4521. PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: The African grey parrots are having breakfast. Google review.

 

GOOGLE REVIEW: BIRD PARADISE. 5 STARS.

25 MARCH 2025

At 9.34am, I was able to photograph a variety of bird species as they were present at feeding time.

There were numerous African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) in the "Heart of Africa" aviary look very healthy as evident by their body and coat conditions and bright eyes---a testament to excellent management.

In the past, I had not seen one African grey because I reached the feeding place after 10am! The Bird Paradise opens at 9am, so I must be there as it takes time to walk to the "Heart of Africa" aviary.

In bird stock photography, it will be good to take one species or one bird so that the viewer can appreciate the beauty of that particular species.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:

I used Canon R5, tripod, TV mode, 100mm, 1/500 sec, f/4.5, ISO 500. I set ISO to AUTO. As the birds are moving, use TV mode and tripod to get sharp images. Focus on the eye of one bird. One photo attached.

TO BUY PHOTO:

www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets

 

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 WILDLIFE SINGAPORE SKY EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS

by Dr David Sing Kong Yuen

Photography Tips: African Grey Parrots at Bird Paradise

1. Go just before feeding time. On 25 March 2025, it was around 9.30am. Otherwise, you are unlikely to see the African Greys.2. Use tripod, shutter priority, Auto ISO for images. 1/500 sec and f/4.5 were used for the following image.3. For video, your camera has its own settings.

 

 2. In my experience, if you go at other times, you are unlikely to see the African Greys flying near you! 

 

 

4520. PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Changi Airport.

 Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Changi Airport, 23 May 2025

Canon R5, TV, 105mm,1/1000sec, f/5.6, IS0 100

shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets 

4519. WILDLIFE STORY - SHOEBILL CONSERVATION

PROMPT:
input a detailed prompt like:
"A central African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere."

 

 

 

1. CHATGPT

SING: Replace the present vegetation---lotus leaves with Cyperus papyrus which are tall stands of reed-like swamp vegetation in shallow water. They surround the waters of the swamp. A baby crocodile is seen.

CHATGPT: Here's the updated image with tall Cyperus papyrus vegetation surrounding the swamp, along with a baby crocodile near the water’s edge. Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments!

 

 

 

 

2. META AI Llama 3.2:

SING: Create a video  of a grey-bluish mother shoebill bird feeding a lungfish to the brown chick.

META AI:

 

 3. DEEP SEEK:

SING: 

 DEEP SEEK:

I'm unable to create or generate images directly, but I can help you visualize the scene in detail or guide you on how to create it using tools like digital art software or AI image generators. Here's how you can bring the scene to life:

1. Setting the Scene: Start with a lush, green swamp background. Use tall, thin blades of grass swaying gently, with soft sunlight filtering through. The water should be murky but reflective, with subtle ripples.

2. The Shoebill Nest: Place a large, sturdy nest made of reeds and grasses slightly above the waterline. The nest should look well-worn, indicating it’s been used for some time.

3. The Mother Shoebill: Depict her as tall and majestic, with bluish-grey feathers and a sharp, powerful bill. She should be standing over the nest, holding a lungfish in her bill, her posture protective and attentive.

4. The Young Shoebill: Show the chick as smaller and darker brown, with fluffy down feathers. It should be opening its bill wide, eagerly accepting the lungfish from its mother.

5. The Baby Crocodile: In the foreground or background, include a small baby crocodile floating in the water, its eyes just above the surface. Its scaly body should blend into the swampy environment, adding a subtle sense of tension.

6. Details: Add subtle touches like dragonflies hovering above the water, faint ripples around the crocodile, and a few scattered feathers or fish scales near the nest to enhance realism.

If you’re using an AI image generator, you can input a detailed prompt like:
"A central African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere."

 

 

4.  IMAGE GENERATED USING IMAGINE ART AI TOOLS (AI ULTRA)

Prompt 

An eastern African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere.

 

 

5. MID JOURNEY
Wants payment first before generating any image. 

--------------

SHORT STORY TELLING

The 3 classical unities (or connecting elements) are:

1. Unity of action---a tragedy should have one principal action.
2. Unity of time---action should occur over a period of no more than 24 hours.
3. Unity of place---the action should exist in a single physical location.

 

ACTION:  Shoebill birds in East Africa are decreasing in numbers due to various reasons.
One reason is predators - crocodiles or humans 

TIME: Adult crocodiles lurk under the vegetation and tall grasses. One attempts to eat the 2 large eggs inside the nest.

