Jurong Bird Park, Asia's Largest Bird Park

This may be the third time we have visited Jurong Bird Park. Yet every time we watch the Kings of the Skies show, it never fails to disappoint us. Seeing these exotic and rare giant birds of prey take flight in the open sky just gives this woah-factor. It's quite mind-boggling how they are able to train these raptors not to fly away. For some reason they seem to recognize their trainers and just perch on their hands-- could be the leather-looking thick gloves they are wearing. 'Coz we were seated up front, we got the chance to see its razor-sharp talons up close as they try to take a grip. 

Mongolian Falconer on horseback with a Harris' Hawk 

White-tailed Sea Eagle spreads its massive wings as it takes flight towards its trainer

At some point, we had to look over our shoulders and around to locate the bird before it takes its queue and glides past us. Guy in a wireless mic advices us not to stand or throw our hands up in the air in an effort to touch it. Well, imagine a ripped off arm if you fail to comply. These creatures were no joke. 

We loved the part were they had these Medieval-looking dressed up actors/trainers who they address as 'my lady' and a Mongolian warrior saddled up a horse prancing in circles with a Harris' hawk perched on his other arm. We gasped in amazement at this majestic creature. Mommy was quite thrilled to see one of the owl rotate its head 270º! ;) Also, she was ecstatic to see Harry Potter's pet, the Snowy Owl. 

Ruppell's Griffon Vulture soars close the heads of the crowd and headed towards a brave volunteer

Himalayan Griffon Vultures re-enacts feasting on a fake, stone-made buffalo carcass

Next up, we briskly walked back towards the entrance to get to Penguin Coast to witness these darling flightless birds fed. Yes, we get to see Happy Feet's relatives up-close. With the tallest one at around just around 4-feet, I can now relate why it were Mexicans who portrayed their role in the movie. They're adorable. You just want to pick up and hug them.  

Carrying a bucketful of fishes, the caretaker with a thick royal blue jacket on, scoops a few fishes and fed what looked like the African Penguins first. Last ones were the Emperor Penguins that need not swim for their food. They just stood there while the caretaker guides the fish in their mouth. Observing their climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat, they only had a little patch of ice to rest their feet on. Most were rocks but they didn't look weak or deprived. In fact, I'm thinking they must be spoiled as they have daily feeding times. No need to hunt for meal.  

The cold temperature inside was a momentary relief from the noon sun. The place was packed with visitors! We probably got in together with 2 or 3 group tours. They were all wearing red and blue snap-back hats with their guide holding up a sign. I was surprised at one point, I felt something on my head. As I looked up, it was a camera! Crazy tourist. Lol. 

    

Caretaker tosses fish in the water and the penguins chase and dive to feed on them

Humboldt Penguins exercise and take a swim as the King Penguins are being hand-fed 

Our third was the High Flyers show. The airy and open-type space was perfect for general viewing of bird tricks and audience participation. Most were even having their lunch packs on their laps. We were seated at the topmost bench so we had a wider perspective of everything that was going on. The birds featured in this show were the good-looking ones such as the brightly-colored Scarlett Macaw, pink-feathered Greater Flamingo, and sunset-colored beak Great-pied Hornbill to name a few. 

Hearing Amigo (the only bird in the world that sings in 3 different languages), the Yellow-naped Amazon, was hilarious! He surely can pronounce the words properly. Well, judging from his English Happy Birthday song which was the only one I understood. The audience applaud and were all smiles after every song anyway. The best part of this show was the finale wherein around 80 different species of birds gather on stage-- seeing all these hues in motion was a quite a spectacle!

Breezed through the World of Darkness exhibit as we were already getting hungry. Harry Potter must be relieved to find his apple of the eye in this makeshift owl house. 
  

A Scarlett Macaw flies through three rings held by different volunteers 

Casey enjoying his YanYan chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks

A female Snowy Owl stares at the spectators while the male looks to be shy

Mommy and I went for a quick lunch then waited for friends to arrive. Casey was happy to see his playmates and company. As much as we adults try to entertain them, kids have a different definition of fun and language all together. He just instantly lit up when his Ate Rhian and Kean arrived. 

