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AS THE CROW FLIES
Po Toi Island been quite the talking point for birders the past week or so, due to a Ruddy Kingfisher which was seen very briefly by Akki and Roman on the 27th. This was only the 2nd record for Hong Kong and a very attractive species that is surely a dream bird for any Hong Kong birder. A group organized a boat to Po Toi on the 28th toAS THE CROW FLIES
Christmas Rarity - Eurasian Oystercatcher. This year had been exceptional for rarities, and one of the most long awaited rarity that turned up is an Eurasian Oystercatcher, this is only the 3rd record in Hong Kong that I am aware of, of which I missed both previous times. This bird was actively feeding along the mudflat looking for razorclams.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Here we found a single Eurasian Spoonbill, the drizzle also brought in a large numbers of swallow and swifts, there were actually more Red-rumped Swallows than Barn Swallows! We were also able to pick out a few Himalayan Swiftlets in amongst the House Swifts, we enjoyed excellent views of this rare bird in Hong Kong.AS THE CROW FLIES
Brown Fish Owl is a widespread species in Hong Kong, you can find them near many streams, as well as water catchments and reservoirs, or in this case the waterfront. Brown Fish Owl. Many birds in Tai Po Kau are now showing signs of breeding, such as Grey-chinned Minivets which are now getting paired up instead of moving in large flocks.AS THE CROW FLIES
Shing Mun had been getting quite a lot of attention of late, with some good birds here and there, the site is good but good bird waves can be difficult to locate, though even when you don't get a good bird wave, sitting by the stream usually give you good views of the now very stable Slaty-backed Forktail, which is still a rare bird in Hong Kongin its own rights.
AS THE CROW FLIES
E ssentially patches of agricultural lands near Sheung Shui, this is the largest man-made freshwater wetland in Hong Kong. It is neither long nor is it really a valley, the English name is a translation from the Chinese name 塱原 (Long Yuen). This 25 hectares of land holds up to half of Hong Kong bird species, and is considered an IBA (Important Bird Area) along with Mai Po and Tai Po Kau.AS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Closer to home along Tai Mei Tuk Catchment, there were not a lot of movements, best was a Two-barred Warbler and a pair of Hainan Blue Flycatcher which showedfairly well.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Mai Po Nature Reserve. M ai Po is located to the Northwestern corner of Hong Kong, close to the Hong Kong China border and the city of Shenzhen. A Ramsar site; this is one of the best birding sites in Hong Kong, internationally renowned for the migratory waterbirds that pass through or winter here every year.AS THE CROW FLIES
Other common birds around the lawns includes Japanese Tit, our 'Great Tit' in Hong Kong had gone through several name changes in the past few years, first changed to Cinereous Tit due to its all grey back, but it is now assigned as Japanese Tit race commixtus.Spotted Dove is our most common dove species in Hong Kong, they are actually quite pretty if you give them a good look.AS THE CROW FLIES
Frost is not a common sight in Hong Kong, while we view it as a novelty, it is certainly a testing time for many birds, many of which are not used to cold weather like this. With colder weather we often see changes in bird behaviour, skulking birds may become more bold and bold birds can become fearless! This was the case of this lovely maleAS THE CROW FLIES
Po Toi Island been quite the talking point for birders the past week or so, due to a Ruddy Kingfisher which was seen very briefly by Akki and Roman on the 27th. This was only the 2nd record for Hong Kong and a very attractive species that is surely a dream bird for any Hong Kong birder. A group organized a boat to Po Toi on the 28th toAS THE CROW FLIES
Christmas Rarity - Eurasian Oystercatcher. This year had been exceptional for rarities, and one of the most long awaited rarity that turned up is an Eurasian Oystercatcher, this is only the 3rd record in Hong Kong that I am aware of, of which I missed both previous times. This bird was actively feeding along the mudflat looking for razorclams.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Here we found a single Eurasian Spoonbill, the drizzle also brought in a large numbers of swallow and swifts, there were actually more Red-rumped Swallows than Barn Swallows! We were also able to pick out a few Himalayan Swiftlets in amongst the House Swifts, we enjoyed excellent views of this rare bird in Hong Kong.AS THE CROW FLIES
Brown Fish Owl is a widespread species in Hong Kong, you can find them near many streams, as well as water catchments and reservoirs, or in this case the waterfront. Brown Fish Owl. Many birds in Tai Po Kau are now showing signs of breeding, such as Grey-chinned Minivets which are now getting paired up instead of moving in large flocks.AS THE CROW FLIES
Shing Mun had been getting quite a lot of attention of late, with some good birds here and there, the site is good but good bird waves can be difficult to locate, though even when you don't get a good bird wave, sitting by the stream usually give you good views of the now very stable Slaty-backed Forktail, which is still a rare bird in Hong Kongin its own rights.
