LATEST SIGHTINGS - DECEMBER 2020
December 1-6
December 1-6
Ancient Murrelet at Po Toi, 1 December 2020
A dry northeast monsoon brought generally fine weather to southern China with cool mornings and evenings; in the latter part of the week, temperatures fell to around 12⁰C in the New Territories in the early morning.
No new rarities were reported but the White-fronted Geese and Oriental Storks lingered at Mai Po, and the Ancient Murrelet remained at Po Toi harbour where it proved popular with the many birders and photographers who went to see it.
Details of the most interesting records below, with a couple of reports that I forgot to mention from November:
Greater White-fronted Goose: the two birds that first arrived at Mai Po on 12 November were present throughout the week
Falcated Duck: four were at Mai Po on 6th
Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid: one was at Mai Po on 4th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: 14 were at Mai Po on 6th
Mallard: three were at Mai Po on 6th
Common Pochard: seven were at Mai Po on 1st, with six there on 4th and 11 on 6th
Ferruginous Duck: three were at San Tin on 2nd; one was at Mai Po on 4th & 6th
Himalayan Swiftlet: one was at Long Valley on 1st
Eastern Water Rail: one was at Long Valley on 5th
Eurasian Coot: one was at Kam Shan CP on 1st
Northern Lapwing: two were at Mai Po on 1st, and one was at Long Valley from 4th – 6th
Grey-headed Lapwing: seven were at Kam Tin river on 1st; three were at Long Valley on 4th
Far Eastern Curlew: one was at Mai Po on 1st
Nordmann’s Greenshank: one was at Mai Po on 1st
Saunders’s’Gull: 46 were at Mai Po on 1st
Pallas’s Gull: a 1st-year was at Mai Po on 23 & 29 November
Whiskered Tern: one was at Ma Tso Lung on 1st
Ancient Murrelet: the bird first seen at Po Toi on 28 November remained until at least 5th
Oriental Stork: the two birds that arrived on 22 November remained at Mai Po throughout the week, although they sometimes fed separately on different parts of the reserve
Eurasian Spoonbill: up to two were at Mai Po throughout the week
Eurasian Bittern: at least one was at Mai Po throughout the week
Black-winged Kite: one was at Mai Po throughout the week
Greater Spotted Eagle: two were at Mai Po on 1st, with one there on 2nd & 6th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: one was at Mai Po on 1st & 2nd
Bonelli’s Eagle: one was at Shek Kong catchwater on 5th
Japanese Sparrowhawk: singles were at Long Valley on 4th, and Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 5th
Pied Harrier: one was at Mai Po on 1st
Collared Owlet: one was heard at Tai Po Kau on 2nd
Eurasian Hoopoe: singles were at Pui O on 1st, and Tai Peng, Lamma on 6th
Eurasian Wryneck: two were at San Tin on 6th
Speckled Piculet: four at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 2nd equals the highest count of four at Shan King, Tuen Mun on 29 March 2020
Black-naped Oriole: the male at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater remained until at least 5th; one was at Mai Po on 4th
Black-naped Monarch: singles at Tai Po Kau on 4th, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 5th, and Palm Springs, SHan King and Pak Sha O on 6th
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: one was at Bride’s Pool on 6th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: one was at Aberdeen CP on 1st; one was at Tai Po Kau on 1st, with two there on 2nd and four on 4th; four were at Shek Kong catchwater on 5th; two were at Tai Tong on 6th; one was at Pak Sha O on 6th
Black Bulbul: two were at Tai Lam CP on 1st
Red-rumped Swallow: 25 were at Long Valley on 1st
Eastern Crowned Warbler: singles were at Po Toi on 1st, Tai Po Kau on 2nd & 4th, and Tai Lam CP on 4th; this species is now regular in small numbers in winter
Two-barred Warbler: the highest count was four at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 2nd
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: the highest count was three at Tai Po Kau on 1st
Golden-headed Cisticola: one was at Long Valley on 1st, with two there on 5th; one was at Ma Tso Lung on 1st
Indochinese Yuhina: 30 were reported from Tai Lam CP on 1st
Chestnut-flanked White-eye: one was at Pak Sha O on 6th
Great Myna Cat III): this Category III species is regularly reported from the northwest New Territories but usually in single-digit numbers only; a count of 51 leaving a roost at Mai Po on 2nd is unprecedented
Common Starling: one was at Long Valley on 6th
Grey-Backed Thrush: at least one was at Po Toi on 5th; three were at Castle Peak and one was at Bride’s Pool on 6th
Japanese Thrush: two were at Po Toi on 1st, and four were seen there on 5th; two were at Tai Lam CP on 1st; one was at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 5th; one was at Castle Peak on 6th
Verditer Flycatcher: singles were at Tai Lam CP on 1st, Tai Po Kau on 2nd, and Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Japanese Robin: one was at Tai Lam CP on 30 November
Bluethroat: one was at Long Valley on 1st
Red-flanked Bluetail: two were at Po Toi on 3rd; one was at Shek Kong catchwater on 5th; three were at Tai Lam CP on 5th; one was at Castle Peak on 6th
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one was at Po Toi on 1st & 5th
Grey Bush Chat: the two females first reported from Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 27 November were still present on 2nd, and one remained until at least 5th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): ten were at Mai Po on 1st; one was at Long Valley on 4th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): 20 were at Long Valley on 4th
Olive-backed Pipit: 20 were at Tai Lam CP on 1st
Buff-bellied Pipit: one was at Long Valley on 4th
Chinese Grosbeak: one was at Yuen Long Park on 4th
Eurasian Siskin: a flock of 30 was at Shek Kong catchwater on 5th
Chestnut Bunting: one was at Po Toi on 3rd
Tristram’s Bunting: three were at Tai Lam CP on 1st; one was at Po Toi on 3rd
Chestnut-eared Bunting: one was at Long Valley on 1st & 6th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: one was at Ma Tso Lung on 1st; four were at Long Valley on 1st, with one there from 4th – 6th
Black-headed Bunting: one was at Long Valley on 6th
Black-faced Bunting: ten were at Mai Po on 6th.
