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Vol 10 No 5 New Outdoor Classroom Reforestation and Reach Out Programome: Part 2 - The Project Launch Marine Fish Programme Archers of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Bird ringing in Kenya, East Africa Tranquility		Tranquility Tania Shaw Volunteer with SBWR currently doing Bachelor of Veterinary Science in the University of Sydney, Australia The warmth of the morning sunshine beaming on your face, birds chirping merrily in the distance, the rustling leaves high up in the treetops… just imagining such a setup already puts a smile on your face, does it not? And that’s exactly what entices me to make a trip down to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on bright Saturday mornings if I were back in Singapore! Recalling the trip made the last time I went back to Sungei Buloh during one of my summer breaks…I would remember taking a deep breath and savouring the fresh morning air. Ahh… what a refreshment! I would amble off into the mangrove, into a milieu of tranquility. I settled down on Platform One, looking out across Sungei Buloh Besar and Sungei Bilabong Buloh, with Johor Bahru in the horizon. The sluice gates to the left allow the water to gush into the pond, creating sounds akin to a waterfall. As I sat on the bench, looking out into the distance, I indulged in the sounds of nature, oblivious to everything else. For the duration of my stay, I shove all my worries aside and took in the pleasure of the mangroves. Every so often, I would be interrupted by the patrol boat passing by, but that did not dampen my mood. Tap tap tap. Taptap. I turn to see two Common Flameback woodpeckers pecking away at the tree beside me, as a flock of waders skim overhead. I look into the sky and spy a raptor soaring in the distance. On careful observation with a pair of binoculars, I discerned it to be a White-bellied Sea Eagle, easily sighted in Singapore if one is lucky. Splash! I peered into the water below me and watched as a Malayan Water Monitor stumbled into the water for its morning swim, and perhaps a catch of breakfast. I took a good look at the lush greenery around me and took another deep breath. What a luxury to be able to unwind in the gentle arms of Mother Nature! I decided to venture on towards the Aerie, an 18-metre tall tower hide that overlooks much of the Reserve. I made my ascent up to the top, excitement building up inside me. I could not wait to take in the beautiful panoramic view! When I reached the top the sight was just mesmerizing. I gazed down upon the mudflats, eager to spot some of the Reserve’s wide array of fauna. The wind blew across my face. I closed my eyes and started to take some time for personal reflection. If only the moment could last forever… I finally made my way back to the Visitor’s Centre, concluding yet another gratifying day at the Reserve. I returned home refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges that the real world has in plan for me…
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