AS THE CROW FLIES
E ssentially patches of agricultural lands near Sheung Shui, this is the largest man-made freshwater wetland in Hong Kong. It is neither long nor is it really a valley, the English name is a translation from the Chinese name 塱原 (Long Yuen). This 25 hectares of land holds up to half of Hong Kong bird species, and is considered an IBA (Important Bird Area) along with Mai Po and Tai Po Kau.AS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Closer to home along Tai Mei Tuk Catchment, there were not a lot of movements, best was a Two-barred Warbler and a pair of Hainan Blue Flycatcher which showedfairly well.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Mai Po Nature Reserve. M ai Po is located to the Northwestern corner of Hong Kong, close to the Hong Kong China border and the city of Shenzhen. A Ramsar site; this is one of the best birding sites in Hong Kong, internationally renowned for the migratory waterbirds that pass through or winter here every year.AS THE CROW FLIES
Other common birds around the lawns includes Japanese Tit, our 'Great Tit' in Hong Kong had gone through several name changes in the past few years, first changed to Cinereous Tit due to its all grey back, but it is now assigned as Japanese Tit race commixtus.Spotted Dove is our most common dove species in Hong Kong, they are actually quite pretty if you give them a good look.AS THE CROW FLIES
Frost is not a common sight in Hong Kong, while we view it as a novelty, it is certainly a testing time for many birds, many of which are not used to cold weather like this. With colder weather we often see changes in bird behaviour, skulking birds may become more bold and bold birds can become fearless! This was the case of this lovely maleAS THE CROW FLIES
Christmas Rarity - Eurasian Oystercatcher. This year had been exceptional for rarities, and one of the most long awaited rarity that turned up is an Eurasian Oystercatcher, this is only the 3rd record in Hong Kong that I am aware of, of which I missed both previous times. This bird was actively feeding along the mudflat looking for razorclams.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Oriental Pratincoles are also a key species of spring migrant which completes the 'springy' feel for birders in Hong Kong. Oriental Plover. Oriental Pratincole. Intermediate Egrets are often very territorial and aggressive to each other during this time of the year and engages in epic aerial battles. Here, two of them fighting it out,jabbing
AS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Other common birds around the lawns includes Japanese Tit, our 'Great Tit' in Hong Kong had gone through several name changes in the past few years, first changed to Cinereous Tit due to its all grey back, but it is now assigned as Japanese Tit race commixtus.Spotted Dove is our most common dove species in Hong Kong, they are actually quiteAS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Closer to home along Tai Mei Tuk Catchment, there were not a lot of movements, best was a Two-barred Warbler and a pair of Hainan Blue Flycatcher which showedfairly well.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Shing Mun had been getting quite a lot of attention of late, with some good birds here and there, the site is good but good bird waves can be difficult to locate, though even when you don't get a good bird wave, sitting by the stream usually give you good views of the now very stable Slaty-backed Forktail, which is still a rare bird in Hong Kongin its own rights.
