Immature spotted doves can be identified by the much less distinct dark brown neck-collar (Robson, 2011: 351). This observation shows that fledglings can be extremely boisterous and rough with their parents when demanding to be fed. Sreedharan (2011) provides a fairly comprehensive account of this common bird

Solitary individuals of around 50 cm disc width were sighted in the lagoon on three separate occasions. From the configuration of white markings on the dorsal surface, the sightings are of different individuals. The first was videographed underwater on 1 August 2017 while the observer was snorkeling. The two sightings in 2020 were recorded on video at the surface from a floating bridge connecting the beach to a rocky islet. Both rays were swimming in shallow water.

The spotted gar is native to fresh and brackish water habitats of eastern North America, and grows to 112 cm in total length (Page & Burr, 1991). In Singapore, it is commonly offered for sale as ornamental fish. The present example is most likely an abandoned pet.

Gekko monarchus is widespread in Singapore, and is one of the house-dwelling geckoes. In wooded habitats, it tends to be found on concrete structures (Baker & Lim, 2012: 81). In accordance with the featured observation, two eggs are laid per clutch, attached to rock crevices. Communal nesting is known in this species, with 50 or more eggs being deposited at one spot by many individuals; and the incubation period is 120 days (Das, 2010: 219).

Xenochrophis maculatus is known from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Bangka, Belitung, Natuna and Riau archipelagos. This semi-aquatic species is reported to frequent open forests in the lowlands, near streams and ditches. Its diet is said to include frogs and toads (Das, 2012: 128). The species is listed as locally ‘vulnerable’ in the Singapore Red Data Book (Lim, 2008: 265)

Carpilius maculatus has been listed as occurring in Singapore by Wee & Ng (1994). As it tends to be a nocturnal scavenger, this species is rarely seen and is regarded as locally endangered by Yeo et al. (2008). Tan (2012) has recorded this distinctive crab from the Sisters and Kusu Islands

Sand-divers are a group of benthic marine fish that is poorly known in Singapore. Of the six species known to occur in the Indonesian region, only Trichonotus setiger is recorded there (Ng et al., 2011: 437; Allen & Erdmann, 2012: 758). These fish typically occur in small groups, each group with multiple females and only a few males. They hover over sandy bottoms into which they dart when alarmed (Allen & Erdmann, 2012: 758).

Although recognized as locally vulnerable (Lim et al., 2008: 153), this observation of seven adult individuals at one location is noteworthy. Hippocampus kuda has a coronet (bony head crest) that is turned to the rear, relatively thick snout, and lacks nose spine and body spines (Lourie et al., 2004: 64).

The spotted wood owl is regarded as a ‘critically endangered’ species in Singapore, and one of the largest owls to be found there (Lim et al., 2008: 181). This uncommon resident frequents relatively exposed habitats such as secondary forests, old plantations, scrub and urban parkland. There were no historical records of this species in Singapore. It appears to have colonised Singapore recently, having spread south with the widespread cultivation of oil palms in Peninsular Malaysia (Yong et al., 2013: 88).

On a cool and windy night, two adult spotted wood-owls were observed intermittently flying and landing between trees. One of the owls was first spotted when it flew and perched on the branch of a yellow flame tree (Peltophorum pterocarpum) around 30 metres tall. There, the owl stayed for about five minutes when it could be approached and photographed (see accompanying pictures). It then flew into the wooded corridor dominated by rhu trees (Casuarina equisetifolia) next to the park connector. The second owl was observed following the first from behind.