On a trip to Tung Ping Chau on 27th December (2009), a good mix of winter visitors, including:
Grey-backed Thrush - 14
Japanese Thrush - 1
Pale Thrush - 1
Siberian Thrush - possible male seen too briefly for definite ID
Common Blackbird - 2
Unidentified Thrushes - 33
Red-flanked Bluetail - 5
Black-naped Monarch - 1
Pallas's Leaf Warbler - 14
Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler - 10
Russet Bush Warbler - 2
Highlight for me was watching the roosting flock of Black Kites building up in the evening; I counted 155 at one point. A common species I know, but seeing them circling over the island was a real spectacle. Author: wgeoff Time: 3/01/2010 07:30
John's three Xmas trips show that Brownish-flanked and to a lesser extent Russet Bush Warblers are now widespread in winter.
Is this a recent development or have these birds been overlooked before? Author: ajohn Time: 3/01/2010 22:38
Both species are fairly common, mostly in the eastern New Territories and some of the offshore islands (where the habitat is more suitable).
I suspect that there was an element of the species being overlooked in the past, when observers were not familiar with the calls (as I expect you've noticed, the birds are usually very difficult to see and are mostly recorded by call). There may also have been a real increase in HK, as boh species started breeding here relatively recently and it seems unlikely the distinctive and obvious songs have been overlooked. Author: kmike Time: 2/04/2010 19:32
Today on Dong Ping Chau and from the ferry:
3 Black-tailed Gulls
4,000 Chinese Bulbuls in a huge flock
2 Peregrine (one hunting and scattering the bulbuls)
1 Common Buzzard
6 Barn Swallow
17 Red-tailed Robin - all singing
2 Japanese Thrush
3 Grey-backed Thrush
5 Thrush sp.
and NO Red-necked Phalaropes!
Cheers
Mike K
[ Last edited by kmike at 2/04/2010 19:33 ] Author: wgeoff Time: 3/04/2010 20:01
I think 4000 Chinese Bulbuls is also a HK record number (in addition to the 17 Red-tailed Robins mentioned on Birdline).
Previous highest was 2500 in 1997 I think. Author: Sze Time: 25/04/2010 23:16
25/04/2010 Tung Ping Chau!
NO Red-necked Phalaropes! Disappointed!
But 2 Ruddy Turnstone near ferry pier! Suprise!
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