tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281127952024-03-14T12:26:59.486+08:00Above & Under Sea ForestAn attempt to record my experiences at the various nature reserve and inter-tidal area.JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-14028611349207834182008-05-01T23:57:00.016+08:002008-05-02T00:14:41.869+08:00Chek Jawa Walk - Ubin VolunteerJoined the Ubin Volunteer over the weekend (26th & 27th April) for the Chek Jawa Public walk. Did my OJT and was assigned to Mr. Wong and Zaki. Learnt much from both of them whom had been guiding for many years.<br /><br />Din manage to take much pix cos decided to concentrate on picking tips on guiding instead. Nevertheless, just to share some of the pix taken during this trip.<br /><br />On the boat to Ubin....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnpQaSgPiI/AAAAAAAAAGg/KptvUkhZaAI/s1600-h/P1012385.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnpQaSgPiI/AAAAAAAAAGg/KptvUkhZaAI/s400/P1012385.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195440113292688930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Reaching the Jetty...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnpZ6SgPjI/AAAAAAAAAGo/6p_l_LI7LnE/s1600-h/P1012388.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnpZ6SgPjI/AAAAAAAAAGo/6p_l_LI7LnE/s400/P1012388.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195440276501446194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are quite a few Hornbill in Ubin, can u spot it in this pix? Its way tiny cos nvr I still can;t afford a telephoto lens... :P<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnph6SgPkI/AAAAAAAAAGw/WXCrh4g2pT0/s1600-h/P1012390.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnph6SgPkI/AAAAAAAAAGw/WXCrh4g2pT0/s400/P1012390.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195440413940399682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mr. Wong giving his safetly briefing...hmm.... He sure look like playing tai chi in this pix...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnp2KSgPlI/AAAAAAAAAG4/nKUdMTcKspI/s1600-h/P1012398.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnp2KSgPlI/AAAAAAAAAG4/nKUdMTcKspI/s400/P1012398.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195440761832750674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Zaki sharing his wealth of information with visitors...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnqD6SgPmI/AAAAAAAAAHA/T5iILJmHiO0/s1600-h/P1012412.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnqD6SgPmI/AAAAAAAAAHA/T5iILJmHiO0/s400/P1012412.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195440998055951970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some of the common fauna we always see in Ubin... hermit crap, Stonefish, Barnacles, Oysters, etc....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnqRqSgPnI/AAAAAAAAAHI/pRUgMlB4Q70/s1600-h/P1012415.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnqRqSgPnI/AAAAAAAAAHI/pRUgMlB4Q70/s400/P1012415.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195441234279153266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnqx6SgPoI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/9bjzq0QKJBI/s1600-h/P1012408.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnqx6SgPoI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/9bjzq0QKJBI/s400/P1012408.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195441788329934466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnq76SgPpI/AAAAAAAAAHY/2WlWBmC2ed4/s1600-h/P1012419.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnq76SgPpI/AAAAAAAAAHY/2WlWBmC2ed4/s400/P1012419.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195441960128626322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnrCKSgPqI/AAAAAAAAAHg/VrGa50NzTc4/s1600-h/P1012425.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnrCKSgPqI/AAAAAAAAAHg/VrGa50NzTc4/s400/P1012425.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195442067502808738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnrJaSgPrI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Dj80110xcZM/s1600-h/P1012418.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnrJaSgPrI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Dj80110xcZM/s400/P1012418.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195442192056860338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnrO6SgPsI/AAAAAAAAAHw/4ezJxbf37NQ/s1600-h/P1012420.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnrO6SgPsI/AAAAAAAAAHw/4ezJxbf37NQ/s400/P1012420.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195442286546140866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnrUqSgPtI/AAAAAAAAAH4/n_5tQ8SE9Jo/s1600-h/P1012430.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnrUqSgPtI/AAAAAAAAAH4/n_5tQ8SE9Jo/s400/P1012430.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195442385330388690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Last but not least, one of the group that came.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnryKSgPvI/AAAAAAAAAII/WL1u9ps6Sts/s1600-h/P1012403.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_gDWd0D8ViN4/SBnryKSgPvI/AAAAAAAAAII/WL1u9ps6Sts/s400/P1012403.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195442892136529650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Till my next trip (hope my work allows me), lets all work hard together to preserve our precious nature more.<br /><br />Cheers<br />JCJChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-26788064644546917922007-12-06T11:13:00.000+08:002007-12-06T11:42:43.421+08:00Sensory Trail on 24th Nov 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010036.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010036.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Was back in Ubin with Ubin Volunteers for the Sensory Walk on 24th Nov 07. This time round, I was assigned to do my OJT with one of the NParks personal. Basri has lots of stories and knowledge to share. U'll not be bored with him as ur guide for sure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010054.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Something new that I learn from him;<br />1) This plant can be used to treat sore throat.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010069.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>2) This raised platform is to prevent wild boar from disturb the crops with the bamboo stick help.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010096.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010096.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>3) There are actually beavers in Ubin!<br /><br />4) The best method to extract the sap from the Citronella plant due to its bladelike leaves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010094.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010094.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And lots of smelling, tasting, touching, etc. Well, this is the sensory trail that suppose to enhance our 5 senses anyway.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010085.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010085.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010082.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010082.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010110.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010110.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Of course there are lots of fun too. :D<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010114.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010114.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010120.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/39/P1010120.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-49299131558149978582007-11-01T10:53:00.000+08:002007-11-01T11:29:47.370+08:00Oh ChinHuat Hydroponic Farms TourLast Sunday (28th Oct 2007), a small group of us from <a href="http://www.sengkang.com/forum">sengkang.com</a> arranged and make a visit to the <a href="http://www.ohfarms.com.sg/">Oh ChinHuat Hydroponic Farms</a> along Bah Soon Pah Road near Nee Soon. While there we done their guided Hydroponic & Herbs tour (by Ms Ai Ling).<br /><br />This is my 1st time visiting a hydroponic farm athough I have seen before some hydroponic systems but all those are only in small scale. For those will like to find out more on hydroponic, check out these few webbies.<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics">Wiki</a><br /><a href="http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/">Hydroponic Online</a><br /><a href="http://www.howtohydroponics.com/">How to hydroponics</a><br /><a href="http://www.hydroponics.com/info/">Jacks Hydroponics</a><br /><br />Ai Ling is a very good guide (someone I definitely need to learn from on guiding). She has wealth of knowledge on Plants & Herbs and kept the whole tour interesting and engaging even though the whole tour lasted more than 2 hours.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/CRW_5867.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/CRW_5867.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We started off visiting their hydroponic systems. Right at their entrance, they have the "<span style=";font-family:Arial,Arial,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Drip System".</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5815.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5815.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Next, she showed us the <span style="font-family:Arial,Arial,Helvetica;">Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) which they used for most of their crops.