AS THE CROW FLIES
The Collared Scops Owl is perhaps the most commonly encountered local Owl species in Hong Kong, while another species of the genus otus the Oriental Scops Owl is a scarce passage migrant in Hong Kong. I was alerted by a friend of an interesting scops owl found somewhere near Sheung Shui, although it had yellow eyes just like Oriental Scops Owl, it was making the call of the Ryukyu Scops Owl.AS THE CROW FLIES
The boat arrived at Kung Chau, a small rocky island on the east side of Tap Mun, this had traditionally been one of the tern colonies around Hong Kong north eastern waters. As we arrived we saw many terns resting on the rocks, I scanned the terns and found our target sitting right in front of us. Juvenile Sooty Terns differs from all the otherAS THE CROW FLIES
The few hours we spent there were quite productive, with Diard’s Trogon, Broadbills and Hornbills all easily seen, the morning left me quite amazed with the variety of bird this small site offers. Ariel view of Sandakan area. Sepilok is located just roughly 20 miles from the town of Sandakan, it is famous to tourists for two places; theAS THE CROW FLIES
Black-winged Stilts used to be migrants to Hong Kong but have slowly established themselves as a regular breeder. It's always fun to watch these young birds go about their business. Black-winged Stilt adult and chicks. Their nervous parents were always on the lookout for danger, chasing away any intruders that dare come close into theirterritory.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Long Valley - day out with church group. Was invited by Dr. Choi to lead a tour to Long Valley for a group from Shatin Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, happily accepted the offer. Weather was fine, much more then fine in fact; it was a stunning day. Clear anddry,
AS THE CROW FLIES
Po Toi Island been quite the talking point for birders the past week or so, due to a Ruddy Kingfisher which was seen very briefly by Akki and Roman on the 27th. This was only the 2nd record for Hong Kong and a very attractive species that is surely a dream bird for any Hong Kong birder. A group organized a boat to Po Toi on the 28th toAS THE CROW FLIES
Christmas Rarity - Eurasian Oystercatcher. This year had been exceptional for rarities, and one of the most long awaited rarity that turned up is an Eurasian Oystercatcher, this is only the 3rd record in Hong Kong that I am aware of, of which I missed both previous times. This bird was actively feeding along the mudflat looking for razorclams.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Here we found a single Eurasian Spoonbill, the drizzle also brought in a large numbers of swallow and swifts, there were actually more Red-rumped Swallows than Barn Swallows! We were also able to pick out a few Himalayan Swiftlets in amongst the House Swifts, we enjoyed excellent views of this rare bird in Hong Kong.AS THE CROW FLIES
Brown Fish Owl is a widespread species in Hong Kong, you can find them near many streams, as well as water catchments and reservoirs, or in this case the waterfront. Brown Fish Owl. Many birds in Tai Po Kau are now showing signs of breeding, such as Grey-chinned Minivets which are now getting paired up instead of moving in large flocks.AS THE CROW FLIES
E ssentially patches of agricultural lands near Sheung Shui, this is the largest man-made freshwater wetland in Hong Kong. It is neither long nor is it really a valley, the English name is a translation from the Chinese name 塱原 (Long Yuen). This 25 hectares of land holds up to half of Hong Kong bird species, and is considered an IBA (Important Bird Area) along with Mai Po and Tai Po Kau.AS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Closer to home along Tai Mei Tuk Catchment, there were not a lot of movements, best was a Two-barred Warbler and a pair of Hainan Blue Flycatcher which showedfairly well.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Mai Po Nature Reserve. M ai Po is located to the Northwestern corner of Hong Kong, close to the Hong Kong China border and the city of Shenzhen. A Ramsar site; this is one of the best birding sites in Hong Kong, internationally renowned for the migratory waterbirds that pass through or winter here every year.AS THE CROW FLIES
Other common birds around the lawns includes Japanese Tit, our 'Great Tit' in Hong Kong had gone through several name changes in the past few years, first changed to Cinereous Tit due to its all grey back, but it is now assigned as Japanese Tit race commixtus.Spotted Dove is our most common dove species in Hong Kong, they are actually quite pretty if you give them a good look.AS THE CROW FLIES
Frost is not a common sight in Hong Kong, while we view it as a novelty, it is certainly a testing time for many birds, many of which are not used to cold weather like this. With colder weather we often see changes in bird behaviour, skulking birds may become more bold and bold birds can become fearless! This was the case of this lovely maleAS THE CROW FLIES
