Why some Singaporeans chase the perfect bird shot

New Paper

6 days ago

Shahrul Kamal, 50, once spent six hours waiting for a kingfisher to dive, in order to capture the perfect action shot. It was physically exhausting, Mr Shahrul told The New Paper, but it was all worth it.
"But when you finally get that moment, when it touches the water, the feeling is great. You feel like you've achieved something."
And when a rare Ernesti Peregrine Falcon was spotted on an HDB rooftop in Jalan Kukoh earlier this year, the senior technical executive, who has been birding for six years, took leave from work just to try and catch a glimpse of Singapore's rarest breeding bird.
Shahrul Kamal spent six hours waiting for the perfect shot of a kingfisher PHOTO: SHAHRUL KAMAL
Birding in Singapore took off in a big way during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a surge of new hobbyists armed with telephoto lenses, binoculars, and smartphones.
Some go alone. Others camp out for hours in groups, chatting, eating, and comparing gear while they wait for that one decisive shot. They can often be seen waiting patiently beneath trees, cameras in hand and eyes scanning the canopy, waiting for the perfect moment when a flash of feathers appears.
Birds of a feather
Singapore's birding community continues to grow, bringing together a wide mix of personalities - from competitive photographers to quiet observers, retirees to teenagers, conservationists to casual hobbyists.
Singapore's birding community congregates in several active groups, both online and on the ground. Nature Society Singapore, with around 1,000 members, organises regular guided walks and conservation activities through its dedicated Bird Group.
On Facebook, the Singapore Wildlife Sightings group has become a hot spot for casual and serious birders alike, growing to over 134,000 members since the pandemic.
Telegram group chats have also become an essential tool for local birders, offering real-time alerts on bird sightings and locations. When a rare species appears, word spreads quickly through these channels, allowing enthusiasts to rush down with their gear in hopes of catching a glimpse.
When someone posts about a rare sighting in a forum or chat group, the response is often swift and enthusiastic. Comments range from excited exclamations like "Chiong ah!" to practical questions such as "Still there?" or "What time was the sighting?"
Others express near-misses with comments like "Aiyah, so close yet so far. I was there earlier in the afternoon but didn't see it." Some users offer directions, while others post follow-up photos or updates from the scene.
Relief teacher Sheryl Khor, 46, said that if a bird she has not seen before is spotted, she will rush down to try and catch it, even if she is somewhere else at the time.
"Even if I'm in the middle of something, I'll try my very best to get there… it's worth it," she said.
The Ernesti peregrine falcon spotted at Jalan Kukoh has drawn the attention of many birders. PHOTO: SHAHRUL KAMAL
Respect for wildlife comes first
But birders that The New Paper spoke to agree: respect for wildlife comes first.
There are unspoken rules: don't get too close, don't disturb birds while they're nesting, and sometimes, don't share their location.
"Some people may not want to broadcast where a rare bird is, especially if it's with chicks," said Mr Shahrul. "It's not selfishness. It's for the bird's own good."
For Lim Kim Seng, 64, birding is a lifelong passion. The semi-retired nature guide has been watching birds since he was a child growing up on a kampung farm.
"Why would anyone not do birding?" he said with a laugh. "It's a form of exercise. I like the fresh air and being in touch with nature. Whenever I return from a session, I feel much better than before."
"Although I've been birding for more than 50 years, I still discover new things about nature, and about myself."
Unlike some who chase the perfect shot, Mr Lim prefers to observe birds through binoculars. "For me, capturing an image is good enough. It doesn't have to be picture perfect."
'Like making a new friend'
Ms Khor is a self-proclaimed "by-the-way birder". With kids, elderly parents and work, she squeezes birding into her schedule whenever she can.
"I've never sat there for six hours. I don't have that kind of time," she said with a laugh. "Some people think birders are crazy, but most of us have lives."
Ms Khor grew up following her father on nature walks and rediscovered birding during the pandemic, when high-quality camera gear became more accessible. "Every time I see a new bird, it's an unforgettable moment akin to making a new friend."
The mother of two recalled several mornings spent trekking to a remote part of Pasir Ris in hopes of spotting a black-capped kingfisher, only for it to never appear. Not long after, the area was cleared for development.
"That was one of the saddest attempts," she said. "But sometimes it's not about the shot. Just being in nature is enough."
A new generation takes flight
Contrary to the stereotype of birding as an older person's pastime, younger Singaporeans are increasingly taking wing. The Bird Society of Singapore is currently led by an 11-member council, with a majority of its members in their 20s and 30s.
Young enthusiasts explore nature through their lenses, proving birding is no longer just for older generations. PHOTO: ST FILE
Ms Khor has seen the shift firsthand: "A lot of the conservationists and people heading societies, like the Bird Society of Singapore, are quite young.
"And I've seen teenagers, 13, 14 years old, who are really sharp, amazing photographers, and already winning competitions."
What sets them apart, she added, is their mindset. "They're great photographers, but more importantly, they have a stronger sense of conservation and that's something I really support."
Ms Khor hopes that as more people pick up the hobby, awareness about conservation will grow too. "It's not just about rare or beautiful birds," she said. "Even the common or 'ugly' ones deserve protection."