Last of the spring migrants

eBird's biannual 'Big Day', timed to coincide with peak migration, provided an excuse to revisit Mai Po in search of the last spring migrants passing through Hong Kong. Among the target species for the day, one Asian Dowitcher in rufous breeding plumage was feeding on the pond at hide no. 1. Several Spotted Redshank were in black breeding plumage, alongside Whimbrels, Gull-billed and Caspian Terns.
On the mud flats, waders included Common Redshank and Greenshank, Terek and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew and Grey-tailed Tattler as well as Pied Avocet. Around the gei wai ponds several Yellow Bitterns were active, some of them no doubt being passage migrants.
Among the resident species, Black-winged Stilts and Little Grebes were on their nests and at least two pairs of Greater Painted-Snipe were active. One female Painted-Snipe was displaying by raising her wings, possibly for territorial defense but probably for courtship (since a male was present, and in this species the larger and more colourful female does the courting). Indian Cuckoos were singing and for once the reclusive Large Hawk Cuckoo was seen as well as heard.
A surprise on the way out was an Asian Barred Owlet which WWF guide John spotted perched in the open near the entrance to the reserve. The ABO is a resident species of owl which is sometimes active during the day. This unexpected bonus made for a total of 59 species and quite a 'big' day. A full checklist is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S109960497

הועלה ב-מאי 14, 2022 09:34 לפנה"צ על ידי stephenmatthews