Singapore Back Lanes (1)

D700 70-300mm @ 70 ISO200 f/14 -0.3EV 1/250

To start a new mini-series on Singapore back lanes, above is a snapshot taken around Kampong Glam that, again and maybe even more forcefully, demonstrates some of the contrasts of the city.

Kampong Glam (5)

D700 70-300mm @ 102 ISO200 f/13 -0.7EV 1/500

The modern city is never far from the traditional townhouses.

Kampong Glam (4)

D700 24mmPCE ISO200 f/13 -0.7EV 1/80

Some interesting contrasts between the traditional buildings and the buzz of a modern city can be observed around Kampong Glam. At first, this car seemed out of place. The neighborhood is however favored by artists and known for its rather lay-back atmosphere. So why shouldn't we find here a four wheel drive jeep with a tattoo parlor ad on it?

Kampong Glam (3)

D700 24mmPCE ISO400 f/11 1/125

The colors of the buildings here are just amazing. Another snap along the way.

Kampong Glam (2)

D700 24mmPCE ISO200 f/13 -0.7EV 1/400

A very colorful raw of houses... A little up-shift to correct the perspective and here is the result.

Kampong Glam (1)

D700 24mmPCE f/13 -0.7EV 1/100

This Saturday morning I decided to re-visit one of Singapore's famous historical sites: Kampong Glam. I will be posting some pictures taken during this walk over the coming week. Today is the unavoidable postcard shot of the main street leading to the Sultan Mosque.

Little Heron

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/9 1/200 tripod

My apologies for skipping a few days recently. Weather was rainy and, for some reasons, mosquitoes have been invading my usual walking paths. I'll pass on the fact that work kept me busy. My new year resolution was to post 100 pictures this year and 85 have been posted by today. So I am well within target!

Here however is a snapshot of a little heron on a stilt within the mud flats of Khatib Bongsu.

Stork-Billed Kingfisher At Khatib Bongsu

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/9 1/320 flash -2.0EV tripod

A rare bird to sight and a rather shy one to capture on film. I decided to post this picture even though the beak was partially cut by the branch of the tree. The approach of the bird was hard. A picture, a few steps, another picture, again a few steps. When I crossed the 25m line, it just flew off...

Pink-Necked Pigeon

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -2.0EV tripod

Nice acrobatics by this female pink-necked pigeon feeding on fruits and berries. This is another inhabitant of the Khatib Bongsu area.

Olive-Backed Sunbird At The Nest

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -2.0EV tripod

This picture was taken the day before the chicks left the nest.

Oriental Whip Snake

D700 60mm ISO400 f/7.1 1/80

Another snap at this beautiful snake.

Oriental Whip Snake

D700 60mm ISO400 f/7.1 1/80

The oriental whip snake is another inhabitant of Singapore mangroves.

Smooth Otter At Khatib Bongsu

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISI400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

Another snap at the otter!

Smooth Otters Midday Nap

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

This couple of otters was seen resting at Khatib Bongsu. They came out of the water, rolled themselves on the dry soil and took a short nap before getting back into the water. It was of course a great opportunity to take a few shots.

Common Goldenback

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

I observed a couple of common goldenbacks bringing in turn beakfull of insects to their nest (a hole in the bark of a tree). While rapid, their pattern of flight and trees visited was regular. Their next move could therefore be somewhat anticipated. Problem was the low light and the fact that they never seemed to be in the right spot when clouds had cleared or the right position passing through rare sunlit patches... I left thinking that I would go back to take more pictures in better light conditions.

When I went back a few day later, the nest was empty and the goldenbacks were gone... Well, I had often read to fully work out the subject when available as better or similar conditions were not guaranteed...

White-Vented Myna

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

White-vented myna on the flower of an African tulip tree.

As the most numerous and successful bird in Singapore, the myna is considered a pest. However, when I saw this one in precarious balance on the flower, I could not resist taking a snap. In fact, I kind of like this picture.

Common Tailorbird

D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

Some buzzing sounds came from two different locations within a low dry shrub. First thought was that there were two noisy insects answering each others calls. The sounds were just too loud. After a few minutes of observation, some branches moved, then a tiny bird appeared. It could not stay in place for more than a few seconds. By following it from branches to branches, I managed to capture a few pictures. After reviewing them, I could not find one where the bird had its beak closed...

Chinese Koi Pond

D700 70-300mm @ 300 ISO200 f/5.6 1/15

A few fishes for the first of April!