4 Jun (Sun): Ubin’s Straw-headed Bulbul Census with the Nature Society (Singapore)

The Straw-headed Bulbul is globally endangered. But here in Singapore, the wild population has been growing steadily. This is based on data gathered by the Bird Group through regular bird counts over the years. Pulau Ubin is a haven for this bulbul, given its largely rural setting and extensive green spaces.

This is the Nature Society (Singapore)'s first dedicated census on the Straw-headed Bulbul. Join them in gathering data that may contribute towards the conservation of this species. Some birdwatching experience is required.


Date: 4 Jun (Sun)
Website: https://www.nss.org.sg/

More details will be provided to those who register

This event is free-of-charge but you have to pay your transport to and from Pulau Ubin, $3 each way.

Registration required. Registration details here, registration closes 29 May.

What happened ...

From the Singapore Bird Group blog.

"This was the first time a targeted survey of the Straw-headed Bulbul has be carried out in Singapore, and attracted over 35 volunteer surveyors, including a large contingent of enthusiastic students from the National University of Singapore and Yale-NUS College."

Yong Ding Li back to camera briefing the surveyors
at Pulau Ubin on the census. Photo: Lim Kim Chuah.

"So how many Straw-headed Bulbuls are there on Ubin? In total, the teams reported 68 individuals within a band of 100 m from their counting transects. Because some parts of Ubin were not surveyed, we expect the actual population to be even larger."

"Building on the pioneering studies on the species carried out by veteran birdwatchers Ho Hua Chew and Trixie Tan, this survey confirms that Ubin remains a critical stronghold for the Straw-headed Bulbul and needs to be well-protected from poachers by regular ranger patrols."