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5829.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5829.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5827.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5827.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The third and final system they are using in the farm is the <!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:Arial,Arial,Helvetica;">Ebb and Flow system. And man! They can sure grow nice fruit bearing plants!<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5841.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5841.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5842.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5842.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ai Ling also shows us the various essential preparations in their farm like the nutrients preparation center, the seed germination center & Etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5819.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5819.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5820.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5820.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Second half of the tour, we proceeded to their Herbs Garden. The whole place reminded me of the "Secret Garden" we have in Pulau Ubin's Sensory Trail. However, there are some differences in the type of herbs that is available in Oh's Farm and "Secret Garden".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/CRW_5865.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/CRW_5865.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/CRW_5862.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/CRW_5862.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/CRW_5855.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/CRW_5855.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A nice Sunday morning outing we had. Thanks to Rummi for arranging it and I'm sure all of us (Gangjiong Spider & Wife, Dakoniel, Myself & Wife) had a fun and enriching session.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5868.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5868.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Till next time, a nice random pix I took of the farm. For more pix of the trip, drop by @ my <a href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=36">gallery</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5816.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/36/IMG_5816.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-12353517421874305752007-10-01T00:19:00.000+08:002007-10-01T10:18:36.325+08:00Pulau Semakau - 29th & 30th Sept 2007During the year end in Singapore, the low tide are occurring during the evening time instead of early morning during the early half of the year.<br /><br />This weekend, I was at Pulau Semakau for both consecutive days for the walk (my OJT). Was assigned to Samson's (Sat) & Ron's (Sun) group.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010459.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010459.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />For those who are wondering how do we get to Pulau Semakau since it is the furthest south of Singapore where general public can visit. We boarded on a fast boat like the one shown below at Marina South Jetty and it take ~30mins to reach. Doesn't it look like those Police fast craft? :P<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010514.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010514.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>As per normal, part of the trip to Pulau Semakau always includes the Landfill tour. No exception this time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010465.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010465.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010472.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010472.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></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 />Can you spot the Central Business District? :D<br /><br />After the Landfill tour, we proceed to the intertidal wetland for the guided walk. While reaching the mud/mangrove area, we saw lots of small hermit crabs gathering together. Most likely they have gathered to change out their shell. I wonder if these hermit crabs still perform the<a href="http://www.research.plymouth.ac.uk/mberc/pdf/Briffa/Briffa%20&%20Elwood%202007.pdf"> ‘shell fights’</a> during such mass gathering.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010480.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010480.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>While still at the mangrove area, nearby there is a mangrove tree. Under the shade of this tree, there are yet anther mass gathering of crabs. This time round, its the Fidders Crabs (most likely the Orange fiddler, <span style="font-style: italic;">Uca vocans</span>. Many of the males (with large claws) are actively waving their claws in an attempt to attract the female crabs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010488.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010488.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010490.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010490.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></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 />Our hunter seeker for Saturday had a great find, A Moon Crab. Moon Crab normally burrow just below the surface during the day and will only forage for small shellfish, worms and other animals at night. Thus the reason why we hardly see them during morning low tide walk. Even the evening walk are rare.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010497.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010497.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />During this weekend, we will able to spot 3 different species of Sea Cucumber. Below is the sandfish Sea Cucumber. Sea cucumbers are echinoderms—like starfish and sea urchins. They feed on tiny particles like algae, minute aquatic animals, or waste materials. When threatened, can discharge sticky threads to ensnare their enemies while some even go to the extend of mutilating their own bodies as a defense mechanism by jettison some of their internal organs out of their anus. Luckily the missing body parts are quickly regenerated.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010495.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010495.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Another interesting find on Saturday, a marine Fireworm. A fireworm is a type of bristleworm. It can grow up to 30cm in length. This worm has groups of white bristles along its side. The bristles are hollow, venom-filled setae which easily penetrate the flesh and break off if they are been handled. IT will result in intense irritation in the area of contact, hence the common name.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010499.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010499.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Marine Snails are very common in any marine habitat. They belong to the class gastropoda which includes the sea slugs. Below is a whelk snails with an Anemone on it shell. They reminded me of the "<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/11/photogalleries/hawaii-new-species/images/primary/pom-pom-crab-4.jpg">PomPom Crab</a>"which has small anemone on its pincher. This relationship between 2 different species living together is known as Symbiosis. Symbiosis has 4 general kinds;<br />- Mutualism where both species benefits.<br />- Commensalism where only one species benefit while the other is unaffected.<br />- Parasitism where only one species benefit while the other is harmed.<br />- Neutralism where neither species benefit nor harmed.<br /><br />For this case, it could be either Mutualism or Commensalism since the anemone might just be taking a free ride to food source (Commensalism). However, the anemone could also be helping to protect the snails from prey as it can sting (Mutualism).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010524.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010524.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We also spotted a few other species from the class gastropoda like the Volute and Sea slug (unfortuntely was not able to get a pix of it). This particular Volute is laying eggs. Can you see the 2.1.2.1 formation of its eggs?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010501.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010501.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There is also a spotting of flatworm. Flatworm are not related to sea slugs or other molluscs although it look very similar to a sea slug without the exposed gills. Flatworm are active carnivores and scavengers and are commonly found feeding on dead, injured animals, colonial animals and soft-coral.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010507.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010507.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>One of the highlight of the walk, the Octopus. Octopuses have eight arms (not tentacles) with suction cups. They also have a beak located in their mouth, similar to those found on birds, which they use to kill their prey and bite them into pieces. Octopuses are highly intelligent, probably more intelligent than any other order of invertebrates. It has been doucmented before that a Octopus is able to open a screwed bottle cap to hunt for its prey.