Subject: 1st Winter Male Red-throated Flycatcher ? [Print This Page] Author: mguy Time: 2/12/2010 12:01 Subject: 1st Winter Male Red-throated Flycatcher ?
Today - Lamma Island
Hillside, near water
D3 w/Nikkor 500mm F/4D Author: lpaul Time: 2/12/2010 14:08
I would say this is a first-winter Red-breasted Flycatcher. Note the combination on limited black in the upper tail coverts, tail itself apparently not fully black (but possibly due to the angle?), the brownish tones to the upperparts, buff wash to what can be seen of the underparts, buffish pale tips to the greater coverts, obvious 'rose thorn' shape to the tertial tips, and the pale base to the lower mandible.
Do you have additional photos?
This really has proved to have been overlooked in the past and is now clearly a regular but rare winter visitor to Hong Kong which is amazing given that the nearest breeding gounds are in northern Iran. I have one looking set to winter near my house in Sai Kung, although that is not giving quite the views that this bird is, but is very vocal.
[ Last edited by lpaul at 2/12/2010 14:11 ] Author: Andiona Time: 2/12/2010 18:03
Very Nice Photo Capture Author: ypakwai Time: 2/12/2010 18:25
Very Nice PhotoAuthor: mguy Time: 2/12/2010 23:48
Thanks all.
Haha Paul..... you should know me by now..... of course I have other pics.
As shown below in order of taking.
The first photo was taken at 11:26am, and as you are probably aware the light was much brighter today than on previous days, although all the images were taken under some shade/cover, but may still be light affected.
The subsequent photos 11:27am after the bird flew off, but returned immediately.
The final photo was taken at 11:30 after the bird had been spooked by a Bulbul, but returned from a different angle.
These are a selection from about 20 or so images which should cover most of the body areas.
The 2nd image , the tail is probably light affected as you you can see a shaft of sunlight interrupted on the branch below.
Whilst perched it flicked it's tail frequently.
I believe it is the same bird I have been seeing for about 1 week.., but it has never entered my 5' virtual box.., so no photos.
Today it did not actually make it to the water & seemed very nervous..... will resist taking photos next time & perhaps it will go to water... although with the constant mobbing by Starlings the last few days, most of the birds seem nervous.
BTW, Neil F has dug up a photo from February this year of a similar bird which he says was taken in my garden, I didn't get the photo, although is quite likely as he spends more time in my hide than I do.
BTW Paul...., thank you for your lengthy reply.
All the best, Guy
[ Last edited by mguy at 2/12/2010 23:50 ] Author: lpaul Time: 3/12/2010 09:04
Yes, clearly a Red-breasted Flycatcher. Interesting to note how obviously pale the lower mandible appears in some photos but not others. Note also that the tail is clearly not glossy black which it always seems to be in Red-throated.
Really excellent photos, the best taken of this species in HK. Author: mguy Time: 3/12/2010 10:51
Thanks Paul.
Yes very often the changes in colour can simply be a slight shift in the canopy of either direct or indirect sunlight.
Is one of the reasons I endeavour to take all my shots in the even shade with less dappled light
Pleased to be of assistance & shall post as a Red-breasted.... I am finding it increasingly difficult to leave my garden, although I know of what I am sure is a much higher potential area.
Had perhaps 20 visits of Thrushes here between 06:45 & 9:30 this morning & male Emerald Dove (no photo) yesterday. Only seen him once in previous years although the female has been fairly regular, but not so far this year.
All the best, Guy
Welcome to HKBWS Forum 香港觀鳥會討論區 (http://hkbws.org.hk/BBS/)
