/3d9EUf_ax68/s1600/285399_207165122668221_109257872458947_619336_6492897_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHY5VvrLKBI/TjpRPgdgHZI/AAAAAAAAFis/3d9EUf_ax68/s200/285399_207165122668221_109257872458947_619336_6492897_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907210461158802" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unTUFpwhDh4/TjpRFGih75I/AAAAAAAAFik/c4FAu8BBJZ4/s1600/285379_207161119335288_109257872458947_619285_413298_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unTUFpwhDh4/TjpRFGih75I/AAAAAAAAFik/c4FAu8BBJZ4/s200/285379_207161119335288_109257872458947_619285_413298_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907031704235922" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvMyC4ucJcc/TjpRE52FmNI/AAAAAAAAFic/iaANPhXIMPE/s1600/285244_207163582668375_109257872458947_619318_4582850_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvMyC4ucJcc/TjpRE52FmNI/AAAAAAAAFic/iaANPhXIMPE/s200/285244_207163582668375_109257872458947_619318_4582850_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907028296603858" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inVZDXYvi6g/TjpRE8aBAgI/AAAAAAAAFiU/diV0RkM1TKY/s1600/285184_207161389335261_109257872458947_619288_3827995_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inVZDXYvi6g/TjpRE8aBAgI/AAAAAAAAFiU/diV0RkM1TKY/s200/285184_207161389335261_109257872458947_619288_3827995_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907028984168962" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMnpT-vpKk4/TjpREh50tFI/AAAAAAAAFiM/6tJCCyGGm7c/s1600/285114_207166479334752_109257872458947_619355_4261309_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMnpT-vpKk4/TjpREh50tFI/AAAAAAAAFiM/6tJCCyGGm7c/s200/285114_207166479334752_109257872458947_619355_4261309_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907021869823058" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mE_lzkiU9o/TjpREW12hDI/AAAAAAAAFiE/y47Kqp-od6I/s1600/285088_207167159334684_109257872458947_619364_5948518_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mE_lzkiU9o/TjpREW12hDI/AAAAAAAAFiE/y47Kqp-od6I/s200/285088_207167159334684_109257872458947_619364_5948518_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907018900374578" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smtikNb4x7E/TjpQ5oMhLJI/AAAAAAAAFh8/HeThIrSDl90/s1600/284993_207165056001561_109257872458947_619335_4165835_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smtikNb4x7E/TjpQ5oMhLJI/AAAAAAAAFh8/HeThIrSDl90/s200/284993_207165056001561_109257872458947_619335_4165835_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906834580286610" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdlRJbCE_Hw/TjpQ5vZG_oI/AAAAAAAAFh0/-xDnty2xxdU/s1600/284944_207161212668612_109257872458947_619286_4335835_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdlRJbCE_Hw/TjpQ5vZG_oI/AAAAAAAAFh0/-xDnty2xxdU/s200/284944_207161212668612_109257872458947_619286_4335835_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906836512145026" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyblLqQ_rwc/TjpQ5U_IL8I/AAAAAAAAFhs/XP-L9Ogcrxs/s1600/284559_207163886001678_109257872458947_619322_7602677_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyblLqQ_rwc/TjpQ5U_IL8I/AAAAAAAAFhs/XP-L9Ogcrxs/s200/284559_207163886001678_109257872458947_619322_7602677_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906829423849410" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDDAp1oXfcU/TjpQ5IGX7gI/AAAAAAAAFhk/XV7utGG5_1Q/s1600/284531_207164939334906_109257872458947_619333_226118_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDDAp1oXfcU/TjpQ5IGX7gI/AAAAAAAAFhk/XV7utGG5_1Q/s200/284531_207164939334906_109257872458947_619333_226118_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906825964580354" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOsxexNLyXw/TjpQ5Lq-HNI/AAAAAAAAFhc/H2LwxUJV4GY/s1600/284222_207164142668319_109257872458947_619324_54960_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOsxexNLyXw/TjpQ5Lq-HNI/AAAAAAAAFhc/H2LwxUJV4GY/s200/284222_207164142668319_109257872458947_619324_54960_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906826923384018" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8axNWxT62s/TjpQtNcC2fI/AAAAAAAAFhU/zS-dHJ6_-uU/s1600/284109_207166109334789_109257872458947_619350_7021672_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8axNWxT62s/TjpQtNcC2fI/AAAAAAAAFhU/zS-dHJ6_-uU/s200/284109_207166109334789_109257872458947_619350_7021672_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906621239220722" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSmmsPyj23s/TjpQs1lhQII/AAAAAAAAFhM/D22XH0MIHrY/s1600/284009_207163009335099_109257872458947_619310_2116834_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSmmsPyj23s/TjpQs1lhQII/AAAAAAAAFhM/D22XH0MIHrY/s200/284009_207163009335099_109257872458947_619310_2116834_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906614836510850" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuI9B8TkDgA/TjpQs9KJwbI/AAAAAAAAFhE/c99qp2RhgRw/s1600/283509_207161729335227_109257872458947_619292_6458625_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuI9B8TkDgA/TjpQs9KJwbI/AAAAAAAAFhE/c99qp2RhgRw/s200/283509_207161729335227_109257872458947_619292_6458625_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906616869208498" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiGj2wHoa-M/TjpQsj7mreI/AAAAAAAAFg8/QvXNrfbHiwg/s1600/283444_207162696001797_109257872458947_619306_5552775_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiGj2wHoa-M/TjpQsj7mreI/AAAAAAAAFg8/QvXNrfbHiwg/s200/283444_207162696001797_109257872458947_619306_5552775_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906610097303010" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBLfchAYwZE/TjpQstVDiaI/AAAAAAAAFg0/DCOmgJfOvUA/s1600/283382_207165329334867_109257872458947_619339_7445484_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBLfchAYwZE/TjpQstVDiaI/AAAAAAAAFg0/DCOmgJfOvUA/s200/283382_207165329334867_109257872458947_619339_7445484_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906612619970978" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcB5gEG0qP0/TjpQhhKgAcI/AAAAAAAAFgs/gCScFrs1o78/s1600/283304_207163772668356_109257872458947_619320_4620973_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcB5gEG0qP0/TjpQhhKgAcI/AAAAAAAAFgs/gCScFrs1o78/s200/283304_207163772668356_109257872458947_619320_4620973_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906420375912898" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLaraxurOsk/TjpQhYMwbYI/AAAAAAAAFgk/sFIBJVb6B1U/s1600/283190_207167086001358_109257872458947_619363_343946_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLaraxurOsk/TjpQhYMwbYI/AAAAAAAAFgk/sFIBJVb6B1U/s200/283190_207167086001358_109257872458947_619363_343946_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906417969458562" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHyJQdV6e2E/TjpQhSuM8-I/AAAAAAAAFgc/F-Cgz7khJdo/s1600/283102_207166766001390_109257872458947_619359_7477853_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHyJQdV6e2E/TjpQhSuM8-I/AAAAAAAAFgc/F-Cgz7khJdo/s200/283102_207166766001390_109257872458947_619359_7477853_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906416499127266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_S5qufdgwts/TjpQhMyHaPI/AAAAAAAAFgU/9a_PUro-Ry4/s1600/282784_207162006001866_109257872458947_619296_6182328_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_S5qufdgwts/TjpQhMyHaPI/AAAAAAAAFgU/9a_PUro-Ry4/s200/282784_207162006001866_109257872458947_619296_6182328_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906414904928498" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ic9NQ7gIpU/TjpQhFjO6aI/AAAAAAAAFgM/qMkmzMuiJpo/s1600/282744_207162459335154_109257872458947_619303_532992_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ic9NQ7gIpU/TjpQhFjO6aI/AAAAAAAAFgM/qMkmzMuiJpo/s200/282744_207162459335154_109257872458947_619303_532992_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906412963457442" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7kirjOKmN4/TjpQXm2qtvI/AAAAAAAAFgE/YxlaUV7_Qvs/s1600/282714_207167532667980_109257872458947_619371_6396631_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7kirjOKmN4/TjpQXm2qtvI/AAAAAAAAFgE/YxlaUV7_Qvs/s200/282714_207167532667980_109257872458947_619371_6396631_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906250104649458" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_VSBmb_OC8/TjpQXf56ZCI/AAAAAAAAFf8/bBF0zqNRdYc/s1600/282669_207163102668423_109257872458947_619311_1843399_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_VSBmb_OC8/TjpQXf56ZCI/AAAAAAAAFf8/bBF0zqNRdYc/s200/282669_207163102668423_109257872458947_619311_1843399_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906248239211554" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTudBqAR5ak/TjpQXYH04DI/AAAAAAAAFf0/D_SePdYz6bM/s1600/282524_207162379335162_109257872458947_619302_5578827_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTudBqAR5ak/TjpQXYH04DI/AAAAAAAAFf0/D_SePdYz6bM/s200/282524_207162379335162_109257872458947_619302_5578827_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906246150086706" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8q3TBfLK6Y/TjpQXDVdc2I/AAAAAAAAFfs/PrI7Rz7L2lE/s1600/282474_207161879335212_109257872458947_619294_3834321_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8q3TBfLK6Y/TjpQXDVdc2I/AAAAAAAAFfs/PrI7Rz7L2lE/s200/282474_207161879335212_109257872458947_619294_3834321_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906240570127202" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrh9i02elcU/TjpQW6eqfhI/AAAAAAAAFfk/J-wveal1quo/s1600/282146_207164776001589_109257872458947_619331_3653346_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrh9i02elcU/TjpQW6eqfhI/AAAAAAAAFfk/J-wveal1quo/s200/282146_207164776001589_109257872458947_619331_3653346_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906238192811538" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCgxv2t1g4M/TjpQMyLv_7I/AAAAAAAAFfc/zy2wYdvl1Zg/s1600/281587_207164432668290_109257872458947_619327_5771734_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCgxv2t1g4M/TjpQMyLv_7I/AAAAAAAAFfc/zy2wYdvl1Zg/s200/281587_207164432668290_109257872458947_619327_5771734_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906064167305138" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eB8Xfd4WU3s/TjpQM5Z2BjI/AAAAAAAAFfU/7uz7GIridww/s1600/281579_207166619334738_109257872458947_619357_911975_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eB8Xfd4WU3s/TjpQM5Z2BjI/AAAAAAAAFfU/7uz7GIridww/s200/281579_207166619334738_109257872458947_619357_911975_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906066105468466" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKqSv-p-VHU/TjpQMkD2dCI/AAAAAAAAFfM/LOmKha1TnAs/s1600/281309_207163522668381_109257872458947_619317_3967551_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKqSv-p-VHU/TjpQMkD2dCI/AAAAAAAAFfM/LOmKha1TnAs/s200/281309_207163522668381_109257872458947_619317_3967551_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906060376077346" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dy96YNlvnc0/TjpQMj-8A0I/AAAAAAAAFfE/WGyulgffBrU/s1600/281269_207163349335065_109257872458947_619314_8114969_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dy96YNlvnc0/TjpQMj-8A0I/AAAAAAAAFfE/WGyulgffBrU/s200/281269_207163349335065_109257872458947_619314_8114969_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906060355470146" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6nHKSMR_Yc/TjpQMarjAsI/AAAAAAAAFe8/fHvK4ScIusM/s1600/281229_207163429335057_109257872458947_619315_1790008_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6nHKSMR_Yc/TjpQMarjAsI/AAAAAAAAFe8/fHvK4ScIusM/s200/281229_207163429335057_109257872458947_619315_1790008_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636906057858220738" /></a> For me, Kusu is all about corals. It is one of the few shores in Singapore (the others being Tanah Merah and Sentosa) which boasts of densely packed coral gardens. For a great overview of how dense the coral growth is, check out the photos on James' blog <a href="http://sgn090608.blogspot.com/2011/07/110716-kusu-island.html"> here </a>. It is hard to imagine that such "coral gardens" remain in urbanised Singapore which is a mere 20 minute boat ride away. <br /><br />Unfortunately, these "coral gardens" at Kusu which are located outside the sea wall only reveal themselves at the lowest tide. This was not the case during our visit last year, but fortunately for us, we were blessed with a fairly low tide this year. Incidentally, this is also the only area (be it terumbu or natural shore) with the highest concentration of Heteractis magnifica. Large clumps of this anemone could be found clinging onto large rocks and coral rubble. However, no clownfish or anemone shrimp were sighted amongst these anemones. They appeared to prefer the Stichodactyla gigantea and some of the ones I saw had orange body columns. Strangely, the largest giganteas are to be found within the lagoon areas and not outside the sea wall. I also managed to see one Heteractis crispa but no sightings of Stichodactyla haddoni (Haddon's carpet anemone) or Actinodendron (Fire Anemone). <br /><br />A first for me on this trip were sightings of the elusive Saron shrimp. In fact, they were hardly elusive on this shore as they were all over the place, some of which were fairly large. There were a couple of interesting fish, including a fairly large nervous seabass like fish (possible escapee from the nearby farm at St John's?). However, the trouble with Kusu is the silty conditions which makes the water murky and non-conducive for photography. <br /><br />Coral-wise, one could hardly be disappointed with the diversity that could be found here. The most obvious corals were the large boulder-shaped faviidae and Heliopora. Others include large fields of Montipora, Pavona (Lettuce), Pocillopora (Cauliflower), Psammocora (Sandpaper), Galaxea (Galaxy), Fungidae (Mushroom), Goniopora, Mussidae (Brain), Acropora, Porites (Pore coral), Montipora, Turbinaria (flowery Disk), Alcyoniidae (Leathery soft coral) and Nephtheidae (Asparagus Flowery soft coral). I'll let the photos speak for themselves. You can also view more photos <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.207159352668798.67288.109257872458947&type=1"> here </a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhOfupAGN6Y/TjpRXZqi4-I/AAAAAAAAFjU/OzGIpPa9obY/s1600/283382_207165329334867_109257872458947_619339_7445484_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhOfupAGN6Y/TjpRXZqi4-I/AAAAAAAAFjU/OzGIpPa9obY/s400/283382_207165329334867_109257872458947_619339_7445484_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907346075771874" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkeq9rDFAQg/TjpRXR11TTI/AAAAAAAAFjM/ktVUxWj51Vk/s1600/283289_207168082667925_109257872458947_619380_385216_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkeq9rDFAQg/TjpRXR11TTI/AAAAAAAAFjM/ktVUxWj51Vk/s400/283289_207168082667925_109257872458947_619380_385216_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636907343975632178" /></a>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-5673383151766115012011-08-04T00:08:00.000-07:002011-08-04T01:06:16.533-07:00Terumbu Raya<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIiIHBtsr-8/TjpNqjNaZaI/AAAAAAAAFe0/ws-7rxSmKlE/s1600/250265_213072088744191_109257872458947_640513_3324867_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIiIHBtsr-8/TjpNqjNaZaI/AAAAAAAAFe0/ws-7rxSmKlE/s200/250265_213072088744191_109257872458947_640513_3324867_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636903277008938402" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqt-QmdIGPA/TjpNqQ0eieI/AAAAAAAAFes/plUhu5KXOTM/s1600/250382_213074902077243_109257872458947_640551_4927405_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqt-QmdIGPA/TjpNqQ0eieI/AAAAAAAAFes/plUhu5KXOTM/s200/250382_213074902077243_109257872458947_640551_4927405_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636903272072514018" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LLgttjdVLY/TjpNqTi7AbI/AAAAAAAAFek/8B5uhdUJA3k/s1600/285062_213075812077152_109257872458947_640564_6321471_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LLgttjdVLY/TjpNqTi7AbI/AAAAAAAAFek/8B5uhdUJA3k/s200/285062_213075812077152_109257872458947_640564_6321471_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636903272804188594" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXEDXQMmrx0/TjpNqBgy-YI/AAAAAAAAFec/3iPq5GsNV9U/s1600/283217_213073355410731_109257872458947_640528_2880672_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXEDXQMmrx0/TjpNqBgy-YI/AAAAAAAAFec/3iPq5GsNV9U/s200/283217_213073355410731_109257872458947_640528_2880672_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636903267963435394" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ2RO274O7U/TjpNqC84OMI/AAAAAAAAFeU/AieCPrXOFjw/s1600/281588_213074445410622_109257872458947_640543_6108999_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ2RO274O7U/TjpNqC84OMI/AAAAAAAAFeU/AieCPrXOFjw/s200/281588_213074445410622_109257872458947_640543_6108999_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636903268349655234" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htXjkV2tprw/TjpNSsyX2eI/AAAAAAAAFeM/4qNuYG6_0rc/s1600/251470_213073515410715_109257872458947_640531_5381321_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htXjkV2tprw/TjpNSsyX2eI/AAAAAAAAFeM/4qNuYG6_0rc/s200/251470_213073515410715_109257872458947_640531_5381321_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902867263019490" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0k5kkE-hm9M/TjpNSRWdZ1I/AAAAAAAAFeE/jSlMdCkiDLk/s1600/250382_213074902077243_109257872458947_640551_4927405_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0k5kkE-hm9M/TjpNSRWdZ1I/AAAAAAAAFeE/jSlMdCkiDLk/s200/250382_213074902077243_109257872458947_640551_4927405_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902859898185554" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVTPfvNahck/TjpNSLFLzjI/AAAAAAAAFd8/kGRpKRE6fpA/s1600/216853_213075252077208_109257872458947_640556_2495650_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVTPfvNahck/TjpNSLFLzjI/AAAAAAAAFd8/kGRpKRE6fpA/s200/216853_213075252077208_109257872458947_640556_2495650_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902858215116338" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMkCak9CHe4/TjpNR3PooZI/AAAAAAAAFd0/jjCMoY6hXz8/s1600/215015_213075588743841_109257872458947_640561_2704476_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMkCak9CHe4/TjpNR3PooZI/AAAAAAAAFd0/jjCMoY6hXz8/s200/215015_213075588743841_109257872458947_640561_2704476_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902852890239378" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rT2dK-tK0AI/TjpNRjXIIdI/AAAAAAAAFds/sS0l4RnCP9c/s1600/184163_213074265410640_109257872458947_640541_7033223_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rT2dK-tK0AI/TjpNRjXIIdI/AAAAAAAAFds/sS0l4RnCP9c/s200/184163_213074265410640_109257872458947_640541_7033223_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902847552954834" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hl96qJjKDE/TjpM17Zf1EI/AAAAAAAAFdk/ZNCcmP9GKCo/s1600/282067_213076752077058_109257872458947_640583_2376261_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hl96qJjKDE/TjpM17Zf1EI/AAAAAAAAFdk/ZNCcmP9GKCo/s200/282067_213076752077058_109257872458947_640583_2376261_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902372969010242" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vvjc6cQM1k/TjpM1s3XNrI/AAAAAAAAFdc/tNFqtj8IAfA/s1600/284659_213072662077467_109257872458947_640520_1408771_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vvjc6cQM1k/TjpM1s3XNrI/AAAAAAAAFdc/tNFqtj8IAfA/s200/284659_213072662077467_109257872458947_640520_1408771_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902369067742898" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAuhufKNJ7c/TjpM1X0uo-I/AAAAAAAAFdU/sxn8Z_9lmeo/s1600/284237_213077158743684_109257872458947_640593_3229284_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAuhufKNJ7c/TjpM1X0uo-I/AAAAAAAAFdU/sxn8Z_9lmeo/s200/284237_213077158743684_109257872458947_640593_3229284_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902363419550690" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKdaqPDNe8g/TjpM1c2O6XI/AAAAAAAAFdM/LvwBsyprAg4/s1600/283954_213074965410570_109257872458947_640552_2333200_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKdaqPDNe8g/TjpM1c2O6XI/AAAAAAAAFdM/LvwBsyprAg4/s200/283954_213074965410570_109257872458947_640552_2333200_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902364768037234" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_dsCnV282A/TjpM1DFvgrI/AAAAAAAAFdE/rdwCKC0eWAk/s1600/283859_213077038743696_109257872458947_640589_6282485_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_dsCnV282A/TjpM1DFvgrI/AAAAAAAAFdE/rdwCKC0eWAk/s200/283859_213077038743696_109257872458947_640589_6282485_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902357853766322" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUd6WQNHzMM/TjpMsdZYPPI/AAAAAAAAFc8/ijDq9m2rqWk/s1600/282076_213076248743775_109257872458947_640574_2326285_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUd6WQNHzMM/TjpMsdZYPPI/AAAAAAAAFc8/ijDq9m2rqWk/s200/282076_213076248743775_109257872458947_640574_2326285_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636902210296626418" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJmzPuvUHNM/TjpMKqZYRkI/AAAAAAAAFc0/VgMb_YUUEHY/s1600/282059_213077238743676_109257872458947_640594_6660523_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJmzPuvUHNM/TjpMKqZYRkI/AAAAAAAAFc0/VgMb_YUUEHY/s200/282059_213077238743676_109257872458947_640594_6660523_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901629670737474" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vN95SPTn4uw/TjpMKvR630I/AAAAAAAAFcs/dk5yhuIKVRI/s1600/281846_213072975410769_109257872458947_640524_8187563_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vN95SPTn4uw/TjpMKvR630I/AAAAAAAAFcs/dk5yhuIKVRI/s200/281846_213072975410769_109257872458947_640524_8187563_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901630981627714" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFz1HaTJ9cg/TjpMJw5DZ9I/AAAAAAAAFcc/uzRbDlgmX5Y/s1600/262974_213076642077069_109257872458947_640581_3268791_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFz1HaTJ9cg/TjpMJw5DZ9I/AAAAAAAAFcc/uzRbDlgmX5Y/s200/262974_213076642077069_109257872458947_640581_3268791_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901614234331090" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-GGFuxKFlI/TjpMJu9iwyI/AAAAAAAAFcU/lMI3yIbT_HI/s1600/262963_213076318743768_109257872458947_640575_5137603_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-GGFuxKFlI/TjpMJu9iwyI/AAAAAAAAFcU/lMI3yIbT_HI/s200/262963_213076318743768_109257872458947_640575_5137603_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901613716292386" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niH1HR5NIGg/TjpLzTQXO-I/AAAAAAAAFcM/sMEtt6Zp6iU/s1600/205970_213072172077516_109257872458947_640514_1591147_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niH1HR5NIGg/TjpLzTQXO-I/AAAAAAAAFcM/sMEtt6Zp6iU/s200/205970_213072172077516_109257872458947_640514_1591147_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901228321913826" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNgNMPWAkbo/TjpLzOVrJEI/AAAAAAAAFcE/mu6k0tORGCU/s1600/229752_213072878744112_109257872458947_640523_596575_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNgNMPWAkbo/TjpLzOVrJEI/AAAAAAAAFcE/mu6k0tORGCU/s200/229752_213072878744112_109257872458947_640523_596575_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901227002012738" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oygYzy89Thw/TjpLzK84ovI/AAAAAAAAFb8/Klxzl8SMUi4/s1600/224564_213074148743985_109257872458947_640540_568772_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oygYzy89Thw/TjpLzK84ovI/AAAAAAAAFb8/Klxzl8SMUi4/s200/224564_213074148743985_109257872458947_640540_568772_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901226092733170" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cIiITWE5iZA/TjpLyyzu1SI/AAAAAAAAFb0/PJYWes2xuNQ/s1600/185401_213076885410378_109257872458947_640586_4747210_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cIiITWE5iZA/TjpLyyzu1SI/AAAAAAAAFb0/PJYWes2xuNQ/s200/185401_213076885410378_109257872458947_640586_4747210_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901219611890978" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIA4BAVo9lQ/TjpLy-YmzkI/AAAAAAAAFbs/xk7qAfjTsDQ/s1600/184052_213073065410760_109257872458947_640525_2377687_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIA4BAVo9lQ/TjpLy-YmzkI/AAAAAAAAFbs/xk7qAfjTsDQ/s200/184052_213073065410760_109257872458947_640525_2377687_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636901222719344194" /></a> On the eve of the Hungry Ghost Festival, a few intrepid inter-tidal fanatics departed Singapore at 4:30am for a foray into yet another submerged reef – Terumbu Raya. This was my second pre-dawn visit to the reef which is located across from Pulau Semakau. Situated next to it are 2 other submerged reefs, Terumbu Bemban and as the name suggests, the very large Terumbu Bemban Besar. My first visit to Terumbu Raya wasn’t particularly memorable, other than my first encounter with a Snake Eel foraging around the substrate in search of food. It’s always good not to have high expectations, because you don’t end up getting disappointed. There was certainly no reason to be disappointed given my first encounter with a long-horned cow fish (Lactoria cornuta) (special thanks to Kok Sheng who found it by the reef edge) and a tiny frog fish (Lophiocharon trisignatus) (special thanks to Chay Hoon for showing it to me). Other encounters included the usual reef octopus, quite a few juvenile barracudas (Sphyraenidae), a mosaic reef crab (Lophozozymus pictor), glimpses of large low narrow fish splashing about, a long-spined black sea urchin (Diadema), a fire anemone (Actinodendron), a large bubble-tipped anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) and 2 flatworms (one of which was an Acanthozoon) .