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010511.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010511.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Whenever we are on the inter tidal area, we can always hear some clipping/clapping sounds around us. These sounds are actually made by the Snapping Shrimp. The snapping shrimp produces these loud snapping sound by an <a href="http://stilton.tnw.utwente.nl/shrimp/">extremely rapid closure of its snapper claw</a>. It previously commonly believed that the sound is generated when the two claw surfaces hit each other.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010521.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010521.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Pulau Semakau is one of the inter tidal area in Singapore where we can find lots of corals, both hard and soft. Below is one the Long Tentacle Mushroom Coral, most likely a <span class="coralinfofacts"><em>Heliofungia</em></span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010508.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010508.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Beside corals that have colony of animals living together. There are also Zoanthids which are commonly known as button polyps or colonial anemones. Zoanthids are radially symmetrical and are made up of two basic tissue layers and possess salient "stinging" cells. Their body cavity formed by the tissue layers bears series of tentacles around a single body/mouth/"anus" opening/mouth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010503.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010503.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>All in all, it has been a fruitful weekend. Saw a number of new things that I have not seen before. Sadly got to wait till year for the next trip. Just how lovely is the sunset there......<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010527.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010527.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010528.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/33/P1010528.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-55210081188338084722007-08-07T17:56:00.000+08:002007-08-08T00:51:07.928+08:00Lower Peirce Nature Trail Exploration - Aug 07The day started badly for me on 4th Aug 07. Was suppose to wake up and join the Team Seagrass for the Pulau Semakau Transect but due to my own blunder (when to the wrong jetty), I missed the boat......<br /><br />Since I'm already out of my bed, decided to join the Central Nature Reserve Volunteers at the monthly nature walk instead. Missed the previous month walk due to other commitment. This is also the 1st time I brought my macro lens to the reserve hoping to take some decent pix of insects. :P<br /><br />It was Boon Cheong and Ruth that were guiding. I ended up tacking along with Ruth group. Not a big crowd for the day, could this be due to the various negative publicity due to fallen trees? I wonder.<br /><br />Along the way, encountered quite a number of dragonflies which are abundant especially when there is water bodies nearby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011030.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011054.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011142.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011142.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011044.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta<b></b>. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body.<br /><br />Dragonflies do not normally bite or sting humans; in fact, they are valued as a predator that helps control the populations of harmful insects, such as mosquitoes.<br /><br />Just like all reserve, we are bound to see butterflies & Moths.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011108.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011102.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011102.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011080.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Other critters like flies, worms, crickets, ants, spiders and etc were also spotted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1010991.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1010991.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011094.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011094.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011007.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011150.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011156.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011156.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Anyone who have visited our CNR will be aware that we have a wide diversity of flora. Unfortuately, I did not bring my tripod with me thus most attempt on the flowers when to waste except for these few.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1010948.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1010948.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1010985.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1010985.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011079.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011079.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011092.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011092.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Our regular lizard friend (Sun Skink) are always around to welcome us when the sun is up and 4th Aug is no different.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011119.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1011119.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It has been a fun morning taking morning walk and snapping macro pictures of all these wonderful mother nature. Can't wait for my new trip there. In fact, I went back to the lower pierce reservoir in the evening hoping to catch a nice sunset. Not exactly spectacular but nevertheless enjoy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1010183.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/18/P1010183.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />For more pictures that I took on this day, do visit my online gallery @ <a href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=18&page=2">http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/</a>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-23804205494948679162007-07-15T16:31:00.000+08:002007-07-15T17:10:28.349+08:00Chek Jawa Seagrass July 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010828_CJ_S2_T1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010828_CJ_S2_T1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Made another trip with the Team Seagrass to Chek Jawa this morning. We were a little late due to some transportation issue. Were able to complete our primary duties - Seagrass monitoring still.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010829_CJ_S2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010829_CJ_S2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />However, as the tide is already coming in by the time most of us completed. We will all ushered out by Siti hastily. As myself and Marcus finished the monitoring slightly earlier than the others, was able to spot some animals in the seagrass lagoon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010852_Sea%20Cucumber.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010852_Sea%20Cucumber.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010832_mantis%20shrimp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010832_mantis%20shrimp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />(Above: Sea Cucumber & Mantis Shrimp)<br /><br />As we were moving back to the starting point (Information Kiosk), I can't help but to snap a few pic of the newly opened boardwalk which we are going to visit shortly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010870_boardwalk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010870_boardwalk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010880_boardwalk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010880_boardwalk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After all of us have gathered at the information kiosk, we proceeded to the new visitor center for some cleaning up and breakfast (tks to Ria) before Ria is going to lead us into the coastal & boardwalk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010901_info_kiosk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010901_info_kiosk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010909_washing%20pt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010909_washing%20pt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010906_house1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010906_house1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After breakfast (which I manage to take a few pix of CJ), we proceeded with the walk. Before entering to the coastal walk, there were lots of termites on the sand and everyone were so amazed by it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010986_termites.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010986_termites.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010988_termites.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010988_termites.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After everyone happy with their shoot, we moved into the coastal walk. Along the way there are quite a few lovely flora.