The few hours we spent there were quite productive, with Diard’s Trogon, Broadbills and Hornbills all easily seen, the morning left me quite amazed with the variety of bird this small site offers. Ariel view of Sandakan area. Sepilok is located just roughly 20 miles from the town of Sandakan, it is famous to tourists for two places; theAS THE CROW FLIES
Po Toi Island been quite the talking point for birders the past week or so, due to a Ruddy Kingfisher which was seen very briefly by Akki and Roman on the 27th. This was only the 2nd record for Hong Kong and a very attractive species that is surely a dream bird for any Hong Kong birder. A group organized a boat to Po Toi on the 28th toAS THE CROW FLIES
Christmas Rarity - Eurasian Oystercatcher. This year had been exceptional for rarities, and one of the most long awaited rarity that turned up is an Eurasian Oystercatcher, this is only the 3rd record in Hong Kong that I am aware of, of which I missed both previous times. This bird was actively feeding along the mudflat looking for razorclams.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Here we found a single Eurasian Spoonbill, the drizzle also brought in a large numbers of swallow and swifts, there were actually more Red-rumped Swallows than Barn Swallows! We were also able to pick out a few Himalayan Swiftlets in amongst the House Swifts, we enjoyed excellent views of this rare bird in Hong Kong.AS THE CROW FLIES
Brown Fish Owl is a widespread species in Hong Kong, you can find them near many streams, as well as water catchments and reservoirs, or in this case the waterfront. Brown Fish Owl. Many birds in Tai Po Kau are now showing signs of breeding, such as Grey-chinned Minivets which are now getting paired up instead of moving in large flocks.AS THE CROW FLIES
E ssentially patches of agricultural lands near Sheung Shui, this is the largest man-made freshwater wetland in Hong Kong. It is neither long nor is it really a valley, the English name is a translation from the Chinese name 塱原 (Long Yuen). This 25 hectares of land holds up to half of Hong Kong bird species, and is considered an IBA (Important Bird Area) along with Mai Po and Tai Po Kau.AS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Closer to home along Tai Mei Tuk Catchment, there were not a lot of movements, best was a Two-barred Warbler and a pair of Hainan Blue Flycatcher which showedfairly well.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Mai Po Nature Reserve. M ai Po is located to the Northwestern corner of Hong Kong, close to the Hong Kong China border and the city of Shenzhen. A Ramsar site; this is one of the best birding sites in Hong Kong, internationally renowned for the migratory waterbirds that pass through or winter here every year.AS THE CROW FLIES
Other common birds around the lawns includes Japanese Tit, our 'Great Tit' in Hong Kong had gone through several name changes in the past few years, first changed to Cinereous Tit due to its all grey back, but it is now assigned as Japanese Tit race commixtus.Spotted Dove is our most common dove species in Hong Kong, they are actually quite pretty if you give them a good look.AS THE CROW FLIES
Frost is not a common sight in Hong Kong, while we view it as a novelty, it is certainly a testing time for many birds, many of which are not used to cold weather like this. With colder weather we often see changes in bird behaviour, skulking birds may become more bold and bold birds can become fearless! This was the case of this lovely maleAS THE CROW FLIES
The few hours we spent there were quite productive, with Diard’s Trogon, Broadbills and Hornbills all easily seen, the morning left me quite amazed with the variety of bird this small site offers. Ariel view of Sandakan area. Sepilok is located just roughly 20 miles from the town of Sandakan, it is famous to tourists for two places; theAS THE CROW FLIES
Christmas Rarity - Eurasian Oystercatcher. This year had been exceptional for rarities, and one of the most long awaited rarity that turned up is an Eurasian Oystercatcher, this is only the 3rd record in Hong Kong that I am aware of, of which I missed both previous times. This bird was actively feeding along the mudflat looking for razorclams.
AS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Back track two week before in Osaka, I was texting my good friend John Hansford, complaining about the lack of 'Japanese' birds during the trip, the supposedly common Japanese Wagtail was nowhere to be seen, while I didn't get a single call of my top target the Japenese Green WoodpeckerJapanese Robin, Japanese Waxwingsanything 'Japanese'AS THE CROW FLIES
Oriental Pratincoles are also a key species of spring migrant which completes the 'springy' feel for birders in Hong Kong. Oriental Plover. Oriental Pratincole. Intermediate Egrets are often very territorial and aggressive to each other during this time of the year and engages in epic aerial battles. Here, two of them fighting it out,jabbing
AS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Closer to home along Tai Mei Tuk Catchment, there were not a lot of movements, best was a Two-barred Warbler and a pair of Hainan Blue Flycatcher which showedfairly well.