 

PLACE:  An eastern African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere.

CONCLUSION:

The population is estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals, the majority of which live in swamps in South Sudan, Uganda, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. Wildlife conservation is urgently needed. The shoebills are usually seen in zoos. In Singapore, Bird Paradise has one shoebill.

Acknowledgement: Photos of this shoebill in Bird Paradise are from Mr Brian Peck. His website is:
Canon R6, Lens 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM.
FV mode, 1/500, f/10, ISO 160
www.myfotografi.com 

4518. Deepseek. Shoebill story

 In an eastern African swamp filled with tall thin blades of green grass, two Shoebill birds are on their nest with 3 big eggs. The mother Shoebill is bluish-grey in colour. She has a lungfish in her mouth. She gives the lungfish to her young Shoebill which is dark brown in colour and opens his bill to accept the lungfish. Around the nest on top of the water of the swamp, a small baby crocodile looks at them.

The scene is alive with the subtle hum of life in the eastern African swamp. The tall, thin blades of green grass sway gently in the breeze, creating a soft rustling sound that blends with the distant calls of other wetland creatures. The nest, a sturdy platform of reeds and grasses, sits slightly above the waterline, a safe haven for the Shoebill family.

The mother Shoebill, her bluish-grey feathers shimmering faintly in the dappled sunlight, stands tall and regal. Her sharp, piercing eyes are focused on her young one, a dark brown fledgling whose downy feathers still hint at its youth. In her formidable bill, she holds a lungfish, its silvery scales glinting as it wriggles slightly. With deliberate care, she leans down and offers the fish to her chick.

The young Shoebill, eager and hungry, opens its bill wide, revealing a soft, pale interior. It accepts the lungfish with a clumsy but determined motion, its large eyes reflecting both curiosity and trust. The mother watches intently, ensuring her chick is fed, her posture radiating a quiet strength.

Nearby, the water ripples gently as a small baby crocodile floats silently, its eyes just above the surface. It observes the Shoebills with a mix of curiosity and caution, its tiny, scaled body blending seamlessly with the swamp's murky environment. Though still young, the crocodile's instincts are sharp, and it knows better than to approach the formidable Shoebill family too closely.

The swamp hums with life—dragonflies darting above the water, frogs croaking in the distance, and the occasional splash of a fish breaking the surface. Yet, in this moment, the focus remains on the intimate exchange between the mother Shoebill and her chick, a testament to the delicate balance of survival and nurturing in this vibrant ecosystem.

New chat

 

------------------------------------------------

 

 

 

I'm unable to create or generate images directly, but I can help you visualize the scene in detail or guide you on how to create it using tools like digital art software or AI image generators. Here's how you can bring the scene to life:

1. Setting the Scene: Start with a lush, green swamp background. Use tall, thin blades of grass swaying gently, with soft sunlight filtering through. The water should be murky but reflective, with subtle ripples.

2. The Shoebill Nest: Place a large, sturdy nest made of reeds and grasses slightly above the waterline. The nest should look well-worn, indicating it’s been used for some time.

3. The Mother Shoebill: Depict her as tall and majestic, with bluish-grey feathers and a sharp, powerful bill. She should be standing over the nest, holding a lungfish in her bill, her posture protective and attentive.

4. The Young Shoebill: Show the chick as smaller and darker brown, with fluffy down feathers. It should be opening its bill wide, eagerly accepting the lungfish from its mother.

5. The Baby Crocodile: In the foreground or background, include a small baby crocodile floating in the water, its eyes just above the surface. Its scaly body should blend into the swampy environment, adding a subtle sense of tension.

6. Details: Add subtle touches like dragonflies hovering above the water, faint ripples around the crocodile, and a few scattered feathers or fish scales near the nest to enhance realism.

If you’re using an AI image generator, you can input a detailed prompt like:
"An eastern African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere."

Let me know if you'd like further assistance!

New chat

 

-----------------------------

 An eastern African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere."

 

-----------------------------

 

 How to use Mid-Journey?

Using MidJourney is an exciting way to create stunning AI-generated images! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

---

Step 1: Set Up Discord

MidJourney operates through Discord, a free messaging platform. If you don’t already have a Discord account:

1. Go to Discord’s website and create an account.

2. Download the Discord app (optional but recommended for ease of use).

---

Step 2: Join the MidJourney Server

1. Visit the MidJourney website.

2. Click on “Join the Beta” or go directly to the MidJourney Discord server.

3. Accept the invite to join the server.

---

Step 3: Subscribe to MidJourney

MidJourney offers a free trial, but for full access, you’ll need a paid subscription:

1. Go to any #newbies channel in the MidJourney Discord server.

2. Type /subscribe and hit Enter.

3. A link will appear—click it to open the subscription page.

4. Choose a plan:

   • Basic Plan: $10/month (limited features).