All adults bought tickets and hurriedly boarded the tram headed for the Dinosaur Descendants area. We wanted to see the feeding of the ostrich happening in less than 10 minutes. When the tram went pass the Scarlet Ibis cage, though its appealing brilliant red feathers was an attention-grabber, the kids covered their noses as the area had a foul smell. 

It has been a while since we've been back at Jurong Bird Park so weren't sure if we needed to alight at the Lory Loft area. The tram attendant on the ground advised us to disembark at the next one. Well, the next one which was the Waterfall Aviary was quite a distance downhill so it would be unreasonable to ascend again. Plus, we also weren't sure if we could still catch a glimpse of the feeding as it was already ongoing as  our tram passed by. 

We diverted towards the Pelican Cove as the Pelican Chit-chat was still going to commence in 10 minutes. It gave us a breather and time to settle down. Rhian and Kean had time to eat their lunch as well. After, all three of them descend the steps into the front to get a closer look at the fishes in the aquarium. Around a dozen sizable pelicans were perched on the rocks atop the aquarium waiting their meal. The kids were all giddy, dancing and turning in front as pop music played in their surround audio system. They seem to be having a good time. While waiting for the show to start, the mommies couldn't help but pose with Ate Rhian and Casey for some quick snapshots with the water birds. Kean was busy wandering about exploring his surroundings on his own. Once the guy came down, greeted the crowd and begun his chit-chat, they were attentive and well-behaved. 

Having nasi lemak at Hawk Cafe just by the entrance of the park

Rommel and Kayle with their kids Kean and Rhian joined us in the afternoon

Bodi feeds the pelicans while the other talks about their diet and different types  

Up next was the African Waterfall Aviary. As soon as we entered the area, they took a rest under a shade that was laden with African artifacts, clothing, and pots.  As we continued on, Casey and Ate Rhian came upon a wooden statue with an unusual outfit and were curious what they were. Not sure if the mommies explained what they were but they sure posed for another snapshot with it. 

From a distant, as we were starting to hear the cascading sound of the waterfall, they rushed towards it. As soon as we got there, the kids quickly approached the guard fence and looked down on the flowing stream and sky-high waterfall above. They were clearly amazed at what they have seen. We took turns taking photos by family, daughter-daddy, husband-wife, etc. as it was cool and refreshing. Stayed a while as the kids seem to be enjoying themselves, chasing and playing beneath the falls.  

As we left, we came across a free-roaming Common Crowned Pigeon that stopped us in our tracks. We thought it was dying as it laid down flat on his side and its eyes were full dark red. Haha. It looked like it was just trying to bask at the sun as it soon stood up and sip water in between the floor brick gaps. Ate Rhian said bye to it as soon as we both left. We were left behind as she didn't want to leave yet-- intrigued by this blue chicken with lovely feather on its head.    

Jurong Falls is one of the tallest artificial waterfalls in the world, at 30 metres (98 ft) tall. The falls are located within the open-access Waterfall Aviary at the Jurong Bird Park in Singapore.

Water plunges over the top of a towering cliff at a rate of 140 litres (37 US gal) per second. The water is recirculated through a meandering stream that cascades down over a series of levels, creating an ideal environment for water birds, fishes, plants and other lifeforms at the aviary.

