Looking back at my previous years coverage on World Migratory Bird Day – WMBD 2021, WMBD 2023 (May 13th), WMBD 2023 (October 14th), WMBD 2024 (11th May) and WMBD 2024 (12th October). My birding journey has seen some great adventures visiting various nature reserves, parks and coastal areas for my birding photography, curating and uploading them into my Flickr photography collection – Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore. 

WMBD 2025 Theme – Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities

Singapore, while a very small country by land size, they are a hub for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and Central Asian Flyway, making it a major migratory bird hub/stopover destination. Singapore now can play a bigger and wider international role in the migratory birds journey with those 2 major flyways, a transit hub for migratory birds. 

Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, migratory birds making a pitstop in Singapore, giving bird photographers here in Singapore many opportunities to photograph them in action, the diversity and beauty of those migratory bird species. 

Recent research findings over the past few years have also indicated that Singapore’s status as a major migratory bird hub has grown in stature, Singapore now has become the intersection of 2 major flyways, adding the Central Asian-Indian Flyway to the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

For more information on Singapore has a hub for migratory birds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and Central Asian Flyway, please check out the following articles below:

• NParks article – Feathered Global Ambassadors: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparksbuzz/issue-42-vol-3-2019/conservation/feathered-global-ambassadors 
• Mothership article – New study shows Singapore is a pitstop for migratory birds from 2 major flyways: https://mothership.sg/2020/12/migratory-bird-central-asian-flyway-singapore/ 
• Nature Portfolio Scientific Reports: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77897-z 
• Straits Times article on 1st April 2024 – New Initiative to protect migratory birds and habitats: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-initiative-to-protect-migratory-birds-and-habitats

Visiting the various nature reserves, parks and coastal areas in Singapore for my birding photography, we can see Singapore playing their small part in creating bird-friendly cities & communities, through the protection, conservation and preservation of nature areas, parks, green belt connectors.

Flickr Photography Collection – Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore

I am working to curate and upload more birding photography in Singapore, showcasing the importance of Singapore as a bird hub for migratory birds. Although I haven’t reach the level of photographing all the bird species listed in Singapore by Birds of Singapore website by Bird Society of Singapore, I would still be actively visiting nature reserves, parks, coastal areas for bird photography (local and migratory) in Singapore.

Here’s a view of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Kranji Coastal Nature Park from the other end of Kranji industrial estate TimMac @ Kranji, not too far from the upcoming Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat Nature Park that is slated to open in 2028.

Also a photograph of the peregrine falcon, an uncommon migrant and rare visitor, perching on the ledge of an industrial building at TimMac @ Kranji.

Looking back at my migratory bird season from around October 2024 to March/April 2025, this was a very fruitful birding adventure (both local and migratory), and I hope to continue on this momentum when the new migratory bird season begins around September/October 2025 in Singapore.

With the rising bird photography community in Singapore, I hope that we can help to raise the awareness, publicity, knowledge and learning about birds, wildlife, nature, conservation and preservation of nature reserves, parks, and coastal areas in Singapore.

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2025 (10th May) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

WMBD 2024 Theme – Insects

The WMBD 2024 theme – Insects, might not seem that directly linked to WMBD at a start. However, insects are important for migratory birds. The 2024 theme also highlights concerns on decreasing population of insects and natural environments.

A recent Straits Times article published in May 2024, “Migratory bird declines point to large scale ecological changes across Southeast Asia”. Since Singapore is a hub for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and it’s also a pitstop for birds migrating along the Central Asian Flyway as well. This would definitely be of interest to wildlife scientists and researchers in Singapore and in Southeast Asia region.

Birds play crucial roles in the natural environment, from pollination and pest control. In the context of a lack of insects, the ecosystem would be affected. If certain insects are overpopulated, and without the presence of birds as natural predators, that can also disrupt the ecosystem, causing outbreaks that damage plant health and agriculture.

Singapore – A hub for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and Central Asian Flyway

Just like Singapore is a global air transit hub for the world with our iconic internationally famous Changi Airport, Singapore is also a hub for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, as well for birds migrating along the Central Asian Flyway as well. Singapore is indeed a major migratory bird hub/stopover destination. 

Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, migratory birds making a pitstop in Singapore, giving bird photographers here in Singapore many opportunities to photograph them in action, the diversity and beauty of those migratory bird species. 

Recent research findings over the past few years have also indicated that Singapore’s status as a major migratory bird hub has grown in stature, Singapore now has become the intersection of 2 major flyways, adding the Central Asian-Indian Flyway to the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

Singapore, a small country by land size, now can play a bigger and wider international role in the migratory birds journey with those 2 major flyways, a transit hub for migratory birds. 

For more information on Singapore has a hub for migratory birds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and Central Asian Flyway, please check out the following articles below:

• NParks article – Feathered Global Ambassadors: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparksbuzz/issue-42-vol-3-2019/conservation/feathered-global-ambassadors 
• Mothership article – New study shows Singapore is a pitstop for migratory birds from 2 major flyways: https://mothership.sg/2020/12/migratory-bird-central-asian-flyway-singapore/ 
• Nature Portfolio Scientific Reports: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77897-z 
• Straits Times article on 1st April 2024 – New Initiative to protect migratory birds and habitats: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-initiative-to-protect-migratory-birds-and-habitats

Kickstarting my migratory bird photography adventures 2024 on World Migratory Bird Day 2024 (12th October)

It’s the start of a new migratory bird season in October 2024, I am kickstarting my migratory bird photography adventures 2024 on World Migratory Bird Day 2024 (12th October) with a rare migrant bird – Northern Boobook at Healing Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, photographed on 12th October 2024.

There are still a number of migratory birds and local birds as well, that I haven’t managed to photograph. Along with my migratory bird photography adventures, I would continue to do so, updating and uploading my bird photography collections into this Flickr photo album. 

I am combining bird photography and outdoors/nature photography in nature reserves, parks, coastal areas. Outdoors, nature and bird/wildlife photography, always great therapeutic visual storytelling adventure for me. 

Like this gaze and look from this Crested Goshawk (shot at Healing Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens on 12th October 2024) telling you (my followers and readers) on my behalf, “Come follow me on bird/wildlife photography, outdoors and nature visual storytelling adventures!”

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2024 (12th October) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

As I started to get more into bird photography a few years back, it was nature/outdoors therapy along with bird/wildlife photography, a 2-in-1 theme. In 2021, I wrote about WMBD 2021, followed by WMBD 2023 May and WMBD 2023 October. Following on with my bird photography, together with my nature and outdoors photography, I am continuing on with my support for WMBD 2024 movement.  

WMBD 2024 Theme – Insects

The WMBD 2024 theme – Insects, might not seem that directly linked to WMBD at a start. However, insects are important for migratory birds. The 2024 theme also highlights concerns on decreasing population of insects and natural environments.

A recent Straits Times article published in May 2024, “Migratory bird declines point to large scale ecological changes across Southeast Asia”. Since Singapore is a hub for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and it’s also a pitstop for birds migrating along the Central Asian Flyway as well. This would definitely be of interest to wildlife scientists and researchers in Singapore and in Southeast Asia region.

Birds play crucial roles in the natural environment, from pollination and pest control. In the context of a lack of insects, the ecosystem would be affected. If certain insects are overpopulated, and without the presence of birds as natural predators, that can also disrupt the ecosystem, causing outbreaks that damage plant health and agriculture. 

Singapore – A hub for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and Central Asian Flyway

Just like Singapore is a global air transit hub for the world with our iconic internationally famous Changi Airport, Singapore is also a hub for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, as well for birds migrating along the Central Asian Flyway as well. Singapore is indeed a major migratory bird hub/stopover destination. 

Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, migratory birds making a pitstop in Singapore, giving bird photographers here in Singapore many opportunities to photograph them in action, the diversity and beauty of those migratory bird species. 

Recent research findings over the past few years have also indicated that Singapore’s status as a major migratory bird hub has grown in stature, Singapore now has become the intersection of 2 major flyways, adding the Central Asian-Indian Flyway to the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

Singapore, a small country by land size, now can play a bigger and wider international role in the migratory birds journey with those 2 major flyways, a transit hub for migratory birds. 