   • Standard Plan: $30/month (best for most users).

   • Pro Plan: $60/month (for advanced users).

5. Complete the payment process.

---

Step 4: Generate Your First Image

1. Go to any #newbies or #general channel in the MidJourney server.

2. Type /imagine and then your prompt. For example:

   Copy

   /imagine an eastern African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere.

3. Press Enter to submit your prompt.

4. MidJourney will generate 4 image variations based on your prompt.

---

Step 5: Refine Your Image

Once the initial images are generated:

1. Upscale an Image: If you like one of the variations, click U1, U2, U3, or U4 to upscale it to a higher resolution.

2. Create Variations: If you want more variations of a specific image, click V1, V2, V3, or V4.

3. Download the Image: Click the image to open it in full size, then right-click and select Save Image.

---

Step 6: Use Advanced Features (Optional)

MidJourney offers advanced features to refine your images:

• Aspect Ratio: Add --ar 16:9 (or other ratios) to your prompt for specific dimensions.

• Stylization: Add --v 5 (or other versions) to control the style.

• Lighting and Details: Use terms like “soft sunlight,” “highly detailed,” or “cinematic lighting” in your prompt.

---

Step 7: Save and Share

Once you’re happy with your image:

1. Download it to your device.

2. Share it directly from Discord or use it in your projects.

---

Tips for Better Results

• Be specific and descriptive in your prompts.

• Use adjectives to describe colors, lighting, and mood.

• Experiment with different styles (e.g., “realistic,” “painting,” “3D render”).

• Check out the MidJourney community in Discord for inspiration and tips.

---

That’s it! You’re now ready to create amazing images with MidJourney. Let me know if you need help crafting a prompt or refining your results! 🎨

New chat

 

 ---------------------

 

MID JOURNEY generates as  follows:

 OpenAI GPT-4o-mini

An eastern African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere

Eastern African Swamp Scene Description

Setting:

• Location: An eastern African swamp, characterized by its lush vegetation and intricate ecosystem.
• Environment: The swamp is filled with tall green grass, creating a dense, vibrant backdrop. The soft sunlight filters through, casting gentle shadows and illuminating the scene with a warm glow.

Main Elements:

1. Shoebill Nest:

   • Location: Positioned prominently among the tall grasses, the nest is a well-constructed platform of reeds and grasses.
   • Eggs: The nest contains three eggs, which are pale in color and speckled, camouflaging well within the natural setting.

2. Mother Shoebill:

   • Appearance: The mother Shoebill is bluish-grey, showcasing the characteristic large, shoe-shaped bill that gives the bird its name. Her feathers are slightly ruffled by the gentle breeze.
   • Behavior: She is actively feeding her chick, demonstrating a nurturing instinct. The lungfish she provides is a significant part of the chick's diet, highlighting the maternal role in providing sustenance.

3. Chick:

   • Appearance: The chick is dark brown, with soft downy feathers that provide warmth and camouflage. Its eyes are bright and curious, reflecting the eagerness to grow.
   • Interaction: The chick eagerly accepts the lungfish from its mother, a moment showcasing the bond between them.

4. Baby Crocodile:

   • Location: A small baby crocodile is lurking just below the water's surface, its eyes peeking out as it observes the Shoebill family.
   • Behavior: The crocodile’s presence adds a hint of tension to the serene environment, as it represents the natural predator-prey dynamics of the swamp ecosystem.

Atmosphere:

• Lighting: The soft sunlight creates a serene ambiance, enhancing the vibrant colors of the grass, the blues and greys of the Shoebill, and the earthy tones of the crocodile.
• Sound: The scene might be accompanied by the gentle sounds of water lapping against the banks and distant calls of other wildlife, contributing to the peaceful yet lively atmosphere.

Summary:

This detailed scene presents a snapshot of life in an eastern African swamp, showcasing the interactions between a mother Shoebill and her chick, the protective nature of the nest with its eggs, and the watchful presence of a baby crocodile. The vibrancy of the environment, supported by soft sunlight, enhances the serene yet dynamic essence of this unique ecosystem.