<br /><br />But the thing which intrigued me most was the amazing diversity of coral particularly along the reef’s edge. In fact, I spent so much time checking out the coral there, I had no time to explore 90% of the rest of the reef. Although the coral colonies were not as dense as say, Kusu Island, there was greater diversity in terms of species found in the same area. Not only were some of the colonies fairly large, some of the single boulder-shaped corals were huge and came in an array of bright colours, particularly the brain corals. I managed to see colonies of flowery disk coral (Turbinaria), smooth plate montipora coral (Montipora), ridged plate coral (Merulina), ringled plate coral (Pachyseris), a huge moon coral (Diploastrea heliopora), lettuce coral (Pavona), carnation coral (Pectinia), anemone coral (Goniopora), smooth mushroom hard coral(Fungiidae) , long mushroom coral (Fungiidae), galaxy coral (Galaxea), grooved brain coral (Symphyllia), lobed brain coral (Lobophyllia), cabbage brain coral and a whole bunch of different favids including boulder-sized jigsaw maze favid coral (Faviidae), pore coral (Porites). I noticed also that this reef had more brain corals than any of the other reefs I visited. I wonder thy this is so. <br /><br />One noticeable feature about this reef is the steep drop after the reef’s edge. I believe there is much to be discovered by diving in the area, particularly the channel between Terumbu Raya and Pulau Semakau. After all, dolphins, turtles and sharks are known to frequent the area.<br /><br />You can view more photos of the trip <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=213074902077243&set=a.213071992077534.68410.109257872458947&type=1&theater&closeTheater=1"> here </a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvNuf1kK6IU/TjpSRgkJ9lI/AAAAAAAAFj0/GnogsMwyfKc/s1600/281384_213077858743614_109257872458947_640604_8316237_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvNuf1kK6IU/TjpSRgkJ9lI/AAAAAAAAFj0/GnogsMwyfKc/s400/281384_213077858743614_109257872458947_640604_8316237_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636908344360433234" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h8ZSqNXsm0/TjpSRSk18WI/AAAAAAAAFjs/-7cUNf8izg/s1600/253240_213080802076653_109257872458947_640643_339836_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h8ZSqNXsm0/TjpSRSk18WI/AAAAAAAAFjs/-7jcUNf8izg/s400/253240_213080802076653_109257872458947_640643_339836_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636908340605219170" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnjeSa-oIKE/TjpSRFFS2NI/AAAAAAAAFjk/u0uvZOJdeYA/s1600/216960_213077922076941_109257872458947_640605_938506_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnjeSa-oIKE/TjpSRFFS2NI/AAAAAAAAFjk/u0uvZOJdeYA/s400/216960_213077922076941_109257872458947_640605_938506_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636908336983234770" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzkjXiQ-Qao/TjpSQNM9wiI/AAAAAAAAFjc/GOfxZZzTwXA/s1600/216818_213079005410166_109257872458947_640620_1557326_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzkjXiQ-Qao/TjpSQNM9wiI/AAAAAAAAFjc/GOfxZZzTwXA/s400/216818_213079005410166_109257872458947_640620_1557326_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636908321983021602" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dx7r_KncIjs/TjpSRsQoeWI/AAAAAAAAFj8/CZyxsfmqCmo/s1600/283577_213080612076672_109257872458947_640641_2663421_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dx7r_KncIjs/TjpSRsQoeWI/AAAAAAAAFj8/CZyxsfmqCmo/s400/283577_213080612076672_109257872458947_640641_2663421_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636908347499772258" /></a>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-6461898914631386862011-08-03T07:40:00.000-07:002011-08-03T19:18:20.489-07:00white-crested laughing thrush<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfehtDBInPM/TjlgZ3BlhfI/AAAAAAAAFZs/Flx569UiMUc/s1600/white_crested_laughing_thrush.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfehtDBInPM/TjlgZ3BlhfI/AAAAAAAAFZs/Flx569UiMUc/s400/white_crested_laughing_thrush.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636642406014486002" /></a> On Saturday morning, whilst I was potting around in the garden, I heard a very distinctive call from a flock of birds. At first, I couldn't see the birds but about a minute later, I saw 3 brown birds with whitish head and breast perching on the branch of the red bottlebrush tree (Callistemon viminalis) which is growing as a wayside tree outside my place. At the time, I didn't know what it was but after searching on the internet and my brand new 'New Holland Field Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia', I came to know that the birds I saw were the White-Crested Laughing Thrush (Garrulax leucolophus). <br /><br />Apparently these are fairly common in Singapore and it's range extends across South-East Asia right up to Mynanmar. Quite a few people in SIngapore have blogged about it and The NSS' Bird Ecology Study Group has quite a few write-ups about this species. These can be found here <a href="http://www.besgroup.org/2010/11/14/white-crested-laughingthrush-eating-a-peanut/"> here </a>. <br /><br />One of the most distinctive features of this bird is, as its namesake suggest, is it's laugh. I managed to find a very good clip on youtube showing the distinctive call. <br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pXCk7Zl8U6w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-63028695676949195282011-07-05T02:30:00.000-07:002011-07-05T02:57:16.252-07:00lazy updates<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Singapore-Reef-Watch/109257872458947"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ9aQBCmD-U/ThLfo3JiIjI/AAAAAAAAFYU/fzJmNCVHBCI/s1600/srw.PNG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ9aQBCmD-U/ThLfo3JiIjI/AAAAAAAAFYU/fzJmNCVHBCI/s400/srw.PNG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625804777630868018" /></a></a> Tardy is the word. I haven't been on many nature field trips, which explains the lack of posts. I have however been participating in the usual intertidal trips to the shores and submerged reefs and all updates and photos are posted on my Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Singapore-Reef-Watch/109257872458947"> Singapore Reef Watch </a>. The last intertidal update on this blog was Changi sometime during the Chinese New Year period. Below are links to the trips after that. <br /><br />1. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.160931730624894.46952.109257872458947"> St Johns Island </a><br />2. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.161031663948234.47014.109257872458947"> Little Sisters </a><br />3. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.165010616883672.48717.109257872458947"> Lazarus Island </a><br />4. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.172054852845915.51808.109257872458947"> wet Cyrene </a><br />5. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.172973539420713.52164.109257872458947"> Terumbu Raya </a><br />6. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.179572275427506.56623.109257872458947"> Keppel Bay Marine </a><br />7. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.179715118746555.57014.109257872458947"> Terumbu Bemban </a><br />8. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.179471578770909.56323.109257872458947"> Pulau Jong </a><br />9. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.179832528734814.57296.109257872458947"> Terumbu Pempang Laut </a><br />10. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.185340548184012.60423.109257872458947"> Terumbu Pempang Tengah </a><br />11. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.185549691496431.60496.109257872458947"> Beting Bronok </a><br />12. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.186568514727882.60905.109257872458947"> Beting Bemban Besar </a><br />13. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.193758294008904.64196.109257872458947"> Terumbu Selegi </a><br />14. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.198742036843863.65620.109257872458947"> Lazarus again </a>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-7523017044329225992011-04-23T02:33:00.000-07:002011-04-23T02:39:56.819-07:00iphone 4 videosToday, I visited Terumbu Pempang Laut for the 2nd time. The last visit was sometime last year at the height of coral bleaching. I will blog about this visit complete with photos later. In the meantime, I am posting 2 videos I took using my iphone 4. One is of a copper banded butterfly fish while the other is a spider conch flipping itself. I also took videos of the butterfly and a blue damsel using my underwater cam. These will be posted up soon. <br /><br /><object width="224" height="400" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/10150236416931273" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/10150236416931273" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="224" height="400"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="224" height="400" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/10150236419791273" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/10150236419791273" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="224" height="400"></embed></object>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-33665047404880451432011-02-02T20:43:00.000-08:002011-02-02T21:26:57.976-08:00death everywhere<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo8ROPe9qI/AAAAAAAAFQA/CCVAsRLLXBw/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo8ROPe9qI/AAAAAAAAFQA/CCVAsRLLXBw/s400/IMG_0247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569330155775522466" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo8Qq0YtGI/AAAAAAAAFP4/awz6PeraGOE/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo8Qq0YtGI/AAAAAAAAFP4/awz6PeraGOE/s400/IMG_0234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569330146266625122" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo8QQEnfJI/AAAAAAAAFPw/gdlJUHkgWXk/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo8QQEnfJI/AAAAAAAAFPw/gdlJUHkgWXk/s400/IMG_0221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569330139086945426" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo7nxjghwI/AAAAAAAAFPo/uypEK-QTsp0/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo7nxjghwI/AAAAAAAAFPo/uypEK-QTsp0/s400/IMG_0219.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569329443700246274" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo7nsDwLHI/AAAAAAAAFPg/s8sB-7D4YIc/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo7nsDwLHI/AAAAAAAAFPg/s8sB-7D4YIc/s400/IMG_0211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569329442224876658" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo7nHtOM2I/AAAAAAAAFPY/bf_EVwti1PM/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo7nHtOM2I/AAAAAAAAFPY/bf_EVwti1PM/s400/IMG_0259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569329432466699106" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo6R31--JI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/VRMQ_wttEcw/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo6R31--JI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/VRMQ_wttEcw/s400/IMG_0274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569327967919601810" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo6RTCuuKI/AAAAAAAAFPI/FP66mTvgVmA/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo6RTCuuKI/AAAAAAAAFPI/FP66mTvgVmA/s400/IMG_0278.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569327958040950946" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo6Q2QthfI/AAAAAAAAFPA/6JOn38Stq0I/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo6Q2QthfI/AAAAAAAAFPA/6JOn38Stq0I/s400/IMG_0285.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569327950314964466" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo19VeF-CI/AAAAAAAAFO4/A2L0NeWgbzU/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo19VeF-CI/AAAAAAAAFO4/A2L0NeWgbzU/s400/IMG_0316.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569323217048696866" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo18whsfHI/AAAAAAAAFOw/4y-d4mGZ9bg/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo18whsfHI/AAAAAAAAFOw/4y-d4mGZ9bg/s400/IMG_0291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569323207131692146" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo18WXRLXI/AAAAAAAAFOo/z-XeIuGs6_4/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo18WXRLXI/AAAAAAAAFOo/z-XeIuGs6_4/s400/IMG_0290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569323200108637554" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo1KRho3uI/AAAAAAAAFOg/SW1dTNTYtG0/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo1KRho3uI/AAAAAAAAFOg/SW1dTNTYtG0/s400/IMG_0255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569322339816496866" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo1JsdhPuI/AAAAAAAAFOY/RDct0V3YANo/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo1JsdhPuI/AAAAAAAAFOY/RDct0V3YANo/s400/IMG_0251.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569322329867108066" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo1JZzZxjI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/FyVyhpbXiMY/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo1JZzZxjI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/FyVyhpbXiMY/s400/IMG_0250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569322324858619442" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo0b53cAcI/AAAAAAAAFOI/KoyfJ_BmXcU/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo0b53cAcI/AAAAAAAAFOI/KoyfJ_BmXcU/s400/IMG_0241.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569321543191495106" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo0bgB3VfI/AAAAAAAAFOA/bvfBx03WQMA/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo0bgB3VfI/AAAAAAAAFOA/bvfBx03WQMA/s400/IMG_0223.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569321536255907314" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo0bSowZfI/AAAAAAAAFN4/zZnec2ghSEs/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TUo0bSowZfI/AAAAAAAAFN4/zZnec2ghSEs/s400/IMG_0210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569321532660934130" /></a> I drove to Changi after work today to catch the low tide. I had wanted to observe the shore for signs of death as a result of the unrelenting rain which poured over the last couple of days. The rain had caused massive flooding in much of Johor as many rivers had burst their banks. Given that Changi and in particular, Chek Jawa lie at the mouth of the Johor river, there are many concerns that we would have a repeat of the mass deaths at these areas. <br /><br />This was probably one of the weirdest trips ever because I hardly got to see anything alive. There were basically lots of dead stuff lying around the shore. I think the rain did cause some damage. Over at the shore near Changi Point, certain patches of sea grass meadows had turned brown. In fact, the shore was littered with lots of brown sea grass leaves. Still, there were some nice and healthy sea grass meadows submerged in the lower shore. I did come across two palm sized carpet anemones, one green and the other purplish sitting tight amongst the meadows. Apart from that, and a couple of sea urchins, everything else I saw was dead and in various stages of decay. I'm not sure if this had anything to do with the rain, since many of these were large fishes. Amongst the dead included 2 horseshoe crabs, cuttlefish bones, dying sponges, a dead pigeon, different types of fish, some of which quite large like the puffer fish and queen fish, bits of broken coral and even a skull belonging to some mammal. <br /><br />The rain washed up quite a lot of debris onto the shore, most of which were mangrove debris. According to <a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2011/02/signs-of-johor-flood-on-changi.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WildShoresOfSingapore+%28wild+shores+of+singapore%29&utm_content=FaceBook"> Ria </a>, many of the ones washed up are rare in Singapore and had probably come from Johor. <br /><br />The tides today were not very low and the waves at the usual shore we visit made it virtually impossible to see anything even if we had waded out towards the sandbar area. This probably explains why I didn't see any hermit crabs or sea cucumbers lying around. These creatures are usually quite abundant at this shore. <br /><br />Tomorrow, we head off to St. Johns. It's my first time there, but from the posts i've read, the reefs and shore appear to be quite diverse. Hopefully we'll see something interesting.russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-22355103744602879082011-01-23T07:15:00.000-08:002011-01-23T18:48:40.667-08:00Big Sisters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxPex8CxBI/AAAAAAAAFNA/25NLIHfQOwQ/s1600/IMG_9801.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxPex8CxBI/AAAAAAAAFNA/25NLIHfQOwQ/s200/IMG_9801.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565410629742937106" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxPdxtHFJI/AAAAAAAAFM4/dy0TbEELGTY/s1600/IMG_7789.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxPdxtHFJI/AAAAAAAAFM4/dy0TbEELGTY/s200/IMG_7789.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565410612500436114" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxPdhvFMfI/AAAAAAAAFMw/8FxiecIZnKs/s1600/IMG_7772.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxH_nlNjnI/AAAAAAAAFKg/_NUx3QTt6H8/s200/IMG_9835.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565402397805481586" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxH_aNM33I/AAAAAAAAFKY/RkHK6EZRpj0/s1600/IMG_9848.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxH_aNM33I/AAAAAAAAFKY/RkHK6EZRpj0/s200/IMG_9848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565402394215112562" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxLFOGIx6I/AAAAAAAAFLw/hpReBPyWQ8w/s1600/IMG_9900.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxLFOGIx6I/AAAAAAAAFLw/hpReBPyWQ8w/s200/IMG_9900.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565405792578357154" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxLEslKm0I/AAAAAAAAFLo/Xc0x_MXGcww/s1600/IMG_9910.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxLEslKm0I/AAAAAAAAFLo/Xc0x_MXGcww/s200/IMG_9910.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565405783581694786" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxLEV6v3vI/AAAAAAAAFLg/I_d7npBXTog/s1600/IMG_9918.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxLEV6v3vI/AAAAAAAAFLg/I_d7npBXTog/s200/IMG_9918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565405777498201842" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxKh8QTtiI/AAAAAAAAFLY/LXBoXewJQR8/s1600/IMG_9871.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxKh8QTtiI/AAAAAAAAFLY/LXBoXewJQR8/s200/IMG_9871.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565405186493756962" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxKhrPDyNI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/5tKtkVu_2js/s1600/IMG_9867.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxKhrPDyNI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/5tKtkVu_2js/s200/IMG_9867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565405181925116114" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxKhXAgATI/AAAAAAAAFLI/Im__V50-frE/s1600/IMG_9866.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxKhXAgATI/AAAAAAAAFLI/Im__V50-frE/s200/IMG_9866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565405176495341874" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxJjcDpjKI/AAAAAAAAFLA/XPWuhseNEaE/s1600/IMG_9864.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxJjcDpjKI/AAAAAAAAFLA/XPWuhseNEaE/s200/IMG_9864.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565404112698838178" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxJjbOB0vI/AAAAAAAAFK4/IajMCZi5s10/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxJjbOB0vI/AAAAAAAAFK4/IajMCZi5s10/s200/IMG_9856.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565404112473936626" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxJjO9BStI/AAAAAAAAFKw/0Hkjj2KvkPo/s1600/IMG_9857.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxJjO9BStI/AAAAAAAAFKw/0Hkjj2KvkPo/s200/IMG_9857.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565404109181373138" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxM0XLn6vI/AAAAAAAAFMA/511fxnQl7ro/s1600/IMG_9883.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxM0XLn6vI/AAAAAAAAFMA/511fxnQl7ro/s200/IMG_9883.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565407701982767858" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxMzr2eRjI/AAAAAAAAFL4/2hF8IIa3Qnw/s1600/IMG_9916.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxMzr2eRjI/AAAAAAAAFL4/2hF8IIa3Qnw/s200/IMG_9916.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565407690351330866" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxH_kxyClI/AAAAAAAAFKo/iaorIcPfayM/s1600/IMG_9853.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxH_kxyClI/AAAAAAAAFKo/iaorIcPfayM/s200/IMG_9853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565402397052897874" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today was the 2nd shore trip for 2011 and my third visit to Big Sisters island. My first ever shore trip was also to Big Sisters sometime in July 2010 (first sighting of a turtle) and that was during the wee hours of the morning. Strangely, we tend to visit Sisters island in the dark. <br /><br />What promised to be an exciting trip full of new discoveries ended up in major disappointment thanks to the combination of strong winds and not very low tides. The ripples reduced vision drastically and made it virtually impossible to shoot anything decent. This explains the lack of photos published today. On a brighter note, I did manage to see a fairly large squid in the lagoon, a rather cute Moon-headed side-gill slug (Euselenops luniceps) and some Acanthozoon flatworms. <br /><br />Anyhow, here's hoping the winds won't be as strong during next week’s trips to St. John's and Little Sisters.russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-2119378724964636222011-01-22T08:16:00.000-08:002011-01-23T08:01:25.223-08:00pulau hantu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxQslVunlI/AAAAAAAAFNg/dqOQUFv-G_k/s1600/IMG_9451.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxQslVunlI/AAAAAAAAFNg/dqOQUFv-G_k/s200/IMG_9451.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565411966390804050" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxQsPmEFjI/AAAAAAAAFNY/NPMjrz3UU8c/s1600/IMG_9435.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxQsPmEFjI/AAAAAAAAFNY/NPMjrz3UU8c/s200/IMG_9435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565411960553739826" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxQrpRoOII/AAAAAAAAFNQ/AbMG5y5IOn8/s1600/IMG_7732.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxQrpRoOII/AAAAAAAAFNQ/AbMG5y5IOn8/s200/IMG_7732.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565411950267480194" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxQrZ_pIaI/AAAAAAAAFNI/AUC3lIvlgvI/s1600/IMG_7698.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTxQrZ_pIaI/AAAAAAAAFNI/AUC3lIvlgvI/s200/IMG_7698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565411946165510562" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuAeNFMzeI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/5YSHm4cGpnw/s1600/IMG_9466.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuAeNFMzeI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/5YSHm4cGpnw/s200/IMG_9466.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565183020942282210" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuAd-UAbBI/AAAAAAAAFGI/XBYTRJSGSPA/s1600/IMG_9499.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuAd-UAbBI/AAAAAAAAFGI/XBYTRJSGSPA/s200/IMG_9499.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565183016977853458" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuAdZoOJFI/AAAAAAAAFGA/aIOlXJQnLeQ/s1600/IMG_9615.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuAdZoOJFI/AAAAAAAAFGA/aIOlXJQnLeQ/s200/IMG_9615.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565183007130526802" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTt-hk2ZpmI/AAAAAAAAFF4/2edaX3QEX08/s1600/IMG_9438.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTsQ-ktrOeI/AAAAAAAAFEw/m7JJBtBn8RE/s200/IMG_7681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565060431739566562" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTsQ-CeZg4I/AAAAAAAAFEo/uGkApVZywRA/s1600/IMG_7671.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTsQ-CeZg4I/AAAAAAAAFEo/uGkApVZywRA/s200/IMG_7671.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565060422548685698" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTsQ9XoiDZI/AAAAAAAAFEg/Owq7QReRX8E/s1600/IMG_7633.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTsQ9XoiDZI/AAAAAAAAFEg/Owq7QReRX8E/s200/IMG_7633.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565060411048463762" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTsQ8-Vbv4I/AAAAAAAAFEY/RAs-bDjdC1I/s1600/IMG_7631.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTsQ8-Vbv4I/AAAAAAAAFEY/RAs-bDjdC1I/s200/IMG_7631.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565060404257472386" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuhhRFpfzI/AAAAAAAAFGg/AsX7-KQz9-w/s1600/IMG_7674.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuhhRFpfzI/AAAAAAAAFGg/AsX7-KQz9-w/s200/IMG_7674.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565219357441228594" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuhhGxm-OI/AAAAAAAAFGY/ADBAL7WyReM/s1600/IMG_7678.