wgeoff

The first unusual record of autumn 2016 yesterday on Po Toi, a Paradise Flycatcher, photo thanks to James Lau



The dark brown wings and tail without any rufous suggests this is a Japanese Paradise Flycatcher.
Behind the Toilet Block.

Thank you James, nothing else of interest apparently (I was not there)

[ Last edited by wgeoff at 26/08/2016 10:34 ]

wgeoff

A good day on Po Toi today, maybe with the recent change in weather to N/NE winds, and the following species were recorded

Fairy Pitta - one near to the upper reservoir in the regular valley for Fairy Pittas up from the Sister's Cafe
Himalayan Swiftlet - at least one flying around the Ferry Pier area with some House Swifts
Yellow Bittern
Dollarbird
Arctic Warbler
Asia Brown Flycatcher - 2
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher - 1 female type behind the restaurant

Unfortunately the only photo I have is the Yellow Bittern photo thanks to James Yau



All the dirt paths are now covered with vegetation and I had to fight my way up to the Fairy Pitta - but it was worth it!

wgeoff

A good day with a good variety of species. Most of the photographs here are from Peter Ho and K K Chang, with thanks.

From the Ferry, at least 20 Red-necked Phalarope as we approached Po Toi.
As we got off the Ferry, a Grey Nightjar flew overhead and gave good views.



A Dollarbird and at least seven Black-naped Orioles were in the tall trees at the Lower School.



and an Ashy Minivet was flying around calling looking for company



In the harbour, a Black-winged Stilt



and several saw this juvenile Chinese Sparrowhawk close-up



Peter Ho managed to find a Cyornis Flycatcher, presumably Hainan Blue although the throat was white



Also seen or heard, two Siberian Blue Robins (no photos) and a Forest Wagtail



Thanks to Peter Ho and KK Chang for the photos.

[ Last edited by wgeoff at 24/09/2016 08:54 ]

wgeoff

I didn't visit last week, not many did and I think birds are probably being missed.

Best bird I heard about was a Mugimaki Flycatcher plus the regulars at this time of year.

wgeoff

I agree with Bart.

The egrets are a mixed bag of Great and Little Egrets, possibly others, normal in October.

I've also had a photo of a Grey Nightjar sent me from Monday.

wgeoff

Two weeks ago on 27 October, a pair of Mandarin Duck were seen flying around the harbour at Po Toi - great photos thanks to Kenneth Lam



I assumed just passing through.

Much to my amazement, yesterday I saw what was presumably the same male Mandarin flying down the harbour from the direction of the lagoon and out towards the Temple. I did not see the female but may have missed it. These birds have not been seen over the last two weeks, to my knowledge, but they may be staying there somewhere.

Whatever, this species is a great and surprising addition to the Po Toi list, joining the only other duck species Common Teal, Garganey and Red-breasted Merganser. The List is now at 334 species.

Also seen yesterday - Common Buzzard, Oriental Turtle Dove (many), Chestnut Bulbul, Siberian Rubythroat (heard), Red-flanked Bluetail, Daurian Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Chinese Blackbird (many), Brown-flanked Bush Warbler, Dusky and Yellow-browed Warblers (many), Dark-sided, Red-breasted and Red-throated Flycatchers and many Hair-crested Drongo.

Unfortunately not the Brambling seen on Tuesday.

wgeoff

And thank you Kenneth, for your excellent photos.

wgeoff

Good photos.

The bunting is a Little Bunting.

Almost as rare as Rustic these days.