For more information on Singapore has a hub for migratory birds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and Central Asian Flyway, please check out the following articles below:

• NParks article – Feathered Global Ambassadors: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparksbuzz/issue-42-vol-3-2019/conservation/feathered-global-ambassadors 
• Mothership article – New study shows Singapore is a pitstop for migratory birds from 2 major flyways: https://mothership.sg/2020/12/migratory-bird-central-asian-flyway-singapore/ 
• Nature Portfolio Scientific Reports: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77897-z 
• Straits Times article on 1st April 2024 – New Initiative to protect migratory birds and habitats: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-initiative-to-protect-migratory-birds-and-habitats 

City in Nature with my birding/wildlife photography and outdoors/nature photography

With my love and passion for nature, green spaces and great outdoors, I am doing my small part in Singapore’s City in Nature, together with my birding/wildlife photography and outdoors/nature photography.

National Parks Board (NParks) in Singapore has the NParks Garden Bird Watch (GBW), a Community in Nature initiative, I am also playing my small part in NParks GBW through my birding and wildlife photography, helping out my friend Belinda who has been very active in NParks GBW Community in Nature initiative. 

Singapore Botanic Gardens in Singapore is an important habitat for both resident and migratory birds. This community bird photography exhibition at Singapore Botanic Gardens “A Garden of Birds’ is the best testimonial for it. Do visit this exhibition if you can, taking place from 7th May to 31st October 2024.

With my Canon EOS R6 Mark II and my Sigma 150-600mm telephoto lens, I would share more of my wildlife photography visual storytelling adventures and documentation on Flickr, adding more bird photography photos from various locations in Singapore. As for my bird photography in Singapore, I would continue to photograph and document both local and migratory birds, especially those (local and migratory) bird species that I have yet to photograph and document. 

Join me on my City in Nature visual storytelling adventures!

Come join me on my City in Nature visual storytelling adventures! I would update more regularly and upload more wildlife, birds in Singapore, nature and outdoors photography on my Flickr. I hope to play my small role in and do my part for City in Nature initiative in Singapore through my visual storytelling.

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2024 (11th May) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Birds at Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens has shown to be an important habitat for both resident and migratory birds. There are over 180 species of birds that have been recorded at the Botanic Gardens, almost half of over 400 species of birds that have been sighted in Singapore. Many of these sightings were contributed by community of bird watchers  that have provided sighting information as well as records of the activities of some of the birds and the duration they spent at the Botanic Gardens. 

The valuable source of information on the habitats and conditions preferred by the birds, as well as the observations help to inform NParks on their conservation strategies and plans, allowing them to better enhance the Botanic Gardens for both birds and visitors as Singapore is transformed into a City in Nature.

Conservation of key habitats in the Singapore Botanic Gardens supports bird diversity 

The conservation of key habitats is one of the main thrusts of Singapore’s Nature Conservation Masterplan. Within Singapore Botanic Gardens, there are 5 locations identified as nature areas for habitat conservation and enhancement. They are the 

• Primary Rain Forest
• Southern Forest of the Learning Forest
• Keppel Discovery Wetlands
• Natural freshwater stream at the Gallop Extension
• Eco-Lake

The diversity of habitats, both terrestrial and wetlands, and the long-term ecological research and horticultural works undertaken by the Gardens in conserving and restoring natural habitats and flora of Singapore have contributed to the diversity of bird species that have been sighted in the Botanic Gardens.

As for the birds, both resident and migratory, they in turn also contribute to the Gardens by enriching the habitats, playing their roles in the complex food web system that underpin our urban and forest ecosystems. 

Community partnerships enhance monitoring and conservation efforts

The community plays an invaluable role in the efforts to conserve Singapore’s natural heritage. Under NParks Garden Bird Watch (GBW), a Community in Nature initiative, citizen scientists help to survey birds at various green spaces across Singapore. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been one of the the GBW locations since the launch of GBW in 2015. 

The 5 year data collected from the GBW showed that the Botanic Gardens is one of the top 10 sites for species richness. The insights from such surveys, as well as information on sightings from bird photographers, help guide NParks conservation and management measures, ensuring that the Gardens is conducive not just for visitors, but to avifauna as well.