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTuhhGxm-OI/AAAAAAAAFGY/ADBAL7WyReM/s200/IMG_7678.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565219354672822498" /></a><br /><br /><br />Today, I joined Ria and the group for my first shore trip of the year, this time to Pulau Hantu. It's my virgin trip to the island, and I was pretty psyched about it because it's i've read about the place on various blogs such as the <a href="http://www.pulauhantu.org/"> Hantu Bloggers </a>. In fact, it's also one of the better diving locations in the Southern islands mainly because of the rich biodiversity one can find in its watery depths. <br /><br />We departed from West Coast pier and made out way towards the island but not without passing Pulau Bukom which we all know, is a major oil refinery hub. It's simply incredible how our reefs can thrive just next to heavy industries such as oil refining. Quite a bit of the reef sits in the channel between the 2 islands. <br /><br />Like Sisters' Island, Pulau Hantu consists of 2 islands but unlike Sisters' Island, the islands here are separated by a huge lagoon. By the time we arrived, the lagoon was already emptying out. The lagoon is quite vast but relatively "empty", thus making it an excellent swimming lagoon not just for humans, but also turtles and even sharks. Most of the coral can be found beyond the sea wall areas. <br /><br />Although the tide wasn't particularly low today, it was still low enough to venture beyond the sea wall. Usually, you would find it more interesting than the lagoon areas, though one should be careful where he treads especially at around the edge of the reef. Chay Hoon mentioned that it is a gradual drop and the depths can reach between 14 and 20 metres. <br /><br />I managed some good sightings today, some of which were a first for me. The first encounter of the day this small coastal horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas). Ria thinks this is possibly a first sighting of it on P. Hantu. Initially, I wasn't sure if it was alive as a bit of its shell had broken away, but as I approached it, it began to move towards the sea. I also managed to see my first blue spotted fantail ray (Taeniura lymma) keeping fairly still under a clump of sargassum. Others firsts included the Mosiac Reef Crab (Lophozozymus pictor), the red & pink wriggly star anemone, a tiny false clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) within a giant carpet anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea) and a sunflower mushroom hard coral (Heliofungia actiniformis). Strangely, I didn't see any octopus or much in the way of fish. <br /><br />Corals wise, I didn't notice any bleaching, which is always a relief. The team felt that there were less corals now than before. There were quite a lot of leathery coral, with some growing as large as a metre or so in diameter. There was also quite a lot of asparagus flowery coral and giant carpet anemones. There aren't as many favids here as compared to some of the other places like Kusu Island, Big Sisters and even some of the submerged reefs like Cyrene. Nevertheless, none of the ones I came across were bleaching, and many still retained their luminescent colours. <br /><br />Tomorrow (or today rather), I will be making my 3rd visit to Big Sisters! Am hoping to make more exciting discoveries!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvuevGi6qI/AAAAAAAAFKA/V1cKlQhEVvg/s1600/IMG_9646.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvuevGi6qI/AAAAAAAAFKA/V1cKlQhEVvg/s200/IMG_9646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565303976353786530" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvueBkyHeI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/KcSkGuhUFXM/s1600/IMG_9662.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvueBkyHeI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/KcSkGuhUFXM/s200/IMG_9662.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565303964132580834" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvud4U7WMI/AAAAAAAAFJw/oDL8EAoUlu0/s1600/IMG_9715.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvud4U7WMI/AAAAAAAAFJw/oDL8EAoUlu0/s200/IMG_9715.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565303961650157762" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvqZv4G9jI/AAAAAAAAFJo/r14aE2tEuQs/s1600/IMG_9654.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvqZv4G9jI/AAAAAAAAFJo/r14aE2tEuQs/s200/IMG_9654.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565299492615812658" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvqZBS5AgI/AAAAAAAAFJg/xeqiYThrWcA/s1600/IMG_9685.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvqZBS5AgI/AAAAAAAAFJg/xeqiYThrWcA/s200/IMG_9685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565299480111677954" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvqY9eU6xI/AAAAAAAAFJY/cpksaPfoJBM/s1600/IMG_9717.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTumdUI5LYI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/3-39jTpqbPM/s200/IMG_9586.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565224787098807682" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTumc300ZQI/AAAAAAAAFHI/A53feE5YNTg/s1600/IMG_9577.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTumc300ZQI/AAAAAAAAFHI/A53feE5YNTg/s200/IMG_9577.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565224779498415362" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTumcjxYKrI/AAAAAAAAFHA/chvr87MHeIw/s1600/IMG_9552.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTumcjxYKrI/AAAAAAAAFHA/chvr87MHeIw/s200/IMG_9552.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565224774115273394" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTulmiTVblI/AAAAAAAAFG4/qtP3yxGxbWI/s1600/IMG_9519.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTulmiTVblI/AAAAAAAAFG4/qtP3yxGxbWI/s200/IMG_9519.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565223846007893586" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTulmTKp5ZI/AAAAAAAAFGw/nOOfaraZih4/s1600/IMG_9526.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTulmTKp5ZI/AAAAAAAAFGw/nOOfaraZih4/s200/IMG_9526.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565223841944954258" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTulmKOUgVI/AAAAAAAAFGo/b2MH8W2fEd4/s1600/IMG_9510.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTulmKOUgVI/AAAAAAAAFGo/b2MH8W2fEd4/s200/IMG_9510.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565223839544410450" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTur5ztccmI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/eFeigdv-w-s/s1600/IMG_9733.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTur5ztccmI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/eFeigdv-w-s/s200/IMG_9733.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565230774168089186" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTur5r6SF4I/AAAAAAAAFJI/JWPRGVsY8Eg/s1600/IMG_9703.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTur5r6SF4I/AAAAAAAAFJI/JWPRGVsY8Eg/s200/IMG_9703.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565230772074452866" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvyNB9oCEI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/Hu-eISxxNwA/s1600/IMG_9624.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvyNB9oCEI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/Hu-eISxxNwA/s200/IMG_9624.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565308070225512514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvyMsW4TnI/AAAAAAAAFKI/P2HebYs0VZ4/s1600/IMG_9708.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TTvyMsW4TnI/AAAAAAAAFKI/P2HebYs0VZ4/s200/IMG_9708.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565308064425856626" /></a>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-35607887999680931192010-12-26T07:17:00.001-08:002010-12-27T15:52:46.516-08:00sentosa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkmxOCwPOI/AAAAAAAAFAw/mDxw0H9X7GE/s1600/IMG_8828.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkmxOCwPOI/AAAAAAAAFAw/mDxw0H9X7GE/s200/IMG_8828.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555514242363309282" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkmwuRChfI/AAAAAAAAFAo/o1IcTt36wyk/s1600/IMG_8907.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkmwuRChfI/AAAAAAAAFAo/o1IcTt36wyk/s200/IMG_8907.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555514233833293298" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkmwQBM9ZI/AAAAAAAAFAg/FzKnMvHvWyA/s1600/IMG_8817.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkmwQBM9ZI/AAAAAAAAFAg/FzKnMvHvWyA/s200/IMG_8817.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555514225713804690" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkl62jyPwI/AAAAAAAAFAY/640mvGBy5dU/s1600/IMG_8885.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkl62jyPwI/AAAAAAAAFAY/640mvGBy5dU/s200/IMG_8885.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555513308346466050" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkl6axIH0I/AAAAAAAAFAQ/E50OzQqhV1U/s1600/IMG_8799.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkl6axIH0I/AAAAAAAAFAQ/E50OzQqhV1U/s200/IMG_8799.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555513300886232898" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkl57flLwI/AAAAAAAAFAI/slJ9Qu1r3BA/s1600/IMG_8797.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkl57flLwI/AAAAAAAAFAI/slJ9Qu1r3BA/s200/IMG_8797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555513292491140866" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkk_SmgPsI/AAAAAAAAFAA/JNA4hmWxAvk/s1600/IMG_7500.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkk_SmgPsI/AAAAAAAAFAA/JNA4hmWxAvk/s200/IMG_7500.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555512285081910978" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkk-xNxZ3I/AAAAAAAAE_4/OAwQBJyqleM/s1600/IMG_7454.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkk-xNxZ3I/AAAAAAAAE_4/OAwQBJyqleM/s200/IMG_7454.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555512276119807858" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkk-lOLn_I/AAAAAAAAE_w/WzDacWVq89U/s1600/IMG_7449.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRkk-lOLn_I/AAAAAAAAE_w/WzDacWVq89U/s200/IMG_7449.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555512272900300786" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRde9dIodbI/AAAAAAAAE_o/9FSOZWj8FUM/s1600/IMG_8874.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRde9dIodbI/AAAAAAAAE_o/9FSOZWj8FUM/s200/IMG_8874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555013075270661554" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRdep5AuHAI/AAAAAAAAE_g/8Bb6uzy1bl4/s1600/IMG_8802.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRdep5AuHAI/AAAAAAAAE_g/8Bb6uzy1bl4/s200/IMG_8802.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555012739156286466" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRdepQsmDqI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/DHreZFAoRd0/s1600/IMG_8899.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TRdepQsmDqI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/DHreZFAoRd0/s200/IMG_8899.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555012728334454434" /></a><br />After what feels like a fairly a long hiatus, I was back to the shore, this time Sentosa, a place I had always wanted to visit but never quite got down to doing so. <br /><br />Unlike some of the other shore areas in Singapore, the one at Sentosa is rich not just in its marine life, but also for his rich diversity of flora and fauna around the periphery areas. Some of the trees in the area were flowering quite profusely, though I haven't quite managed to identify them. There were also a couple of mangrove-like plants with handsome glossy leaves, as well as large specimens of Nepenthes rafflesiana creeping amidst other plants from the cliff face. I saw a couple of little egrets (Egretta garzetta) and little herons (Butorides striatus) which I managed to take some photos of. The one bird which I saw but still did not manage to photograph is the very elusive Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis). I saw this bird once at the Bukit Brown Cemetery area but also did not managed to shoot it. <br /><br />As for marine life, the shore was strangely quiet. I did manage to see one solitary gigantea anemone in the rocky areas as well as a couple of snails. The waters in the reefier parts was quite clear, but again seemingly devoid of life, apart from the tape grass (which looked quite healthy) and sargassum. I did catch a glimpse of a carpet eel blenny (Congrogadus subducens), a copper-banded butterfly and a small painted scorpion fish. I also managed to capture on camera, an octopus and a few floral and red egg crabs. <br /><br />As with all my trips to the shore, we usually either get a fantastic sunrise or a dramatic sunset, and today's is no exception. In fact, the sunset was rather dramatic thanks to the dark stormy clouds looming at a distance. <br /><br />All in all, it was a good trip and am already looking forward to the ones in January of the new year! Pulau Hantu has always been on my list!russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-25820100371176395872010-11-16T23:54:00.000-08:002010-11-17T05:16:42.493-08:00singapore's answer to the butterfly bible!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TOOKXPhKUZI/AAAAAAAAE-s/HfWqRFCmzMs/s1600/BOSFrontCover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TOOKXPhKUZI/AAAAAAAAE-s/HfWqRFCmzMs/s400/BOSFrontCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540424098503086482" /></a> I'm a sucker for resource books and am constantly on a search for them to add to my ever expanding library. Most of these either relate to nature, interior design & architecture or cooking. When I heard that a new book on butterflies of Singapore was going to be published, I could barely contain my excitement as there is just so little resource and information relating to butterflies in Singapore. <br /><br />Titled "a Field Guide to the Butterflies of Singapore", the book's author Khew Sin Khoon documents some 291 different species of butterflies which can be found in Singapore. Although the book doesn't go into that much detail, it still provides succinct bits of information relating to behaviour, fight patterns and habitat. Besides, there's only so much an amateur enthusiast needs to know about each butterfly. If anything, this book functions well as an ID guide to butterflies. What it lacks in detail, it makes up for in photographs, all of which are extremely well-taken. I understand that most of the photos were contributed by members of ButterflyCircle. <br /><br />I would highly recommend this to any amateur or budding butterfly enthusiast who needs help with identifying butterflies in Singapore. To my mind, this is an invaluable resource worthy of every personal library!russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-29377040198477482072010-09-25T06:57:00.000-07:002010-09-25T08:09:46.200-07:00a short hike into MacRitchie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Bgp2MckI/AAAAAAAAE7M/3AiaPakACjI/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Bgp2MckI/AAAAAAAAE7M/3AiaPakACjI/s200/IMG_0262.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851853703410242" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4BgNx8l7I/AAAAAAAAE7E/JY4plNJ1HmI/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4BgNx8l7I/AAAAAAAAE7E/JY4plNJ1HmI/s200/IMG_0167.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851846169401266" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Bf6rKNPI/AAAAAAAAE68/X2Q1Uj3KPF4/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Bf6rKNPI/AAAAAAAAE68/X2Q1Uj3KPF4/s200/IMG_0231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851841040659698" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4BfnbI5zI/AAAAAAAAE60/ZYnHEj9gFFU/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4BfnbI5zI/AAAAAAAAE60/ZYnHEj9gFFU/s200/IMG_0237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851835873191730" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4AxH2ZsQI/AAAAAAAAE6s/Kcswc4eUnz0/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4AxH2ZsQI/AAAAAAAAE6s/Kcswc4eUnz0/s200/IMG_0315.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851037123621122" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Aw1qR6sI/AAAAAAAAE6k/Rvuq9b7pSjU/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Aw1qR6sI/AAAAAAAAE6k/Rvuq9b7pSjU/s200/IMG_0203.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851032240941762" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4AwgNGb_I/AAAAAAAAE6c/1XcnURsqORg/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4AwgNGb_I/AAAAAAAAE6c/1XcnURsqORg/s200/IMG_0171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851026481410034" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4AwZ4g6EI/AAAAAAAAE6U/1UHCETuetdo/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4AwZ4g6EI/AAAAAAAAE6U/1UHCETuetdo/s200/IMG_0166.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851024784451650" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4AwNRa4xI/AAAAAAAAE6M/RyxsCrzy9TQ/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4AwNRa4xI/AAAAAAAAE6M/RyxsCrzy9TQ/s200/IMG_0162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520851021399253778" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After dropping Lex off at the vet for his weekly acupuncture, I took off for Venus Drive and hiked for about 4km into one of the many trails within MacRitchie. I had hoped to make it as far as the tree-top walk, but unfortunately, it was too far for the amount of time that I had. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Om490gsI/AAAAAAAAE98/dog1q1P1jRM/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Om490gsI/AAAAAAAAE98/dog1q1P1jRM/s200/IMG_0341.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520866254492304066" /></a> One of the more common findings was the Common Parasol dragonfly (Neurothemis fluctuans). This is a very common species which can be found in most parks especially those with water bodies like streams and ponds. They are relatively easy to shoot because they are not as nervous and tend to hover around the same areas. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4D7_x1uoI/AAAAAAAAE7s/jRquuC8R_Bo/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4D7_x1uoI/AAAAAAAAE7s/jRquuC8R_Bo/s200/IMG_0247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520854522470447746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4D7eNFwPI/AAAAAAAAE7k/C1LkPm4h_SA/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4D7eNFwPI/AAAAAAAAE7k/C1LkPm4h_SA/s200/IMG_0235.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520854513457938674" /></a> I also came across quite a few male and female Archduke butterflies (Lexias pardalis dirteana) fluttering around quite lowly near the forest floor. The species which belongs to the family Nyphalidae, exhibits sexual dimorphism where the male is black with greenish blue wing margins whilst the female is dark brown with yellow spots on both wings. The Archduke is a powerful flyer and is difficult to capture on the wing. It is essentially a jungle butterfly and is relatively common in Singapore's lowland forests. It is attracted by rotting fruit (pineapple and guava are favourites) and can be found feeding greedily on these fruits on the forest floor. More information pertaining to the Archduke can be found <a href="http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2010/02/life-history-of-archduke.html"> here </a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Gu9Tw1YI/AAAAAAAAE78/cCHqVX8osBg/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Gu9Tw1YI/AAAAAAAAE78/cCHqVX8osBg/s200/IMG_0361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520857597004010882" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4GuQC9l7I/AAAAAAAAE70/FAOvKVKG64Q/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4GuQC9l7I/AAAAAAAAE70/FAOvKVKG64Q/s200/IMG_0371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520857584853948338" /></a>Another interesting and fairly common sight is the common sun skink (Eutropis multifasciatus). These shy reptiles are widely distributed throughout South-East Asia and can be commonly found basking in the sun along forest tracks or on tree trunks. They are mainly terrestrial and diurnal and feed mainly on insects. Normally, they would scuttle away suddenly as you get close to them. However, this particular skink ran out of the bush into the open grass not far from where I was standing, presumably to get away from a predator. It was rare to see them out in the open like that, so I managed to get quite close to it without scaring it away and getting quite a few shots. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4LWCs7iUI/AAAAAAAAE9c/5B5a60TR468/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4LWCs7iUI/AAAAAAAAE9c/5B5a60TR468/s400/IMG_0288.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520862666513156418" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4LV9polDI/AAAAAAAAE9U/ABHaI3seja4/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4LV9polDI/AAAAAAAAE9U/ABHaI3seja4/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520862665157153842" /></a> But the most interesting find for the day had to be the Spiny Terrapin (Heosemys spinosa). This is a fairly uncommon species (Famil: Geoemydidae) in Singapore which is usually found on the forest floor, well-camouflaged amongst the leaf litter. It usually forays to streams and puddles and feeds on fallen fruits and other vegetation. The origin of its common and specific name is immediately apparent from the sharp, pointed, spiky-edged carapace, and spiny keel, of this unique turtle, also known as the ‘cog-wheel turtle’. There are also smaller spines on the pleural scutes, creating the effect of a walking pin cushion. It is thought that this spiny ‘armour’ acts as a deterrent to predators, such as snakes. However, this unmistakable, strongly-serrated carapace edge and spiny keel become worn down and are lost with age, so that larger individuals are much smoother than juveniles. The carapace is brown with a pale streak down the central keel, and the head and limbs are greyish-brown, usually with a yellow to red spot behind the eye and similar-coloured speckling on the legs. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KyU9UQdI/AAAAAAAAE88/6jY0c4HGhNo/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KyU9UQdI/AAAAAAAAE88/6jY0c4HGhNo/s200/IMG_0324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520862052938432978" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KYd2K1MI/AAAAAAAAE80/KfB3DSYu2WY/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KYd2K1MI/AAAAAAAAE80/KfB3DSYu2WY/s200/IMG_0217.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520861608647775426" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KYGP_AtI/AAAAAAAAE8s/N-8YpfzSCLk/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KYGP_AtI/AAAAAAAAE8s/N-8YpfzSCLk/s200/IMG_0190.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520861602313601746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KX3Q5vfI/AAAAAAAAE8k/wFnZoH90Acc/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KX3Q5vfI/AAAAAAAAE8k/wFnZoH90Acc/s200/IMG_0189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520861598290918898" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KXqB-fuI/AAAAAAAAE8c/k0rlXctRnu0/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KXqB-fuI/AAAAAAAAE8c/k0rlXctRnu0/s200/IMG_0181.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520861594738654946" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KXKb6n4I/AAAAAAAAE8U/NMBaiKbURZ4/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4KXKb6n4I/AAAAAAAAE8U/NMBaiKbURZ4/s200/IMG_0180.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520861586257518466" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4MtbeS0zI/AAAAAAAAE9k/TTnO38B1Sxo/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4MtbeS0zI/AAAAAAAAE9k/TTnO38B1Sxo/s200/IMG_0218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520864167811273522" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Nn5GAIII/AAAAAAAAE90/HGXXHZVGIQ4/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4Nn5GAIII/AAAAAAAAE90/HGXXHZVGIQ4/s200/IMG_0356.