Two weeks ago, we had our first public guided walk of 2025 at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Past walks here have yielded great finds, and we hoped the trend would continue. After all, we were eager to start our walks strong with the Year of the Snake upon us.
You know how sometimes you “manifest” good fortune. We barely set off from our meet-up point, and an eagle-eyed participant spotted a snake next to the boardwalk.
Olive-green/brown colouration? Check.
Large golden eyes with round pupils? Check.
Large scales on its head with black margins? Check.
After almost a decade, this was the first time we had a King Cobra on our guided walks. We stood there in awe, gawking at the snake, not believing our luck. Soon enough, the King decided he had other royal matters to attend to and gracefully slid away into the trees.
Reptiles aside, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a key stopover area for migratory birds and a popular place for bird enthusiasts. Even though the migratory season had just passed, we still saw plenty of birds along the way. The Collared Kingfisher greeted the participants while walking across the bridge, observed Redshanks having breakfast from behind an observation screen, and watched a Purple Heron’s morning grooming ritual.
A participant pointed at a tree hole, showing us an Asian honey bee colony! It was likely a nest, and the workers were busy with chores. We hoped to glimpse the queen and have a more royal day! Alas, it was not to bee. Further along, we observed a pair of Giant Mudskippers displaying next to each other but never getting close. They were likely a pair of males disputing over territorial claims.
We also encountered a Sun Skink starting its day by basking on a leaf. The ordinarily skittish skink posed well as our group enthusiastically took photos. When a participant asked if we would find a Green-crested Lizard, I told him he would probably have better luck at the Central Catchment and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. A Green-crested Lizard fell from a tree right next to the path as if on cue. Talk about good luck. Huat Huat!
A passing group kindly pointed out that they had just passed Tailless. After half our walk, we still had not seen a single crocodile. Nevertheless, we were hopeful that Sungei Buloh’s icon was ahead.
As we pushed on, another participant spotted a tiny crocodile —not Tailess, but a croc nonetheless. It barely kept its head above the water but showed no signs of struggling. Note to self: Human idioms don’t work with animals.
Another participant spotted a larger croc. But it, too, wasn’t Tailless. We were at the final stretch, and there were still no signs. Could he have moved away before we could see him?
Suddenly, an excited cry from a participant; a big croc was ahead. We followed her eyeline, and there he was. Tailess, the biggest resident of Sungei Buloh, is a famous resident many hope to see on a walk. The tell-tale sign for this massive crocodile is the stump where his tail was supposed to be. Huat! Huat! Huat!
After the walk ended, some attendees who lingered about pointed out that they saw an owl. It turned out to be a buffy fish owl! What a lovely sighting to end the walk.
Did you miss this walk? Fret not! We have monthly guided walks, and you can also reach out to us if you want to plan a private walk. We look forward to seeing you on our future walks! Have a great year ahead and happy herping!
Author: Tang Yong Jen, HSS Member
(Photos featured are by author)
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE WALK
Herpetological Society of Singapore 