wmartin

Here are some shots of a Blyth's Reed-Warbler, on Cheung Chau on 14 Feb 2011 (posted here late partly as I sent a couple of emails re identification confirmation; also as it was in a valley with small farm, vegetable crops etc - I wondered if some people might trample plants etc. [only a minority I know, but incidents like a snake being tied to a rock by bird photographers wanting eagle shots has made me wonder about some people).

Posting as maybe of interest re identifying this species.
I'd surely seen this bird on 29 Jan: not well, by scrub, and I believed it was Booted Warbler (but wanted more views to be certain). Probably again on 4 Feb. So, might be still around. On 14th, it was cold, and this bird moved around in open, giving great opportunities for photos.

As to ID, v briefly:
Indeed rather like booted warbler, with overall plain grey brown appearance, albeit richer brown. But bill too long; and seen well does look like a reed type warbler.
From Black-browed, Paddyfield: lacks obvious dark above supercilium
Blunt-winged also pale, but differences include very short wings, primary tips barely to base of tail.
On this one, can count seven exposed primary tips, just as in paper in HK Bird Report by Peter Kennerley and Paul Leader (Paul had noted clearly Blyth's from these photos; and I'm sure could add to these notes; but still, this info maybe of some use). Also, perhaps tail of Blunt=winged tends to be darker, maybe blackish; contrast with rump, which this bird lacks.
Long bill seems a feature, too; not broad based as Blunt-winged.
Pale supercilium most visible between bill and eye; not much to see of it behind eye.

Kind of interesting that looks more rufous in a shot in tree; drab greyish brown for the most part in photos.

Birds of E Asia notes habitat can include orhards, woodland edge, which fits; on 14th insects were generally hard to find, and a couple of Yellow-browed Warblers were also feeding on and very near the ground.