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520865172194861186" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4NnZ793LI/AAAAAAAAE9s/5tCgZiDFDns/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJ4NnZ793LI/AAAAAAAAE9s/5tCgZiDFDns/s200/IMG_0335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520865163831270578" /></a>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-89778274437043949972010-09-20T02:29:00.000-07:002010-09-20T02:52:19.665-07:00the tiger and the 'unicorn'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJcpi6n8OrI/AAAAAAAAE5c/qZVDgzFQid4/s1600/Soala-unicorn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJcpi6n8OrI/AAAAAAAAE5c/qZVDgzFQid4/s400/Soala-unicorn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518925548194904754" /></a>Two stories dominated last week's headlines in the nature world. One involved the discovery of the lost tiger population in Bhutan while the other was the re-discovery of one of the world's rarest mammals. <br /><br />News of the former can be found on today's edition of <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8998000/8998042.stm"> BBC's Earthnews </a>. The BBC natural history camera crew has, following reports by villagers, managed to film a pair of large tigers in the Bhutan highlands. This discovery has stunned experts because it confirms that tigers can live and breed at higher altitudes. Furthermore, it is the only place on earth known to have tigers, leopard and snow leopards all sharing the same valley. Such a discovery is important and crucial as it is a means of saving the species from extinction by creating what is known as a "tiger corridor". Essentially, this involves linking up many of the surviving tigers to encourage breeding so as to bolster the genetic diversity of those surviving. With the discovery of this pair in Bhutan, the Himalayas can now be included in the tiger corridor along with Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. <br /><br />The other <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/09/17/laos.asian.unicorn.saola/index.html?iref=obinsite"> great discovery </a> is that of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saola"> Saola </a> in Laos, sometimes called the Asian 'Unicorn'. This animal was captured by villagers in Laos in August but sadly, died after Laotian conservation authorities confirmed the ID of the mammal. While the death is unfortunate, the discovery is important because it confirmed that this species was alive and that it still occurs in the area where it was caught. This is the first confirmed sighting of a Saola since 1999 when remotely triggered cameras took images of one in Laos. It resembles an African antelope with 2 large horns, but it is more closely related genetically to wild cattle. It was first discovered in 1992 in South Asia and biologists estimate that there are probably fewer than a few hundred Saolas roaming the Annamite Mountains of Laos and Vietnam. <br /><br />This capture highlights the importance of Laos to global wildlife conservation since, like the Saola, several other rare endemic species are found almost nowhere else in the world. Hopefully, more will be done to do what is necessary to preserve and protect what's left of this species.russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-70656240350713278212010-09-15T07:15:00.000-07:002010-09-16T21:43:12.864-07:00a visit to sungei buloh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGunYAZodI/AAAAAAAAEzE/5Px0PZpPo5s/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGunYAZodI/AAAAAAAAEzE/5Px0PZpPo5s/s400/IMG_6427.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517383009987830226" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGumm7y1AI/AAAAAAAAEy8/QBQ1Eyn5YAA/s1600/IMG_6352.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGumm7y1AI/AAAAAAAAEy8/QBQ1Eyn5YAA/s400/IMG_6352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517382996815172610" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGulwDw5II/AAAAAAAAEy0/cAEP9mcTbgE/s1600/IMG_6304.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGulwDw5II/AAAAAAAAEy0/cAEP9mcTbgE/s400/IMG_6304.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517382982084650114" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGty6SIlVI/AAAAAAAAEys/oi3wv4eLmxc/s1600/IMG_6255.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGty6SIlVI/AAAAAAAAEys/oi3wv4eLmxc/s400/IMG_6255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517382108655949138" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGtx-5J2UI/AAAAAAAAEyk/eecN-OeppoE/s1600/IMG_6351.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGtx-5J2UI/AAAAAAAAEyk/eecN-OeppoE/s400/IMG_6351.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517382092713482562" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGtw4QGauI/AAAAAAAAEyc/tGTzngGgMGw/s1600/IMG_6385.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGtw4QGauI/AAAAAAAAEyc/tGTzngGgMGw/s400/IMG_6385.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517382073750809314" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF062CPsEI/AAAAAAAAEw8/B-Yw2KkqbT0/s1600/IMG_6152.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF062CPsEI/AAAAAAAAEw8/B-Yw2KkqbT0/s400/IMG_6152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517319572791734338" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGsmcVFS2I/AAAAAAAAEyU/ebuL7FOZ1go/s1600/IMG_6250.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGsmcVFS2I/AAAAAAAAEyU/ebuL7FOZ1go/s400/IMG_6250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517380794945194850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGsliF-deI/AAAAAAAAEyM/QOm_58Zriv4/s1600/IMG_6249.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGsliF-deI/AAAAAAAAEyM/QOm_58Zriv4/s400/IMG_6249.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517380779312575970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGsk5mpv6I/AAAAAAAAEyE/CjLxKeg5Uf8/s1600/IMG_6247.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJGsk5mpv6I/AAAAAAAAEyE/CjLxKeg5Uf8/s400/IMG_6247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517380768443776930" /></a>Determined to make my moneys worth, I ventured out to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Sunday to shoot with the rented Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM zoom lens. <br /><br />Sungei Buloh is an ecological jewel located in the North-Western part of Singapore facing the Johor Bahru. Officially opened as a nature park in 1993 and gazetted as a nature reserve in 2002, this reserve consists of 130 ha of wetlands and mangroves. Given its global importance as a stop-over point for many migratory birds escaping the harsh winters in the northern hemisphere, the reserve is included in the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network. It is also listed as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003. <br /><br />The reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and a hot favourite amongst many avian enthusiasts as it is a major stop-over for all sorts of birds during the migratory season between the months of September and March. Some of the birds one many encounter in the area include the Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover, Yellow Bittern, Cinnamon Bittern, Mongolian Plover, Common Redshank, Baya Weaver, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Emerald Dove, White-bellied Fish Eagle, White-breasted waterhen, various herons and egrets, large-tailed Nightjar and many more. A more comprehensive list of birds usually seen at the reserve can be found <a href="http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/birds/birds.htm"> here </a>. <br /><br />The reserve is rich in other fauna as well and some of the stars of the reserve include a family of wild smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata). Although it is widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia, they are considered rare in Singapore and are listed as critically endangered in the Red List due to the loss of wetland habitats. To-date, they have been sighted not only at Sungei Buloh but also in Paris Ris, Punggol and Pulau Ubin. I have personally seen two at Pulau Tekong during my NS days. <br /><br />Another common resident of the area is the water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator). They are everywhere and therefore hard to miss. These reptiles can be found throughout Singapore and appear to have adapted well to urbanisation. National servicemen would tell you about the shock they get whenever they trek through our forests because these lizards will just scuttle away suddenly when threatened. The ones at Sungei Buloh are probably very used to human attention because they don't feel threatened and will just go about their business, either looking for food or simply basking under the sun. Shooting them was such a breeze. <br /><br />Water monitor lizards are widely distributed throughout South-East Asia. They can grow to about 10 feet and weigh over 25kg. Because they are cold-blooded (i.e. their blood tends to match the temperature of their surroundings), they make more efficient use of food since they do not have to burn fuel constantly to keep their temperature constant. They also fair better than other reptiles of their size because they are able to maintain an almost constant body temperature by choosing appropriate micro-climates in their habitat, i.e. hiding when it is hot and in warm places when it's cool at night. They eat anything they can swallow, i.e. crabs, insects, molluscs, snakes, eggs, fish, birds, rodents and even their own kind. Like Komodo Dragons, they also eat carrion and their saliva contains hundreds of nasty septic pathogens and bacteria which may kill from infection. They are highly mobile and can swim very well. Their role in the reserve is valuable as they tend to control the population of their prey. They are also a food source for crocodiles and their young are particularly vulnerable to birds of prey and other larger birds including herons. <br /><br />Some of the other animals one would normally encounter at the reserve are the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), grey squirrels and even a family of <a href="http://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/text/04-103-8.htm"> wild boars </a>. Also common in the reserve are <a href="http://www.sbwr.org.sg/Wetlands/text/101-00.htm"> snakes </a>; from black-spitting cobras to the reticulated python. But the noteworthy ones are the <a href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/paradise_tree-snake.htm"> Paradise Tree Snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) </a> and the <a href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/shore_pit_viper.htm"> Shore-Pit Viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus). </a> The former is considered by some to be rare though commonly encountered in a variety of habitats including mangrove, secondary forest, and parks and gardens. It is an adept climber and as with other members of the Chrysopelea genus it has the remarkable ability to glide from tree to tree. It does this by flattening the body so that the ventral surface becomes concave, and then projecting itself into the air from a high branch whilst making sinuous snake-like movements. For this reason, it is often referred to as the "flying snake". <br /><br />The Shore-Pit Viper is relatively small but sinister since it has a reputation for being unpredictable and should therefore be approached with caution. Giving no warning signs, this snake will strike readily at any threat, and its powerful haemotoxic venom can cause serious illness or even kill. By day it can be found resting on low branches one or two metres from the ground, mostly in mangroves and coastal forests. Its colour can vary from a uniform dark grey or purplish-brown to a weakly-patterned brown, with a white stripe along each flank, or even greenish-yellow with dark mottling. I managed to sight just one snake which I initially mistook to be the Paradise Tree Snake. But after looking at the photos on this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.per.sg/discovery/Reptilla2.htm"> site </a>, I realised that the one I saw was in fact the <a href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/striped-bronzeback.htm"> Striped Brozeback (Dendrelaphis caudolineatus) </a>, the rarest of the bronzebacks in Singapore. This large species of Bronzeback, measuring up to 1.5 metres, occurs in a variety of habitats including closed forests, open secondary growth and scrubland. It is active by day, and is generally arboreal preferring to move amongst low trees and shrubs. The species is best identified on the basis of its thick black lateral stripes on a white background, and its brown dorsal surface. It lacks the black eye-stripe which is present in most other bronzebacks. The top of the head and neck are bronze.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJBsqk_ZYI/AAAAAAAAEz0/_tdgOOItQzM/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJBsqk_ZYI/AAAAAAAAEz0/_tdgOOItQzM/s200/IMG_6346.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517544729081767298" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJBryOh2kI/AAAAAAAAEzs/E5QgvU7Hl9Q/s1600/IMG_6383.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJBryOh2kI/AAAAAAAAEzs/E5QgvU7Hl9Q/s200/IMG_6383.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517544713955170882" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJI-JRkspWI/AAAAAAAAEzk/mAkc3OsYTWA/s1600/IMG_6227.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJI-JRkspWI/AAAAAAAAEzk/mAkc3OsYTWA/s200/IMG_6227.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517540822539347298" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJI-I9bi9zI/AAAAAAAAEzc/kKyYR-impmo/s1600/IMG_6226.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJI-I9bi9zI/AAAAAAAAEzc/kKyYR-impmo/s200/IMG_6226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517540817132255026" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJI-HonexaI/AAAAAAAAEzU/_Kdc5gZgjY4/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJI-HonexaI/AAAAAAAAEzU/_Kdc5gZgjY4/s200/IMG_6245.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517540794365298082" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJI-G8_Y_RI/AAAAAAAAEzM/KFCsHTkxd6k/s1600/IMG_6262.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJI-G8_Y_RI/AAAAAAAAEzM/KFCsHTkxd6k/s200/IMG_6262.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517540782654422290" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF5uK5YT7I/AAAAAAAAEx8/9ruW8rPUYQk/s1600/IMG_6337.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF5uK5YT7I/AAAAAAAAEx8/9ruW8rPUYQk/s200/IMG_6337.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517324852611534770" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF5tjLX50I/AAAAAAAAEx0/a7HhDbx2ShA/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF5tjLX50I/AAAAAAAAEx0/a7HhDbx2ShA/s200/IMG_6303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517324841949587266" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF5tIqr8XI/AAAAAAAAExs/kiM8kpu2jIY/s1600/IMG_6258.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF5tIqr8XI/AAAAAAAAExs/kiM8kpu2jIY/s200/IMG_6258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517324834833166706" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF5sFIZzxI/AAAAAAAAExk/Ovk-btFwTcQ/s1600/IMG_6246.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF5sFIZzxI/AAAAAAAAExk/Ovk-btFwTcQ/s200/IMG_6246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517324816704196370" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF43pmnCHI/AAAAAAAAExc/Z-Ckh9Z0zI0/s1600/IMG_6229.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF43pmnCHI/AAAAAAAAExc/Z-Ckh9Z0zI0/s200/IMG_6229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517323915961501810" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF43MS1smI/AAAAAAAAExU/RtHnd3XQqeM/s1600/IMG_6227.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF43MS1smI/AAAAAAAAExU/RtHnd3XQqeM/s200/IMG_6227.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517323908093948514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF42Y-6pNI/AAAAAAAAExM/xNk2rIX5CjU/s1600/IMG_6214.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF42Y-6pNI/AAAAAAAAExM/xNk2rIX5CjU/s200/IMG_6214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517323894320178386" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF41xmuIkI/AAAAAAAAExE/Mya_CF8YwOM/s1600/IMG_6153.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJF41xmuIkI/AAAAAAAAExE/Mya_CF8YwOM/s200/IMG_6153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517323883749712450" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDY-xH387I/AAAAAAAAEvo/-t4mTcJui8s/s1600/IMG_6168.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDY-xH387I/AAAAAAAAEvo/-t4mTcJui8s/s200/IMG_6168.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148116378710962" /></a><br /><br /><br />The first sight which greeted us from a distance was this medium-sized estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) swimming towards us from the mouth of Sungei Buloh. These reptiles are widely distributed throughout South East Asia and the Pacific and quite a few have been sighted and recorded in our waters and even reservoirs. It can thrive in both brackish as well as freshwater habitats, thus making this reptile highly resilient and adaptable. Apparently, there are two or three resident crocodiles at Sungei Buloh, most of which can be seen sunning themselves on the mud-banks during low tide. This particular one I shot is quite the attention-seeker because it just appeared out of nowhere and glided towards the bridge, much to the excitement and joy of the crowd gathered there to see it. As soon as it got very near to the bridge, it made a dive into the murky green waters, causing much confusion to the excitable crowd A minute later, the crocodile surface quite some distance on the other side of the bridge and swam deeper into the estuary. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZk43sw-I/AAAAAAAAEww/FqWXjd1GvXo/s1600/IMG_6158.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZk43sw-I/AAAAAAAAEww/FqWXjd1GvXo/s200/IMG_6158.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148771293381602" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZkVAF_FI/AAAAAAAAEwo/-65-fysb6kU/s1600/IMG_6159.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZkVAF_FI/AAAAAAAAEwo/-65-fysb6kU/s200/IMG_6159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148761664912466" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZkM50ofI/AAAAAAAAEwg/o_9MvNDMkNs/s1600/IMG_6160.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZkM50ofI/AAAAAAAAEwg/o_9MvNDMkNs/s200/IMG_6160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148759491125746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZjrhNgFI/AAAAAAAAEwY/VAbq5eFodhw/s1600/IMG_6161.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZjrhNgFI/AAAAAAAAEwY/VAbq5eFodhw/s200/IMG_6161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148750529527890" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZjMaf4gI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/xtVFC4-umdI/s1600/IMG_6162.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZjMaf4gI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/xtVFC4-umdI/s200/IMG_6162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148742179873282" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZA_rYlUI/AAAAAAAAEwI/lSg13ArRoxY/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZA_rYlUI/AAAAAAAAEwI/lSg13ArRoxY/s200/IMG_6163.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148154645484866" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZAcWsguI/AAAAAAAAEwA/Z-Zuy7RQwAw/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDZAcWsguI/AAAAAAAAEwA/Z-Zuy7RQwAw/s200/IMG_6164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148145163469538" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDY__bWDvI/AAAAAAAAEv4/q5waYZFzRk4/s1600/IMG_6165.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDY__bWDvI/AAAAAAAAEv4/q5waYZFzRk4/s200/IMG_6165.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148137398341362" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDY_Y1yREI/AAAAAAAAEvw/G8b5DpXvSKw/s1600/IMG_6166.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJDY_Y1yREI/AAAAAAAAEvw/G8b5DpXvSKw/s200/IMG_6166.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517148127040259138" /></a><br /><br />Here are some of the fauna I managed to see. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJEn0zVkNI/AAAAAAAAE1c/bFX8dEU784E/s1600/IMG_6302.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJEn0zVkNI/AAAAAAAAE1c/bFX8dEU784E/s200/IMG_6302.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517547944461832402" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJLxdL8675I/AAAAAAAAE5U/eTEHrzO9RbA/s1600/IMG_6420.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJLxdL8675I/AAAAAAAAE5U/eTEHrzO9RbA/s200/IMG_6420.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517737977209089938" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDlJZvl2I/AAAAAAAAE1E/aBdo0m6q8qM/s1600/IMG_6401.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDlJZvl2I/AAAAAAAAE1E/aBdo0m6q8qM/s200/IMG_6401.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517546798940395362" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDkvVGkvI/AAAAAAAAE08/d2jeHSriIOY/s1600/IMG_6431.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDkvVGkvI/AAAAAAAAE08/d2jeHSriIOY/s200/IMG_6431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517546791941608178" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDj6L8JwI/AAAAAAAAE00/BE_JZS9sgog/s1600/IMG_6267.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDj6L8JwI/AAAAAAAAE00/BE_JZS9sgog/s200/IMG_6267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517546777676097282" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDjEZQu6I/AAAAAAAAE0s/xqxGX4xWWmA/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDjEZQu6I/AAAAAAAAE0s/xqxGX4xWWmA/s200/IMG_6274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517546763236457378" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDiAAauyI/AAAAAAAAE0k/6T1hq5NWa5A/s1600/IMG_6221.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJDiAAauyI/AAAAAAAAE0k/6T1hq5NWa5A/s200/IMG_6221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517546744878644002" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJC3fcTJHI/AAAAAAAAE0c/Vx7LqDaZeSc/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJC3fcTJHI/AAAAAAAAE0c/Vx7LqDaZeSc/s200/IMG_6215.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517546014582711410" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJC2TUPQbI/AAAAAAAAE0U/Uwou9aCj1kI/s1600/IMG_6209.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJC2TUPQbI/AAAAAAAAE0U/Uwou9aCj1kI/s200/IMG_6209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517545994147807666" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJC1qRcOmI/AAAAAAAAE0M/LWV42726HTE/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJC1qRcOmI/AAAAAAAAE0M/LWV42726HTE/s200/IMG_6198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517545983130221154" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJC0sB42aI/AAAAAAAAE0E/yDpDJ5ljJ-k/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJC0sB42aI/AAAAAAAAE0E/yDpDJ5ljJ-k/s200/IMG_6183.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517545966421989794" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJCzldLjII/AAAAAAAAEz8/n4k69DD68OM/s1600/IMG_6182.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJCzldLjII/AAAAAAAAEz8/n4k69DD68OM/s200/IMG_6182.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517545947477544066" /></a><br /><br />As with any mangrove area, there is a huge variety of mangrove crabs <a href="http://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/text/99-6-1-11.htm"> (Sesarmid) </a> in the reserve. These include the Face-banded Sesarmine Crab (Perisesarma eumolpe), Pink-fingered Vinegar Crab (Episesarma chentongense), the mangrove tree-dwelling crab (Selatium brocki) etc. In fact, there are close to 40 species of mangrove crabs in the reserve, most of which emerge at night. Sesarmid crabs are adapted for scrambling over slippery surfaces. They have well-developed hooks on the tips of their long legs that grip these surfaces. Their bodies and legs are flattened, allowing them to squeeze deep into narrow cracks and crevices. In some species, males have larger pincers than females. Many can stay out of the water for some time.Ecologically, these crabs are known to be important. By feeding on the mangrove leaves that have fallen from the canopy, these sesarmid crabs help to initiate the breakdown of these leaves, which are otherwise difficult to decompose. Some of our Sesarmid crabs are listed among the threatened animals of Singapore. Like other creatures of the intertidal zone, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJNtTfUTI/AAAAAAAAE2k/-qqZOOqQpOY/s1600/IMG_6379.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJNtTfUTI/AAAAAAAAE2k/-qqZOOqQpOY/s200/IMG_6379.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552993330745650" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJNH_x1nI/AAAAAAAAE2c/NkWz4zD-NRY/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJNH_x1nI/AAAAAAAAE2c/NkWz4zD-NRY/s200/IMG_6372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552983315961458" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJMo9_yjI/AAAAAAAAE2U/-9jUHoCs-zQ/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJMo9_yjI/AAAAAAAAE2U/-9jUHoCs-zQ/s200/IMG_6364.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552974986988082" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJL26Z8_I/AAAAAAAAE2M/ZDcxZiZdehg/s1600/IMG_6361.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJL26Z8_I/AAAAAAAAE2M/ZDcxZiZdehg/s200/IMG_6361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552961550152690" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIjD5MH5I/AAAAAAAAE2E/DvldSuoKuGk/s1600/IMG_6297.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIjD5MH5I/AAAAAAAAE2E/DvldSuoKuGk/s200/IMG_6297.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552260660076434" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIi_LzNzI/AAAAAAAAE18/DHoa_4Ko2W8/s1600/IMG_6294.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIi_LzNzI/AAAAAAAAE18/DHoa_4Ko2W8/s200/IMG_6294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552259395958578" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIiN-iWdI/AAAAAAAAE10/oi0VScNv3xU/s1600/IMG_6293.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIiN-iWdI/AAAAAAAAE10/oi0VScNv3xU/s200/IMG_6293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552246186990034" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIhoP6OKI/AAAAAAAAE1s/BOqKfeztiCU/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIhoP6OKI/AAAAAAAAE1s/BOqKfeztiCU/s200/IMG_6292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552236059310242" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIhAspqfI/AAAAAAAAE1k/guTRGAxmI7g/s1600/IMG_6282.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJIhAspqfI/AAAAAAAAE1k/guTRGAxmI7g/s200/IMG_6282.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517552225442441714" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJ8uocmiI/AAAAAAAAE3E/4E_z2PgODQI/s1600/IMG_6380.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJ8uocmiI/AAAAAAAAE3E/4E_z2PgODQI/s200/IMG_6380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517553801140935202" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJ8I_FJrI/AAAAAAAAE28/2ENd5kUcCcY/s1600/IMG_6377.