No new rarities were reported but the White-fronted Geese and Oriental Storks lingered at Mai Po, and the Ancient Murrelet remained at Po Toi harbour where it proved popular with the many birders and photographers who went to see it.
Details of the most interesting records below, with a couple of reports that I forgot to mention from November:
Greater White-fronted Goose: the two birds that first arrived at Mai Po on 12 November were present throughout the week
Falcated Duck: four were at Mai Po on 6th
Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid: one was at Mai Po on 4th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: 14 were at Mai Po on 6th
Mallard: three were at Mai Po on 6th
Common Pochard: seven were at Mai Po on 1st, with six there on 4th and 11 on 6th
Ferruginous Duck: three were at San Tin on 2nd; one was at Mai Po on 4th & 6th
Himalayan Swiftlet: one was at Long Valley on 1st
Eastern Water Rail: one was at Long Valley on 5th
Eurasian Coot: one was at Kam Shan CP on 1st
Northern Lapwing: two were at Mai Po on 1st, and one was at Long Valley from 4th – 6th
Grey-headed Lapwing: seven were at Kam Tin river on 1st; three were at Long Valley on 4th
Far Eastern Curlew: one was at Mai Po on 1st
Nordmann’s Greenshank: one was at Mai Po on 1st
Saunders’s’Gull: 46 were at Mai Po on 1st
Pallas’s Gull: a 1st-year was at Mai Po on 23 & 29 November
Whiskered Tern: one was at Ma Tso Lung on 1st
Ancient Murrelet: the bird first seen at Po Toi on 28 November remained until at least 5th
Oriental Stork: the two birds that arrived on 22 November remained at Mai Po throughout the week, although they sometimes fed separately on different parts of the reserve
Eurasian Spoonbill: up to two were at Mai Po throughout the week
Eurasian Bittern: at least one was at Mai Po throughout the week
Black-winged Kite: one was at Mai Po throughout the week
Greater Spotted Eagle: two were at Mai Po on 1st, with one there on 2nd & 6th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: one was at Mai Po on 1st & 2nd
Bonelli’s Eagle: one was at Shek Kong catchwater on 5th
Japanese Sparrowhawk: singles were at Long Valley on 4th, and Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 5th
Pied Harrier: one was at Mai Po on 1st
Collared Owlet: one was heard at Tai Po Kau on 2nd
Eurasian Hoopoe: singles were at Pui O on 1st, and Tai Peng, Lamma on 6th
Eurasian Wryneck: two were at San Tin on 6th
Speckled Piculet: four at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 2nd equals the highest count of four at Shan King, Tuen Mun on 29 March 2020
Black-naped Oriole: the male at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater remained until at least 5th; one was at Mai Po on 4th
Black-naped Monarch: singles at Tai Po Kau on 4th, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 5th, and Palm Springs, SHan King and Pak Sha O on 6th
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: one was at Bride’s Pool on 6th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: one was at Aberdeen CP on 1st; one was at Tai Po Kau on 1st, with two there on 2nd and four on 4th; four were at Shek Kong catchwater on 5th; two were at Tai Tong on 6th; one was at Pak Sha O on 6th
Black Bulbul: two were at Tai Lam CP on 1st
Red-rumped Swallow: 25 were at Long Valley on 1st
Eastern Crowned Warbler: singles were at Po Toi on 1st, Tai Po Kau on 2nd & 4th, and Tai Lam CP on 4th; this species is now regular in small numbers in winter
Two-barred Warbler: the highest count was four at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 2nd
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: the highest count was three at Tai Po Kau on 1st
Golden-headed Cisticola: one was at Long Valley on 1st, with two there on 5th; one was at Ma Tso Lung on 1st
Indochinese Yuhina: 30 were reported from Tai Lam CP on 1st
Chestnut-flanked White-eye: one was at Pak Sha O on 6th
Great Myna Cat III): this Category III species is regularly reported from the northwest New Territories but usually in single-digit numbers only; a count of 51 leaving a roost at Mai Po on 2nd is unprecedented
Common Starling: one was at Long Valley on 6th
Grey-Backed Thrush: at least one was at Po Toi on 5th; three were at Castle Peak and one was at Bride’s Pool on 6th
Japanese Thrush: two were at Po Toi on 1st, and four were seen there on 5th; two were at Tai Lam CP on 1st; one was at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 5th; one was at Castle Peak on 6th
Verditer Flycatcher: singles were at Tai Lam CP on 1st, Tai Po Kau on 2nd, and Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Japanese Robin: one was at Tai Lam CP on 30 November
Bluethroat: one was at Long Valley on 1st
Red-flanked Bluetail: two were at Po Toi on 3rd; one was at Shek Kong catchwater on 5th; three were at Tai Lam CP on 5th; one was at Castle Peak on 6th
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one was at Po Toi on 1st & 5th