Designed with a rainforest landscape, the Waterfall Aviary is a 20,000-square-metre (4.9-acre) walk-in aviary, the second largest in the world, that houses some 1,500 free-flying birds from 80 African species and 10,000 plants with 125 species of trees, bamboo, palms and ground-cover vegetation. Two observation posts at the top of the waterfall offer visitors panoramic views of the aviary.  - Wikipedia

View the birds in its full glory – with their lacy crowns and elaborate plumage – as they ramble on the ground or roost in the treetops. Rather than coo like most pigeons do, the loud sound of a male Crowned Pigeon when it sings sounds more like a low 'boom boom'. And if the time is right, you could catch the Crowned Pigeons' famed courtship dance as the male bows his head, makes tail movements, and bobs up and down in front of the female. - JBP website

Boarded the tram again and headed to our next stop, the Lory Loft. Rommel and Kayle disembarked by the entrance as they opted to watch the High Flyers show which we saw already. Initially we decided to part at this point and meet up again later but unfortunately, you only get to use your tram ticket twice. So once it makes a full tour of the park, you need to alight at the starting area. So we alighted and decided to watch the show again with them. 

After the show, we decided to sit the kids in the prams as it was an uphill walk. 'Coz Casey woke up early, he was already drained and spent at this point. He fell asleep. We felt bad for him as he missed feeding the Lories and Lorikeets. 

Anyways, the rest had a grand time around the friendliest birds in the world's largest Lory flight aviary. For $3, you can purchase a cup of nectar near the cafe area. Ate Rhian was hesitant and scared at first but gradually overcame her fear. Daddy Rommel showed first that it was safe to have the birds perched on the cups, shoulders and even licking the sweat off his hair! Haha. Mommies Nina and Kayle also joined in the feeding frenzy. Kean didn't want a part of it though he was staring at them from afar. Luckily, they chanced upon feeding all three: Black-capped Lorry, Blue-streaked Lorry, and Rainbow Lorikeet.  

Rommel clearly liked the finale of the High Flyers show

Peacock's a snob

Rainbow Lorikeets drink from mommy Nina's cup while Ate Rhian is still trying to attract the other 

Ate Rhian bravely holds the cup and admires the Rainbow Lorikeet's colors

Black-capped Lory licks the sweat off Daddy Rommel's hair while a Rainbow Lorikeet drinks from his cup

Next, we took a peek at the Birds of Prey's Himalayan Griffon Vulture and American Bald Eagle. Then, we came across the Dino Descendant exhibit. A comical episode happened. As we were taking a rest and talking, one ostrich just jet-streamed probably a bucketful of pee then pooped. The smell was awful. Then, it turned towards us its smile as if poking fun at us. Haha. We left in a jiffy and transferred to a hut area. Casey already had enough nap and resumed playing. They stopped when they grew curious to see several gigantic and weird colored ostrich eggs. At one point Kean entered the wooden gate to get a feel of the egg. Goofed around and chased each other again. 

When we left the area, Nina with Casey and Rhian left first. We ended up trying to look for them and in the course, posed for a few shots at the Pelican Cove and Flamingo Lake. As we were reunited, we breezed through the Parrot Paradise and admired the Saddle-billed Stork in the Wetlands. Lastly, we went back to the Penguin Coast so they could also see them but they were already asleep-- still a charming sight to see. They looked like paintings on the wall. All stationary and still. Ate Rhian and Casey were playing hide and seek. We just sat there for quite some time chit-chatting that we forgot about the time. When we got out, we were the last visitors to leave the park. A few were still in the taxi queue then we said our goodbyes. Good times. 

Mommy Kayle poses for a shot with the pelicans at Pelican Cove

Ate Rhian holding Casey as they go through the different species of parrots

Finally found someone to take our group photo

The saddle bill is Africa's tallest stork, standing five feet tall, with a nine-foot wingspan. A striking bird, it has black and white plumage and a large laterally compressed bill, red at the base and tip and black in the middle. The top of the bill is covered with a yellow frontal shield, or saddle, made of soft, leathery skin. The black legs have a red garter at the tibio-tarsal joint and the feet are red. The sexes are similar, but the black-eyed male is larger than the yellow-eyed female. - dallaszooed

Lovely art installation wherein the peacock's tail are real flowers 

Casey: "What happened to the penguin's head?" Lol. 

Rommel, Kayle, Rhian and Kean (sleeping) by the arch at the entrance of the park