Dr Tan Puay Yok, Group Director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, said, “Interest in the bird life present in the Gardens is not new. As far back as 1898, the Gardens’ then-director H.N. Ridley wrote a paper on the birds of the Gardens published in the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society in which he shared about the monitoring of a White-bellied Sea Eagle which had built a large nest on a big tree within the Gardens. It is heartening that our avian visitors and rich natural heritage continue to be appreciated and treasured by Singaporeans today, and they also contribute to our conservation efforts through their observations. Through this exhibition, we hope to share with our visitors the joy and pride of our bird watching community, the role of the Gardens in avian biodiversity conservation and the role of our avian friends in maintaining the ecology of our natural habitats, and to inspire more people to join us to transform Singapore into a City in Nature.” 

My birding and wildlife photography adventures in NParks GBW 

I am also playing my small part in NParks GBW through my birding and wildlife photography, helping out my friend Belinda who has been very active in NParks GBW Community in Nature initiative. 

My personal birding and wildlife photography adventures at Singapore Botanic Gardens over the years had been enriching and exciting, trying to spot and photograph the birds (both resident and migratory) in action, or somewhere inside the dense green nature areas or perched high up the tall trees at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Just part of my birding photography adventures (and playing small part in NParks GBW) across different locations in Singapore. 

Here are two photos of birds that I photographed at Singapore Botanic Gardens in 2023. I look forward to photographing and documenting many more different birds (residents and migratory) at Botanic Gardens. 

If you would like to find out more about NParks citizen science programmes and how you can get involved, please visit – https://www.nparks.gov.sg/biodiversity/community-in-nature-initiative/citizen-science-programmes 

“A Garden of Birds” – Community photography exhibition

The “A Garden of Birds” – Community photography exhibition received more than 830 community submissions, of which 160 photographs from 49 photographers have been selected for this community photography exhibition, made possible with the support of CDL.

This exhibition features numerous resident and migratory bird species, a curated selection of photographs shard by the enthusiastic birding community who come to Singapore Botanic Gardens to observe, admire, study and research the remarkable diversity of birds found in Singapore Botanic Gardens. 

Through the photographs, illustrations and interactive displays, this exhibition showcases the vibrant bird diversity of the Gardens, conservation and habitat enhancement efforts, and the role of green spaces like Botanic Gardens to support Singapore’s biodiversity conservation efforts. 

At the upcoming Festival of Biodiversity (https://fob.nparks.gov.sg) taking place on 25th and 26th May at One Punggol, visitors can find out more about Singapore’s rich natural heritage and how they can contribute.

Information on “A Garden of Birds” – Community photography exhibition

Venue: CDL Green Gallery, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Photographs from the exhibition are also displayed at the People’s Gallery exhibition spaces near the Visitor Services Counters at Botany Centre, Nassim Gate, Tyersall Gate, Gallop Gate and Bukit Timah Gate (MRT Station Exit A).

Date: 7th May to 31st October 2024

Time: 

CDL Green Gallery

• Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily
• Closed every last Tuesday of the month, if the closure falls on a public holiday, the closure will be moved to the following working day

People’s Gallery exhibition spaces

• Opening hours: 5am to 12am daily

Entry Fee: Free Admission

For more information on “A Garden of Birds” – Community photography exhibition, please visit https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/whats-happening/calendar-of-events/exhibition-birds-of-sbg-2024 

* Information courtesy of NParks *

The post “A Garden of Birds” – Community photography exhibition at Singapore Botanic Gardens appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

First up would be my photography sector, my regular and usual approach from both business and leisure/personal perspectives.

Photography (business)

On the business side of things for TGH Photography, Q1 got off on a not too bad start, taking into consideration the slower start in January 2024, followed by Chinese Lunar New Year festive season in February 2024. Although some deals faced some challenges and didn’t materialise, it’s an inevitable part of running and doing a business. 

With the uncertainties and challenges in the economy ahead, hopefully the momentum and consistency built up in Q1 2024 can be carried forward into the rest of the year.