AS THE CROW FLIES
A Hong Kong birding blog by Matthew Kwan. Other common birds around the lawns includes Japanese Tit, our 'Great Tit' in Hong Kong had gone through several name changes in the past few years, first changed to Cinereous Tit due to its all grey back, but it is now assigned as Japanese Tit race commixtus.Spotted Dove is our most common dove species in Hong Kong, they are actually quiteAS THE CROW FLIES
The Collared Scops Owl is perhaps the most commonly encountered local Owl species in Hong Kong, while another species of the genus otus the Oriental Scops Owl is a scarce passage migrant in Hong Kong. I was alerted by a friend of an interesting scops owl found somewhere near Sheung Shui, although it had yellow eyes just like Oriental Scops Owl, it was making the call of the Ryukyu Scops Owl.AS THE CROW FLIES
The boat arrived at Kung Chau, a small rocky island on the east side of Tap Mun, this had traditionally been one of the tern colonies around Hong Kong north eastern waters. As we arrived we saw many terns resting on the rocks, I scanned the terns and found our target sitting right in front of us. Juvenile Sooty Terns differs from all the otherAS THE CROW FLIES
The dense lily pads have became a little haven for the Bitterns, providing plenty of shelter for these skulking birds. After half an hour of waiting a Yellow Bittern finally caught our sight, though it didn't stay long and disappeared again into thick foliages.AS THE CROW FLIES
Black-winged Stilts used to be migrants to Hong Kong but have slowly established themselves as a regular breeder. It's always fun to watch these young birds go about their business. Black-winged Stilt adult and chicks. Their nervous parents were always on the lookout for danger, chasing away any intruders that dare come close into theirterritory.
AS THE CROW FLIES
Long Valley - day out with church group. Was invited by Dr. Choi to lead a tour to Long Valley for a group from Shatin Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, happily accepted the offer. Weather was fine, much more then fine in fact; it was a stunning day. Clear anddry,
AS THE CROW FLIES - A HONG KONG BIRDING BLOG Birds in Hong Kong and slightly further afield.PAGE
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THURSDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2019 BROWN WOOD OWL - AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER _Brown Wood Owl - a magnificent creature_ I think it is safe to say that ALL birders like owls, I personally love owls and to see one while out birding; even the commonest species will brighten up any birder's day. My day started off with a Collared Scops Owl at home just past mid-night, I've heard it calling for a few nights. They've bred here in the past but in recent years seem to have abandoned the site, therefore it was lovely to see one taking up residence at my local patch. _Collared Scops Owl - hello neighbour!_ After working all morning, reports of White-throated Rock Thrush near Kap Lung Forest Trail tempted me to go for a few hours. This is an area I seldom explore, and it certainly seemed I've been missing out, as not long after I hit the trail I encountered a huge bird wave, immediately I spotted an immature Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, which posed nicely for a nice photograph. _Japanese Paradise Flycatcher - immature_ I scanned through the smaller birds, yielding a good range of warblers, including Yellow-browed Warblers, Eastern Crowned Warblers, Goodson's Leaf Warbler and Two-barred Warblers which I couldn't get a photo of. The best warbler was no doubt a single Sulphur-breasted Warbler which showed well. _Yellow-browed Warbler - a rather dark billed individual..._ _Eastern Crowned Warbler_ _Sulphur-breasted Warbler - best of the bunch_ Other birds within the bird wave includes numerous Scarlet and Grey-chinned Minivet, Blue-winged Minla, Swinhoe's White-eye, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Silver-eared Mesia, Mountain Tailorbird, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler and Black-throated Laughingthrush...A single Speckled Piculet was heard but stayed high up and out of sight. _Grey-chinned Minivet - male & female_ Up to three Verditer Flycatchers were within the flock, including one great looking male. A male Fire-breasted Flowerpecker also made anappearance.
