Last of the spring migrants

eBird's annual 'Big Day', timed to coincide with spring 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. On 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 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 Large Hawk Cuckoo was seen as well as heard.
A surprise on the way out was an Asian Barred Owlet perched in the open near the entrance to the reserve. This resident owl is sometimes active during the day. This unexpected bonus and a total of 59 species made for quite a 'big' day. A full checklist is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S109960497

Posted by stephenmatthews, May 14, 2022 09:34 AM