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJ8I_FJrI/AAAAAAAAE28/2ENd5kUcCcY/s200/IMG_6377.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517553791035319986" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJ7m_q-3I/AAAAAAAAE20/bkO9Vl174AU/s1600/IMG_6367.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJ7m_q-3I/AAAAAAAAE20/bkO9Vl174AU/s200/IMG_6367.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517553781910993778" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJ7KHwNnI/AAAAAAAAE2s/oX9t3At_F6w/s1600/IMG_6357.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJJ7KHwNnI/AAAAAAAAE2s/oX9t3At_F6w/s200/IMG_6357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517553774160262770" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And here are some photos of the typical plants one can find at the reserve. A list of plants commonly found in the reserve are set out <a href="http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/plants.htm"> here </a>. I will deal with these in detail in my <a href="http://mybotanicalspace.blogspot.com"> botanical blog </a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJL6779JbI/AAAAAAAAE4M/JG03w88Ge6E/s1600/IMG_6331.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJL6779JbI/AAAAAAAAE4M/JG03w88Ge6E/s200/IMG_6331.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555969375937970" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJL6fXrbYI/AAAAAAAAE4E/-EDW3aITVbc/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJL6fXrbYI/AAAAAAAAE4E/-EDW3aITVbc/s200/IMG_6354.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555961707588994" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJL546OUCI/AAAAAAAAE38/6cBWDXNVBRY/s1600/IMG_6395.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJL546OUCI/AAAAAAAAE38/6cBWDXNVBRY/s200/IMG_6395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555951383498786" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJL5WZd-lI/AAAAAAAAE30/TdJctR-agmg/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJL5WZd-lI/AAAAAAAAE30/TdJctR-agmg/s200/IMG_6406.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555942119307858" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLaoTVupI/AAAAAAAAE3s/NHg1CU7vC7k/s1600/IMG_6324.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLaoTVupI/AAAAAAAAE3s/NHg1CU7vC7k/s200/IMG_6324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555414349494930" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLZR5kJwI/AAAAAAAAE3k/32sRU-fXzoU/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLZR5kJwI/AAAAAAAAE3k/32sRU-fXzoU/s200/IMG_6323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555391155939074" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLYyjgKxI/AAAAAAAAE3c/SSus_iodkJk/s1600/IMG_6321.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLYyjgKxI/AAAAAAAAE3c/SSus_iodkJk/s200/IMG_6321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555382741904146" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLYeiMOuI/AAAAAAAAE3U/csq6apqSiMI/s1600/IMG_6299.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLYeiMOuI/AAAAAAAAE3U/csq6apqSiMI/s200/IMG_6299.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555377367694050" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLXwnE2BI/AAAAAAAAE3M/WkSGh9GPvlY/s1600/IMG_6232.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJLXwnE2BI/AAAAAAAAE3M/WkSGh9GPvlY/s200/IMG_6232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517555365040150546" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJNTzm-KvI/AAAAAAAAE5M/haAg40kd9WM/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJNTzm-KvI/AAAAAAAAE5M/haAg40kd9WM/s200/IMG_6416.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517557496148798194" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJNTP9h2pI/AAAAAAAAE5E/HYB-wlmMe2s/s1600/IMG_6419.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJNTP9h2pI/AAAAAAAAE5E/HYB-wlmMe2s/s200/IMG_6419.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517557486579735186" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJNSfxHlRI/AAAAAAAAE48/VyqDX7a5SUY/s1600/IMG_6327.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJNSfxHlRI/AAAAAAAAE48/VyqDX7a5SUY/s200/IMG_6327.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517557473642779922" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMucFLW7I/AAAAAAAAE40/q59ZfQHL_g4/s1600/IMG_6418.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMucFLW7I/AAAAAAAAE40/q59ZfQHL_g4/s200/IMG_6418.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517556854177881010" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMtwpAkNI/AAAAAAAAE4s/RBG4dXw6ZxQ/s1600/IMG_6345.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMtwpAkNI/AAAAAAAAE4s/RBG4dXw6ZxQ/s200/IMG_6345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517556842517008594" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMtl7mGmI/AAAAAAAAE4k/TwE2A0-qV-c/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMtl7mGmI/AAAAAAAAE4k/TwE2A0-qV-c/s200/IMG_6330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517556839642176098" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMtL89yRI/AAAAAAAAE4c/USzzE0yzCO8/s1600/IMG_6306.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMtL89yRI/AAAAAAAAE4c/USzzE0yzCO8/s200/IMG_6306.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517556832668600594" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMsZKp76I/AAAAAAAAE4U/URUANuzkPu0/s1600/IMG_6234.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJJMsZKp76I/AAAAAAAAE4U/URUANuzkPu0/s200/IMG_6234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517556819035811746" /></a>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-85138239228361914272010-09-14T18:29:00.000-07:002010-09-14T23:08:26.167-07:00pink-necked green pigeon (Treron vernans)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkKsl7wYI/AAAAAAAAEvg/wwnjRFMfy70/s1600/IMG_5576.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkKsl7wYI/AAAAAAAAEvg/wwnjRFMfy70/s320/IMG_5576.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516949309716414850" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkKBt5UVI/AAAAAAAAEvY/epjnG0twdLA/s1600/IMG_5575.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkKBt5UVI/AAAAAAAAEvY/epjnG0twdLA/s320/IMG_5575.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516949298207084882" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkJq8YrVI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/Nw-a3y4byNs/s1600/IMG_5568.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkJq8YrVI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/Nw-a3y4byNs/s320/IMG_5568.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516949292093844818" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkJAQAGwI/AAAAAAAAEvI/TSZblys00T8/s1600/IMG_5564.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkJAQAGwI/AAAAAAAAEvI/TSZblys00T8/s320/IMG_5564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516949280633395970" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkIxboFmI/AAAAAAAAEvA/IO8qoEs7kEg/s1600/IMG_5563.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TJAkIxboFmI/AAAAAAAAEvA/IO8qoEs7kEg/s320/IMG_5563.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516949276655621730" /></a> Lately, I noticed the sounds of flapping wings amongst the trees outside my study room window. Initially I passed them off as being a flock of Javan Mynahs as they are a common occurrence in the area, along with the Asian Koels, the White Breasted Kingfisher, the Pink Breasted Parakeet and the Golden Orioles. But upon a closer look, I realised that they were the sounds of greenish pigeons feeding on the berries of a tree which I suspect is the Indian Cherry tree the Pithraj tree or Aphanamixis polystachys. This tree is native to India and can grow fairly tall to a height between 20 and 30m. They are fairly common in my area and most are currently fruiting, which explains why there are flocks of different species of birds roosting and feeding near the crown of the tree. <br /><br />The Pinked-Necked Green Pigeon is a common bird found in the forest, mangroves and parklands. It has also adapted to life in the urban areas, often found around many housing estates. It is often seen moving acrobatically on the branches of trees foraging for fruit. They usually move in small flocks and are often seen in pairs. The male is distinguished from the female by the pinkish-purple upper breast. <br /><br />Like most pigeons, these pigeons are good seed dispersers for trees like figs and wild cinnamon. Their diet consists mainly fruit from the Ficus benjamina, Singapore Rhododendron, McArthurs' Palm fruit etc. They are largely arboreal and seldom descend to the ground except if it needs a drink. They are often spotted on canopies of trees during the early morning. I have seen pairs of these pigeons high up in the Albizia trees in Bukit Brown cemetery. <br /><br />In terms of world distribution, they are found mostly in South East Asia from Southern Myanmar to the Malay Peninsula, Philippines and Borneo. They belong to the family of birds called Columbidae and sub-family Treroninae. They are one of a few green pigeons found in Singapore (others include the Thick-Billed Green Pigeon (Treron curvirostra) and by far the most common.russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-35664533130633022202010-09-13T19:26:00.000-07:002010-09-13T19:32:03.461-07:00just a typical day out at the reefs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI7djvo6uVI/AAAAAAAAEu4/XYjqIVPPHxU/s1600/4893297315_d621f82744_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI7djvo6uVI/AAAAAAAAEu4/XYjqIVPPHxU/s400/4893297315_d621f82744_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516590199728683346" /></a> I just couldn't resist posting this up! This was taken during our trip out during our National Day trip to Cyrene. We were actually standing on a sandbar in the middle of the reef. What is not apparent from this photo was the fact that the tide was coming in fairly quickly and in a matter of 15 minutes, the area where we were standing on was swallowed up by the sea.russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-57593461623148267132010-09-13T08:02:00.000-07:002010-09-13T16:39:28.053-07:00White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI5AFIylpXI/AAAAAAAAEuw/XDZBWSIW-xc/s1600/IMG_6145.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI5AFIylpXI/AAAAAAAAEuw/XDZBWSIW-xc/s320/IMG_6145.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516417050578625906" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_9NyddDI/AAAAAAAAEuo/LLB4BndUgYw/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_9NyddDI/AAAAAAAAEuo/LLB4BndUgYw/s320/IMG_6146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516416914481312818" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_8rU3_TI/AAAAAAAAEug/-xyzMNaAXD0/s1600/IMG_6143.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_8rU3_TI/AAAAAAAAEug/-xyzMNaAXD0/s320/IMG_6143.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516416905230417202" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_8Cj-wAI/AAAAAAAAEuY/TzQkF2NBrHE/s1600/IMG_6142.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_8Cj-wAI/AAAAAAAAEuY/TzQkF2NBrHE/s320/IMG_6142.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516416894287921154" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_74Fh-yI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/PdycRu_S5XQ/s1600/IMG_6138.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_74Fh-yI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/PdycRu_S5XQ/s320/IMG_6138.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516416891475852066" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_7ajF9WI/AAAAAAAAEuI/uzcO91tmR40/s1600/IMG_6137.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4_7ajF9WI/AAAAAAAAEuI/uzcO91tmR40/s320/IMG_6137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516416883546781026" /></a> This is my second post on the kingfisher. The earlier entry can be found <a href="http://intothewildsingapore.blogspot.com/search/label/kingfisher"> here </a>. There is a particular species which frequents the trees behind my backyard. I suspect that there is a nesting couple nearby, perhaps along the grassy slopes. Every day, particularly in the mornings, I would hear the distinct sounds and calls made by the White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis). <br /><br />The White-throated Kingfisher is a tree kingfisher which is widely distributed in South East Asia. It can often be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds. During the breeding season they call loudly in the mornings from prominent perches such as cables, tv antennas, tree branches and fences. This is a fairly large species which can grow to about 28cm in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wings and tail. Its head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly are chestnut, and the throat and breast are white. The large bill and legs are bright red. The flight of the White-throated Kingfisher is rapid and direct.<br /><br />The White-throated Kingfisher begins breeding at the onset of the Monsoons. Males perch on prominent high posts in their territory and call in the early morning. I managed to do two recordings but it took forever to upload on YouTube. Hence I have embedded below, a clip which was recorded and uploaded onto YouTube by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/lmmsl"> Immsl </a> <br /><br />The nest is usually a tunnel in an earth bank. The nest building begins with both birds flying into a suitable mud wall until an indentation is made where they can find a perch hold. They subsequently perch and continue digging the nest with their bills. A single clutch of 4-7 round white eggs is typical. The eggs take 20–22 days to hatch while the chicks fledge in 19 days.<br /><br />Fellow nature & bird blogger Shirley Ng has been documenting the courtship of a pair of White-Throated Kingfishers in her posts <a href="http://lifes-indulgences.blogspot.com/2010/09/chronicle-of-mr-mrs-king-sept-8.html"> Chronicle of Mr and Mrs King. </a> In her latest post, she has taken photos of the nest building in action. She has even managed to shoot the male after it was done digging for the day, with soil all over its beak. Classic! <br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Zoom lens*<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cLLpEM61Yzk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cLLpEM61Yzk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-51738177073072590022010-09-13T05:19:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:44:48.173-07:00pilgrimage to kusu island<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X0g8CwiI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/auCZJ-0QvVI/s1600/IMG_5726.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X0g8CwiI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/auCZJ-0QvVI/s200/IMG_5726.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516372784537846306" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X2wZ_lBI/AAAAAAAAEjw/BPtQLCytq5w/s1600/IMG_5783.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X2wZ_lBI/AAAAAAAAEjw/BPtQLCytq5w/s200/IMG_5783.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516372823049737234" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X2cqyvFI/AAAAAAAAEjo/Rqf9xiC_vps/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X2cqyvFI/AAAAAAAAEjo/Rqf9xiC_vps/s200/IMG_5771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516372817751489618" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X1xa1nOI/AAAAAAAAEjg/YPwVu6WZXPk/s1600/IMG_5763.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X1xa1nOI/AAAAAAAAEjg/YPwVu6WZXPk/s200/IMG_5763.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516372806141844706" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X1DvFaZI/AAAAAAAAEjY/mYE3SGetJ08/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4X1DvFaZI/AAAAAAAAEjY/mYE3SGetJ08/s200/IMG_5728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516372793878735250" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4j__T2m5I/AAAAAAAAElY/10RVTKeNe2M/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4j__T2m5I/AAAAAAAAElY/10RVTKeNe2M/s200/IMG_6531.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516386175808871314" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4j_qOc5RI/AAAAAAAAElQ/Jvma449s5Iw/s1600/IMG_6494.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4j_qOc5RI/AAAAAAAAElQ/Jvma449s5Iw/s200/IMG_6494.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516386170149070098" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4j-3MfT2I/AAAAAAAAElI/d4QCB-AY0sw/s1600/IMG_6493.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4j-3MfT2I/AAAAAAAAElI/d4QCB-AY0sw/s200/IMG_6493.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516386156450631522" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jlBhYruI/AAAAAAAAElA/7Bo3q6qk2T0/s1600/IMG_6444.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jlBhYruI/AAAAAAAAElA/7Bo3q6qk2T0/s200/IMG_6444.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516385712546033378" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jkvejoaI/AAAAAAAAEk4/qr5XzCWi8UI/s1600/IMG_6446.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jkvejoaI/AAAAAAAAEk4/qr5XzCWi8UI/s200/IMG_6446.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516385707702329762" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jkDDzkgI/AAAAAAAAEkw/-SLuSSLHB5Y/s1600/IMG_6451.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jkDDzkgI/AAAAAAAAEkw/-SLuSSLHB5Y/s200/IMG_6451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516385695778968066" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jjzqvrcI/AAAAAAAAEko/EkutZBTJdjM/s1600/IMG_6445.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jjzqvrcI/AAAAAAAAEko/EkutZBTJdjM/s200/IMG_6445.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516385691647323586" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4in0ovXiI/AAAAAAAAEkY/0-3KYkUZZ4A/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4in0ovXiI/AAAAAAAAEkY/0-3KYkUZZ4A/s200/IMG_5789.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516384661115199010" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4inf-hiwI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/9KjZPQmU_ew/s1600/IMG_5798.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4inf-hiwI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/9KjZPQmU_ew/s200/IMG_5798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516384655569423106" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4imwQpEkI/AAAAAAAAEkI/8rKopxtEBhQ/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4imwQpEkI/AAAAAAAAEkI/8rKopxtEBhQ/s200/IMG_5796.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516384642760512066" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4imvVj4eI/AAAAAAAAEkA/zYDV5QWX-ds/s1600/IMG_5795.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4imvVj4eI/AAAAAAAAEkA/zYDV5QWX-ds/s200/IMG_5795.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516384642512708066" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4imK_2hzI/AAAAAAAAEj4/n-V2OmFDfGs/s1600/IMG_5792.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4imK_2hzI/AAAAAAAAEj4/n-V2OmFDfGs/s200/IMG_5792.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516384632757978930" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jjaPzKfI/AAAAAAAAEkg/EuimnF0Jw_w/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4jjaPzKfI/AAAAAAAAEkg/EuimnF0Jw_w/s200/IMG_6453.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516385684823419378" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Kusu Island is one of several islands located south of Singapore. It is better known to the Chinese community in Singapore for the chinese temple Tua Pek Kong (the Merchant God or God of Prosperity). Every year, particularly during the ninth month of the lunar calendar, throngs of worshippers make their annual pilgrimage to the temple. At other times, Kusu Island is usually quiet with the occasional day-tripper(s) out to enjoy the sun and the sand. Yesterday, a yacht had foolishly anchored itself above the reef just outside the lagoon's seawall.<br /><br />We set off just before sunset and like the day before, it was glorious, despite the very threatening dark rain clouds looming overhead. We approached the island just as the tide was receding.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4mnHBc6HI/AAAAAAAAEmY/r3z_oZ5Pr_8/s1600/IMG_5814.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4mnHBc6HI/AAAAAAAAEmY/r3z_oZ5Pr_8/s200/IMG_5814.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516389046917326962" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4mmqHKSyI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/18sQT-F9JE8/s1600/IMG_5810.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4mmqHKSyI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/18sQT-F9JE8/s200/IMG_5810.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516389039156644642" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4mmf1zqXI/AAAAAAAAEmI/0UXQtiFixAI/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4mmf1zqXI/AAAAAAAAEmI/0UXQtiFixAI/s200/IMG_5787.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516389036399503730" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lrhaVx-I/AAAAAAAAEmA/_3q27LUn6TI/s1600/IMG_5760.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lrhaVx-I/AAAAAAAAEmA/_3q27LUn6TI/s200/IMG_5760.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516388023208888290" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lq_6F3VI/AAAAAAAAEl4/tOLHKPZCiVg/s1600/IMG_5756.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lq_6F3VI/AAAAAAAAEl4/tOLHKPZCiVg/s200/IMG_5756.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516388014215257426" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lqha-CAI/AAAAAAAAElw/snoHDqT0V-8/s1600/IMG_5748.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lqha-CAI/AAAAAAAAElw/snoHDqT0V-8/s200/IMG_5748.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516388006031656962" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lqLxSlcI/AAAAAAAAElo/xfCozyOuUKQ/s1600/IMG_5740.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lqLxSlcI/AAAAAAAAElo/xfCozyOuUKQ/s200/IMG_5740.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516388000219698626" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lpugcnCI/AAAAAAAAElg/VkBXv6NSMtQ/s1600/IMG_5731.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4lpugcnCI/AAAAAAAAElg/VkBXv6NSMtQ/s200/IMG_5731.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516387992364424226" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The first thing we noticed was that half the lagoon was blanketed with a thick carpet of ribbon sea lettuce (Ulva reticulata). Another seaweed I noticed growing amongst the ribbon sea lettuce was the bubble green seaweed (Boergesenia forbesii). As I ventured deeper into the the lagoon, I came across a proliferation of hard coral such as cauliflower coral (Pocillopora sp), different types of favids, anemone corals (Goniopora sp) and acroporas. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p2qr_D1I/AAAAAAAAEog/0zj74IqEOLk/s1600/IMG_6546.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p2qr_D1I/AAAAAAAAEog/0zj74IqEOLk/s200/IMG_6546.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516392612723887954" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p2MEutSI/AAAAAAAAEoY/smG3y-3AoOI/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p2MEutSI/AAAAAAAAEoY/smG3y-3AoOI/s200/IMG_6540.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516392604506174754" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o_j5muMI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/vkE786vc3iI/s1600/IMG_6536.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o_j5muMI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/vkE786vc3iI/s200/IMG_6536.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516391666009159874" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o_Dg0aZI/AAAAAAAAEoI/AmzcwqGyqBs/s1600/IMG_6528.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o_Dg0aZI/AAAAAAAAEoI/AmzcwqGyqBs/s200/IMG_6528.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516391657315264914" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o-hmzysI/AAAAAAAAEoA/8Adw-njwAFM/s1600/IMG_6523.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o-hmzysI/AAAAAAAAEoA/8Adw-njwAFM/s200/IMG_6523.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516391648213584578" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o-A19d_I/AAAAAAAAEn4/wWu93BluBPc/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o-A19d_I/AAAAAAAAEn4/wWu93BluBPc/s200/IMG_6520.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516391639418763250" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o9U1jFQI/AAAAAAAAEnw/Vtnc3fXfGeI/s1600/IMG_6517.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4o9U1jFQI/AAAAAAAAEnw/Vtnc3fXfGeI/s200/IMG_6517.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516391627605873922" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oO09tJJI/AAAAAAAAEno/Z_CYEekXkn8/s1600/IMG_6515.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oO09tJJI/AAAAAAAAEno/Z_CYEekXkn8/s200/IMG_6515.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516390828776170642" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oOeUlDTI/AAAAAAAAEng/1g9SkXGQap8/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oOeUlDTI/AAAAAAAAEng/1g9SkXGQap8/s200/IMG_6508.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516390822698093874" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oOJCLcrI/AAAAAAAAEnY/1E700xAgvIQ/s1600/IMG_6492.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oOJCLcrI/AAAAAAAAEnY/1E700xAgvIQ/s200/IMG_6492.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516390816983773874" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oNqUBZNI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/b9Fix2ceGt4/s1600/IMG_6505.