Flying into Singapore for the first time on record, 21 pied stilts made an extraordinary debut on the mainland, leaving bird enthusiasts in awe. Classified as a “very rare resident” by the Singapore Birds Project (SBP), these elegant birds were spotted at two separate locations—Yishun Dam and Marina East Drive. Moreover, their presence at these distinct spots further amplified the excitement among observers.
Pied Stilts: Elegant Wading Birds with Graceful Legs
Paragraph: Pied stilts, also known as black-winged stilts, are enchanting creatures found in wetland habitats across the world. These elegant wading birds possess long, slender legs that give them an unmistakable grace as they move through shallow waters in search of food. With their black and white plumage, pied stilts effortlessly stand out, capturing the attention of nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
Additionally, their delicate bills, designed for probing into mud and sand, enable them to catch small invertebrates and crustaceans with precision.
Furthermore, they exhibit remarkable coordination and balance while foraging, demonstrating their remarkable adaptability to their aquatic environments.
Without a doubt, pied stilts are a captivating sight, combining beauty, agility, and remarkable adaptability in one marvelous package.
Touchdown on Monday: Unprecedented Arrival of Rare Pied Stilts
Birdwatcher Dannis Soh reported that the pied stilts arrived on Monday, May 22, with one group sighted at Yishun Dam and the other at Marina East Drive. While the birds have departed from Yishun Dam, enthusiastic birdwatchers immortalized their presence in awe-inspiring photographs shared across various Facebook groups.
Capture the Moment of Pied Stilts
Source: Hong Yijun on Facebook
Nestled among the scenic landscapes of Yishun Dam, the captured images unveiled a captivating sight of pied stilts, gracefully gliding through the air with ballet-like finesse. In perfect formation, these magnificent creatures orchestrated a mesmerizing spectacle, capturing the hearts of all who beheld them. Remaining at Yishun Dam until Tuesday, the stilts embraced the twilight hours, choosing to roost by the enchanting shoreline during sunset—a breathtaking moment immortalized in MeiLin Khoo’s captivating video.
Source: Hong Yijun on Facebook
Marina East Drive: Flight and Disappearance of the Celebrity Birds
Source: Francis Yap on Facebook
At Marina East Drive, birdwatcher Francis Yap skillfully captured the breathtaking sight of the pied stilts in flight. Yap disclosed that he initially spotted the group at Marina East Drive, and news of the flock at Yishun Dam surfaced subsequently. The stilts mesmerized onlookers by appearing and disappearing, evoking a sense of intrigue that enticed more birders to gather and witness their enchanting presence.
Stepping Beyond Pulau Tekong: First-Ever Sighting on Singapore Mainland
Wednesday’s sighting is particularly significant since it represents the first-ever observation of pied stilts outside of Pulau Tekong.
In regards to the species, Movin Nyanasengeran, a Singapore Birds Project member, highlighted that prior records solely documented their presence on Pulau Tekong in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Although the origin of the recent sightings on the mainland remains uncertain, it has been confirmed that the two groups spotted at Yishun Dam and Marina East Drive belonged to distinct flocks.
Mystery Unveiled: Different Flocks, Same Rare Species
The pied stilt, known for its wide range spanning Indonesia to Australia and New Zealand, continues to captivate both bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
This historic appearance on Singapore’s mainland has brought these majestic birds into the spotlight, adding another remarkable chapter to their avian journey.
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