Image 1 – Whimbrel green/white A8 © David Li

Whimbrel A8 observed at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – Reported by David Li and How Choon Beng of SBWR team.

During the migratory season between August to March, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) conducts fortnightly ringing sessions. On 29th Jan 2014, the team netted 4 Whimbrels amongst the other birds.

One of these Whimbrels was a recapture with SBWR’s ring number F0123.  Checking against the records revealed that this bird had been ringed on 11 August 1995, when it was ascertained to be more than a year old. The Whimbrel was thus at least 19.5 years old.

SBWR’s green/white engraved flag (A8) was subsequently fitted to it.

Image 2 – Whimbrel green/white B1 © David Li

When the Whimbrels were released after measurements, A8 and another Whimbrel B1 were unable to stand up. They were recovered for observation but showed no obvious signs of physical injury. When their condition did not improve after a day, veterinarians at our close working partner, Jurong Bird Park, were consulted.  The birds were eventually brought to the Park’s hospital for more intensive care.

Over the next 2 weeks, the veterinarians succeeded in nursing the 2 Whimbrels back to health.  On 11 February 2014, we were able to release them back into the reserve.