Grey Bush Chat: the two females first reported from Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 27 November were still present on 2nd, and one remained until at least 5th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): ten were at Mai Po on 1st; one was at Long Valley on 4th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): 20 were at Long Valley on 4th
Olive-backed Pipit: 20 were at Tai Lam CP on 1st
Buff-bellied Pipit: one was at Long Valley on 4th
Chinese Grosbeak: one was at Yuen Long Park on 4th
Eurasian Siskin: a flock of 30 was at Shek Kong catchwater on 5th
Chestnut Bunting: one was at Po Toi on 3rd
Tristram’s Bunting: three were at Tai Lam CP on 1st; one was at Po Toi on 3rd
Chestnut-eared Bunting: one was at Long Valley on 1st & 6th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: one was at Ma Tso Lung on 1st; four were at Long Valley on 1st, with one there from 4th – 6th
Black-headed Bunting: one was at Long Valley on 6th
Black-faced Bunting: ten were at Mai Po on 6th.
December 7-13
Olive-backed Pipit at Lau Shui Heung, 8 December 2020
Generally mild conditions with grey, polluted skies and temperatures in the high teens to mid-twenties.
Bird-wise, there was more of interest on offer compared with the first week of December. At Mai Po, the Oriental Storks continued their winter sojourn, as did the two adult Greater White-fronted Geese; the latter were unexpectedly joined by a juvenile Greater White-fronted Goose on 11th but the new arrival may not have lingered. Other reports from Mai Po included two Baikal Teals, a Short-eared Owl and a Common Reed Bunting. Elsewhere, a Grey-backed Shrike was reported from Kadoorie Farm - unfortunately, because of the Coronavirus, Kadoorie Farm is currently closed to the public. In addition, up to two Japanese Robins were noted at Tai Lam CP, a Japanese Tit of the nominate race Parus minor minor was at Kowloon Park, and a Chestnut-crowned Warbler was at Shek Kong catchwater. However, perhaps the highlight of the week for most birders was the good range of Phylloscopus warblers seen in the regular bird waves at Tai Po Kau: Yellow-browed, Pallas’s Leaf, Eastern Crowned, White-spectacled, Alström's, Two-barred, Sulphur-breasted, Kloss’s Leaf and Hartert’s Leaf Warblers were all recorded. A White-tailed Robin was also reported from Tai Po Kau.
Details of these and other reports of note are given below:
Japanese Quail: one at Ta Kwu Ling on 12th
Greater White-fronted Goose: the two adults wintering at Mai Po were joined by a juvenile on 11th, but the juvenile was not seen with them on 12th
Baikal Teal: an adult male at Mai Po on 9th & 13th, with a 1st-winter male also present on 13th, but in a different area to the adult male
Gadwall: one at Mai Po on 11th
Falcated Duck: four at Mai Po on 7th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: six at Mai Po on 8th, with seven there on 11th & 12th
Mallard: four at Mai Po on 7th, with six there on 11th & 13th
Common Pochard: two at Mai Po on 7th & 8th, with eight there on 11th and five on 12th
Ferruginous Duck: one at Mai Po on 9th, with two there on 12th & three on 13th
Slaty-breasted Rail: one at Long Valley on 8th
Eastern Water Rail: two at Long Valley on 7th, with three there on 8th and two on 11th; one at Lam Tsuen on 9th
Pallas’s Gull: two at Mai Po on 13th
Black-tailed Gull: one at Mai Po on 13th
Oriental Stork: the two birds remained at Mai Po throughout the week
Eurasian Spoonbill: one at Mai Po on 7th & 8th
Black-faced Spoonbill: 90 were counted at Mai Po on 9th
Eurasian Bittern: singles at Mai Po on 9th & 11th
Black-winged Kite: one at Lok Ma Chau Village area on 7th; one at Mai Po on 7th & 9th
Greater Spotted Eagle: one at Mai Po on 9th & 10th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: one at Mai Po on 8th & 10th
Bonelli’s Eagle: one near Ta Kwu Ling on 12th
Collared Owlet: one heard at Tai Po Kau on 10th
Short-eared Owl: one at Mai Po on 8th
Black-capped Kingfisher: two at Pui O on 11th
Bull-headed Shrike: one at KFBG on 9th
Grey-backed Shrike: one at KFBG on 10th will be the third HK record if accepted
Black-naped Monarch: singles at Tai Po Kau on 8th, Palm Springs on 11th, and Pak Sha O on 13th
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: one at Tai Tong on 10th & 11th; one at Bride’s Pool on 12th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: a good year for this species. Recorded from at least six sites with high counts of five at Tai Po Kau on 10th, five at Shek Kong catchwater on 12th, and four at Pak Sha O on 13th