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011082_sea%20hbicus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011082_sea%20hbicus.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010993_plant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010993_plant.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The starting point of the boardwalk is only ~10mins walk from the coastal walk which was pleasant walk cos most part are under the canopy of the trees and plants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010996_boardwalk%20startpoint.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010996_boardwalk%20startpoint.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We do get some spectacular view from the boardwalk. Since the tide is already in, we are not able to see any of the wetlands. No matters, the views there are still lovely.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011009_boardwalk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011009_boardwalk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011040_boardwalk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011040_boardwalk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011045_shore.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011045_shore.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Part of the boardwalk will bring us into the mangrove area. Just b4 we left the wetland area, someone spotted a monitor lizard along the shore. I reckon its the common water monitor lizard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011047_monitor%20lizard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011047_monitor%20lizard.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011052_mangrove%20roots.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011052_mangrove%20roots.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011056_mangrove%20tree%20fruit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011056_mangrove%20tree%20fruit.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Just before we exit from the boardwalk is where the new tower is situated and this is my 1st up up on it. The view up there is definitely different from what we usually experience down on the wetlands. Up there, we can see the open stretch of forest. Cool!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011085_tower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011085_tower.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011090_on%20tower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1011090_on%20tower.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>As this weekend is the 1 weekend since the launch of the boardwalk where public are allow to visit on their own. Without doubts, people already are starting to stream into the area and since we have achieve what we planned, its time to head home.<br /><br />Once again, another fulfilling trip to Chek Jawa. For more pix, do visit my <a href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=16">gallery.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010844_CJ_sunrise.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fruddy.com/gallery/data/media/16/P1010844_CJ_sunrise.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-9781129447219905512007-07-02T01:51:00.000+08:002007-07-02T10:08:57.607+08:00Sisters Island June 2007 - Pulau Subar Laut30th June 2007 mark my 1st trip to the Sisters Island. Big Sister (Pulau Subar Laut) to be exact. When early in the morning with the fellows from Beach Fleas.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685913924/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/685913924_84f4be1ecb_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5432" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685914654/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1006/685914654_dafaed4a2f_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5439" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685049397/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/685049397_bd63c09499_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5436" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />(The Intertidal Lagoon just before sun rise)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685051847/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1046/685051847_214e4193d7.jpg" alt="IMG_5462" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685917082/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1318/685917082_2e11fd4755_o.jpg" alt="IMG_5463" height="667" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685920910/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/685920910_97cf0cf66a_o.jpg" alt="IMG_5493" height="667" width="500" /></a><br />(The Sun is up!)<br /><br />Had quite a fruitful trip. Although according to the "veteran", it has been "quiet" today. THe lagoon lost some colors. This is mainly due to the absent of many sponges and some corals. In actual facts, while exploring the area I do noticed that there are quite a few corals are not doing too well. Some look like breeching. Some diseased and some just simply dying. <a href="http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2007/06/basket.html">Wildfilm blog</a> has some pix of the corals been infested by lots of flatworms. <span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Flatworms are the simplest of the worm groups which has >20,000 species known. They are considered a parasitic that lives off of another living thing, typically some corals.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685040847/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1188/685040847_9deba67e64_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5343" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />(Hard Coral)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685908590/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1252/685908590_6f9b9f76b7_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5374" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />(Green Anemone Hard coral, <span style="font-style: italic;">Goniopora sp.</span>)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685045041/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1122/685045041_8f773e09ca_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5396" height="191" width="240" /></a><br />(Hard Coral)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685047985/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1005/685047985_dd59d73473_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5427" height="175" width="240" /></a><br />(Probably Green Star Polyp, <span class="postbody"><i>Pachyclavularia sp.)</i></span><b><i><b><i><br /><br /></i></b></i></b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685053791/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/685053791_fba4480443_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5473" height="191" width="240" /></a><br />(Plate/Disc or Mushroom Coral, <span class="arhead"><em>Fungia sp.)<br /><br /></em></span>Beside seeing corals, I also managed to spot some anemones. 3 only in fact. I was hoping to see more or at least a large carpet anemone. Good thing, Ron, Helen and July did saw one with a False Clown hosting it. Check out <a href="http://tidechaser.blogspot.com/2007/06/sisters30062007.html">Ron's blog</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685054401/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1144/685054401_822eb1b5e0_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5476" height="210" width="240" /></a><br />(Branched-tentacle anemone, <span style="font-style: italic;">Phymanthus sp.</span>) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685919428/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/685919428_7e03390542_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5481" height="158" width="240" /></a><br />(Star anemone, <span style="font-style: italic;">Condylactis sp.</span>) - Pardon me on my lousy photo skill. :p)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685919880/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1090/685919880_30f3a25727_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5484" height="191" width="240" /></a><br />(Probably a White Star Anemone?)<br /><br />There is no lack of fishes in the lagoon. Even at its lowest tide, we can still see lots of fishes and inverts around. Due to my limited photography skill in dark environment, most of my pix cannot it make to press.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685042111/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1374/685042111_e07834d238_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5364" height="240" width="199" /></a><br />(Probably some Cardinal Fish)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685044065/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1401/685044065_1b4eeae7c4_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5383" height="240" width="152" /></a><br />(A FlatHead fish?)<br /><br />The mantis shrimp is not, in fact, a shrimp. It belongs to the subphylum Crustacea which is the largest class of crustaceans, containing more than 20,000 species. The one we saw at Sisters is a smasher. <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_Vxu_tx5NynY/RoYisolDWQI/AAAAAAAABHI/i7oXFtljMDA/s400/070630sisd2890m6.jpg">Smasher </a>has a very sharp, single point at the end of the last segment, which can be used like a knife to stab or slash at soft tissues while <a href="http://www.pbase.com/clippo/image/75154251">spearer </a>have something like 3 to 17 upward/outward projecting spines on the last segment, but no heel at it's base.