Lower tides over a mudflat makes for an interesting phenomenon. The smaller fish accumulate above the shallow mudflats corralled by predatory fish such as barracuda. As the smaller prey fish school themselves into tighter shoals, space becomes a premium and when you are chased by a hungry barracuda with a full set of very sharp teeth, the only way is up. The prey fish get into such a tight grouping that the barracuda literally explode into the group and out of the water in an effort to get dinner. That was already unexpected but then the forward section of the group began to jump in a continuous chain resulting in another unexpected sight. What was thereafter another unexpected consequence was to see one of the area's resident white-bellied sea eagles (or 'fish' eagles as they are also called) swoop down in an excited attempt to grab some jumping fish. The eagle was unfortunately unsuccessful despite its persistent fly-bys. It was a pity that an osprey which had been sitting on a kelong stump close by had flown off a few minutes earlier. It would have been interesting to see if the osprey would have been better at catching jumping fish than the fish eagle. Ospreys of course don't mind getting wet when going after fish.
Click on the links to find out more about the fish eagles, osprey and the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve .
Note however that SBWR is a Nature Reserve and has a 'No Fishing' rule...unless of course you are a fish-eating raptor, watersnake or a crocodile. Fishermen (even those on kayaks) will get paid a visit from the NParks and also the Police Coast Guard patrols. Bring a pair of binoculars instead and enjoy the show.
