GEOGRAPHICAL 
One works long for a little reward. Rvibber estates arc 
notoriously unproductive from a naturalist's point of view, 
and of jnnglc we have but a lamentably small area to deal with. 
Next to Bukit Timah we would suggest the rough country at 
the end of the Clnia Chu Kanj^ Road, then the Chang^i Jungle 
and above all the Botanic Gardens must not be forgotten. 
*'For a local bird-watching holiday Pulau Ubin is a good 
place because of its comparativeh' large area and close proxi- 
mity to the mainland. The other outlying islands near Singa- 
pore are rather disappointing at most seasons of the year. 
About a dozen species are common to all the islands, 
**T1ie three common birds of Singapore Island are : — 
J. The Tree Sparrow, 
2. The Magpie Robin, 
3. The Yellow-vented Bulbul. 
**The first of these is to all intents and purposes the same 
species that is found in Europe, 
**The tree-sparrow (Passer monianus) is found practically 
everywhere within the Singapore area. It has established it- 
self on the lighthouses, it can be seen in the mangrove swamps 
and native kanipqngs and it hops about the roads and city 
g:ardens in the nnconcemed manner displayed by its cousin, 
the house-sparrow (P, dontcsiicus) in England. 
"The magpie robin (Copsychus muskus) a dapper bird of 
about 'thrush-size' and piebald plumage (very hke a miniature 
magpie) is also common, but unlike the sparrow does not 
consort in flocks. Its habits are more like those of the song- 
thrush at home, it has a most beautiful voice and fortunately 
can be seen in most parts of the island and the outlying 
districts. It nests in the gardens well within municipal limits. 
"The yellow-vented bulbul (PycfioMotus anal is) is also 
larger than the sparrow and is ding>' in coloration. At a 
distance of a few yards it appears to be clad in sober brown 
plumage, lighter onderneath, with a whitish head. Under the 
tail there is a patch of yellow. The bulbul is common enough 
in most localities. Like the Straits or magpie robin it breeds 
in the town gardens and its cheery gurgling note can be heard 
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