yyattung

A young BFS was seen at Mai Po boardwalk today. Its plumage is clean and it also shows black colour on its wings. However, the bird was not close to the hide and I just couldn't check it in details. I hope some photos of this bird could be posted in the BBS later.

I think it is possibly the first year bird, which was born in this summer. So, it could be the first BFS returns to Mai Po in this winter.

yyattung

Mike,

The birds oversummering in Mai Po or other wintering sites should have 'dirty' looking because they have more worn feathers. The birds born in this summer just have their feathers for 3 months and it could still look very fresh.

An extra point should also be made that mould of BFS, especially those of young birds, is still poorly studied. Photos taken in close range to show details of wing and tail of the BFS could provide some information of the moult of the BFS. So, I would like to encourage members to post pictures of BFS in such condition and this can help us to understand more to this endangered species.

Thank you very much
Tung

yyattung

Natalie,

Thanks for sharing your pictures.

This bird is a young bird because it has a pinkish bill and black tips on primary feathers. It also has a clean body feathers and so I think it was born this summer.

I think this is the first BFS return to Hong Kong from the breeding site.

Tung

yyattung

An adult BFS was seen at Mai Po this morning. I think it is the first adult returning to Mai Po this winter.

yyattung

The young bird might follow other waterbirds to come to Deep Bay. Moreover, when flying high, the bird may find the place easier than just stand on horizon. As they are specialising to use coastal habitat, it is less difficult to find a suitable place along the coast.

All are just speculations!