Photography (leisure/personal)

I continued to enjoy my leisure/personal photography in the midst of everything juggling a business and a few big hats concurrently. Bird photography/wildlife photography was fulfilling for this particular migratory bird season in Singapore from October 2023 to March 2024. 

On my personal photography projects that I am planning to start, working on them and brining it to “life” via physical prints either in zines or photo books. Although I haven’t officially selected them, one would be on heritage sector, most likely it would be from an existing/ongoing heritage documentation project that I started some years back. Another project idea is on my travel visual storytelling, I would share more in the Travel sub-section below.

I am also exploring a photography collaboration with overseas photographer, it would really be a wonderful experience to publish a photography zine overseas with them. Let’s see how this would turn out for me, whether it comes to life. 

Travel

An area that I have been working on before the global pandemic hits, from travel photography, visual storytelling and content creation. Although it’s not taking off as I would like to, I am going to continue working on this, from my personal travel visual storytelling to my networkings. 

Travel content creation 

I read about the challenges and impacts of AI on travel content creators. These would be of great interest to me as a travel content creator being part of my portfolio of works, as well as being a technology writer. I would share more of my findings when I had more insights from my research.

Together with my travel content creation and travel visual storytelling plans for 2024, I am thinking between a travel photo book or a travel storytelling style book that is always on my dreams and plans. Which should I choose? 

Geo-politics and world economy

The geo-politics tensions across different parts of the world are a concern for world tourism and travel, let’s hope they would not escalate further hampering and derailing the world economy further. Current economic sentiments are not good even though we have been reading news on over-tourism in some countries such as Japan. 

Last but not least on my travel, it’s really time to plan a short getaway soon, it’s been years since I left Singapore for an overseas trip due to the global pandemic (last trip was in 2019 to Malaysia). 

Creative 

On the creative side of things, I am kickstarting my TGH Research and Learning Series on Artificial (AI) in 2024, continuing where I left off in 2023. I have both professional and personal interests in Generative AI from various perspectives, as a photographer/creative, a technology writer and an end consumer. AI technology is huge, I am still learning, researching and understanding the potentials and impacts.  

Through my ongoing research and learning series, I might experiment more with Generative AI on photography, videography and designs.

Heritage

Over the past decade (and still counting), I have embarked on history, heritage, culture and arts documentation via my photography and writing, the collection of photographs can be viewed here #OurSGHeritage on Flickr. 

In 2024, I am planning to bring a current personal heritage project to life, and I am also looking to get more active and involved in heritage sector, contributing through my visual storytelling and writing with organisations involved in the history, heritage, culture and arts sector. 

Moving Forward in Q2 and beyond in 2024

The uncertainties, poor economic sentiments and a slowdown in the world economy can and have already been felt on the ground level. The challenges and constraints would still be ever present, moving forward in Q2 and beyond in 2024, I would continue to work smart, be strategic and work extra hard, hopefully the momentum and consistency built up in Q1 2024 can be carried forward into the rest of the year, in the are of my photography/content creation business, amidst the uncertainties. 

Q2 2024 has just begun, time to take on the challenges ahead, moving forward in Q2 and beyond on 2024.

The post Reflecting Q1 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Water for Peace – Create an effect

Water for peace, everyone of us has a part to play to part in this. Together in unity as a world, we can each create an effect that combines together, our peace and harmony, to make things good for the benefit for Earth where we are living on.

Water must not turn into a resource that human beings have to fight for drinking and using, this is a human right, an integral part of our everyday aspect of life. On World Water Day 2024, the whole world needs to unite around this precious commodity water. Let’s use Water for Peace, and change the world into a more stable and prosperous future.

World Water Day 2024 with my Canon visual storytelling

Through my Canon visual storytelling exploration and documentation over the years into nature, great outdoors, rivers, beaches, mangrove wetlands, parks, coastal areas and the beach, photographing, documenting and observing the diversity of nature, wildlife and travel sceneries of the world that we live in.

From the otters living, hunting for food and moving along our waterways in Singapore, the migration birds visiting our shores, the coastal areas and sea around us that cements Singapore as a global transportation/shipping hub, and also how Singapore built her resilience of water supply over the decades. Not just the wildlife, the land, nature, and us human beings, we all depend on water to survive. 

