nonofung

Hi, I have just joined the forum and this is my first post. I birded Hong Kong for the first time last week and near Mai Po encountered this bird which I cannot identify. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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nonofung

trying again to insert the missing photo !!

DSC03718-1.JPG (22.18 KB)
missing photo

16/10/2008 07:36

[ Last edited by nonofung at 16/10/2008 07:36 ]

nonofung

Many thanks indeed, Forrest. I have the HKBWS Photgraphic Guide only, which does not include the Siberian. I did think that the closest it resembles is the male Common Stonechat. Needless to say it is a lifer for me.
The photo was taken on 12th October at the start of the approach road to Mai Po reserve where I joined the first of its Magic of Migration walks.

nonofung

hey thanks. my education continues....

nonofung

Thanks for elaborating and clarifying...........

nonofung

Back home i am now able to consult my other reference, the Collins Field Guide to the Birds of S E Asia by King et al and learns that in fall "black parts are mostly buffy brown, but gradually become black by spring." This clarifies for me why my photo shows a brown crown and why i failed to id it without seeking the good help of this forum..
King also notes its distribution as including Eurasia and gives its common name as simply Stonechat (saxicola torquata).