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685161725/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1058/685161725_3e71809557_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5490" height="168" width="240" /></a><br />(Green Mantis Shrimp<br /><br />We had some interesting discovery after the sun rise and just in time before the tides came back in. There was the Decorator crab and Basket Star. Apprarently, a decorator crab camouflaged itself with tiny seaweeds and animals like anemones, sponges and bryozoans.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685920456/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/685920456_5a96e22769_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5488" height="221" width="240" /></a><br />(Decorator Crab, <span class="l" style="font-style: italic;">Cyclocoeloma tuberculata?)</span><br /><br />It seems like all the veteren are overjoyed with the discovery of the Basket star cos it is the 1st time they saw one in Sisters. Basket stars are a specialized type of brittle stars which have a series of complexly branched arms which are used to catch plankton.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685916380/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1382/685916380_65de8ab5b6_o.jpg" alt="IMG_5452" height="395" width="500" /></a><br />(Basket Star, <i>Gorgonocephalus eucnemis?)</i><br /><br />All in all, a very nice trip. Saw some spectacular views of the southern inlands with yet another shore in Singapore that "wow" me with its lovely life!.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/685056539/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1436/685056539_f115f887cf_o.jpg" alt="IMG_5497" height="375" width="500" /></a><br />(At the Jetty)JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-32697768861609599212007-06-24T21:27:00.000+08:002007-06-27T00:13:16.152+08:00Sensory Trail @ UbinToday (24th June 2007) there was a group of employee from Tech Semi-Conductor visiting Pulau UBin and part of the program is to attend the Sensory Trail. As such, I decided to hop on for my yet another OJT. This time round I'm attached to Ron's group.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609078780/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/609078780_8663985163_m.jpg" alt="arrival" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />(The folks arriving at the Jetty)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608835635/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1294/608835635_1f56b1a0c9_m.jpg" alt="Briefing" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />(Ron explaining the myth/legend on the formation of Ubin using the map)<br /><br />As we walk to the trail starting point, saw this little nice red letterbox. It is near the fig tree near the information booth.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608854675/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1276/608854675_9d6f7cb369_m.jpg" alt="ubin_house" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609082332/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1431/609082332_bc1cb07c82_m.jpg" alt="entrance" height="195" width="240" /></a><br />(The entrance to the trail)<br /><br />The 1st plant that awaits us is the banana plant. Many ppl has the misconception that banana is a tree. Do take note of this.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608839641/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1313/608839641_10eeb5aa21_m.jpg" alt="banana_plant" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /><br />Some of us might be wondering why is this trail named "Sensory Trail". While its pretty obvious, this is a trail design and created to enable us to make full use of our senses (See/Hear/Taste/Touch/Smell). The trail was design to allow our visually-disabled friends to be able to use their other 4 sense to the max.<br /><br />Soon entering the trail, you'll be able to smell a nice and familiar fragrance in the air, that will be the nice fragrant from the Pandan Leaves.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608837635/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1114/608837635_99abcd0a99_m.jpg" alt="Pandan Wangi Pandanus amaryllifolius" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Pandan leave do look alot like the Citronella which also has a very strong scent. In fact, its so strong that it can be used to deter insects like mosquito.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608835911/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1226/608835911_255db88b37_m.jpg" alt="Citronella" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />(Ron rubbing some of the leaf on his arm)<br /><br />There are a couple (I think 3 of them) of ScareCrow in the trail. Below is the one that receive us near the start of the trail.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608849995/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/608849995_4c6f2a119c_m.jpg" alt="scarecrow" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /><br />Since there are nice fragant plants, how can we not have something that doesn't smell as gd? No worries. We have the Fishy Plant. Yup. U guess it right. The plant does smell fishy (no joke).<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608842181/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/608842181_7ee00e1424_m.jpg" alt="fishy plant" height="162" width="240" /></a><br /><br />So we have used our "Smell" sense, next up is the "Moses in THe Cradle" plant (also known as boat lily) that will test your sight (See sense). This plant has some interesting shade of red and green. This plant is commonly available in the ornamental trade due to its nice colors.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608837245/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/608837245_69bb5f8122_m.jpg" alt="Moses in the Cradle Tradescantia discolor" height="240" width="223" /></a><br /><br />Among the Boat Lily, there are 2 Gelam tree. From one of them we can see clearly its paper trunk that is peeling off. The paper trunk is been used for caulking, the water-proofing process that pack and pressed the trunk between the planks in the manufacturing of boats. Btw, anyone been to Kampong Glam? Apparently, Kampong Glam got its name due to this tree which is commonly available there years back.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608843393/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/608843393_48d3ee9408_m.jpg" alt="gelam tree" height="240" width="128" /></a><br /><br />Here, Ron is trying to point out to the group on the leaf of the Henna tree that is used for Henna drawing.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609085610/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/609085610_e80e45a395_m.jpg" alt="henna" height="240" width="139" /></a><br /><br />I guess this is the most easiest plant to introduce to young kid. Believe most kids will have eaten peanuts of sort. Thus groundnut plant should interest them.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608844115/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1255/608844115_2923139bf7_m.jpg" alt="groundnut" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /><br />Before proceeding to the next section, Ubin's best kept secret, the "Secret Garden", juz by the side there is a huge bamboo tree.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609079350/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1221/609079350_5a99c35ad1_m.jpg" alt="bamboo" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608850981/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/608850981_0aa62b33e3.jpg" alt="secret garden" height="355" width="500" /></a><br />(Secret Garden Walkthrough)<br /><br />Just one on the left of the Secret Garden, there is a plant that has a very interesting name, "Toothache Plant". This plant can actually numb our mouth if we chew on its fruits. Thus it can be use to relieve toothache which explains its naming.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609094262/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1033/609094262_12010dac41_m.jpg" alt="toothache" height="151" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Honeysuckle is a type of vines that are easy to grow, vigorous, heat-tolerant, and nearly indestructible. The flashy and fragrant flowers also birds and butterflies thus many like to grow its on their fence and other framework.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609086092/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/609086092_3210f44b2d_m.jpg" alt="honeysuckle" height="192" width="240" /></a><br /><br />The Midnight Horror only flower late at night and thus it attracts lots of insects and bats. The branches of the tree look alot like bones and hence it is also known as the Broken Bone Plant.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608846461/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1256/608846461_39ecf52562_m.jpg" alt="midnitehorror" height="240" width="156" /></a><br /><br />There are still quite a number of other plants that I did not mention and I'll like to show some pix of the various fruits that are available along the trail.<br /><br />We have the coffee, Great Morinda and even durian.