This mesmerising “In a Rainbow” light artwork display by House of VSE at Alexandra Point Tunnel has also transformed into blue for World Water Day 2024 from 11th to 22nd March. Through House of VSE light artworks, you can make an impact, spread the word and awareness through arts and creativity. 

This is also the time to remind ourselves that water is an invaluable and finite resource, we have to play our part to ensure Water for Peace. Singapore is also marking with its own Singapore World Water Day 2024 by PUB Singapore’s National Water Agency, playing both local and international roles to advocate Water for Peace for World Water Day 2024. 

The post World Water Day 2024 – Water for Peace appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Embracing International Day of Happiness 2024 through my visual storytelling journeys

How I am embracing International Day of Happiness 2024? Through my Canon visual storytelling/photography journeys. Photography brings me on an exploration journey, travelling to different places off-the-beaten path, giving me avenue to showcase my visual stories complementing my writing. This is also a form of therapy when I am in nature and the great outdoors, more than just capturing sceneries and wildlife, the peace and tranquility that nature brings to me. 

Exploring nature and great outdoors, enjoying a beautiful sunset at the coast, photographing wildlife at different parks and nature reserves, travelling to different parts of the world, capturing priceless memories and moments with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II. 

Bring my photography/creative projects to life in 2024

In 2024, I am looking at different project themes and ideas, that I am planning to bring to life, publishing new zines or photo books, adding on to my portfolio of photography/creative print works. As I continue to work on breaking through in the travel photography and writing sector in 2024, I am planning to publish travel memoirs, that would be something new for me.  

There are many a times, the stress and pressure of a modern capitalist society, world economic uncertainty, social media narcissism and comparisons, and the larger geo-political situations around the world, all these do make happiness difficult to achieve and attain at times.

I hope all of us can find our own unique ways to achieve our own happiness, not just on International Day of Happiness, in our everyday life as well. 

The post International Day of Happiness on 20th March 2024 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I am playing my small part for WWD 2024 through my visual storytelling with Canon EOS R series camera, for this year’s series, they were shot with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II of my wildlife and nature/outdoors photography in Singapore, part of my TGH Explorer Series Production, largely inspired and influenced by National Geographic magazine publications when I started reading them in the late 80s to early 90s. 

How does digital innovation and technology plays a role in my WWD 2024? While I am not in the fields of wildlife research and conservation, I contributed via my photographs and documentations of various wildlife spotted and documented at different locations in Singapore in the nature areas as well as urban environments, bird watching/counting. Although I am probably more focused on bird photography and green nature spaces, I am going to document/photograph more of different types of wildlife beyond birds.

Here are some of my wildlife photography in Singapore that I captured with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera from mid 2023 till date. 

Here are my ongoing documentation and collection of my visual storytelling on wildlife photography and nature reserves/parks in Singapore, uploaded into my Flickr collections over the years with my different Canon cameras that I owned/tested.

Even though you might not be in the fields of wildlife and/or nature research/conservation, we can still play our small part in wildlife and nature conservation, with the help of cameras and digital innovation. I am continuing to play my small part on nature and wildlife photography/documentation in Singapore, and hopefully nearby regions as I am exploring and writing on the areas of sustainability, adding on to my nature and wildlife conservation. 

The post World Wildlife Day 2024 – 3rd March 2024 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Singapore – A major bird migration hub + Bird migration season is coming soon 

Even though Singapore is a small country by land size, we are a major bird migration hub, just like our international hubs for aviation and shipping. Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway, migratory birds making a pitstop in Singapore, giving bird photographers here in Singapore many opportunities to photograph them in action, the diversity and beauty of those migratory bird species. 

Recent research findings have also indicated that Singapore’s status as a major migratory bird hub has grown in stature, Singapore now has become the intersection of 2 major flyways, adding the Central Asian-Indian Flyway to the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway.

Bird Photography with Canon EOS R6 Mark II

In my earlier #WMBD2023 article, I shared about my bird photography with Canon EOS cameras, from Canon cameras that I previously owned or those cameras that I reviewed. For #WMBD2023 14th October, I would be sharing about my bird photography with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera that was recently added not too long ago into my Canon photography setup. 

