Saturday, October 24, 2009

Tongan Humpback Whales - Mom and Calf Series

This is the second series of my Tongan Humpback Whales series.

I love meeting mom and baby and watching them interact with each other, and with us.

A mom that none of the crew has ever met may at first be overly cautious in allowing her baby to mingle with strange lookin' creatures like us.

But once we prove not to be a threat, she will in most cases stay put in one area and allow baby to swim to the surface to check out that paparazzi floatin'-log-impersonator (i.e us).

These series were taken when I was snorkeling alongside mom and baby. Mom and baby may look like they were taking their own sweet time, but believe me, I had to fin like mad just to keep up!











Once again, I'd like to thank Earthtrust and American Cetacean Societyfor enlightening us about the mating and breeding rituals of humpback whales.

For more information about these lovely creatures, click here :

http://earthtrust.org/wlcurric/whales.html

http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/humpback.htm

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tongan Humpback Whales - Adaptive Radiation Series

I've never swum with a whale in my life, and I knew whales had to be next on my wish list!

Who better to look for than the Whale Man himself, Tony Wu! He and his expedition partner, Takaji together with the hospitable local crew, opened my eyes to what must be one of the most beautiful marine mammals to have swum this earth, next to dolphins of course. Every moment with these graceful creatures was absolute bliss.

During my recent trip to the island of Vava'u in Tonga, I took mostly videos, but managed to extract some pictures to share with other cetacean lovers (since videos are gonna take me forever to edit).

I'm not very good at picking out best of best photos, so I've decided to include several series of photos which tell a story of a moment in time that I spent with them.


















For this series called "Adaptive Radiation", I'd like to thank earthtrust for enlightening us about the biology and natural history of humpback whales.

For more information about these lovely creatures, click here : http://earthtrust.org/wlcurric/whales.html

More whale series photos to come...

Monday, October 05, 2009

See the Cobra, Cobra de Capella...

SNAKECHARMER WANNABE

This photo was taken eons ago when my parents brought me to the famous Snake temple in Bayan Lepas, south of Georgetown, Penang. The temple was build in the memory of Chor Soo Kong by a Buddhist monk who had immigrated to Penang and is known to have had healing powers. According to legend, Chor had given shelter to snakes when he lived in the jungle and the snakes which have entered the temple have never left to pay respect to Chor Soo Kong.

This is one of my favourite childhood shots! I thought it apt that I looked like one of them; having lost my 2 front teeth, hence emphasizing the fang-like canines.

Why on earth did I dig up this old photo? Well, coz today, I saw a cobra out in the wild, for the 2nd time in 4 months! Both times, I was walking Saskia (although today Tobes came along) so I'm beginning to think Sas was the lucky snake charm!

I wiki-ed Snakecharmer and extracted this little bitta info :

"The first task a would-be snake charmer must tackle is to get a snake. Traditionally, this is done by going out into the wilderness and capturing one. This task is not too difficult, as most South Asian and North African snakes tend to be slow movers. The exercise also teaches the hunter how to handle the wild reptiles. Today, however, more and more charmers buy their animals from snake dealers. A typical charmer takes in about seven animals per year.[citation needed]

The exact species of serpents used varies by region. In India, the Indian cobra is preferred, though some charmers may also use Russell's vipers. Indian and Burmese pythons, and even Mangrove Snakes are also encountered, though they are not as popular. In North Africa, the Egyptian cobra, puff adder, carpet viper and horned desert viper are commonly feature in performances.[citation needed] Except for the pythons, all of these species are highly venomous.[citation needed]

At home, snake charmers keep their animals in containers such as baskets, boxes, pots, or sacks. They must then train the creatures before bringing them out into public. For those charmers who do not de-fang their pets, this may include introducing the snake to a hard object similar to the pungi. The snake supposedly learns that striking the object only causes pain."