_Verditer Flycatcher - male_ _Fire-breasted Flowerpecker - male_ I got to the supposed location for White-throated Rock Thrush but came up empty handed, this species had eluded me since my first sighting at Tai Po Kau many years ago, therefore I am still without a photo for this handsome looking species. On my way back I was rewarded with a confiding female Orange-headed Thrush, and soon followed by a White's Thrush on the footpath! _Orange-headed Thrush - female__White's Thrush_
It was getting darker by that time, loud rustling in the bushes revealed two Red Muntjacs, a beautiful species that is usually very shy, one stayed long enough for me to grab a few photos before running downhill out of sight._Red Muntjac_
While I was watching the Mutjac, a Brown Wood Owl gave a call. It was still quite bright but it is not unusual for them to call before dark. The owl didn't sound particularly close-by, so I thought I could try and call it in. I played a burst of playback and all of a sudden a massive bird flew out from literally 4m from my feet! I guess it must have been roosting somewhere below the footpath. Before I knew it, I was staring straight into the face of a magnificent Brown Wood Owl. Brown Wood Owl is a relatively new coloniser in Hong Kong, but they have since found a niche within the ecosystem and is now a scarce but widespread species in Hong Kong. They require mature woodland with large tree cavity for nesting, therefore their recolonisation indicates the secondary forest is regenerating well and is capable of supporting a healthy population. Nowadays they are commonly heard at places like Tai Po Kau and Lam Tsuen, but seeing them is usually extremely difficult. The owl perched there for a few minutes before flying a little higher up and started calling, the low 'hoo hoo-hoo-Hoo' call resonated throughout the valley. Such close encounter with a large wild owl is awl-inspiring, and no doubt will remain one of my most memorable birding experience in Hong Kong. I left the owl to continue with it's usual routine and walked back to the car, all the while shaking from all the adrenaline pumping through my body! I even encountered a Eurasian Woodcock on the way which was the cherry on top. In birding it is always the unexpected that makes everything more special. _Brown Wood Owl - Heart stopping moment!_ Posted by Matthew Kwanat 16:37
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Labels: Autumn migration,
Brown Wood Owl
,
Collared Scops Owl
,
Hong Kong Birding
,
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher,
Kap Lung Forest Trail,
Orange-headed Thrush,
Red Muntjac
,
Sulphur-breasted Warbler,
White's Thrush
FRIDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2019 BAY WOODPECKER - LOCAL PATCH SURPRISE I woke up in the morning and heard the unmistakable 'maniac laugh' of the Bay Woodpecker, I have previously heard this species at home but never seen it here. I got dressed quickly and with my camera ready I went out to try look for it. It wasn't long before I heard the call again, I followed the sound and played a burst of playback. The bird got slightly closer, but just out of view. I waited for another fifteen minutes before it finally came into full view! Despite being fairly widespread, Bay Woodpeckers are still fairly scarce in Hong Kong, even at Tai Po Kau where they are most reliable can sometimes be tricky. To see one right at my local patch was quite the treat. This lone male continued to call for another thirty minutes or so beforemoving on.
_Bay Woodpecker - male_ Birds elsewhere had not been as kind to me as this woodpecker, as I dipped several birds I wished to see, including the Little Curlew which had been reported at Mai Po one day before my visit. I was compensated with an Eastern Water Rail and close views of EasternMarsh Harriers.
_Eastern Water Rail_ _Eastern Marsh Harrier_ Plenty of ducks had returned, including Garganies, Northern Pintails and Northern Shovelers, here a flock of Eurasian Wigeons swam in frontof the bird hide.
_Eurasian Wigeon_
There is almost never a shortage of waders at Mai Po, the only problem is that you have to pick the interesting ones out of the hundreds of congregating waders. I scanned the Eurasian Curlews and sure enough found at least one Far Eastern Curlew. _Eurasian Curlew and Far Eastern Curlew (far right)_ _Far Eastern Curlew_ The Little Curlew was replaced by numerous Pacific Golden Plovers and a few Bar-tailed Godwits. Despite the disappointment of the Curlew I did managed a nice Pheasant-tailed Jacana at the lily pond outsideeducation centre.