My bird photography/wildlife photography tips are published earlier in May 2023 article that you can check it out, have a read if you are starting out on your bird photography adventures with Canon EOS cameras and lenses.

As the bird migration season in Singapore is just round the corner of year end 2023, I would set aside more time for bird photography with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II whenever I am able to, visiting the various nature reserves (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Central Catchment), parks (Pasir Ris Park, Jurong Lake Gardens) and beaches for bird migration season in Singapore.

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (October Edition)

To all fellow bird and wildlife photographers, nature and wildlife conservationists and supporters, we all can do a part in spreading the awareness for our birds, water and nature areas, not just on World Migratory Bird Day itself. 

Let’s continue to spread the word, awareness, conservation and protection for our wildlife and nature areas, in Singapore and around the world.

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (October 14th) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has recently been added to my photography setup, with my Canon EOS 1D X Mark II making way for my new camera. Although I missed my Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, the iconic 1D series that I started to build my photography and visual storytelling. 

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is amazing with its fast and accurate AF, high FPS, high ISO level control and quality, excellent sensor and processing engine. While I do miss the battery grip of the 1D series, the overall excellence and quality of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is not making me miss my 1D series as much as I would thought I would be. 

Exploring and Visiting Arts

Exploring and visiting arts around Singapore with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, it had been a great form of artistic enjoyment and therapy, away from my writing, social media and photography work. Igniting my spark on a new wave at i Light Singapore 2023, SYSNMH Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023, following House of VSE Your Neighbour Artist Exhibition around Singapore (and still ongoing), heritage and cultural events Qixi Festival and NHB Racial Harmony Day 2023. 

Exploring my own backyard

The months of June to July 2023 are usually scheduled with NDP 2023 rehearsals taking place on the weekends, allowing us to photograph the NDP 2023 rehearsals action and fireworks taking place around the Marina Bay area. The NDP 2023 rehearsals were an excellent opportunity to put the Canon EOS R6 Mark II to the test.

I was also exploring the new HDB blocks in my neighbourhood, discovering new sky parks and views. Besides that, I was also chasing sunsets and super moon with a super telephoto zoom lens Sigma 150-600mm.  

Of course, getting into outdoors and nature, it had always been a form of therapy and relaxation for me. Sometimes, adding wildlife photography into my outdoors outing and exploration together as well. 

Always on the lookout for value for money 2nd hand camera accessories  

I am always on the lookout for value for money 2nd hand camera accessories and peripherals. Some of them were slowly added over time to build up my setup, while some were replacements for my photography accessories.  

I discovered this brand Wotancraft not too long ago, I admired its quality, as well as how much consideration they placed on the designs and concepts around photographers and travellers. I got myself a Wotancraft Trooper (Medium) as my own birthday gift earlier in Q1 2023.

I had invested in a number of Think Tank products, although I gave away my Shape Shifter version 1, I found a Naked Think Tank Shape Shifter 17 v2.0 at a good price and I quickly grabbed this opportunity. Since I am expanding my Think Tank setup, I have also added more different types of Think Tank pouches along the way. 

Leofoto – A brand that I have also discovered and looking into. They have a great range of quality products for photographers. The first product that I got was the Leofoto MC-50 clamp. Moving forward, I am planning to add a few more products from Leofoto! 

Upcoming visual stories

Here are some of my upcoming visual stories. Do keep a lookout for them, coming soon! 

• Shout Gallery SG x Ceramication Slip-casting workshop: Keen to make your own tea cups, tea pot set? Don’t miss this!
• Canon camera reviews: Working on a few Canon camera review articles, keep a lookout!
• Roastelier by Nescafe – For cafe owners and also those who love coffee, 
• Living Pictures @ National Gallery – Photographers would find this diverse and eye-opener photography exhibition filled with history and iconic visual stories. 

Also coming soon, a special theme/content article on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries, part of my ongoing TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Forget it and move on”

I took a break from social media for a few days, as I was feeling disappointed in something that only very few people will know what happened. 

“Forget it and move on”, an advice that was shared with me. 

Therefore, I will continue with my ongoing work, craft and visual storytelling, seeking progression and improvements in my journey. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

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