Japanese Tit: a green-backed bird was at Kowloon Park on 10th & 11th. The grey-backed form that is common in Hong Kong is currently given specific status as Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus commixtus. Recent research suggests that this taxon ought best be classified as a race of Japanese Tit Parus minor (as it already is by the IOC and by eBird). It is probable that in the near-future it will be renamed Japanese Tit Parus minor commixtus on the Hong Kong list. The nominate green-backed form Parus minor minor is a rare wanderer to Hong Kong. There is currently a single accepted record of one at the HK Wetland Park in January 2013 but at least four others (including this latest one) await assessment. Identification is muddied by the possibility of hybrid birds: one photographed at Shek Kong Airfield Road on 21 December 2012 was considered a commixtus/minor hybrid
Chinese Penduline Tit: 32 were counted at Mai Po on 10th
Black Bulbul: one at Tai Lam CP on 7th, with two there on 8th & 11th; two at Tai Po Kau on 9th, with one there on 10th; six at KFBG on 10th
Asian House Martin: four at Tai Po Kau on 12th; six at Tsim Bei Tsui on 13th
Red-rumped Swallow: 30 at Ma Tso Lung on 7th
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler: 23 were at Tai Lam CP on 11th
Eastern Crowned Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 7th; one at Tai Po Kau from 9th – 12th; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 12th
White-spectacled Warbler: one (grey-crowned form) at Tai Po Kau on 10th, with two (both grey-crowned and green-crowned forms) there on 11th & 12th
Alström's Warbler: one present at Tai Po Kau from 8th to 13th was initially ringed at the forest reserve on 12 November - a bird reported from Tai Po Kau on 9 November may have been the same individual. This is the second wintering record of this species in Hong Kong, the first being one at Tai Lam CP between 25 November 2018 and 14 January 2019. The thirteen other records have all occurred between 18 September and 13 November
Chestnut-crowned Warbler: one at Shek Kong catchwater on 12th
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: at least two at Tai Po Kau between 9th & 12th, with three reported there on 13th; one at Tai Lam CP on 11th; one at Pak Sha O on 13th
Kloss’s Leaf Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 12th, with at least two there on 13th
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: highest counts were four at Tai Po Kau on 9th and four at Pak Sha O on 13th
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Long Valley on 7th, with two there on 8th;
Chestnut-flanked White-eye: two at Lead Mine Pass on 7th; one at Mui Tsz Lam on 7th; one at Tai Lam CP on 8th & 11th; one at Pak Sha O on 13th
Black-collared Starling: 812 were seen leaving their roost at Mai Po on 10th, which is a new high count; the previous highest count was 675, also at Mai Po, on 20 January 2014
Great Myna Cat III): 21 were seen leaving their roost at Mai Po on 10th
Grey-Backed Thrush: one at Tai Po Kau on 10th, with three there on 12th; one at Pak Sha O on 13th
Japanese Thrush: at least two at Mui Tsz Lam on 7th; three at Po Toi on 8th; one at Tai Po Kau on 10th, with five there on 12th; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 12th
Pale Thrush: at least one at Mui Tsz Lam on 7th; one at Po Toi on 8th; one at Pak Sha O on 13th
Verditer Flycatcher: singles recorded from several wooded sites, with high counts of three at Shek Kong catchwater on 7th & 12th
Rufous-tailed Robin: seven at Tai Po Kau on 8th
Japanese Robin: two at Tai Lam CP on 6th, with one there on 8th & 11th
White-tailed Robin: a female at Tai Po Kau on 12th
Red -flanked Bluetail: one at Po Toi on 8th; one at KFBG on 9th
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 8th; one between Tung Chung and San Tau on 10th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): 13 were at Long Valley on 10th, with eight there on 13th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): several at Long Valley from 7th – 10th
Bird-wise, there was more of interest on offer compared with the first week of December. At Mai Po, the Oriental Storks continued their winter sojourn, as did the two adult Greater White-fronted Geese; the latter were unexpectedly joined by a juvenile Greater White-fronted Goose on 11th but the new arrival may not have lingered. Other reports from Mai Po included two Baikal Teals, a Short-eared Owl and a Common Reed Bunting. Elsewhere, a Grey-backed Shrike was reported from Kadoorie Farm - unfortunately, because of the Coronavirus, Kadoorie Farm is currently closed to the public. In addition, up to two Japanese Robins were noted at Tai Lam CP, a Japanese Tit of the nominate race Parus minor minor was at Kowloon Park, and a Chestnut-crowned Warbler was at Shek Kong catchwater. However, perhaps the highlight of the week for most birders was the good range of Phylloscopus warblers seen in the regular bird waves at Tai Po Kau: Yellow-browed, Pallas’s Leaf, Eastern Crowned, White-spectacled, Alström's, Two-barred, Sulphur-breasted, Kloss’s Leaf and Hartert’s Leaf Warblers were all recorded. A White-tailed Robin was also reported from Tai Po Kau.
