LUMEN Issue 23 - June 2022 | Page 4

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LUMEN | SJI THROUGH THE LENS

SJI Through the Lens-

Wildlife in and around SJI

In this issue , we feature a series of students ’ creative works in photography , where our budding ornithologists turn their eye to the wildlife that are often spotted around our campus , at Malcolm Road Park and the Botanic Gardens . Some of these plumaged creatures include the crested serpent eagle , a non-breeding visitor from neighbouring areas that resides in forests and old plantations . Capturing these skittish or elusive creatures is never easy , but our attentive photographers have shown that a fascinating world resides next to our doorstep ( and even the Principal ’ s office !)

Brown-throated Sunbird by Joshua Teo This was photographed in the flower patch outside of the Principal ’ s office . This species of sunbird is similar to the olive-backed sunbird and is relatively common ; it usually stays around flowers as it gains nutrients from nectar . I found the pose of this bird standing majestically atop this heliconia flower looking into the distance to make a nice composition .
Yellow-vented bulbul by Joshua Teo This was photographed on the palm leaves behind the scout ’ s store . This species of bulbul is very common , in our school , it is commonly spotted near bushes or in trees . There have even been a few reported nests with baby birds or eggs in our school .
Crimson Sunbird by Guhan Venu The upper body of this Crimson Sunbird is filled with a beautiful red plumage with a greyish lower body and a dark blue crown and tail . It is a colourful and visually appealing bird that always brings me joy when I see it in our local parks . The Crimson Sunbird also holds special importance in our community as it is Singapore ’ s unofficial national bird . With its small size and its brilliant red body , representing Singapore ’ s small land area and the colour of our flag , it was easy to see why many voted the Crimson Sunbird for that title .