1. Given my track record in snake encounters, shouldn't be too hard to get me a snake, a cobra even!
2. I have lots of baskets, boxes and pots at home. Snake haven, I should say!
3. With dogs at home, it's best to de-fang the snake, especially since we don't want a repeat performance here (see video of dog fighting a cobra to save owner's life : http://www.dekhona.com/news-currentaffairs-videos/bdjchpuono/Amazing-Fight-Dog-Vs-Snake-video)
4. As for keeping the snakes calm, I read on the Snake Temple website that the smoke in the main prayer hall produced by the ginormous incense burner outside the temple supposedly paralyzes the snakes. The incentive to use incense!

2 COBRA SIGHTINGS IN 4 MONTHS! YIKES!

I used to live in a house and we'd have the occasional snake visit in the garden, especially since my mom had an afro of a bamboo tree, which was supposedly a swinging hangout for s..s...snakes!

The most nerve-wrecking encounter I've had as a kid was shortly after I stepped into the bathtub to take a shower, I saw baby snakes slithering up the hole in the bathtub!!! Yikes!!! The perfect horror movie scene, don't you think? Actually, they were the size of giant earthworms, but I swear, they were the real cold-bloodied thang!

Since moving to the east, I'd expected to live in a very sanitised residential area with small pockets of green spaces. Never did I dream that right behind my apartment was a breeding ground for snakes!

Below, a map showing you the areas of my encounters with the no-legged kind!

Forgot to add that a few months back, my dog nanny walked the dogs to the green area behind my house ( very close to my first cobra sighting), and she freaked out after seeing what she thought was a crocodile on the loose! She said it was very, very big, and climbing up a tree! I suspect it was probably a monitor lizard, as this is a common case of mistaken identity!


COBRA SIGHTING NO 1 - JUNE 09

Terence and Pauline, owners of Tobe's brother Axel, wanted to "borrow" Saskia for a morning walk with Axel. Given Axel's temperament, they felt that Saskia would have a calming effect on him, and would put him in his place if need be. Somehow, I didn't think so.

Anyway, I brought them (and Saskia) for a walk along the green lung area behind my house (the
jungle area between upper east coast road and the ECP).

The path was mostly grassy, flanked by tall vegetation on one side and the highway on the other, with pockets of birds nest fern under a canopy of trees.

We had to cross a makeshift wooden planked bridge surrounded by bordering tall grass to get to the other side of a drain.

As I approached the bridge, I looked down on the ground about a metre ahead of me and saw what looked like some old skinny black cycling tire on the trail.

And then, it started to move!

When I traced the tire to the other end, it suddenly reared it's diamond shaped hood!

COBRA!!!!!

I jerked Saskia away swiftly and pulled her towards me. Saskia was a few seconds ago mere inches away from that black rubber hose impersonator!

Phew! Close shave!

Terence and Pauline was wondering what all the commotion was about, til I pointed out the snake to them.

Upon closer inspection from afar, I realised I had approached it from behind...otherwise we could have been showered with venomous shock juice (maybe?).

It slowly lowered it's head, disappeared into the blades of grass, and by the movement of the grass, I guess it quietly slithered away.

I've heard of cobras and other snakes living within this area but I've never seen one in the numerous times that I've walked the dogs there.

When we moved to upper east coast, we found some old management committee notices about snakes coming within the confines of the condo area because of the wired fence. They eventually built a concrete wall to keep the snakes out.

In the last year, I've only seen a baby snake slittering around at the area near the ground floor lift. I knocked on the doors of those on the 1st floor to warn them, but most of the residents just thanked me in nonchalance.

Anyway, this was just my brush with nature at my doorstep!

COBRA SIGHTING NO 2 - OCTOBER 09

Fearing for the safety of my sweet pooches, I haven't been back to area no 1 since, much to the chagrin of my doggies. Being outdoorsey dogs, they prefer grass to tarmac, offroad trails to road - just like their owners!

I tried to find the best off-road path for their morning walks where I could let them off-leash without causing any major disturbance to anyone. One of such paths starts off with a green bumpy field next to Parbury Hill Condominium. Perched on top of that field is a house which belongs to a very sweet lady who'd adopted a boxer, and recently a mastiff. She warned me about the snakes that roam on this field, and she's had the displeasure of killing the ones which entered her domain.

