Saunders's Gull 1 (earliest autumn record by nearly 7 weeks!) John Holmes got photos
Nordmann's Greenshank 1
Grey-headed Lapwing 1
Garganey 3
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 6 still
Broad-billed Sandpiper 14
Great Knot 40
Black-faced Spoonbill 2 Author: John Holmes Time: 5/09/2012 22:30 Subject: Early Saunders's Gull at Mai Po
Tiger Shrike showing well at the AFCD Wardens' hut at 1430. Thanks to the finders. Author: tsheunglai Time: 19/09/2012 19:47
19th Sep 2012 (Wed)
From the boardwalk: Norman's Greenshank 1, Asian Dowithcer 1
Path to Tower hide: Asian Paradise Flycatcher 1
Near the Warden's hut: a shrike flew out from the Pond's side to the top of of a pole on the fishponds'
side, look unusually uniform warm and solid brown and smallish, very flat perching posture and soon disappeared. No time to apply my spotting-scope. Possibly the Tiger shrike seen on Monday, though
John who happened to be nearby said there was also a juvenile Brown Shrike seen together with
the Tiger one.
On the access road also a juvenile Yellow Bittern and Yellow Wagtails passing in small groups.
Last word, the Oriental White Stork was on the Scrape (Ponds 16/17), good view from the disabled hide, my first sighting after last three attempts in three weeks.
S L Tai
[ Last edited by tsheunglai at 19/09/2012 19:54 ] Author: brendank Time: 19/09/2012 19:54
Having seen the Tiger Shrike late Monday I would say your description is perfect.
In flight it looks, small, compact, and solidly warm brown much more so than almost any Brown Shrike. After about 1715 Monday we could only see it flying quickly between dense cover. Only giving very brief views. Author: tsheunglai Time: 19/09/2012 20:03
Dear Brendan
Thanks for your comments. I write just to raise public awareness. I have seen two previously,
one during a very early Mai Po outing led by Richard Stott a past chairman of the society more than
fifteen years ago, the other on Po Toi.
For personal birding, we rely on gist developed over years of active birding which Paul Leader
is the best. Of course, he has very sharp eyes for details of which I'm only half as
good, an ambitious estimate.
S L Tai
[ Last edited by tsheunglai at 19/09/2012 20:40 ] Author: ddavid Time: 20/09/2012 00:41
Mai Po - September 19
In addition, there was an Eastern Marsh Harrier (pond 8), a Northern Pintail (boardwalk) and a Red-throated Flycatcher and Black-winged Cuckooshrike along the path cutting across the reserve to the boardwalk gate.
Clearly, quite an influx of migrants over the last few days.
David Author: lrichard Time: 28/09/2012 15:49
Mai Po Pond 16/17, 28 Sep 2012
Black-faced Spoonbill 2
Garganey 205 (also flock of c 150 small duck put up by a kite at the back of Pond 21)
Teal c 20
Shoveler 20 (exact count)
Pintail 3
Asian Dowitcher 1
Eastern Curlew 1 (looks like the long-staying juvenile starting to fade in colour a bit)
A Golden Spectacled Warbler, possibly Alstrom's warbler, at the Mai Po Car Park at 14:30. Showing well. Author: ajohn Time: 10/10/2012 08:30
The Alstrom's Warbler is apparently still present today. The bird is on the small hill (with the police station) next to the Mai Po Car Park. It can be quite mobile, moving around the hill, but with patience it is possible to get very good views of this bird. Author: brendank Time: 10/10/2012 14:58
In addition to the warbler there were also 2 Japanese Paradise, 1 Red-throated, 1 Dark-sided, and 2 Asian Brown Flycatcher, a Black-naped Monarch and a Two-barred Greenish Warbler present in the car park today morning. Author: Jonathmartinez Time: 11/10/2012 21:16
this morning, 1 Oriental Honey buzzard Flying over pond 8B and 2 Yellow-breasted Bunting around as well.
All the best,
Jonathan Author: lrichard Time: 12/10/2012 15:21
Lots of waterbirds on the Mai Po scrape & also in front of the boardwalk today (12 Oct 2012).
Unfortunately, two illegal mudskipper collectors flushed the feeding flocks in Deep Bay. There were about 40 mudskipper collectors/mainland fishermen on the Mai Po side of Deep Bay at about 1 pm. HK marine police Zodiacs were passing behind them from time to time, but apparently not even attempting to intercept them.
Birds counted in front of the boardwalk:
Dunlin 50
Kentish Plover 465
Pacific Golden Plover 51
Greater Sand Plover 27
Terek Sandpiper 12
Saunders's Gull the adult again
and on Pond 16/17:
Black-tailed Godwit 476
Ruddy Turnstone 1
There was also a Blue Magpie hanging around Author: lrichard Time: 19/10/2012 16:51