ajohn

Just before 2.00 I was in the boardwalk hide at Mai Po when almost all the waders suddenly took off. This is typical behaviour when there is a raptor around, so I started to scan the skies and sure enough a falcon came powering through the middle of the flock.

I was surprised, though, that this bird seemed to be significantly smaller than a Peregrine, which is the expected species. Not only did it seem small, but it also lacked the bulky, barrel-chested appearance of a Peregrine, seemed narrower-winged and looked to be brownish above and below. It was shorter-tailed than I would expect of a Kestrel, and the overall behvaiour and appearance was not at all Kestrel-like. Unfortunately given the distance, poor light and speed it was difficult to be sure of any plumage features, but overall I was left with the impression that this could be a Merlin, a potential first for Hong Kong.

Unfortunately the bird didn't stay long, chasing briefly through the wader flock and attempting to catch a couple of small waders before heading straight towards Tin Shui Wai and disappearing from view.

I am not claiming with any certainty what species this was. Of course, it is possible I misjudged the size of a small peregrine, or this was another small falcon (late Amur or Kestrel). But I thought I would highlight the presence of this individual to anyone who may be planning to visit Mai Po or other sites in Deep Bay over the coming few days, in case it is a Merlin and it stays in the area.