"Wear proper shoes, avoid tall grass, and watch every step that you're taking!", she advised.

Hmmm....where else can I bring them to where the grass is short? Aha! The big field right in front of Bedok Court! I will just avoid the dense jungles that is sandwiched between Bedok Rise and the Tanah Merah MRT station!

That field reminds me of a bigsplash for dogs! They have a "field" day just running on the grass (which seems to be well maintained), and the steep slopes there should give them a good work!

This morning, I brought them there and set them free. We are almost always the only ones there, except 2 days ago, an Indian man walking his black lab told me to look out for a cobra which was spotted a couple of days ago. The green field slopes upwards towards the houses along Jalan Limau , and it was along the offroad path surrounded by tall grass that the snake was spotted.

I made sure the dogs stuck to the parts of the field and slopes where the grass was short, and allowed them to frolic. I made them climb the hill several times by leading the way. On the third such attempt, I decided to take a route up the hill dotted with trees. I turned around and looked at how happy the dogs were.

"Born free....as free as the wind blows...." was all I heard, while the dogs followed suit.

After reaching the 3rd tree and almost 2/3 way up, that's where I saw it....within a metre from me. It moved like a shadow in the day....smoothly but briskly... on dried grass as if floating on air!

Its hood was up but I doubt it saw me as it slithered right down towards this patch of tall grass on the field, the only part of the field which wasn't mowed (I wonder why?).

But it was also headed straight towards where Tobes and Sas were heeding to my call! Yikes!

I immediately called to them (in a tone that sounded angry yet urgent) and motioned for Tobes and Sas to move to the other side of the hill. They must have sensed that something was wrong, and ran up to meet me on the other side. Clip! You kids aren't safe here! I'd better bring you somewhere else!

They eventually ended up playing in the Lucky Gardens playground! How sad is that?

COBRA INFO NEEDED

Ok, but jokes aside, I was pretty freaked out by the 2 incidents, not so much fearing for my own safety (although my hair almost stood on ends when I realised the beautiful black slithering creature was a cobra), but for fear of them attacking my poor defenseless doggies, or perhaps spitting into their eyes!

I think that with modernisation, we are slowly encroaching into the territory of what little existing wildlife that we have left in Singapore, and as much as I'd love for them to continue living with these venomous snakes, and wouldn't like to encroach on their territory more than I have to, I'd also like for my dogs to share these spaces.

Does anyone have any advice on what you should do once you see a cobra? And whether they are known to attack dogs? And what you should do if they do attack?

I went to google what sort of snake I'd encountered on both occasions, and I'm pretty sure it was the Equitorial Spitting Cobra : http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/equatorial_spitting_cobra.htm

"Equatorial Spitting Cobras are a front-fanged, venomous species which should be avoided. Though not aggressive in nature, these snakes can accurately spit a powerful neurotoxic venom into the eyes which can cause temporary blindness. The bite, however, can be fatal

There are two colour phases: a yellow form commonly found in Thailand, and a black form found in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

This is a common species in older, more wooded residential areas of towns and cities in many parts of Southeast Asia, including Singapore. It preys on rats and frogs, and is active day and night."

Phew, it doesn't say "dogs"! But it says it's venomous, its bite can be fatal, and it is active day and night! What????? It could be lurking around 24x7!!!!

Perhaps I should take up the challenge of being a snake charmer, so I'll know how to hypnotise a snake when I see one!

But honestly, the world will be a better place if my doggies could live side by side with these snakes!

For interesting story about a dog and cobra drinking water from the same bowl, click here :-
http://blog.atmajyoti.org/2007/12/cobra-and-dog-drink-milk-from-same-bowl/

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Cove - Voted Best Documentary



If you haven't seen this movie currently showing in the theatres, wait no further! It is definitely one of the best documentaries I've seen!

