Inspirations in nature photography amidst the tranquil landscapes

While her friends gather at parks or malls during their days off, Ms. Olivia Dianso ventures into nature, hiking along trails and exploring gardens and reserves to seek the company of the feathered kind. Her social media pages are filled with photos of her birdwatching adventures, featuring owls, hoopoes, barbets, sunbirds, kingfishers, herons, woodpeckers, and more. Each photograph belies the long hours spent observing and waiting, captured through her long lens.

Dressed in a long-sleeved plaid blouse over a gray t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and comfortable walking shoes topped with a peak cap, Olivia was spotted at the Jurong Lake Gardens’ Grasslands, one of her frequent birding spots. There, she set up her camera with a long zoom lens mounted on a tall tripod stand amidst a field of tall, swaying grasses in the late afternoon. A trolley bag filled with other lenses, water bottles, and snacks stood next to her.

Spanning 3.5 hectares, the Grassland at Lakeside Garden is part of an intertidal habitat that transitions from dry grassland inland to wet grassland by Jurong Lake. A 300-metre boardwalk meanders along the shoreline, offering a serene view. The grasslands provide a refuge for both migratory and indigenous birds.

Jurong Lake Gardens is home to a rich diversity of over 170 bird species, including urban birds, kingfishers, raptors, waterbirds, and woodpeckers, each playing vital ecological roles as predators, pollinators, and seed dispersers.

At the Grasslands, there are three hides strategically placed for observing birds in their natural habitat. Here, visitors can capture Instagram-worthy moments featuring the iconic Lone Tree or a picturesque view from atop the grass mounds.

Olivia, in her 50s, hails from Baguio on Luzon Island in the Philippines, and has worked nearly three decades as a domestic helper in Singapore. Although she is single, she proudly mentions her many nephews and nieces.

Olivia’s love for photography initially focused on portraits and landscapes since 2015. When the Covid pandemic hit, she became interested in birding, a passion that has taken her to popular birdwatching havens like Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, MacRitchie Reservoir, Mandai Bird Paradise, Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Lake Gardens, and Dairy Farm Nature Park.

Olivia says birding is a rewarding journey that combines patience, observation, and a love for nature. She started by learning to identify common bird species, paying close attention to their colors, shapes, sizes, and behaviors. Today, she can spot five of the nine kingfisher species found in Singapore, including the commonly seen collared and white-throated kingfishers.

The stunning colours, varied plumage patterns, unique antics, and melodies of birds all contribute to the experience

Asked what qualities make a good birder, Olivia lists “practice, patience, and observation.” She emphasises spending time in different habitats, noting, “The more you observe, the better you’ll get at identifying birds by sight and sound."

What makes birdwatching interesting?

“The stunning colours, varied plumage patterns, unique antics, and melodies of birds all contribute to the experience,” she replies. Immersing herself in nature has deepened her understanding of the ecosystems they inhabit, she adds.

“Birdwatching is a healthy activity. It helps you connect with nature and fosters an appreciation for wildlife and the environment,” Olivia explains. “Being in natural settings and focusing on observing birds can be a calming and meditative experience… it brings a sense of tranquility and peace, and helps reduce stress and anxiety.”

It’s also a relatively inexpensive hobby. You can simply go on a walk or trek with friends, all while exploring the great outdoors. All you need is a good pair of binoculars, comfortable shoes, and, perhaps, a quality camera lens.

By Irene Ngoo (October 2024)