Details of these and other reports of note are given below:
Japanese Quail: one at Ta Kwu Ling on 12th
Greater White-fronted Goose: the two adults wintering at Mai Po were joined by a juvenile on 11th, but the juvenile was not seen with them on 12th
Baikal Teal: an adult male at Mai Po on 9th & 13th, with a 1st-winter male also present on 13th, but in a different area to the adult male
Gadwall: one at Mai Po on 11th
Falcated Duck: four at Mai Po on 7th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: six at Mai Po on 8th, with seven there on 11th & 12th
Mallard: four at Mai Po on 7th, with six there on 11th & 13th
Common Pochard: two at Mai Po on 7th & 8th, with eight there on 11th and five on 12th
Ferruginous Duck: one at Mai Po on 9th, with two there on 12th & three on 13th
Slaty-breasted Rail: one at Long Valley on 8th
Eastern Water Rail: two at Long Valley on 7th, with three there on 8th and two on 11th; one at Lam Tsuen on 9th
Pallas’s Gull: two at Mai Po on 13th
Black-tailed Gull: one at Mai Po on 13th
Oriental Stork: the two birds remained at Mai Po throughout the week
Eurasian Spoonbill: one at Mai Po on 7th & 8th
Black-faced Spoonbill: 90 were counted at Mai Po on 9th
Eurasian Bittern: singles at Mai Po on 9th & 11th
Black-winged Kite: one at Lok Ma Chau Village area on 7th; one at Mai Po on 7th & 9th
Greater Spotted Eagle: one at Mai Po on 9th & 10th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: one at Mai Po on 8th & 10th
Bonelli’s Eagle: one near Ta Kwu Ling on 12th
Collared Owlet: one heard at Tai Po Kau on 10th
Short-eared Owl: one at Mai Po on 8th
Black-capped Kingfisher: two at Pui O on 11th
Bull-headed Shrike: one at KFBG on 9th
Grey-backed Shrike: one at KFBG on 10th will be the third HK record if accepted
Black-naped Monarch: singles at Tai Po Kau on 8th, Palm Springs on 11th, and Pak Sha O on 13th
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: one at Tai Tong on 10th & 11th; one at Bride’s Pool on 12th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: a good year for this species. Recorded from at least six sites with high counts of five at Tai Po Kau on 10th, five at Shek Kong catchwater on 12th, and four at Pak Sha O on 13th
Japanese Tit: a green-backed bird was at Kowloon Park on 10th & 11th. The grey-backed form that is common in Hong Kong is currently given specific status as Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus commixtus. Recent research suggests that this taxon ought best be classified as a race of Japanese Tit Parus minor (as it already is by the IOC and by eBird). It is probable that in the near-future it will be renamed Japanese Tit Parus minor commixtus on the Hong Kong list. The nominate green-backed form Parus minor minor is a rare wanderer to Hong Kong. There is currently a single accepted record of one at the HK Wetland Park in January 2013 but at least four others (including this latest one) await assessment. Identification is muddied by the possibility of hybrid birds: one photographed at Shek Kong Airfield Road on 21 December 2012 was considered a commixtus/minor hybrid
Chinese Penduline Tit: 32 were counted at Mai Po on 10th
Black Bulbul: one at Tai Lam CP on 7th, with two there on 8th & 11th; two at Tai Po Kau on 9th, with one there on 10th; six at KFBG on 10th
Asian House Martin: four at Tai Po Kau on 12th; six at Tsim Bei Tsui on 13th
Red-rumped Swallow: 30 at Ma Tso Lung on 7th
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler: 23 were at Tai Lam CP on 11th
Eastern Crowned Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 7th; one at Tai Po Kau from 9th – 12th; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 12th
White-spectacled Warbler: one (grey-crowned form) at Tai Po Kau on 10th, with two (both grey-crowned and green-crowned forms) there on 11th & 12th
Alström's Warbler: one present at Tai Po Kau from 8th to 13th was initially ringed at the forest reserve on 12 November - a bird reported from Tai Po Kau on 9 November may have been the same individual. This is the second wintering record of this species in Hong Kong, the first being one at Tai Lam CP between 25 November 2018 and 14 January 2019. The thirteen other records have all occurred between 18 September and 13 November
Chestnut-crowned Warbler: one at Shek Kong catchwater on 12th
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: at least two at Tai Po Kau between 9th & 12th, with three reported there on 13th; one at Tai Lam CP on 11th; one at Pak Sha O on 13th