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608849305/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/608849305_7acfd32279_m.jpg" alt="robusta coffee fruit" height="163" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609076608/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1202/609076608_de0bd8d1de_m.jpg" alt="Great Morinda" height="160" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608842553/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/608842553_18fa771339_m.jpg" alt="fruits" height="231" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608841277/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1279/608841277_6813779dd7_m.jpg" alt="duriantree" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /><br />One of the member has the priviledge of testing the fruit but unfortuately its not the sweet lovely durian but the sour fruit, belimbing (Thks Ron for the ID).<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609092484/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1005/609092484_97c6669052_m.jpg" alt="tastingsour" height="240" width="167" /></a><br /><br />Beside juz plants/flora, there are also lots of fauna in along the trail and of course Ubin. We came aross a huge Terminte Nest, Mud Lobster, Spider, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609093208/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1388/609093208_ca52a0120c_m.jpg" alt="termitenest" height="217" width="240" /></a><br />(Ron showing the termite nest)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608838115/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1281/608838115_7db612efef_m.jpg" alt="Spider" height="240" width="163" /></a><br />(A golden orb web spider)<br /><br />Sadly, we did not encounter any wild boar which many of them was hoping to see. However, we saw the used tire villagers use to place around their fences to stop wild boar from bashing into their garden.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608853125/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1021/608853125_574238b2ae_m.jpg" alt="tireagainstboar" height="162" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Quite a far bit of Ubin is mangroove and many public like to fish around the area. We actually witness them catching a catfish.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/608845889/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1171/608845889_c0b27bb3a0_m.jpg" alt="mangroove" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />(Notice the mangroove's roots)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609080464/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1429/609080464_a9e08aa6d4_m.jpg" alt="catchoftheday" height="163" width="240" /></a><br />(Catfish)<br /><br />Wow. This is has been a long post. Guess, I shall stop here and with that I shall end with a nice pix of a lovely leave. Anyone guess what is this?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/609088922/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1365/609088922_c8374b66e5_o.jpg" alt="niceleaf" height="517" width="500" /></a>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-57314941150294422222007-06-21T02:16:00.000+08:002007-06-23T02:06:57.450+08:001st OJT at Pulau SemakauWow! What a can I say? My 1st OJT at Pulau Semakau is definitely different. Not due to the location nor due to the fauna & flora we encounter there. Its different cos its very wet and do not mean that the tides are high. Its due to wet weathers. Yes! It was my 1st raining experience of at any Inter-Tidal Area.<br /><br />The day started early, however by the time we reached Pulau Semakau its already 7+am. As the tides are already rising, we had to rush to the shore.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570823717/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1049/570823717_255e1e8848_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />(My group from the public lead by Robert)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570374048/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1327/570374048_2b81a361e1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />(The patch of mangrove along the way)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570824333/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1401/570824333_5d95ee4673_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />(Reaching the entrance to the <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/secondary-forest">secondary forest</a>)<br /><br />It take us abt 5-10mins to reach the shore. Doesn't it feels like entering a whole new dimension?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570825115/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1424/570825115_205eed7462_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><br />Since our group is the "Sea Star" group, Robert instantaneously found and picked up a Sand Sifting Star, <em>Archaster typicus. [Thanks Ron for the I.D)</em><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570825655/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1172/570825655_e1e8772748_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" /></a><br /><br />Sand Sifting Star with the help of its spines moves over the sandy bottom of the ocean sifting through sand for food. The spines also enable it to burrow into the sand to hide or digest its food.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570376218/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1158/570376218_14ebf93588_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" /></a><br /><br />There are lots of sponges around the area. Most of them are brownish but if u look carefully, some of them do have lovely colors like green or blue. Sponges are the simplest form of multicellular animals. They don't have tissues or organs. Sponges belongs to a group of phylum Porifera which uses a system of pores (also called ostia) and canals for general mode of feeding , respiring, excreting wastes while whipping water in through openings in their body walls.<br /><br />Their in-ability to contract their siphons (opening) is the one easy way to separate them from the at-times similar Trunicate (Sea Squirts) which have contractable openings.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570375850/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1402/570375850_6afcbc08a9_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" /></a><br />(Most probably a <span style="font-style: italic;">Halichondria sp.</span>, not too sure)<br /><br />As we pushed forward, we had to move in a single file to cross the large patch of Seagrass Lagoon.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570827041/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1010/570827041_bbbda25409_o.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" /></a><br /><br />At the 1st stop that was created by our friendly hunter seekers, there were scallop, Spider Conch and a Moon Snail.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570827361/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/570827361_0f060148cd_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" /></a><br />Commonly also known as Shellfish. Scallop has with two opposing shells that are hinged together. They are bivalves thus are filter-feeders, sifting food through their gills, which also function as respiratory organs. Bivalves are commonly found burrowed into sand and are capable of discharging some powerful jets of water from their exhalant siphons.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570377160/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1346/570377160_fec1bedfde_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" /></a><br />Spider conchs, <span style="font-style: italic;">Lambis lambis</span> are voracious carnivores and may also feed on algae. Spider conch are easily indentified and hunted for it lovely unusual shell.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570377364/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1018/570377364_af54e29069_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" /></a><br />Moon Snail (Naticidae family) is also carnivorous. They feed mainly on shelled molluscs, including other snails and bivalves, and are well-known because they use their buccal appartaus and radula to drill a hole through their prey's shell, leaving a very characteristic countersunk drill hole in the shell.<br /><br />Another common sightings beside the sponges will definitely have to be the Anemone. Made popular thanks to the movie "Finding Nemo" where the star of the movie was borned. There are over 20 known families of Sea Anemones. Anemone's bodies consist of two layers of cells separated by a jelly-like substance. Their outer layer contains muscles and stinging cells, while their inner layer is used to digest food. They are primarily a predator, but most species contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae that will provide nourishment under proper lighting.<br /><br />Some anemone especially the Bubble-Tip Anemone commonly found to have some naturally symbiotic relationship Clownfish. Do check out <a href="http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2007/06/life-on-sentosas-reefs.html">wildfilm blog</a> where they spotted a false clownfish on a common anemone.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570828459/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1388/570828459_72009c8bf3_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" /></a><br />(Probably a <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Phymanthus sp</em></span>)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570828943/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1275/570828943_c4c1546bb0_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" /></a><br />(Probably a Condylactis species)<br /><br /><br />We spotted quite a number of corals. Including soft coral and various hard coral. Corals are responsible for building the many beautiful reefs around the world and many are not aware that they too can make lovely coral reef in Singapore. Check out wildfilm recent trip to <a href="http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2007/06/acropora-overdose.html">Raffles Lighthouse.