28 Mar 2015
- Time: 0655 – 1230h
- Western slope trail, near the museum, the total distance (return the same trail) is about 4 km. Each way is about 2 km.
- Altitude : The starting pt is about 50 m and the hill top (the great platform only) is about 780 m. The trail is very steep
- Coverage = the trail probably covers 5-10% of the western slope. Poor visibility due to the trail is along on the uphill ridge. Both Matthew and I believed that the trail does not touch the prime woodland area. The visibility was further down when we reached the hilltop area due to the mist.
- The lowland part (below 200 m) is tall shrubland and grassland mix, probably around 20 years. The majority of the woodland is young secondary forest, probably 30 to 40 years. Some large trees (trunk diameter 400 mm) were seen above 600 m, but the woodland was progressive replaced by large shrubs around the hilltop areas. Large trees in ravines were seen from distance. Gordonia axillaris appears to be dominant at the secondary forest in the higher altitude. Some individuals of this “shrub” species were about 8 m high. Most trees along the trail were around 6 to 8 m high. The diversity of trees appeared to be diverse, e.g. different trees and not just dominated by Machilus. The understorey in some areas appeared to be dense and diverse.
- Like similar woodlands in this part of Guangdong, Minviets, Chestnut Bulbuls, Red-whiskered Bulbuls, Chinese Bulbuls, Japanese White-eye and Fork-tailed Sunbird the dominant bird species (i.e. frequently encountered).
- The presence of Mountain Tailorbird, Pygmy Wren Babbler and Lesser Shortwing indicates that the understorey of the woodland is well established. These three birds are considered to be resident understorey birds in Hong Kong.
- Brownish-flanked Warblers were surprisingly common here. This may further indicate that the understorey of this woodland is good enough to attract ground dwelling birds.
- A small number of Pekin Robins was observed in the present survey. Although the abundance is not great and fewer than those at Yinpingshan, it appears that this bird species is widespread in young secondary woodlands around this part of Guangdong.
Logistics
- Took a direct bus from Kowloon Tong to Nanao: one way HK$70, about 2 hrs. The return one is RMB$70
- Stayed overnight at Nanao. Hotels can be found along the seaside. A twin room ranged from RMB$160-200.
- Took arranged car to the geopark entrance. One way RMB$50 (around 15 mins, a bit rip off). The return one cost RMB$40.
- Go earlier! This geopark trail is a very popular one. When we went uphill in the early morning, only 5 people were seen (including two wardens), but when downhill at about 11:00, the trail was full of people.
The way forward
- Will try a night survey as Collared Pygmy Owlet has been recorded
- The eastern trail will be tried later this year.