 

---------------------

IMAGE GENERATED USING IMAGINE ART AI TOOLS (AI ULTRA)

Prompt 

An eastern African swamp with tall green grass, a Shoebill nest with three eggs, a bluish-grey mother Shoebill feeding a lungfish to her dark brown chick, and a small baby crocodile watching from the water. The scene is vibrant and detailed, with soft sunlight and a serene atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

4517. Testimonial

Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of incorporating Mr Brian Peck's stunning bird photography into several of my animal-related projects which includes wildlife conservation educational videos. An example is The Shoebill of Bird Paradise, Singapore video. 

The clarity, composition, and character he captures in each image have added great visual depth to my bird educational video content, helping to engage and educate my audience in a meaningful way. His work brings a unique vibrancy and natural storytelling that enhances the way I communicate about animal care and wildlife.

It’s been a real asset to collaborate with someone who understands both the technical and emotional aspects of photographing birds.

Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow)
Founder, Toa Payoh Vets

www.toapayohvets.com
99pups@gmail.com
+65 9668-6468

4516. WILDLIFE AFRICA: Shoebill video

The shoebill is distributed in freshwater swamps of central tropical Africa.

 The shoebill is non-migratory with limited seasonal movements due to habitat changes, food availability and disturbance by humans.^[19]

 

 The distribution of this species seems to largely coincide with that of papyrus and lungfish. 

 

  More rarely, the species has been seen foraging in rice fields and flooded plantations.^[19]

 

 Shoebills, being solitary, forage at 20 m (66 ft) or more from one another even where relatively densely populated. This species stalks its prey patiently, in a slow and lurking fashion. While hunting, the shoebill strides very slowly and is frequently motionless. Unlike some other large waders, this species hunts entirely using vision and is not known to engage in tactile hunting. When prey is spotted, it launches a quick violent strike.

 

 Fledging is reached at around 105 days and the young birds can fly well by 112 days. However, they are still fed for possibly a month or more after this. It will take the young shoebills three years before they become fully sexually mature.^[19]

 

 Shoebills are largely piscivorous but are assured predators of a considerable range of wetland vertebrates. Prefers lungfish and catfish.

This species is considered to be one of the five most desirable birds in Africa by birdwatchers.^[30] They are docile with humans and show no threatening behavior

 

Beginning in 2014 and with various interspersed surges of attention since then, the shoebill has become the subject of internet memes, in part due to its intimidating appearance and its tendency to stand still for long periods of time. One such example is a video of a shoebill standing in the rain whilst staring into the camera. These memes have since also appeared on the social media platform TikTok, bringing a comparatively unknown species of bird into popular culture.^[33] The shoebill also inspired the design of the Loftwing birds in the 2011 game The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.^[34][35]

 

The population is estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals, the majority of which live in swamps in South Sudan, Uganda, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia.

 

BirdLife International has classified it as Vulnerable with the main threats being habitat destruction, disturbance and hunting. 

The bird is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).^[38] 

Habitat destruction and degradation, hunting, disturbance and illegal capture are all contributing factors to the decline of this species. Agriculture cultivation and pasture for cattle have also caused significant habitat loss. Indigenous communities that surround Shoebill habitats capture their eggs and chicks for human consumption and for trade. 

Frequent fires in southern Sudan and deliberate fires for grazing access contribute to habitat loss. Some swamps in Sudan are being drained for construction of a canal to control nearby waterways, causing more habitat loss.^[32]

 

 

^{------------------------}

 

 

Shoebills typically lay 1 to 3 dull, chalky-white eggs, but often only one chick survives due to sibling rivalry. Both parents share in the 30-day incubation duties. 

Here's a more detailed look at shoebill eggs and their breeding habits:

• Egg Laying: Shoebills lay their eggs at the end of the rainy season. 
• Nest: The nest is made of aquatic vegetation and can be 1 to 1.7 meters wide. 
• Incubation: Both parents share the 30-day incubation duties, including incubating and turning the eggs, and cooling them with water. 
• Egg Size: Shoebill eggs measure around 80 to 90 mm high by 56 to 61 mm wide and weigh about 164 g. 
• Egg Color: Eggs are initially chalky bluish-white but quickly become stained brown. 
• Survival: While a clutch of up to three eggs is laid, typically only one nestling survives due to inter-sibling rivalry where the larger chick will out-compete and/or kill its siblings. 
• Parental Care: Both parents feed, guard, and shade the chicks. 
• Fledging: The young shoebills fledge at 95 days, but cannot fly until about 105 to 112 days. Parents continue to feed the young for about one month after fledging. 

•