Kloss’s Leaf Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 12th, with at least two there on 13th
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: highest counts were four at Tai Po Kau on 9th and four at Pak Sha O on 13th
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Long Valley on 7th, with two there on 8th;
Chestnut-flanked White-eye: two at Lead Mine Pass on 7th; one at Mui Tsz Lam on 7th; one at Tai Lam CP on 8th & 11th; one at Pak Sha O on 13th
Black-collared Starling: 812 were seen leaving their roost at Mai Po on 10th, which is a new high count; the previous highest count was 675, also at Mai Po, on 20 January 2014
Great Myna Cat III): 21 were seen leaving their roost at Mai Po on 10th
Grey-Backed Thrush: one at Tai Po Kau on 10th, with three there on 12th; one at Pak Sha O on 13th
Japanese Thrush: at least two at Mui Tsz Lam on 7th; three at Po Toi on 8th; one at Tai Po Kau on 10th, with five there on 12th; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 12th
Pale Thrush: at least one at Mui Tsz Lam on 7th; one at Po Toi on 8th; one at Pak Sha O on 13th
Verditer Flycatcher: singles recorded from several wooded sites, with high counts of three at Shek Kong catchwater on 7th & 12th
Rufous-tailed Robin: seven at Tai Po Kau on 8th
Japanese Robin: two at Tai Lam CP on 6th, with one there on 8th & 11th
White-tailed Robin: a female at Tai Po Kau on 12th
Red -flanked Bluetail: one at Po Toi on 8th; one at KFBG on 9th
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 8th; one between Tung Chung and San Tau on 10th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): 13 were at Long Valley on 10th, with eight there on 13th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): several at Long Valley from 7th – 10th
Chestnut Munia at Long Valley, 10 December 2020
Olive-backed Pipit: 44 in total at Tai Lam CP on 11th
Buff-bellied Pipit: one at Lok Ma Chau Village on 7th; two at Mai Po on 10th; one at Long Valley on 11th
Chinese Grosbeak: one at Yuen Long Park on 9th, with five there on 10th; nine at Lam Tsuen on 9th
Eurasian Siskin: a flock of 30 was at Shek Kong catchwater on 10th
Grey-capped Greenfinch: one at Mai Po on 10th
Tristram’s Bunting: two at Tai Lam CP on 8th; one at Tai Tong on 12th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: one at Long Valley on 7th
Rustic Bunting: two at Long Valley on 7th, with one there on 8th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: 12 at Long Valley on 7th, with two there on 8th and one on 11th; one at Ma Tso Lung on 13th
Black-faced Bunting: seven at Mai Po on 8th
Black-headed Bunting: the 1st-winter male remained at Long Valley until at least 11th
Common Reed Bunting: one at Mai Po on 10th.
Buff-bellied Pipit: one at Lok Ma Chau Village on 7th; two at Mai Po on 10th; one at Long Valley on 11th
Chinese Grosbeak: one at Yuen Long Park on 9th, with five there on 10th; nine at Lam Tsuen on 9th
Eurasian Siskin: a flock of 30 was at Shek Kong catchwater on 10th
Grey-capped Greenfinch: one at Mai Po on 10th
Tristram’s Bunting: two at Tai Lam CP on 8th; one at Tai Tong on 12th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: one at Long Valley on 7th
Rustic Bunting: two at Long Valley on 7th, with one there on 8th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: 12 at Long Valley on 7th, with two there on 8th and one on 11th; one at Ma Tso Lung on 13th
Black-faced Bunting: seven at Mai Po on 8th
Black-headed Bunting: the 1st-winter male remained at Long Valley until at least 11th
Common Reed Bunting: one at Mai Po on 10th.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail M. t. taivana at Long Valley, 10 December 2020
December 14-20
1st-winter Grey-backed Shrike at Lam Tsuen, 15 December 2020
The week was dominated by a winter monsoon with temperatures down to 11⁰C in the New Territories in the middle of the week, rarely rising above 17⁰C.
The highlight of the week was a 1st-winter Grey-backed Shrike at Lam Tsuen; the bird had, in fact, been present since 29 November but proved difficult to pin down. Other rarities, apart from the long-staying White-fronted Geese and Oriental Storks, included two Baikal Teals at Mai Po, a Chinese Leaf Warbler at Tung Chung, two Kloss’s Leaf Warblers at Tai Po Kau and Greenish Warblers at Fanling Golf Course and KFBG.
