Bandrew 30/08/2017 12:31
Asian Koel [Light Plumage?]
Is it usual for such a light coloured plumage on an Asian Koel?
Seen at Long Valley 29th August.
Apologies for the quality! Looks like I have a lens problem.
ajohn 30/08/2017 19:24
Yes, this bird is unusually pale.
It doesn't look quite as pale as the bird photographed at Mai Po last year ([url]http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?tid=25372&extra=page%3D1[/url]). I don't know whether it may be the same bird in adult plumage, or if not whether it's related somehow.
Bandrew 30/08/2017 20:13
Thanks for the information. I hadn't seen those pictures before so it was interesting to compare them.
I think the bird I saw was not as light as that and was more of a cream to light sandy brown. As you say it could be the same bird as Mai Po but in adult plumage. Still very impressive in the sunlight!