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oNqUBZNI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/b9Fix2ceGt4/s200/IMG_6505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516390808737113298" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oNCYdn0I/AAAAAAAAEnI/IHWVCIELY_c/s1600/IMG_6487.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4oNCYdn0I/AAAAAAAAEnI/IHWVCIELY_c/s200/IMG_6487.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516390798018322242" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4ndKCOdYI/AAAAAAAAEnA/uqPQZSXMw3g/s1600/IMG_6754.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4ndKCOdYI/AAAAAAAAEnA/uqPQZSXMw3g/s200/IMG_6754.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516389975438816642" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4nciIGb_I/AAAAAAAAEm4/1IXqnQpfACQ/s1600/IMG_6797.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4nciIGb_I/AAAAAAAAEm4/1IXqnQpfACQ/s200/IMG_6797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516389964726038514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4ncCGzCUI/AAAAAAAAEmw/qP-geKqP76c/s1600/IMG_6485.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4ncCGzCUI/AAAAAAAAEmw/qP-geKqP76c/s200/IMG_6485.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516389956130638146" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4nbQhOmyI/AAAAAAAAEmo/5zAOKR1oJHk/s1600/IMG_6478.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4nbQhOmyI/AAAAAAAAEmo/5zAOKR1oJHk/s200/IMG_6478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516389942819724066" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4nbD3RQHI/AAAAAAAAEmg/N6ieGh0_tJM/s1600/IMG_6471.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4nbD3RQHI/AAAAAAAAEmg/N6ieGh0_tJM/s200/IMG_6471.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516389939422511218" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4qlDw7pmI/AAAAAAAAEpA/LDUc63Cmtqs/s1600/IMG_6638.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4qlDw7pmI/AAAAAAAAEpA/LDUc63Cmtqs/s200/IMG_6638.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516393409729504866" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p3H6W2eI/AAAAAAAAEoo/yVo_dvRl6AQ/s1600/IMG_6637.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p3H6W2eI/AAAAAAAAEoo/yVo_dvRl6AQ/s200/IMG_6637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516392620568795618" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p4J_Y-NI/AAAAAAAAEo4/5OPSnX3z_UA/s1600/IMG_6713.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p4J_Y-NI/AAAAAAAAEo4/5OPSnX3z_UA/s200/IMG_6713.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516392638306646226" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p31EVp7I/AAAAAAAAEow/7g7KXsPKCKo/s1600/IMG_6650.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4p31EVp7I/AAAAAAAAEow/7g7KXsPKCKo/s200/IMG_6650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516392632690255794" /></a><br /><br /><br />There were also quite a few sponges, a haddon's carpet anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni), and lots of giant carpet anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea) and magnificent anemone (Heteractis magnifica) both in and outside the lagoon. There was even a large rock at the mouth of the lagoon which was filled with magnificent anemones. Sadly, no clownfish were spotted amongst the tentacles of these anemones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42Wvw2RzI/AAAAAAAAErg/CmL7oOoHKvs/s1600/IMG_6767.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42Wvw2RzI/AAAAAAAAErg/CmL7oOoHKvs/s200/IMG_6767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516406357981808434" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42WAJpRDI/AAAAAAAAErY/h4vvZMfCV9w/s1600/IMG_6780.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42WAJpRDI/AAAAAAAAErY/h4vvZMfCV9w/s200/IMG_6780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516406345200911410" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42V_uwLMI/AAAAAAAAErQ/xTAS5Qv3fmk/s1600/IMG_6785.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42V_uwLMI/AAAAAAAAErQ/xTAS5Qv3fmk/s200/IMG_6785.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516406345088117954" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42VQjER0I/AAAAAAAAErI/xNbwBqPk3Z8/s1600/IMG_6789.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42VQjER0I/AAAAAAAAErI/xNbwBqPk3Z8/s200/IMG_6789.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516406332422637378" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42UzPTzRI/AAAAAAAAErA/1-38Yu4IHTk/s1600/IMG_6763.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI42UzPTzRI/AAAAAAAAErA/1-38Yu4IHTk/s200/IMG_6763.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516406324555140370" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41N5vDb0I/AAAAAAAAEq4/9khGgqRubbE/s1600/IMG_6734.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41N5vDb0I/AAAAAAAAEq4/9khGgqRubbE/s200/IMG_6734.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516405106528186178" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41NYctBMI/AAAAAAAAEqw/CZnicFehMjI/s1600/IMG_6731.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41NYctBMI/AAAAAAAAEqw/CZnicFehMjI/s200/IMG_6731.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516405097592849602" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41MkAK3QI/AAAAAAAAEqo/14WxLi8aaL8/s1600/IMG_6730.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41MkAK3QI/AAAAAAAAEqo/14WxLi8aaL8/s200/IMG_6730.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516405083514526978" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41MBBix0I/AAAAAAAAEqg/H7MsKN0lw4Q/s1600/IMG_6706.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41MBBix0I/AAAAAAAAEqg/H7MsKN0lw4Q/s200/IMG_6706.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516405074125047618" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41L2AQd1I/AAAAAAAAEqY/nJSi3ZGqz0s/s1600/IMG_6696.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI41L2AQd1I/AAAAAAAAEqY/nJSi3ZGqz0s/s200/IMG_6696.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516405071166863186" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z4ofu8dI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/ZWzzx-2u1AE/s1600/IMG_6693.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z4ofu8dI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/ZWzzx-2u1AE/s200/IMG_6693.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516403641611645394" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z4F-MgOI/AAAAAAAAEqI/O4MedI_qjP4/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z4F-MgOI/AAAAAAAAEqI/O4MedI_qjP4/s200/IMG_6688.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516403632344170722" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z3i4PbJI/AAAAAAAAEqA/PuaMflOo4vE/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z3i4PbJI/AAAAAAAAEqA/PuaMflOo4vE/s200/IMG_6644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516403622923955346" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z3L4ebNI/AAAAAAAAEp4/xPPjkhggkvU/s1600/IMG_6612.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z3L4ebNI/AAAAAAAAEp4/xPPjkhggkvU/s200/IMG_6612.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516403616750922962" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z2VNIC3I/AAAAAAAAEpw/BSc7I3CxryA/s1600/IMG_6603.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4z2VNIC3I/AAAAAAAAEpw/BSc7I3CxryA/s200/IMG_6603.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516403602073586546" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rkIy-z0I/AAAAAAAAEpo/xJ1Go8U78qo/s1600/IMG_6573.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rkIy-z0I/AAAAAAAAEpo/xJ1Go8U78qo/s200/IMG_6573.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394493412036418" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rjifulJI/AAAAAAAAEpg/wzKyDz2BxZg/s1600/IMG_6561.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rjifulJI/AAAAAAAAEpg/wzKyDz2BxZg/s200/IMG_6561.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394483130733714" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rjGlwLMI/AAAAAAAAEpY/gVC_R0Nj3Os/s1600/IMG_6558.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rjGlwLMI/AAAAAAAAEpY/gVC_R0Nj3Os/s200/IMG_6558.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394475639811266" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rity3r3I/AAAAAAAAEpQ/VPsotq66vOg/s1600/IMG_6555.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rity3r3I/AAAAAAAAEpQ/VPsotq66vOg/s200/IMG_6555.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394468983943026" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rh3Oue0I/AAAAAAAAEpI/SU6w_fEI0z4/s1600/IMG_6466.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4rh3Oue0I/AAAAAAAAEpI/SU6w_fEI0z4/s200/IMG_6466.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394454336830274" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI43D4akKwI/AAAAAAAAEro/INw1CMqm9W4/s1600/IMG_6777.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI43D4akKwI/AAAAAAAAEro/INw1CMqm9W4/s200/IMG_6777.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516407133398379266" /></a><br /><br />Chay Hoon pointed me to my 2nd octopus sighting, plus I got to see another sea hare, this time the extraordinary sea hare (Aplysia extraordinaria). I also chanced upon the white-rumped sea cucumber (Actinopyga lecanora) taking cover under a coral. Apart from that I didn't see anything too spectacular or unusual. I've yet also, to see my first blue spotted fantail ray and I will probably have to wait till October when the tides are low enough.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI45b6zqmAI/AAAAAAAAEtY/AuxlEhgGGUo/s1600/IMG_6793.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI45b6zqmAI/AAAAAAAAEtY/AuxlEhgGGUo/s200/IMG_6793.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516409745380644866" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI45baumaOI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/2wlczUEcjsg/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI45baumaOI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/2wlczUEcjsg/s200/IMG_6829.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516409736769464546" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI45azndpmI/AAAAAAAAEtI/-S5kywm6Sfg/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI45azndpmI/AAAAAAAAEtI/-S5kywm6Sfg/s200/IMG_6750.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516409726270547554" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI45aanaZSI/AAAAAAAAEtA/qItbQOdanBs/s1600/IMG_6806.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI45aanaZSI/AAAAAAAAEtA/qItbQOdanBs/s200/IMG_6806.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516409719559447842" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44sa4BEII/AAAAAAAAEs4/E0lV2J3YKV8/s1600/IMG_6703.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44sa4BEII/AAAAAAAAEs4/E0lV2J3YKV8/s200/IMG_6703.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516408929355108482" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44rlEHG5I/AAAAAAAAEsw/LL-RzD0DbSU/s1600/IMG_6683.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44rlEHG5I/AAAAAAAAEsw/LL-RzD0DbSU/s200/IMG_6683.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516408914910321554" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44rHZ7lxI/AAAAAAAAEso/KjI01_2htJ0/s1600/IMG_6668.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44rHZ7lxI/AAAAAAAAEso/KjI01_2htJ0/s200/IMG_6668.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516408906948777746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44qbT1IMI/AAAAAAAAEsg/SBtKW07MJpc/s1600/IMG_6662.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44qbT1IMI/AAAAAAAAEsg/SBtKW07MJpc/s200/IMG_6662.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516408895112028354" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44pwQhrfI/AAAAAAAAEsY/qjAnaEMdna4/s1600/IMG_6640.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI44pwQhrfI/AAAAAAAAEsY/qjAnaEMdna4/s200/IMG_6640.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516408883555446258" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4324-YByI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/JeM6T-L0xNY/s1600/IMG_6596.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4324-YByI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/JeM6T-L0xNY/s200/IMG_6596.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516408009721906978" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI432GTY6CI/AAAAAAAAEsI/gpc5RJOIiZo/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI432GTY6CI/AAAAAAAAEsI/gpc5RJOIiZo/s200/IMG_6588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516407996119836706" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4319q61FI/AAAAAAAAEsA/CtyudGNeNn0/s1600/IMG_6580.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4319q61FI/AAAAAAAAEsA/CtyudGNeNn0/s200/IMG_6580.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516407993802609746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI431byfwWI/AAAAAAAAEr4/l1OsXxtPWoQ/s1600/IMG_6576.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI431byfwWI/AAAAAAAAEr4/l1OsXxtPWoQ/s200/IMG_6576.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516407984707584354" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI430e8Ht7I/AAAAAAAAErw/MQ1tuCLRf-s/s1600/IMG_6549.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI430e8Ht7I/AAAAAAAAErw/MQ1tuCLRf-s/s200/IMG_6549.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516407968373389234" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI452gIQQ2I/AAAAAAAAEtg/hL-iHs_EGEY/s1600/IMG_6674.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI452gIQQ2I/AAAAAAAAEtg/hL-iHs_EGEY/s200/IMG_6674.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516410202075710306" /></a><br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens, Canon 580 EX II Speedlite, Canon Powershot G10*russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-51871923229022293362010-09-12T22:52:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:44:17.976-07:00zooming into venus drive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4UmnSMeYI/AAAAAAAAEio/6npt7yM7blE/s1600/IMG_5666.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4UmnSMeYI/AAAAAAAAEio/6npt7yM7blE/s200/IMG_5666.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516369247188318594" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3xGYYMLkI/AAAAAAAAEhg/zqXLuJTembk/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3xGYYMLkI/AAAAAAAAEhg/zqXLuJTembk/s200/IMG_5654.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516330210524147266" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3xF2ClfzI/AAAAAAAAEhY/cWhljmtGmXo/s1600/IMG_5656.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3xF2ClfzI/AAAAAAAAEhY/cWhljmtGmXo/s200/IMG_5656.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516330201306726194" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3xFcTe9_I/AAAAAAAAEhQ/lMnIqueh_Jg/s1600/IMG_5652.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3xFcTe9_I/AAAAAAAAEhQ/lMnIqueh_Jg/s200/IMG_5652.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516330194398279666" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3xE1nWvXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/opIaQrShEko/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3xE1nWvXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/opIaQrShEko/s200/IMG_5677.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516330184012643698" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3wh1iIQzI/AAAAAAAAEhA/F4aK2KpEPuI/s1600/IMG_5680.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3wh1iIQzI/AAAAAAAAEhA/F4aK2KpEPuI/s200/IMG_5680.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516329582695301938" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3whR9dAPI/AAAAAAAAEg4/cb1Wj-ohOyM/s1600/IMG_5686.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3whR9dAPI/AAAAAAAAEg4/cb1Wj-ohOyM/s200/IMG_5686.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516329573146231026" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3wgl4Z4zI/AAAAAAAAEgw/TDoLQvZtr8I/s1600/IMG_5691.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3wgl4Z4zI/AAAAAAAAEgw/TDoLQvZtr8I/s200/IMG_5691.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516329561313895218" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IW8G4R3I/AAAAAAAAEgo/_S7QHLVE6Qg/s1600/IMG_5705.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IW8G4R3I/AAAAAAAAEgo/_S7QHLVE6Qg/s200/IMG_5705.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516285415016384370" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IWT7dYEI/AAAAAAAAEgg/rWl6G90Ogpg/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IWT7dYEI/AAAAAAAAEgg/rWl6G90Ogpg/s200/IMG_5725.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516285404231065666" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IWCM8q_I/AAAAAAAAEgY/eTPjm6aqvEI/s1600/IMG_5726.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IWCM8q_I/AAAAAAAAEgY/eTPjm6aqvEI/s200/IMG_5726.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516285399472581618" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IVm6lgjI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/GdQwKuZYdFg/s1600/IMG_5746.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IVm6lgjI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/GdQwKuZYdFg/s200/IMG_5746.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516285392147808818" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IU0bDDpI/AAAAAAAAEgI/VVX_sUfFIM0/s1600/IMG_5647.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3IU0bDDpI/AAAAAAAAEgI/VVX_sUfFIM0/s200/IMG_5647.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516285378593754770" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HkMct1nI/AAAAAAAAEgA/y4cKIma61Sw/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HkMct1nI/AAAAAAAAEgA/y4cKIma61Sw/s200/IMG_5644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516284543229613682" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HjscyPRI/AAAAAAAAEf4/3sTIO9sOah8/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HjscyPRI/AAAAAAAAEf4/3sTIO9sOah8/s200/IMG_5638.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516284534639967506" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HjGf0oLI/AAAAAAAAEfw/pA4FoYfvtRE/s1600/IMG_5639.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HjGf0oLI/AAAAAAAAEfw/pA4FoYfvtRE/s200/IMG_5639.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516284524452159666" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HipEm_VI/AAAAAAAAEfo/2m6Sywg_urs/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HipEm_VI/AAAAAAAAEfo/2m6Sywg_urs/s200/IMG_5637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516284516553391442" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HiH-lpoI/AAAAAAAAEfg/OM2i2HwmFig/s1600/IMG_5624.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3HiH-lpoI/AAAAAAAAEfg/OM2i2HwmFig/s200/IMG_5624.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516284507669767810" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I rented the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L II USM from the <a href="http://www.camerarental.biz/"> Camera Rental Centre</a> for the Hari Raya long weekend. Establishments like these are a godsend because they help poor sods like us save lots of money which we would otherwise spend on the procurement of exorbitant camera equipment and lenses which we occasionally use. They also allow would-be buyers to make informed decisions, thus averting any costly mistakes. The zoom lens I rented costs in the region of SGD3400 to SGD 3600, so it made perfect sense to try it out first. The reviews for this particular lens has been phenomenally good with most reviewers claiming that it makes a good travel lens and a must have for any intrepid photographer. Nevermind the price, this is one hefty lens in terms of its weight and lugging it around makes the Canon 100mm macro feel like a dream to carry around. In terms of its quality, I think this lens does live up to its review. Its solid built, weight and weather resistance renders it competent. And the photos? Well, I believe it depends on the photographer, but even if you are rubbish or mediocre like me, you would get pretty sharp images, even with its maximum zoom. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yvfIa6gI/AAAAAAAAEig/9A0J8CVP-74/s1600/IMG_5735.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yvfIa6gI/AAAAAAAAEig/9A0J8CVP-74/s200/IMG_5735.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516332016223316482" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yvKkCRLI/AAAAAAAAEiY/8iAzjYFERck/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yvKkCRLI/AAAAAAAAEiY/8iAzjYFERck/s200/IMG_5732.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516332010701997234" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yuckdDGI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/92d1Op-CO2o/s1600/IMG_5689.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yuckdDGI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/92d1Op-CO2o/s200/IMG_5689.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516331998355721314" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3ytk1aJYI/AAAAAAAAEiI/uRJBsAdx7QE/s1600/IMG_5684.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3ytk1aJYI/AAAAAAAAEiI/uRJBsAdx7QE/s200/IMG_5684.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516331983394448770" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yBdQJMPI/AAAAAAAAEiA/7SAvRguCRtM/s1600/IMG_5683.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yBdQJMPI/AAAAAAAAEiA/7SAvRguCRtM/s200/IMG_5683.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516331225444856050" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yAqfrw0I/AAAAAAAAEh4/ZofLvq41Drc/s1600/IMG_5659.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yAqfrw0I/AAAAAAAAEh4/ZofLvq41Drc/s200/IMG_5659.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516331211819828034" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yAF555sI/AAAAAAAAEhw/TTwW6S1XDuQ/s1600/IMG_5635.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3yAF555sI/AAAAAAAAEhw/TTwW6S1XDuQ/s200/IMG_5635.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516331201997694658" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3x_gKPQFI/AAAAAAAAEho/ZKWCVSYQYmg/s1600/IMG_5626.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI3x_gKPQFI/AAAAAAAAEho/ZKWCVSYQYmg/s200/IMG_5626.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516331191865655378" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4Vl7gnglI/AAAAAAAAEjI/WogFa1AL2b4/s1600/IMG_5664.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4Vl7gnglI/AAAAAAAAEjI/WogFa1AL2b4/s200/IMG_5664.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516370334949278290" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4Vltx_hUI/AAAAAAAAEjA/FyEdyFTWuT4/s1600/IMG_5747.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4Vltx_hUI/AAAAAAAAEjA/FyEdyFTWuT4/s200/IMG_5747.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516370331264058690" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4VlIky_NI/AAAAAAAAEi4/Gdpt96_Mkis/s1600/IMG_5748.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4VlIky_NI/AAAAAAAAEi4/Gdpt96_Mkis/s200/IMG_5748.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516370321276599506" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4VkfyX1DI/AAAAAAAAEiw/pu5ujXg89ZQ/s1600/IMG_5749.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TI4VkfyX1DI/AAAAAAAAEiw/pu5ujXg89ZQ/s200/IMG_5749.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516370310327686194" /></a><br /><br />Determined to make my money's worth, I took the lens out with me to the vet (for Lex's weekly amitraz wash and acupuncture) on Saturday as Venus Drive was just around the corner. Venus Drive is a haven for nature and macro photographers alike due to its rich biodiversity. There is something to look at with every step. Even the stream is filled with interesting life from dragonflies to halfbeaks and a particular type of barb. Venus Drive is also the entrance to the MacRitchie Treetop Walk. I did not venture deep enough to get to the treetop walk (because of my schedule), but I did get to click my lens more than a hundred times for the first 300m. The next time I visit, I will take my macro lens, speedlite and tripod with me. In the meantime, these are some of the things I shot with the Canon zoom lens.<br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Zoom Lens*russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-77704798118701381712010-09-12T01:23:00.000-07:002010-09-13T16:47:38.220-07:00re-visiting big sister<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO6pNZ2YI/AAAAAAAAEXo/QfrROyUL6nM/s1600/IMG_5588.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO6pNZ2YI/AAAAAAAAEXo/QfrROyUL6nM/s200/IMG_5588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515940781767645570" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO52A0jZI/AAAAAAAAEXg/XpOfiLmeqcU/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO52A0jZI/AAAAAAAAEXg/XpOfiLmeqcU/s200/IMG_5565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515940768024661394" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO5f8YOPI/AAAAAAAAEXY/munE5FlVIcU/s1600/IMG_5559.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO5f8YOPI/AAAAAAAAEXY/munE5FlVIcU/s200/IMG_5559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515940762100447474" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO7T1A1wI/AAAAAAAAEX4/R3Dd2TqxdQs/s1600/IMG_5615.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO7T1A1wI/AAAAAAAAEX4/R3Dd2TqxdQs/s200/IMG_5615.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515940793208067842" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO7B7YYPI/AAAAAAAAEXw/Xce_QFeklpY/s1600/IMG_5606.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyO7B7YYPI/AAAAAAAAEXw/Xce_QFeklpY/s200/IMG_5606.