Full details as follows:
Greater White-fronted Goose: the wintering pair remained at Mai Po throughout the week
Baikal Teal: the adult male was still out in Deep Bay on 14th, while the 1st-winter male was on pond 11 on 14th & 15th
Falcated Duck: two at Mai Po on 15th, with four there on 17th; two at Lok Ma Chau on 18th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: two at Mai Po on 15th, with eight there on 17th; one at Pui O on 20th
Mallard: six were at Mai Po on 14th, with two there on 18th
Common Pochard: eight were at Mai Po on 14th & 18th
Ferruginous Duck: one was at Mai Po on 14th; four were at San Tin on 17th
Pacific Swift: two at Lai Chi Wo on 17th
Eurasian Coot: one at Mai Po on 18th & 19th; two at San Tin on 20th
Northern Lapwing: one at San Tin on 17th
Grey-headed Lapwing: one at Mai Po on 14th & 15th; seven at Kam Tin River on 15th
Great Knot: 13 at Mai Po on 15th
Red Knot: two at Mai Po on 14th
Curlew Sandpiper: one at Mai Po on 14th
Red-necked Stint: three at Mai Po on 14th
Eurasian Woodcock: one at Lam Tsuen on 14th
Nordmann’s Greenshank: one at Mai Po on 15th
Saunders’s’Gull: 30 at Mai Po on 15th
Pallas’s Gull: a winter adult at Mai Po on 14th & 15th, with two there on 18th
Caspian Tern: one at Mai Po on 18th
Whiskered Tern: one at San Tin on 17th
Oriental Stork: one at Mai Po on 14th, with two there on 15th & 18th, and one on 20th. See http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?tid=29550 for an excellent photograph of one of these birds in flight
Eurasian Spoonbill: one at Mai Po on 15th
Black-faced Spoonbill: 150 at Mai Po on 14th
Eurasian Bittern: one at Mai Po on 14th
Black-winged Kite: one at Mai Po on 14th & 18th
Greater Spotted Eagle: one at Mai Po on 14th, with two there from 15th - 18th; one at San Tin on 18th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: at least one reported from Mai Po throughout the week
Bonelli’s Eagle: two along the Fanling Highway on 18th; one at Sai Kung East CP on 20th
Eurasian Hoopoe: one in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th
Black-capped Kingfisher: one wintering bird regularly seen at the Mai Po boardwalk
The highlight of the week was a 1st-winter Grey-backed Shrike at Lam Tsuen; the bird had, in fact, been present since 29 November but proved difficult to pin down. Other rarities, apart from the long-staying White-fronted Geese and Oriental Storks, included two Baikal Teals at Mai Po, a Chinese Leaf Warbler at Tung Chung, two Kloss’s Leaf Warblers at Tai Po Kau and Greenish Warblers at Fanling Golf Course and KFBG.
Full details as follows:
Greater White-fronted Goose: the wintering pair remained at Mai Po throughout the week
Baikal Teal: the adult male was still out in Deep Bay on 14th, while the 1st-winter male was on pond 11 on 14th & 15th
Falcated Duck: two at Mai Po on 15th, with four there on 17th; two at Lok Ma Chau on 18th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: two at Mai Po on 15th, with eight there on 17th; one at Pui O on 20th
Mallard: six were at Mai Po on 14th, with two there on 18th
Common Pochard: eight were at Mai Po on 14th & 18th
Ferruginous Duck: one was at Mai Po on 14th; four were at San Tin on 17th
Pacific Swift: two at Lai Chi Wo on 17th
Eurasian Coot: one at Mai Po on 18th & 19th; two at San Tin on 20th
Northern Lapwing: one at San Tin on 17th
Grey-headed Lapwing: one at Mai Po on 14th & 15th; seven at Kam Tin River on 15th
Great Knot: 13 at Mai Po on 15th
Red Knot: two at Mai Po on 14th
Curlew Sandpiper: one at Mai Po on 14th
Red-necked Stint: three at Mai Po on 14th
Eurasian Woodcock: one at Lam Tsuen on 14th
Nordmann’s Greenshank: one at Mai Po on 15th
Saunders’s’Gull: 30 at Mai Po on 15th
Pallas’s Gull: a winter adult at Mai Po on 14th & 15th, with two there on 18th
Caspian Tern: one at Mai Po on 18th
Whiskered Tern: one at San Tin on 17th
Oriental Stork: one at Mai Po on 14th, with two there on 15th & 18th, and one on 20th. See http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?tid=29550 for an excellent photograph of one of these birds in flight
Eurasian Spoonbill: one at Mai Po on 15th
Black-faced Spoonbill: 150 at Mai Po on 14th
Eurasian Bittern: one at Mai Po on 14th
Black-winged Kite: one at Mai Po on 14th & 18th
Greater Spotted Eagle: one at Mai Po on 14th, with two there from 15th - 18th; one at San Tin on 18th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: at least one reported from Mai Po throughout the week
Bonelli’s Eagle: two along the Fanling Highway on 18th; one at Sai Kung East CP on 20th
Eurasian Hoopoe: one in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th
Black-capped Kingfisher: one wintering bird regularly seen at the Mai Po boardwalk
Black-capped Kingfisher at Mai Po, 14 December 2020
Eurasian Wryneck: one in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th; one at Mai Po on 18th;
Grey-backed Shrike: a 1st-winter identified on 14th - but present since 29 November - remained at Lam Tsuen throughout the week