Read more about why that deceptive smile on the dolphin's face does not translate to "I'm happy to be performing tricks for you". Download this captivity brochure -
http://www.takepart.com/videos/the-cove-captivity-brochure/27042

The website goes on to suggest that there are many ways in which one can make a difference : http://www.takepart.com/thecove/

The only captive dolphins I can think of in Singapore are the Pink Dolphins living in the Dolphin Lagoon in Sentosa.

This article was published by the Nature Society presumably before the Underwater World
established their pink dolphin attraction :

Interesting to note what the Underwater World Singapore has to say about their dolphins in captivity.

And how they defer to the better wisdom of the Alliance of Mammal Parks and Aquariums is replicated on their website.

Acres launched a "Suffering, Not Smiling" campaign back in 2003.

More related articles about mammals in captivity:
http://www.wildsingapore.com/news/20070910/071029-7.htm

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Snorkelling with Whales in the Kingdom of Tonga

Back from a week of snorkeling with humpback whales in Tonga, followed by another week veging out with space cadet sis, Ping in New Zealand!

Have lots of videos and photos to process, but here's one which should fire up your imagination....

...below, me - the black creature on the left above the baby whale, holding onto my new Sony Handycam HDR-XR520 with Light and Motion Stingray Plus housing. To my right, a fellow Japanese whale snorkeler by the name of Jumpei (or Jump, for short). I think he's in his 60s, and still globetrotting with his video camera. He's been to the Galapagos three times!!!!


The rule goes that whoever spots a baby whale for the first time gets to name him/her. This baby was constantly hiding under her mommy at great depths so much so that it'd be eclipsed by the mummy every half a minute or so, until she peeks from under her mommy's fins, and picks up the courage to greet us when it's time for her to surface for a deep breath of air.

While we were watching her every move, the beams of light bouncing off the whales made me think, "MoonBeam"! When I broached that name, Tony thought it sounded too hippy-sounding, and Takaji gave me a half smile (not sure what that meant, since he was rooting for yet another Pokemon name that his son would have liked).

Eventually, she was named "Full Moon" since it was a full moon the night before.

"Arise fair moon and let the beams of the envious sun show your beauty in true light!"

I could live with that! :)

Big thanks goes to Tony Wu, Emi and Takaji Ochi (who captured the shot above) : the main drivers of this Vavau trip! It was one of the best trips I've ever been to.

For more photos taken by, and whale research undertaken by, Tony and his gang, go to his blog : http://www.tonywublog.com/

Likewise, even if you can't read Japanese, check out Takaji's blog : http://takaji-ochi.com/photo/categorise/tongawhaleswim/000917.html

Tony's got his 2010 itinerary out already so for those of you (like myself before this trip) who have not gone up close and personal with whales ever in your life, this is definitely a great place to start!

Why Tonga? Coz the people are super-friendly, the scenery is untainted and it's one of the rare few places in our planet where you are allowed to swim and snorkel with whales.

How else are we to learn about these wondrous fellow creatures? Surely not through a pair of binoculars!!

Still recovering from a bout of acute coughing and sorethroat, and will get down to workin' on me next video project about these humpback whales!!!

Monday, July 06, 2009

Of Railways and Forgotten Mansions

Back in 2006, when we were in one of our more exploratory moods after one of our regular Sunday MTB rides, I managed to convince Nik, Pling and Ming to take the path less traveled...into parts of Singapore which are closely tied to Malaysia....

Below was proof of our (mis)adventure ....railways that link to our neighbours up north, and an abandoned mansion (situated opposite my then humble abode) which was supposedly built by the Sultan of Johor back in the 1800s...

These 2 blast-from-the-past locations are the darling subject of photographers searching for places with character...

Istana Woodneuk Series








Bukit Timah Railway Station Series









For more information (and photos taken by other photographers) about these 2 locations, watch out for an upcoming blog...

Friday, June 19, 2009

Mountain Biking NZ 2006

Mountain Bikin' NZ.....and yes, it's not a typo. It was in the year 2006!