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515940788402938098" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyP3n44H8I/AAAAAAAAEYY/bZ6-PcleoWY/s1600/IMG_5655.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyP3n44H8I/AAAAAAAAEYY/bZ6-PcleoWY/s200/IMG_5655.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515941829385134018" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyP3Lf61yI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/W9k81tHSThg/s1600/IMG_5655.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyP3Lf61yI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/W9k81tHSThg/s200/IMG_5655.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515941821764261666" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyP2uL0rAI/AAAAAAAAEYI/t81Q9ODlX0o/s1600/IMG_5642.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyP2uL0rAI/AAAAAAAAEYI/t81Q9ODlX0o/s200/IMG_5642.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515941813895343106" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyP2GchyQI/AAAAAAAAEYA/qbSoqyzxUmM/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyP2GchyQI/AAAAAAAAEYA/qbSoqyzxUmM/s200/IMG_5637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515941803227990274" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday's trip to the sea took us to the larger of the two Sisters Island, Pulau Subar Laut. This was my 2nd visit to the island, the last being sometime in July. <br /><br />The weather was perfect for the trip to the reefs; clear blue skies and lots of sunshine meant longer daylight hours to work with, or so I thought. It's easy to forget how quickly the sun sets into the horizon, taking away its brilliance and leaving a reddish orange glow which fades calmly into the night sky. Nevertheless, it was a great sunset and one which I was determined to capture. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRZe5tsAI/AAAAAAAAEZI/W93XcBkyvO0/s1600/IMG_5754.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRZe5tsAI/AAAAAAAAEZI/W93XcBkyvO0/s200/IMG_5754.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515943510599905282" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRFJf9F8I/AAAAAAAAEZA/K1SEzPfuMSY/s1600/IMG_5754.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRFJf9F8I/AAAAAAAAEZA/K1SEzPfuMSY/s200/IMG_5754.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515943161257334722" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRE4atLOI/AAAAAAAAEY4/RuNOocswRJM/s1600/IMG_5699.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRE4atLOI/AAAAAAAAEY4/RuNOocswRJM/s200/IMG_5699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515943156671917282" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRESApHGI/AAAAAAAAEYw/P3mfaqv_X1w/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRESApHGI/AAAAAAAAEYw/P3mfaqv_X1w/s200/IMG_5688.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515943146362051682" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRD3E9-mI/AAAAAAAAEYo/srLPFhim2aw/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRD3E9-mI/AAAAAAAAEYo/srLPFhim2aw/s200/IMG_5685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515943139132439138" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRDdqTjbI/AAAAAAAAEYg/banhSyxryXw/s1600/IMG_5664.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyRDdqTjbI/AAAAAAAAEYg/banhSyxryXw/s200/IMG_5664.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515943132309720498" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyTEuIrPbI/AAAAAAAAEaI/EvYwe1enXeY/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyTEuIrPbI/AAAAAAAAEaI/EvYwe1enXeY/s200/IMG_5890.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515945352935194034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyTEKL1cRI/AAAAAAAAEaA/MLtOSxn51dk/s1600/IMG_5888.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyTEKL1cRI/AAAAAAAAEaA/MLtOSxn51dk/s200/IMG_5888.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515945343284769042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyTD-bgf1I/AAAAAAAAEZ4/X_Nzg1TOEV8/s1600/IMG_5828.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyTD-bgf1I/AAAAAAAAEZ4/X_Nzg1TOEV8/s200/IMG_5828.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515945340129279826" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sisters Island is rich in marine biodiversity despite the absence of any seagrass meadows. However, we found that the coral areas outside the lagoon sea wall and the peripheral areas around the island were in far better condition than the ones within the sandy lagoon. There was some bleaching, but definitely not quite as bad as what we found back in August, an indication that the corals were recovering perhaps. There appears to be far more hard coral than soft ones, though I did see a couple of leathery corals, sponges and carpet anemones. The favids appeared to be doing very well, with many retaining its brilliant and almost luminescent colours. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl73otJwI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/yiM5LcukmFc/s1600/IMG_5804.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl73otJwI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/yiM5LcukmFc/s200/IMG_5804.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516036460331738882" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl7WhfO_I/AAAAAAAAEfI/vFyZgxWfRF4/s1600/IMG_5812.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl7WhfO_I/AAAAAAAAEfI/vFyZgxWfRF4/s200/IMG_5812.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516036451443096562" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl681FDmI/AAAAAAAAEfA/_2Hz6tUsCcQ/s1600/IMG_5821.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl681FDmI/AAAAAAAAEfA/_2Hz6tUsCcQ/s200/IMG_5821.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516036444545945186" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl5sAkO2I/AAAAAAAAEew/kj2wsTM_htw/s1600/IMG_5838.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl5sAkO2I/AAAAAAAAEew/kj2wsTM_htw/s200/IMG_5838.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516036422850853730" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzkvvfMp3I/AAAAAAAAEeo/kKtOxy86vEE/s1600/IMG_5846.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzkvvfMp3I/AAAAAAAAEeo/kKtOxy86vEE/s200/IMG_5846.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516035152474318706" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzkvIzWwlI/AAAAAAAAEeg/zEb2V1mTjTk/s1600/IMG_5863.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzkvIzWwlI/AAAAAAAAEeg/zEb2V1mTjTk/s200/IMG_5863.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516035142089884242" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzkuiMCDMI/AAAAAAAAEeY/Irbgj2MXA04/s1600/IMG_5994.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzkuiMCDMI/AAAAAAAAEeY/Irbgj2MXA04/s200/IMG_5994.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516035131724401858" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzkuBJVM9I/AAAAAAAAEeQ/Neitp_yFMsM/s1600/IMG_6049.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzkuBJVM9I/AAAAAAAAEeQ/Neitp_yFMsM/s200/IMG_6049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516035122854704082" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzktoI0pxI/AAAAAAAAEeI/p5ZmWcS61sA/s1600/IMG_5865.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzktoI0pxI/AAAAAAAAEeI/p5ZmWcS61sA/s200/IMG_5865.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516035116141684498" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzizBWZssI/AAAAAAAAEeA/eWe58qoEFdk/s1600/IMG_5933.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzizBWZssI/AAAAAAAAEeA/eWe58qoEFdk/s200/IMG_5933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516033009785615042" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIziyn7lK9I/AAAAAAAAEd4/B4_7XKHFdlQ/s1600/IMG_5950.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIziyn7lK9I/AAAAAAAAEd4/B4_7XKHFdlQ/s200/IMG_5950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516033002962234322" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzix2zRg1I/AAAAAAAAEdw/Ej8u2UjlKxk/s1600/IMG_5975.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzix2zRg1I/AAAAAAAAEdw/Ej8u2UjlKxk/s200/IMG_5975.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516032989774054226" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzixeCEWgI/AAAAAAAAEdo/fY0de8fkXbQ/s1600/IMG_5987.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzixeCEWgI/AAAAAAAAEdo/fY0de8fkXbQ/s200/IMG_5987.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516032983125219842" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIziw7lp5VI/AAAAAAAAEdg/wWqxdyheX8c/s1600/IMG_6107.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIziw7lp5VI/AAAAAAAAEdg/wWqxdyheX8c/s200/IMG_6107.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516032973879240018" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZsO7FWLI/AAAAAAAAEcw/szn2QG3UCf0/s1600/IMG_5773.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZsO7FWLI/AAAAAAAAEcw/szn2QG3UCf0/s200/IMG_5773.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515952628821219506" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZr1t1smI/AAAAAAAAEco/N0mriZeDXIM/s1600/IMG_5769.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZr1t1smI/AAAAAAAAEco/N0mriZeDXIM/s200/IMG_5769.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515952622054781538" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZrUvlCxI/AAAAAAAAEcg/l_XnnvT3kkM/s1600/IMG_5761.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZrUvlCxI/AAAAAAAAEcg/l_XnnvT3kkM/s200/IMG_5761.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515952613203708690" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZqwr1eNI/AAAAAAAAEcY/QbZtroe_kRQ/s1600/IMG_5681.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZqwr1eNI/AAAAAAAAEcY/QbZtroe_kRQ/s200/IMG_5681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515952603524331730" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZqT9rM7I/AAAAAAAAEcQ/Fm1Scr2ZkS0/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyZqT9rM7I/AAAAAAAAEcQ/Fm1Scr2ZkS0/s200/IMG_5679.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515952595814527922" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl6OKPBPI/AAAAAAAAEe4/Lh644giJUeU/s1600/IMG_5823.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIzl6OKPBPI/AAAAAAAAEe4/Lh644giJUeU/s200/IMG_5823.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516036432018212082" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIznL3YnLEI/AAAAAAAAEfY/mF8okVIYiHs/s1600/IMG_5964.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIznL3YnLEI/AAAAAAAAEfY/mF8okVIYiHs/s200/IMG_5964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516037834653772866" /></a><br /><br />Fish wise, I got to see the usual suspects; painted scorpion fish (Parascopaena picta ), fringe-eyed flathead (Cymbacephalus nematophthalmus), silversides (Atherinomorus<br />duodecimalis), shadow gobies (Acentrogobius nebulosus), chequered cardinalfish (Apogon margaritophorus), streaked rabbitfish (Siganus javus), three-spined toadfish (Batrochomeous trispinosus), a copperband butterfly (Chelmon rostratus) and an unidentified cardinal-like fish. I also got to see my first octopus and this was after having gone on 5 trips to the sea. <br /><br />Others managed to spot a school of juvenile striped eeltail catfish (Plotosus lineatus), blue-spotted fantail ray (Taeniura lymma), spotted-tail frogfish (Lophiocharon trisignatus) and the infamous hollow-cheeked stonefish (Synanceia horrida) which apparently, was no bigger than a coin. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIySiilNV3I/AAAAAAAAEZw/5K6mPwdZ-u4/s1600/IMG_5842.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIySiilNV3I/AAAAAAAAEZw/5K6mPwdZ-u4/s200/IMG_5842.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515944765718091634" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIySh3JxhfI/AAAAAAAAEZo/OtPt9eTFK6A/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIySh3JxhfI/AAAAAAAAEZo/OtPt9eTFK6A/s200/IMG_5817.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515944754060297714" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyShpFI_bI/AAAAAAAAEZg/setGNVPfa1o/s1600/IMG_5801.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyShpFI_bI/AAAAAAAAEZg/setGNVPfa1o/s200/IMG_5801.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515944750282767794" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIySgzIMESI/AAAAAAAAEZY/OF55Yyxuwdo/s1600/IMG_5785.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIySgzIMESI/AAAAAAAAEZY/OF55Yyxuwdo/s200/IMG_5785.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515944735800037666" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIySgSFZ2pI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/qWjR7E75qwU/s1600/IMG_5764.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIySgSFZ2pI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/qWjR7E75qwU/s200/IMG_5764.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515944726929988242" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT3RG6UUI/AAAAAAAAEaw/BKkNerRfzEg/s1600/IMG_6023.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT3RG6UUI/AAAAAAAAEaw/BKkNerRfzEg/s200/IMG_6023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515946221316493634" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT2-lDGLI/AAAAAAAAEao/obX3rtexbf0/s1600/IMG_6018.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT2-lDGLI/AAAAAAAAEao/obX3rtexbf0/s200/IMG_6018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515946216342624434" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT2T4EbKI/AAAAAAAAEag/Ct31Peg2veM/s1600/IMG_5984.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT2T4EbKI/AAAAAAAAEag/Ct31Peg2veM/s200/IMG_5984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515946204879678626" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT13vmHkI/AAAAAAAAEaY/QIuecAspnWk/s1600/IMG_5855.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT13vmHkI/AAAAAAAAEaY/QIuecAspnWk/s200/IMG_5855.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515946197327945282" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT1bO2pUI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/KYLKrEbeD6I/s1600/IMG_5848.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyT1bO2pUI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/KYLKrEbeD6I/s200/IMG_5848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515946189674423618" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU7LxB3uI/AAAAAAAAEbY/o1A4evoMdnI/s1600/IMG_6114.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU7LxB3uI/AAAAAAAAEbY/o1A4evoMdnI/s200/IMG_6114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515947388113641186" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU6ubIOVI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/Xqoy6_l00go/s1600/IMG_6080.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU6ubIOVI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/Xqoy6_l00go/s200/IMG_6080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515947380237154642" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU6JC3miI/AAAAAAAAEbI/MxApPdWBAO0/s1600/IMG_6074.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU6JC3miI/AAAAAAAAEbI/MxApPdWBAO0/s200/IMG_6074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515947370203290146" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU55yc7mI/AAAAAAAAEbA/n2QTL8p6Mvo/s1600/IMG_6036.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU55yc7mI/AAAAAAAAEbA/n2QTL8p6Mvo/s200/IMG_6036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515947366107901538" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU5YKUoCI/AAAAAAAAEa4/OK_GZsJ-FiU/s1600/IMG_6028.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyU5YKUoCI/AAAAAAAAEa4/OK_GZsJ-FiU/s200/IMG_6028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515947357081215010" /></a><br /><br />As with any other shore/reef, there were also the usual crabby crustaceans; mainly egg and swimming crabs. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyWI_Rr0tI/AAAAAAAAEcI/qojuChEybKU/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyWI_Rr0tI/AAAAAAAAEcI/qojuChEybKU/s200/IMG_6094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515948724790743762" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyV0bbS6BI/AAAAAAAAEcA/0ODxQhxDEYQ/s1600/IMG_5966.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyV0bbS6BI/AAAAAAAAEcA/0ODxQhxDEYQ/s200/IMG_5966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515948371569993746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyVz7zA7XI/AAAAAAAAEb4/Ucx7SiXYGmk/s1600/IMG_5961.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyVz7zA7XI/AAAAAAAAEb4/Ucx7SiXYGmk/s200/IMG_5961.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515948363079544178" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyVzc4ETlI/AAAAAAAAEbw/nm1E7ko73_M/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyVzc4ETlI/AAAAAAAAEbw/nm1E7ko73_M/s200/IMG_5949.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515948354779237970" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyVyyGGIEI/AAAAAAAAEbo/Nu_00LenQNw/s1600/IMG_5939.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyVyyGGIEI/AAAAAAAAEbo/Nu_00LenQNw/s200/IMG_5939.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515948343295352898" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyVyUx50qI/AAAAAAAAEbg/1dsADrONkmU/s1600/IMG_5937.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIyVyUx50qI/AAAAAAAAEbg/1dsADrONkmU/s200/IMG_5937.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515948335426032290" /></a><br /><br />Later today, we will be visiting the shore along Kusu Island. It will be my first time there and from what I hear, the reef is quite spectacular.<br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens, Canon 580 EX II Speedlite, Canon Powershot G10*russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-82488421161341853632010-09-10T21:01:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:45:59.643-07:00re-discovering changi's shoreWhen I was a child, I used to frequent the beaches off Changi Point during the low tides. Often, a sandbar would appear out of nowhere and it was actually possible to walk in knee-height water towards it. I also remember seeing loads of sandstars, shellfish and in particular, the red and yellow thorny sea cucumber (Colochirus quadrangularis). <br /><br />Today, I had to drag myself out of bed (having managed to sleep for just an hour) at 2am and brave the long lonely drive to Changi for what was possibly the last early morning trip for the year. Although Changi Beach Park is reclaimed, it is still rich in biodiversity, particularly since the area has lush meadows of fern seagrass (Halophila spinulosa). <br /><br />Upon arrival, we wasted no time at all as the tides was not going to stay low for a very long time. One of the first things I saw were the thorny sea cucumbers I used to see when I was a child. These small colourful sea cucumbers are commonly found in our northern shores, often found in seagrass areas or clinging to rocks, dead corals and even trash like discarded glass bottles. When feeding, these sea cucumbers display feeding tentacles which are usually in hues of yellow and red. It should be distinguished from a similar looking sea cucumber known as the pink warty sea cucumber (Cercodemas anceps) which is pink and yellow and also found in our northern shores. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsC0V_AE-I/AAAAAAAAEVw/2PzUL3HeHyY/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsC0V_AE-I/AAAAAAAAEVw/2PzUL3HeHyY/s200/IMG_4815.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515505266923148258" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsCzzZcrUI/AAAAAAAAEVo/9NpTGMeXU-U/s1600/IMG_4795.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsCzzZcrUI/AAAAAAAAEVo/9NpTGMeXU-U/s200/IMG_4795.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515505257638833474" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsCzUrRtEI/AAAAAAAAEVg/LRcUH5tXQFQ/s1600/IMG_4790.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsCzUrRtEI/AAAAAAAAEVg/LRcUH5tXQFQ/s200/IMG_4790.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515505249392112706" /></a><br /><br />One of the other more unusual finds were these fairly large <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/anaspidae/bursatella.htm"> hairy sea hares (Bursatella leachii) </a>. This particular species of sea slug is usually found in our northern shores (usually in silty, sandy areas near seagrasses and seaweeds) and appear seasonally. Sea Hares lack external shells and when out of water, they usually look like a jelly blob. Apparently they grow fairly large, sometimes reaching 60cm long and weighing 5kg. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsF3C53paI/AAAAAAAAEWI/Co-yOcfnb70/s1600/IMG_4672.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsF3C53paI/AAAAAAAAEWI/Co-yOcfnb70/s200/IMG_4672.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515508611875841442" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsF2oe4GCI/AAAAAAAAEWA/n5MoJaEvqmQ/s1600/IMG_4715.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsF2oe4GCI/AAAAAAAAEWA/n5MoJaEvqmQ/s200/IMG_4715.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515508604783302690" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsF1-mfjII/AAAAAAAAEV4/umc356TvOTI/s1600/IMG_4721.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsF1-mfjII/AAAAAAAAEV4/umc356TvOTI/s200/IMG_4721.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515508593540959362" /></a><br /><br />I did also get to see a juvenile tripod fish, a large shoal of baby striped eeltail catfish, a pink sand dollar (Peronella lesueuri), a small lime-green starfish (which Mei Lin thinks is a baby knobbly). <br /><br />It's truly amazing to know that our shores are still rich in biodiversity despite all of man's activities. Perhaps the only regret I have is the effects of land reclamation and how this has contributed to the amount of loose sediment in the area. One has to step gingerly into the water in order to get close enough to a subject. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJ0YL9yJI/AAAAAAAAEWw/lbboqbQWnr0/s1600/IMG_4953.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJ0YL9yJI/AAAAAAAAEWw/lbboqbQWnr0/s200/IMG_4953.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515512964095789202" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJzkn1W6I/AAAAAAAAEWo/vecCCZj80mY/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJzkn1W6I/AAAAAAAAEWo/vecCCZj80mY/s200/IMG_4937.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515512950254033826" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJzG7CPcI/AAAAAAAAEWg/bvcMvc6HvYo/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJzG7CPcI/AAAAAAAAEWg/bvcMvc6HvYo/s200/IMG_4856.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515512942281506242" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJybabr8I/AAAAAAAAEWY/fYnDqMMW_Fk/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJybabr8I/AAAAAAAAEWY/fYnDqMMW_Fk/s200/IMG_4845.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515512930602037186" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJx8fjjMI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/jyvxyn-pnFE/s1600/IMG_4829.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIsJx8fjjMI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/jyvxyn-pnFE/s200/IMG_4829.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515512922302024898" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIufgBaHTqI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/XAckbHUR9Y0/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIufgBaHTqI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/XAckbHUR9Y0/s200/IMG_4881.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515677541127900834" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIuffkIYCkI/AAAAAAAAEXI/CYJxxfNq4l4/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIuffkIYCkI/AAAAAAAAEXI/CYJxxfNq4l4/s200/IMG_4968.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515677533268871746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIufejLFeeI/AAAAAAAAEXA/v-HrXno39E4/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIufejLFeeI/AAAAAAAAEXA/v-HrXno39E4/s200/IMG_4966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515677515831933410" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIufeA8RiWI/AAAAAAAAEW4/b_AJaKHBxqo/s1600/IMG_4941.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIufeA8RiWI/AAAAAAAAEW4/b_AJaKHBxqo/s200/IMG_4941.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515677506643003746" /></a><br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens, Canon 580 EX II Speedlite, Canon Powershot G10*russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-27812776807936937042010-09-10T10:45:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:46:28.461-07:00golden orb-web spider<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIpvGgjDmiI/AAAAAAAAEVI/KNVCIjMNBBs/s1600/IMG_5307.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIpvGgjDmiI/AAAAAAAAEVI/KNVCIjMNBBs/s400/IMG_5307.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515342851275463202" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIpvGMmYKlI/AAAAAAAAEVA/CVuJqKyrq8E/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIpvGMmYKlI/AAAAAAAAEVA/CVuJqKyrq8E/s400/IMG_5274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515342845920684626" /></a> I am terrified of spiders, even the small ones. There is something about them which makes my hair stand and feel generally uncomfortable. However, I am particularly fearful of the hugely popular tarantulas and the commonly seen Golden Orb-Web Spider (Nephila pilipes). The latter belongs to the family Araneidae and females can grow to a size of 30 to 50mm. They are distributed mainly in Asia as well as Papua New Guinea and Australia. <br /><br />The Golden Orb- Web Spider is commonly found in Singapore's primary and secondary forests and gardens. We used to run into them and their giant orb-shaped webs all the time during national service, particularly when navigating or bashing through the forest on exercise. Not a pleasant feeling as the web is particularly sticky and quite a pain to remove. <br /><br />This spider can bite. And while the venom of the golden silk orb-weaver is potent, it is not lethal to humans. It has a neurotoxic effect similar to that of the black widow spider; however, its venom is not nearly as powerful. The bite causes local pain, redness, and blisters that normally disappear within a 24-hour interval. In rare cases, it might trigger allergic reactions and result in respiratory troubles (in asthmatics) or fast-acting involuntary muscle cramps. As the genus possesses relatively strong chelicera, the bite could leave a scar on hard tissue (such as fingers).