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570381094/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/570381094_075181e9d9_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" /></a><br />(<span style="font-size:100%;">Leathery Coral, </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Sacrophyton sp</em>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>)</i></span> [p.s. Thanks Ron for the I.D.]<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570378822/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/570378822_5e0772734a_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" /></a><br />(Probably a Porites spp. or Encrusting Montipora)<br /><br />When we turn around to move near to the edge of the area known as the "coral rumble", Robert spotted a Tubeworm also known as Feather Duster Worm for its similar looking <span class="V13">fan-shaped crown (radiole)</span>.<br /><br /><span class="V13"> The Feather Duster is a very interesting animal especially to those who have not seen one before. This is probably due to </span><span class="V13">how it protects itself when disturbed where it will quickly pull in its radiole into the tube. Lots of interactivity there. However do note that if it is severely stressed, it will discard its crown athough it can grow back again. </span><span class="V13">The main purpose of their radiole is to filter out small floating organisms, which it will directs toward its mouth, located at the center of the crown. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570830671/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1173/570830671_dcbb2692a2_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56" /></a><br />(Probably a <i>Sabellastarte sp)<br /><br /></i>Soon after explaining the function of the feather duster's <span class="V13">radiole, from a distance we heard Luan Keng shouting at us to warn that she receive a lightning warning and we are to clear to safe area in 15 mins. Upon hearding her warning, I looked up to the sky and notice from the far end, DARK clouds are gathering and instantaneously snapped this pix below.</span><i><br /></i><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570831643/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/570831643_9537898d69.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64" /></a><br />(Dark clouds approaching our direction. Pix taken about t 5-10mins the heavy downpour came. Ron has a few pix of the rain in his <a href="http://tidechaser.blogspot.com/2007/06/semakau16062007.html">blog</a>.)<br /><br />While heading back, we realised that the next stop for us is actually the "STAR" of the whole trip, The Knobbly Sea Star. As we were already been chased to head back asap, din managed to spend much time on it and it sure was a pity that we had to end the whole guided walk way earlier than expected. Should the weather were good, I'm sure we could have seen alot more interesting animals.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570380802/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1332/570380802_b81a4a54fc_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67" /></a><br />(The Knobbly Sea Star, <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Protoreaster nodosus)</span><br /><br /><br />The 2nd half of the guided walk was a tour round the island's landfill. This is where public education kick in hard. The message of 3 Rs (Reduce, Reused, Recycle) are emphasis.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570832583/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1267/570832583_cff23cf890_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68" /></a><br />NEA has spend some efforts to decorate the phase 2 area of the landfill for recreation purposes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570833171/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1219/570833171_fc33ea3f01_m.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69" /></a><br />A shelter has oversees the Mindef Live firing area. Notice the 2 islands on the horizon?)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solonavi/570381658/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1336/570381658_18f50501bd.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70" /></a><br />Last but not least, a great example of reuse and recycle. The used tire of a truck has been recycled into a flowerpot (see the yellow with black strip circular object at the edge of the road)<br /><br />After this 1st OJT, I couldn't wait to join the group for my 2nd OJT and hopefully this time, I can complete the whole walk. :DJChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-85500684132176100652007-05-22T01:06:00.000+08:002007-06-27T00:17:45.497+08:00Stayover @ Ubin<span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a>Npark arranged a stayover at Ubin for the Ubin, CNR & SBWR volunteers on 19 & 20th May 2007. It was a nice gesture from NParks Ubin staff for recognising the time and efforts these volunteers has contributed. Many thanks to them.<br /><br />We have so much food at the BBQ that there are so many leftovers. Hmm... I wonder what happened to the leftovers. :P<br /><br />After everyone of us have filled our tummy, 3 of our volunteers shared some of their photos. Ron & Lay Hoon (did I get her name correct?) showed their pictures taken ard the shore of Singapore. Ron's pix are from the intertidal zone (including Chek Jawa) while Lay Hoon's are her diving trip at Raffles Lighthouse. Very nice and interesting pictures. You will never believe that the Singapore's waters still have so much bio-diversity.<br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/44"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/44/getting_ready.jpg?et=3ielCFyvTB,08HQF2T,WYg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br />Most of us tried to catch some sleep early cause we are suppose to move out to Chek Jawa<span class="insertedphoto"></span> in the early morning of 5am to catch the low tide as much as possible. The visit to Chek Jawa is the highlight this event. Everyone is so eager of it that all are already ready to set off by 5am.<br /><br />By the time we reached Chek Jawa, it was still dark. Luckily, most of us came prepared with a torch. Straight away, all of us broke into small groups to explore this lovely place.<br /><br />The very 1st animal I spotted is a Goby followed by lots of Tube Anemone (also known as peacock anemone).<br /><br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/43"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/43/goby.jpg?et=b8bcqdCMdVEaGDSTaNdsfQ" border="0" /></a></span><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><center></center></a><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/31"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/31/more_tube_anemone.jpg?et=M6jCH7ubRRe9pHz62lq3tg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> There is this white tube anemone that is of particular interest to me. Can you spot how many different type of animals are there on this pix?<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/10"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/10/tube_anemone_white.jpg?et=xgrRYHVOMTzNMkYV,tvxQA" border="0" /></center></a><br /><br />If you observe closely (oh! the pix too small? :p), beside the white anemone, you can see a number of Phoronid worm and an elbow crab. hee<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/45"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/45/feather_tubeworms.jpg?et=sb61KzmZ,TgDX3nrUSjiTQ" border="0" /></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/46"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/46/elbow_crap.jpg?et=4ImqBJo8AMqvtFaR1wZFmA" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Moving on. We came across lots of carpet anemone including the one below. Saw a number of variants. There are green, purple, yellow, brown, etc. Its really so beautiful to see them there.<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/38"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/38/huge_carpet_anemone.jpg?et=edADc7HvLqorHcuZKXy4ww" border="0" /></center></a><br /><br />Soon, we realised that there are some lights coming out from the sky. Our Mr. Sunshine is waking up!<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/14"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/14/sun_rising.jpg?et=S0Gmwcz321LIY79NXxMDjg" border="0" /></center></a><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/15"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/15/sun_is_up_2.jpg?et=mJrXVhuvnOh5LjvhuYosTg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/16"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/16/sun_is_up.jpg?et=aLdctN6LfcKwCtXB7kIVJg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With the natural sunlight help, we were able to explore the place much easier. From then onwards, many animals are see. Saw a number of sea stars and serpent stars. In my previous trip, I hardly see any of them. Thus was pretty delighted to spot quite a number of them. This probably shows that the animals at CJ are coming back from the <a href="http://uvp.blogspot.com/2007/01/18th-january.html">freshwater flood</a> couple of months back. Athough the stars are pretty small but hey, its a good sign that life are coming back!