When Asian Openbill (AOB) was fist spotted in big flocks over the sky of Singapore end Jan 2025, I would expect them to land and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or not land at all. Surprisingly, they
were spotted at Tampines North. But when someone shared that another flock was thermalling above Punggol, I was excited.
On 23 Feb 2025, thanks for some birders who shared that the AOB were still at the open field near Punggol Promenade Bridge, I did not think twice going out to look for them. Thanks for the rain, I ended up going up the bridge of Punggol North Ave road, which was the correct thing to do, instead of checking out the birds at Punggol Promenade Bridge.
Based on Singapore Birds.com webpage, there is not record of AOB landing in Singapore in large flocks. I guess this may be the first migratory season that we are experiencing this.
Saving this rare visit as a record, nobody knows if they will visit SG again.
Google map link to
Oasis LRT station https://maps.app.goo.gl/d1jT7yaMUTi6MZKq6
Bus stop opposite Blk 683a https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZrqbbYRrxrPPr9x9A
Bus stop opposite Blk 662a https://maps.app.goo.gl/awZsroEAShq7bAgy6
Equipment used
Sony RX10iv handheld