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIpvMjFIldI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/t4jLCosy86g/s1600/IMG_5330.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIpvMjFIldI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/t4jLCosy86g/s400/IMG_5330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515342955034482130" /></a><br /><br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Zoom lens*russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-60026326757341364582010-09-09T22:34:00.001-07:002010-09-13T08:47:12.559-07:00the flying blue pansy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInEZRxQ-HI/AAAAAAAAEUw/PTlUWMB2qtg/s1600/IMG_5103.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInEZRxQ-HI/AAAAAAAAEUw/PTlUWMB2qtg/s200/IMG_5103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515155157237692530" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInEY1D5XOI/AAAAAAAAEUo/YRCVE-eelwk/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInEY1D5XOI/AAAAAAAAEUo/YRCVE-eelwk/s200/IMG_5169.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515155149531208930" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInEYfw1lEI/AAAAAAAAEUg/w7RJg7X77kA/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInEYfw1lEI/AAAAAAAAEUg/w7RJg7X77kA/s200/IMG_5192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515155143814124610" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInEXwlLo4I/AAAAAAAAEUY/T9L9JfBs89U/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInEXwlLo4I/AAAAAAAAEUY/T9L9JfBs89U/s200/IMG_5223.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515155131148772226" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD_5fCjfI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/7Iub-jrZytU/s1600/IMG_5148.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD_5fCjfI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/7Iub-jrZytU/s200/IMG_5148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515154721222069746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD_ftoKzI/AAAAAAAAEUI/2nQUgCj_WBM/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD_ftoKzI/AAAAAAAAEUI/2nQUgCj_WBM/s200/IMG_5117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515154714303933234" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD-74iPOI/AAAAAAAAEUA/GUpEhY5jAk8/s1600/IMG_5149.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD-74iPOI/AAAAAAAAEUA/GUpEhY5jAk8/s200/IMG_5149.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515154704686005474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD-W4vSCI/AAAAAAAAET4/k4iBSkP_DGQ/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD-W4vSCI/AAAAAAAAET4/k4iBSkP_DGQ/s200/IMG_5134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515154694754748450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD945tBaI/AAAAAAAAETw/z0TZvjWbQJo/s1600/IMG_5095.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInD945tBaI/AAAAAAAAETw/z0TZvjWbQJo/s200/IMG_5095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515154686705730978" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The path between my mum's place and mine is usually covered with common wayside plants. In particular, the Asytasia gangetica (also known as Coromandel or Chinese Violet) is particularly abundant along this stretch. It's no wonder then, that I would chance upon the Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya) on this particularly hot and sunny day. <br /><br />Although the Blue Pansy is a fairly common butterfly in Singapore, this is the first time I have seen it around where I live. They are usually found in open grassland (particularly in areas where the Coromandel grows in abundance) and sun-lit places and doesn't fly very high, probably a metre above ground. It is also one of 4 Pansies which can be found in Singapore. <br /><br />The Blue Pansy belongs to the family Nymphalidae and subfamily Nymphalinae. <br /><br />These photographs were taken during noon under mid-day sun, hence the glare. Unfortunately, I didn't have my lens hood with me and had to deal with the stench of dog poo less than a metre away. I noticed that its right wing is slightly damaged, which explains why it is not entirely symmetrical. <br /><br />I also noticed that the butterfly was using its proboscis which acts like a straw to suck and ingest dissolved minerals and salt found in the damp sand on the ground. Apparently, such behaviour (often called puddling) is more common amongst male butterflies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIpvtFlutZI/AAAAAAAAEVY/T3tMZx64cuE/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIpvtFlutZI/AAAAAAAAEVY/T3tMZx64cuE/s400/IMG_5117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515343514053817746" /></a><br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens*russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-10718732230578612862010-09-08T08:36:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:47:30.169-07:00green hawk moth (Pergesa acteus)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInnmetlgBI/AAAAAAAAEU4/6zBBFPtxGvY/s1600/IMG_4602.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TInnmetlgBI/AAAAAAAAEU4/6zBBFPtxGvY/s400/IMG_4602.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515193866957193234" /></a> I chanced upon this elusive creature perched amongst one of my many costus cuttings. It was fairly well camouflaged and I had to take a second look to make sure it was what I thought it was. I knew it was some sort of moth, I just didn't know what. But when it started to fly, I realised that I was actually looking at a hawk moth. Hawk moths are strong fliers and some, like the Hummingbird Hawk Moth, have a distinct way of flying which is to hover, just like hummingbirds. <br /><br />This particular moth is known as <a href="http://bpals.blogspot.com/2002/01/pergesa-acteus-cramer-1779.html"> Pergesa acteus </a> which belongs to the family Sphingidae. The larvae host plants consists mainly Alocasia and Caladiums, but the former seems to be a hot favourite amongst various species of larvae.<br /><br />Sphingids are some of the fastest flying insects, capable of flying at over 50km/h. They generally have a wingspan of about 35 - 150mm. I have ever only seen two hawk moths in the past. Both were Hummingbird Hawk moths; one in my garden while the other was hovering amongst the flowerbeds in Ginza, Tokyo. They usually fly for short periods either around dusk or dawn, with a few species seen feeding during the day. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIeuS3LFrAI/AAAAAAAAETI/TzL89uRJhDw/s1600/IMG_4587.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIeuS3LFrAI/AAAAAAAAETI/TzL89uRJhDw/s200/IMG_4587.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514567907809799170" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIeuSfa155I/AAAAAAAAETA/HK9xN3UHt7A/s1600/IMG_4580.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIeuSfa155I/AAAAAAAAETA/HK9xN3UHt7A/s200/IMG_4580.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514567901433423762" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIeuTeCpwRI/AAAAAAAAETQ/zQd24wesVlQ/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TIeuTeCpwRI/AAAAAAAAETQ/zQd24wesVlQ/s200/IMG_4630.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514567918243397906" /></a><br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens, Canon 580 EX II Speedlite*russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-65261810527507098442010-09-05T23:33:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:47:49.299-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISL9Z1zs1I/AAAAAAAAES4/EcHbOWOia8c/s1600/IMG_4300.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISL9Z1zs1I/AAAAAAAAES4/EcHbOWOia8c/s200/IMG_4300.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513685730833183570" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLy_Ue7iI/AAAAAAAAESw/wcoJSD2g-IQ/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLy_Ue7iI/AAAAAAAAESw/wcoJSD2g-IQ/s200/IMG_4313.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513685551915396642" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLyfbbu2I/AAAAAAAAESo/y5pzL6wn5_M/s1600/IMG_4330.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLyfbbu2I/AAAAAAAAESo/y5pzL6wn5_M/s200/IMG_4330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513685543354612578" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLyNY0wYI/AAAAAAAAESg/cjE8nCRdJAU/s1600/IMG_4334.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLyNY0wYI/AAAAAAAAESg/cjE8nCRdJAU/s200/IMG_4334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513685538511831426" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLxiloRxI/AAAAAAAAESY/T55wnEuhaYo/s1600/IMG_4332.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 182px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLxiloRxI/AAAAAAAAESY/T55wnEuhaYo/s200/IMG_4332.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513685527022814994" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLxMWsOHI/AAAAAAAAESQ/NhX_v-ICxCw/s1600/IMG_4292.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/TISLxMWsOHI/AAAAAAAAESQ/NhX_v-ICxCw/s200/IMG_4292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513685521054578802" /></a><br /><br />*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens*russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429222405431464739.post-63916542532703362832010-08-26T21:28:00.000-07:002010-08-30T08:21:50.995-07:00Mount Bromo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdJgXA5SdI/AAAAAAAAENI/q51CttkJgRk/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdJgXA5SdI/AAAAAAAAENI/q51CttkJgRk/s400/IMG_2727.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509953489393502674" /></a> Although this is categorically speaking, neither flora nor fauna, volcanoes are one of mother-nature's most amazing creations. It would therefore seem appropriate that I blog about my recent experience to Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's most spectacular volcanoes. <br /><br />As the tickets for Siem Reap and Solo City were sold out, I spent the last weekend in East Java, mainly to see Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's many active volcanoes. The Tengger volcanic complex which includes the caldera of the Mount Bromo, Mount Batok and Mount Semeru (collectively incorporated as the Bromo-Tennger-Semeru National Park), is probably one of the most photographed volcanoes in Indonesia. <br /><br />The 16-km-wide Tengger caldera is located at the northern end of a volcanic massif extending from Semeru volcano. The massive Tengger volcanic complex dates back to about 820,000 years ago and consists of five overlapping stratovolcanoes, each truncated by a caldera. Lava domes, pyroclastic cones, and a maar occupy the flanks of the massif. The youngest of these is Mount Bromo.<br /><br />Mount Bromo is still very much an active volcano, having erupted in June 2004, killing two people, one of whom was a young Singaporean girl. Standing at 2,329 metres (7,641 ft) above sea-level, it is by far the most popular tourist attraction in East Java and perhaps, one of the few reasons why people would fly into Surabaya, gateway to Mount Bromo. Mount Bromo can be done as a day trip (though strictly speaking, departure is usually done at night from Surabaya's city centre) but if you treasure your life and don't want to put your life it in the hands of a sleepy driver who has to negotiate not just the roads, but also the dark winding corners up the mountain, then it's probably better to check into one of many lodges dotted throughout the caldera and catch the sunrise from there. <br /><br />Mount Bromo sits in the middle of a vast plain called the Sand Sea (Indonesian: Lautan Pasir), a protected nature reserve since 1919. The typical way to visit Mount Bromo is from the nearby mountain village of Cemoro Lawang which is popular with backpackers due to cheap lodging in the area. Families and the more well-heeled usually head for proper hotels such as Bromo Cottages or the Java Banana which are located in nearby villages. Cemoro Lawang is also the only village which has views of Mt. Bromo. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKdtZ85cI/AAAAAAAAENw/WUgl-YWGQTI/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKdtZ85cI/AAAAAAAAENw/WUgl-YWGQTI/s200/IMG_2539.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509954543376197058" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKdOKizNI/AAAAAAAAENo/9qU3z4fvPnI/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKdOKizNI/AAAAAAAAENo/9qU3z4fvPnI/s200/IMG_2518.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509954534990073042" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKcpwpa0I/AAAAAAAAENg/A47DVogy0e8/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKcpwpa0I/AAAAAAAAENg/A47DVogy0e8/s200/IMG_2508.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509954525217778498" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKcN0YnLI/AAAAAAAAENY/17NOfmbcj8U/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKcN0YnLI/AAAAAAAAENY/17NOfmbcj8U/s200/IMG_2497.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509954517717261490" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKbWTG2TI/AAAAAAAAENQ/r0QGslN45xA/s1600/IMG_2454.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdKbWTG2TI/AAAAAAAAENQ/r0QGslN45xA/s200/IMG_2454.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509954502813735218" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLWnpzeYI/AAAAAAAAEOY/_gMLH5fbPuM/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLWnpzeYI/AAAAAAAAEOY/_gMLH5fbPuM/s200/IMG_2776.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509955521084619138" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLV7twpeI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/0-D5H2HnoKI/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLV7twpeI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/0-D5H2HnoKI/s200/IMG_2771.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509955509290051042" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLVdrXF8I/AAAAAAAAEOI/hfvRJEPVJCU/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLVdrXF8I/AAAAAAAAEOI/hfvRJEPVJCU/s200/IMG_2723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509955501226923970" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLU7_lilI/AAAAAAAAEOA/yTctkrwvPkk/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLU7_lilI/AAAAAAAAEOA/yTctkrwvPkk/s200/IMG_2718.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509955492184951378" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLUVx3omI/AAAAAAAAEN4/G5pUaAl6vik/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdLUVx3omI/AAAAAAAAEN4/G5pUaAl6vik/s200/IMG_2679.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509955481926869602" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNTf-J_bI/AAAAAAAAEPA/oZ4U0t2e8fs/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNTf-J_bI/AAAAAAAAEPA/oZ4U0t2e8fs/s200/IMG_2870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509957666506145202" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNS3G_FQI/AAAAAAAAEO4/81hWbGVkxcM/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNS3G_FQI/AAAAAAAAEO4/81hWbGVkxcM/s200/IMG_2873.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509957655537325314" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNSIYM13I/AAAAAAAAEOw/h1ooDI7-h0M/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNSIYM13I/AAAAAAAAEOw/h1ooDI7-h0M/s200/IMG_2865.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509957642993063794" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNRkYU20I/AAAAAAAAEOo/uPn-eJK3h50/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNRkYU20I/AAAAAAAAEOo/uPn-eJK3h50/s200/IMG_2855.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509957633329912642" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNQ7Yqx4I/AAAAAAAAEOg/Rv2img6YXBg/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdNQ7Yqx4I/AAAAAAAAEOg/Rv2img6YXBg/s200/IMG_2795.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509957622325495682" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdQc_2ZfrI/AAAAAAAAEQo/p3qEtOEtM_A/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdQc_2ZfrI/AAAAAAAAEQo/p3qEtOEtM_A/s200/IMG_3117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509961128217247410" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdQcLAxMbI/AAAAAAAAEQg/PNMzsrHzAMY/s1600/IMG_3103.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdQcLAxMbI/AAAAAAAAEQg/PNMzsrHzAMY/s200/IMG_3103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509961114033664434" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdQbk3kFqI/AAAAAAAAEQY/ifwcg8pUYDI/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdQbk3kFqI/AAAAAAAAEQY/ifwcg8pUYDI/s200/IMG_3096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509961103794509474" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPGTohJeI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/Fi-geNmCo1w/s1600/IMG_3092.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPGTohJeI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/Fi-geNmCo1w/s200/IMG_3092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509959638879118818" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPFoU9tfI/AAAAAAAAEQI/W8hrcYr1-sg/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPFoU9tfI/AAAAAAAAEQI/W8hrcYr1-sg/s200/IMG_3075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509959627254380018" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPFVnv8kI/AAAAAAAAEQA/l748Mh0p4Dc/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPFVnv8kI/AAAAAAAAEQA/l748Mh0p4Dc/s200/IMG_3050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509959622232896066" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Normally, visitors would arrange (through their hotel) for a 4WD to take them to Mount Penanjakan which is the highest look-out point on the northern rim of the caldera. Visitors should leave their hotels at 3:30am and arrive at the look-out by 4:30am in order to secure a spot which promises a vantage view. The journey up to the look-out, which takes about 45 minutes, is both exciting and treacherous because it is dark, there aren't any proper roads and your life really depends on the skill of the driver. It is possible to walk up though one would be doing so in the dark and it'll probably take you 2 hours, which means you'll need to get up even earlier. It's amazing to see throngs of visitors and local tenggerese just waiting quietly in the dark, with cameras aiming at generally the same direction, waiting for first light to break through the clouds in the distance. Temperatures can vary from 0 to 5 or 10 degrees, depending on the wind-chill factor. One of the more interesting things to do whilst waiting is watch the night sky and the countless number of stars dotted above, a sight few people get to see these days. The sun rises at about 5:10am and by 6am, it is usually time to head back to your 4DW for the journey down to the foot of Mt. Bromo. <br /><br />The steep road down to the floor of the caldera comes out opposite to Mount Batok, with Mount Bromo in the background. The floor of the caldera is fine volcanic sand, which is often called the Sand Sea or Lautan Pasir. Crossing the Sand Sea is usually done by jeep. On rounding the base of Mount Betok, you're greeted by two rather incongruous sights. One is a Hindu Temple, and the other are the 'cowboys'. The temple is a remnant of the Hindu Tengger people who stayed behind when the Majapahit empire fell. The cowboys are there to sell you their services, or rather, the services of their horses.<br /><br />Just beyond the Hindu temple are the lower slopes of Mount Bromo. The jeeps only go as far as this, and the choice is to either walk across the slick volcanic sands to the base of Bromo's cone, or ride one of the horses on offer. Most people goes on the ponies, probably because it's included in the price of the tour. The horses will take you only to the base of the steep sides of the cone. From there you have to climb a rather steep stairway. Once at the top, the view is breathtaking and a sight to behold. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdVuRo3lmI/AAAAAAAAESA/UU-bASpXIk8/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdVuRo3lmI/AAAAAAAAESA/UU-bASpXIk8/s200/IMG_2937.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509966922608252514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSJywpd7I/AAAAAAAAERQ/3T5cSAypH-Y/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSJywpd7I/AAAAAAAAERQ/3T5cSAypH-Y/s200/IMG_2856.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509962997309208498" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSJTMEyUI/AAAAAAAAERI/Uk-kBHxjRM4/s1600/IMG_2998.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSJTMEyUI/AAAAAAAAERI/Uk-kBHxjRM4/s200/IMG_2998.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509962988834310466" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSIkgnKqI/AAAAAAAAERA/WdTppQ8a6iQ/s1600/IMG_3105.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSIkgnKqI/AAAAAAAAERA/WdTppQ8a6iQ/s200/IMG_3105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509962976303983266" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSIDY2tzI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/o4SE02rnSMA/s1600/IMG_3126.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSIDY2tzI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/o4SE02rnSMA/s200/IMG_3126.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509962967413077810" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSHlZv7qI/AAAAAAAAEQw/UNqlUQP1UPw/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdSHlZv7qI/AAAAAAAAEQw/UNqlUQP1UPw/s200/IMG_3110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509962959363763874" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTG_MinJI/AAAAAAAAER4/qj-SAvOaobM/s1600/IMG_2814.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTG_MinJI/AAAAAAAAER4/qj-SAvOaobM/s200/IMG_2814.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509964048619445394" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTGT97wSI/AAAAAAAAERw/HC0FkXsE7u8/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTGT97wSI/AAAAAAAAERw/HC0FkXsE7u8/s200/IMG_2812.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509964037015453986" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTF5fXvgI/AAAAAAAAERo/BfQH3h8THkU/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTF5fXvgI/AAAAAAAAERo/BfQH3h8THkU/s200/IMG_2808.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509964029907942914" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTFa99lRI/AAAAAAAAERg/DeIltZrwrYg/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTFa99lRI/AAAAAAAAERg/DeIltZrwrYg/s200/IMG_2807.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509964021714752786" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTE6Jx6JI/AAAAAAAAERY/3qebcyRQWQM/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdTE6Jx6JI/AAAAAAAAERY/3qebcyRQWQM/s200/IMG_2805.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509964012905949330" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdOSMhFJQI/AAAAAAAAEPo/OKhTsUeWJDo/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdOSMhFJQI/AAAAAAAAEPo/OKhTsUeWJDo/s200/IMG_3004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509958743615677698" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdORXV8C4I/AAAAAAAAEPg/UHcXoFj46-8/s1600/IMG_2980.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdORXV8C4I/AAAAAAAAEPg/UHcXoFj46-8/s200/IMG_2980.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509958729341864834" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdOQ4VkDzI/AAAAAAAAEPY/fxEnnmdzHl0/s1600/IMG_2917.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdOQ4VkDzI/AAAAAAAAEPY/fxEnnmdzHl0/s200/IMG_2917.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509958721018793778" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdOQcG8uaI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/53zPR8Df5WY/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdOQcG8uaI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/53zPR8Df5WY/s200/IMG_2881.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509958713441302946" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdOP7-oz5I/AAAAAAAAEPI/ALNr5ekjojw/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdOP7-oz5I/AAAAAAAAEPI/ALNr5ekjojw/s200/IMG_2877.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509958704816508818" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPEr8JESI/AAAAAAAAEP4/llW2aFnMsVE/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPEr8JESI/AAAAAAAAEP4/llW2aFnMsVE/s200/IMG_3048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509959611044139298" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPEN6538I/AAAAAAAAEPw/eBTCpXOYGK0/s1600/IMG_3006.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WhFXpz9wiJs/THdPEN6538I/AAAAAAAAEPw/eBTCpXOYGK0/s200/IMG_3006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509959602985885634" /></a>russelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086396106547465638noreply@blogger.com2