It has taken me over 3 years to collate the albums of Ming, Broken Arm and myself, edit them and upload them onto Kodak gallery! Reason : too busy...and just plain lazy!

So, why Kiwiland?


Unparallelled beauty...

Skydiving over breathtaking Lord of the Rings scenery....

Donning of penguin suits...

Bluebones (then red-haired Firefly) rides over the Land Over the Long White Cloud...

Dial-a-Lama

Gettin' cozy with NZ wool...

Gettin' stuck in Korean jail located somewhere in Lord of the Rings Part 2

Did I say, this place is absolutely gorgeous?

Backdrops to die for....tho' we didn't attempt any suicidal stunts on the grade 2 trails....

The rest of the story is told through the albums below...

Album 1 : Day 1 (30 Mar 06) - Christchurch Airport to Mt Cook

Album 2 : Day 2 (31 Mar 06) - Episode 1 : Mt Cook (Aoroki / Mount Cook National Park)

Album 3 : Day 2 (31 Mar 06) - Episode 2 : Mt Cook - Omarama - Queenstown

Album 4 : Our humble abode in Queenstown for 8 days

Album 5 : Ride No 1 : Skipper's Canyon

Album 6 : Ride No 1 : Skipper Canyon (Photos and captions by Ming, editing by Merciless)

Album 7 : Ride No 2 : Deer Park Heights (photos by Merciless + Mingloid + BeefEaterYW, edited by Merciless)

Album 8 : A different kinda ride after Ride No 2 : the Luge ride! Also, checking out Vertigo trail!

Album 9 : Ride No 3 : Kelvin Peninsular Track - Frankton - Queesntown Walkway (photos by Merciless + Mingloid + BeefEaterYW, edited by Merciless)

Album 10 : Ride No 4 : Seven Mile Point - Loop 7 - IB 55 - Ooze - Home - Queenstown - Sweet Home (photos by Merciless + Mingloid + BeefEaterYW, edited by Merciless)

Album 11 : No-Ride Time : Skydiving @ Glenorchy (photos by Merciless + Mingloid, edited by Merciless)

Album 12 : Ride No 5 : Vertigo + Freestyle Mountain Bike Park (Bonus) (photos by Merciless + Mingloid + Broken Arm, edited by Merciless)

Album 13 : Ride No 6 : Otago Central Railway (photos by Merciless, edited by Merciless)

Album 14 : Ride No 7 : MTB Heaven??? (Photos by Merciless)

Album 15 : Puzzling World of Wanaka

Album 16 : Ride No 8 : Wanaka Bike Trail - Mt Aspiring (Photos by Merciless, Mingloid and Broken Arm, edited by Merciless)

Album 17 - Moke Lake - Lake Dispute - 12 Mile Delta

Album 18 - Yew Weng and gang's 12 mile delta ride

Album 19 - BERGBURGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Album 20 - The Remarkables!!!!

Album 21 - Queenstown to Christchurch

Album 22 - Lake Tekapo Revisited


Album 23 - Christchurch Blur Foodie Album


Album 24 - Home Sweet Home (for all except Ling the Merciless)


Hope you had as great a journey as we had! Gonna facebook some of the best shots of this trip!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Saskia's 2nd Birthday

Has it already been 2 years, my sweet?

Brought 'em doggies out to the K9 Cafe @ K9 Culture (Turf City).
All of Saskia's old friends were there :
L to R (Dog nanny extraordinare Salma, Tobes, moi, pops, Sassy, Rosco, Andrew, Janice, Sally, Jessie, Pling, Chris, Mingloig, Nik and Rusty...

Ordered an apply-flavoured cheesecake from US Doggie Bakery, located just opposite this cafe. Totally human grade, made of organic ingredients and minimal sugar - healthy!
If it's good nuff for 'em pooches, it's good nuff for that pouch!

Saskia wastes no time in diggin' in!

Saskia and Toby, you guys truly are the love of our lives!

For more photos of Saskia's birthday :-
Ling's Facebook Album
Janice's Facebook Album