<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/23"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/23/sea_star_02.jpg?et=DAeq1e+uFROT9+MN057afA" border="0" /></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/24"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/24/sea_star.jpg?et=R+dJvAcIdl3Xs6,trWwvIg" border="0" /></center></a><br /><center><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/48"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/4/photos/41/300x300/48/brittle_star.jpg?et=6cyjtqbzhAPRcSyB7qKpKA" border="0" /></a></center><br />As I mentioned earlier, there will lots of anemone. We did know how many there were until we ventured further outwards. We practically lost count.<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/32"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/32/more_carpet.jpg?et=gY4Ung0dtvJg4uR7On7RoQ" border="0" /></center></a><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/36"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/36/lots_of_carpet.jpg?et=1NDdFljKiqkZV0ld6Taplw" border="0" /></center></a><br />Another animals that are of abundant is "crab". Spotted quite a few variant of it.<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/8"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/8/unknown_crab.jpg?et=GCLaqMW2OCpKO0kKScQAKA" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/47"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/47/crap_type_1.jpg?et=+Mc1wo+YgB5BI7nrWBMlfw" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Of course, if there are crabs. How can there be no shrimps.<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/4"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/4/unknown_shrimp.jpg?et=a8uCMlinWEZczkuUvrr55g" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a redish body tiny shrimp that I'm not able to indentify. Anyone knows?<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/35"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/35/mantis_shrimp.jpg?et=6wdoeYQJt7gBcfdsGUldcw" border="0" /></center></a><br />The infamous Mantis shrimp! Do you know that there was one occurence sometime back where a mantis shrimp actually snip off an adult thumb! Isn't it contradicting that they are a delicacy in many ASEAN countries. lol<br /><br />Below are 2 pix that need goodd observation. Toad Fish, known to <span class="hw">camouflage</span> and hide themselves damn well ard rocks and mud.<br /><br /><span class="hw"></span><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/13"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/4/photos/41/300x300/13/toad_fish.jpg?et=AnMJ3AwVeBVmzmkcUYuQDg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/12"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/12/toad_fish_02.jpg?et=6g3BzHUfuDvF4PMZHFMBHA" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While we continued exploring, soon we arrive at the 2nd boardwalk that links to the new chek Jawa visitor centre (to be completed soon).<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/49"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/49/boardwalk.jpg?et=BLDNlfVtF5au5WmWQYPDxg" border="0" /></center></a><br />This is actually my 1st time in this area. Very interesting. Managed to see a few other interesting animals.<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/51"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/51/area_view.jpg?et=trpnN+XU7mOIE5J6ypBoJQ" border="0" /></center></a><br />Among them are Sea Pens, hermit crabs, mussels, seahorse, cockles, and even puffer fish!<br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/25"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/25/sea_pen.jpg?et=nsJhtlehSiCXo,AsYbUUsw" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/41"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/41/hermit_crap.jpg?et=Hn9yjajmTg9tpvEOOcCGMw" border="0" /></center></a><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/30"><center></center></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/5"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/5/Yellow_Seahorse_Hippocampus_kuda_02.jpg?et=nrXYIPMgA64yNU13NW4rBw" border="0" /></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/11"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/33"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/33/mollusk_02.jpg?et=csvcuw,QQoZifCG7X3ooEQ" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="insertedphoto"></span><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/28"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/4/photos/41/300x300/28/pufferfish.jpg?et=WPS69pDpHTpyHlVPdyzJTg" border="0" /></center></a><br />A trip to CJ will nvr be completed without see any corals. Spotted a few of them including some sponge.<br /><br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/5/photos/41/300x300/1/zoanthid_2.jpg?et=0K5RtdB7YrIYFV12H47uTg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/33"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/42"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/42/green_sponge.jpg?et=x9TQwcfNGdcTZq4MGTZuxg" border="0" /></center></a><br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/18"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/18/sponge_02b.jpg?et=AVnxHrztGShY6QkR7KKxOA" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All in all, a very fruitful trip and met many fellow volunteers. Many thanks again to all that were there. Do check out more pix of this trip at <a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/album/41">http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/album/41<br /></a><br /></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/7"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/3/photos/41/300x300/7/unknown_crab_02.jpg?et=,V1vVX,YeJHIdzQVH6zjIw" border="0" /></center></a><br /><span class="insertedphoto"></span><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/41/47"><center><br /></center></a>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28112795.post-34083361395871068942007-04-23T02:01:00.000+08:002007-06-22T00:15:28.140+08:001st field trip with Team Seagrass<span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span>Last Sunday (22nd April 2007) mark my 1st field trip with Team Seagrass. The day sure started early at 0700hrs with a meeting at the changi jetty. Took the ferry to ubin and man, the sun rise is juz astonishing.<br /><span class="insertedphoto"><span class="insertedphoto"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></span></span><span class="insertedphoto"><span class="insertedphoto"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></span></span><br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/27"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/27"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/5/photos/39/300x300/27/sunrise02.jpg?et=Qcib4rDeLTqeJcWJrBTsZQ" border="0" /></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/28"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/4/photos/39/300x300/28/sunrise03.jpg?et=85Faf2UFBJWD9fhoTfn8jQ" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span class="insertedphoto"><span class="insertedphoto"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></span></span><span class="insertedphoto"></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/12"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/4/photos/39/300x300/12/getting_ready02.jpg?et=MesAP1XJ+1fSWSZYzZ0lKQ" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br />As most of you might be aware, Chek jawa is on the eastern end of Pulau Ubin Island. Thus as per normal practise, NParks rented 2 vans to ferry all 18 of us there. Upon arrival, we soon found out that the broadwalk that is currently been contructed to allow more<span class="insertedphoto"></span> public visits and at the same time not disturbing the lovely animals are almost completing. If I rem correctly, it was scheduled to launch in June/July this year.<br /><br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span>We are all den splitted into 2 groups assigned to 2<span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span> differently sites (1 & 2). As I'm a newbie, thus was attached to a wonderful "expert" to guide me along. His name is Si Jie and I sure learn a fair bit on how to go about doing my "job".<br /><br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/4/photos/39/300x300/23/SJ.jpg?et=4bsFe,S7TG+f,uEo8p7ubA" border="0" /></center></a></span><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/23"><center></center></a></span><br />Wondering what we are suppose to monitor? Well its Seagrass! Something like this.<br /><span class="insertedphoto"><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><center></center></a></span><br />The monitoring completed pretty fast. Something like 30mins or so. Thus we have quite a bit of time to explore the area. Saw some animals like the carpet anemone, solefish, snails, hermit crab, etc. Do check out my "photos" for the pix.<br /><br />All in all, it was a fun and enriching experience. Will definitely do it again.<br /><span class="insertedphoto"></span><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/19"><span class="insertedphoto"></span></a><a href="http://solonavi.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/39/7"><center><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.solonavi.multiply.com/image/4/photos/39/300x300/7/coral_rubble_lagoon03.jpg?et=7kpPGueC91rkKnoqx85IXw" border="0" /></center></a><br />Cheers<br />JCJChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727957343386796517noreply@blogger.com0