_Pacific Golden Plover & Bar-tailed Godwit_ _Pheasant-tailed Jacana_ It is almost the end of herping season, Hoiling and I spent an evening at Lau Shui Heung, where numerous Reeves's Tokay Geckos made an appearance, including a few juveniles and a massive individual. The large one was at least a foot long and easily one of the largest I have ever seen. Smaller Garnot's Geckos were plentiful. _Reeves's Tokay Gecko - real giant!__Garnot's Gecko_
I spotted a rather pissy Bamboo Pit Viper, it was certainly not in a good mood and gave us a warning strike even as we approached, although they are really beautiful snakes that I can never get bored of. Hoiling found a beautiful Greater Green Snake, although it slithered away quickly and out of sight._Bamboo Pit Viper_
Finally, one of my favourite frogs in Hong Kong, the beautiful Marbled Pygmy Frog. Each have a unique pattern like no other, the top one was the one I saw at Lau Shui Heung, the other two were older photos of individuals I saw at Tai Po and Lam Tsuen respectively. _Marbled Pygmy Frog - 3 different individuals with unique patterning_ Posted by Matthew Kwanat 21:42
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Labels: Bay Woodpecker,
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WEDNESDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2019 NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES - QUAIL AND MORE I spared a little time at San Tin the other day, and as my car drove along the track, I noticed a brownish bird walking along the side, coming in and out of the vegetation. I suspected it to be one of the two species of Buttonquails (_Turnix_) that we often get on passage in Hong Kong. I stopped my car and waited for the bird to come into view, and a few minutes later it instead revealed itself to be a JapaneseQuail.
_Japanese Quail - a close encounter_ This is a species I see almost annually, although most of the time I only catch a fleeting view of this usually shy species. This individual however was not as shy as most I've encountered before, and ventured out into the open for excellent views. The car didn't seem to bother it that much, therefore I stayed inside the car to take thesephotographs.
_Japanese Quail - walking tall..._ Although an overall common species with a fairly wide distribution, the Japanese Quail is now listed as Near Threatened, as is suspected to be undergoing population decline due to habitat loss and hunting. They are a great bird to see in the wild and an absolute joy to get good photographs of, I enjoyed good views of this individual until it got darker and I left it to continue feeding along the track. _Japanese Quail - a hungry migrant busy feeding_ Zitting Cisticolas are common winter visitor in Hong Kong, many have been arriving and I saw up to five or six on a single track at San Tin. While Black-browed Reed Warblers are also becoming more common, they are not difficult to see at San Tin. There were also plenty of Oriental Reed Warblers around, although none of them were particularlyphotogenic.
_Zitting Cisticola_
_Black-browed Reed Warbler__
_
_Oriental Reed Warbler__
_
Siberian Stonechats can now be seen everywhere at San Tin, being a common winter visitor in Hong Kong, they will remain here until spring next year. Some movement of Red-collared Doves was also noted, with numbers increasing from previous month. __
_Siberian Stonechat__
_
_Red-collared Dove_
Hundreds of Whiskered Terns had turned up at San Tin, amongst them were a few White-winged Terns, they were not in their smart summer plumage, but you can still pick them out with their 'headphone' like head pattern. They are usually more common in spring, and a scarceautumn migrant.
_Whiskered Tern & White-winged Tern_ _White-winged Tern - juvenile_ _Whiskered Tern - juvenile inflight_ The Red-backed Shrike was still present but became more shy. I saw little else of interest except for this White-headed Munia feeding amongst a flock of White-rumped and Scaly-breasted Munias. This is obviously an ex-captive individual, they are fairly popular caged birds and often seen in the bird market, we often get a few of them mixed in the Munias each year. A few Yellow-breasted Buntings had also arrived at the paddies, although remained pretty shy, I could only managed photos of one perched up in the tree after being flushed. _White-headed Munia - ex-captive__
_
_Yellow-breasted Bunting_ Finally, a Black-winged Kite at Tai Sang Wai provided excellent views and photo opportunity. In Hong Kong we only get them as scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, therefore it is a real treat to see one up close. It only stayed briefly before flying off into the distant. With all the crazy stuff happening in Hong Kong, it is a real breather and luxury to be able to do some birding in the countryside._Black-winged Kite_
Posted by Matthew Kwanat 11:27
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Labels: Autumn migration,
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