Richard Lewthwaite and I saw a Spotted Bush Warbler at Long Valley at around 5pm this evening. If accepted by the records committee this would be the first sight record in Hong Kong - there have been two previus records of trapped birds
The bird was found by Richard on the edge of the field to the south of the HKBWS shallow water habitat (close to a tin shack that is falling apart under a tree). It was much less shy than Russet or Brown Bush Warbler, climing up to eye level in response to pishing.
The features to look for are:
1. White tips to dark undertail coverts - this idetifies it as a bradypterus bush Warbler.
2. Supercilium extending beyond the eye
3. Gorget of spots on the lower thoat/uppr breast
4. Slender, pointed bill with mostly pale lower mandible (although with a dark tip.
Very much hope someone can get a photo - a really good Christmas challenge!
Cheers
Mike K