Black-naped Monarch: singles at Fanling Golf Course on 16th, Aberdeen CP on 19th, and Pak Sha O on 20th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: highest counts were five at Shek Kong catchwater on 16th and four at Tai Po Kau on 20th
Black Bulbul: one at Tai Po Kau on 15th & 20th; three at Tai Lam CP on 18th
Asian House Martin: there was an obvious influx of this species into the territory with counts as follows: five at San Tin, six at Shek Kong catchwater, and five at Lai Chi Wo on 17th; eight at Lam Tsuen on 19th; six at Pui O and one at Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 20th
Red-rumped Swallow: 25 at Long Valley on 16th; 50 at San Tin on 17th; 30 in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th
Asian Stubtail: 14 were at Tai Lam CP on 18th
Pale-footed Bush Warbler: one at Heung Yuen Wai on 19th
Hume’s Leaf Warbler: the wintering humei was still present at Pak Sha O on 19th
Yellow-browed Warbler: 31 were counted at Tai Po Kau on 20th
Chinese Leaf Warbler: one was at Tung Chung River on 16th
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler: 24 were counted at Tai Po Kau on 20th
Eastern Crowned Warbler: singles at Tai Po Kau on 14th, Fanling Golf Course on 16th, and Tai Lam CP on 20th
White-spectacled Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 19th, with two there on 20th
Alström's Warbler: the wintering bird was reported from Tai Po Kau from 18th - 20th; in addition, one was at Aberdeen CP on 18th & 19th
Two-barred Warbler: four were at Fanling Golf Course on 16th
Greenish Warbler: two were at Fanling Golf Course and one was at KFBG on 16th
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: at least one at Tai Po Kau during the week; one at Aberdeen CP on 18th; one at Tai Lam CP on 20th
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: the highest count was six at Tai Po Kau on 20th
Kloss’s Leaf Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 14th & 15th, with two there on 20th
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Lam Tsuen on 19th
Indochinese Yuhina: 30 at KFBG on 16th
Chestnut-flanked White-eye: one at Pak Sha O on 14th, with three there on 20th; one at KFBG on 16th; two at Shing Mun on 18th; one at Tai Lam CP on 20th
Grey-Backed Thrush: one at Long Valley on 16th; one at Pak Sha O on 20th
Japanese Thrush: one in the Wu Kau Tang – Sam A Tsuen area on 17th; five at Pak Sha O on 20th
Eyebrowed Thrush: singles at Tai Lam CP on 15th, Pak Sha O on 19th & 20th, and Tai Po Kau on 20th
Asian Brown Flycatcher: five at Fanling Golf Course on 16th
Verditer Flycatcher: one at Lam Tsuen on 14th & 15th; one at KFBG on 16th; three at Tai Lam CP on 19th
Japanese Robin: up to two at Tai Lam CP during the week
Bluethroat: two at Mai Po on 18th; two in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th
Mugimaki Flycatcher: one in the Wu Kau Tang – Sam A Tsuen area on 17th; two at Pak Sha O on 20th
Daurian Redstart: 16 at Fanling Golf Course on 16th
Grey-backed Shrike: a 1st-winter identified on 14th - but present since 29 November - remained at Lam Tsuen throughout the week
Black-naped Monarch: singles at Fanling Golf Course on 16th, Aberdeen CP on 19th, and Pak Sha O on 20th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: highest counts were five at Shek Kong catchwater on 16th and four at Tai Po Kau on 20th
Black Bulbul: one at Tai Po Kau on 15th & 20th; three at Tai Lam CP on 18th
Asian House Martin: there was an obvious influx of this species into the territory with counts as follows: five at San Tin, six at Shek Kong catchwater, and five at Lai Chi Wo on 17th; eight at Lam Tsuen on 19th; six at Pui O and one at Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 20th
Red-rumped Swallow: 25 at Long Valley on 16th; 50 at San Tin on 17th; 30 in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th
Asian Stubtail: 14 were at Tai Lam CP on 18th
Pale-footed Bush Warbler: one at Heung Yuen Wai on 19th
Hume’s Leaf Warbler: the wintering humei was still present at Pak Sha O on 19th
Yellow-browed Warbler: 31 were counted at Tai Po Kau on 20th
Chinese Leaf Warbler: one was at Tung Chung River on 16th
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler: 24 were counted at Tai Po Kau on 20th
Eastern Crowned Warbler: singles at Tai Po Kau on 14th, Fanling Golf Course on 16th, and Tai Lam CP on 20th
White-spectacled Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 19th, with two there on 20th
Alström's Warbler: the wintering bird was reported from Tai Po Kau from 18th - 20th; in addition, one was at Aberdeen CP on 18th & 19th
Two-barred Warbler: four were at Fanling Golf Course on 16th
Greenish Warbler: two were at Fanling Golf Course and one was at KFBG on 16th
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: at least one at Tai Po Kau during the week; one at Aberdeen CP on 18th; one at Tai Lam CP on 20th
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: the highest count was six at Tai Po Kau on 20th
Kloss’s Leaf Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 14th & 15th, with two there on 20th
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Lam Tsuen on 19th
Indochinese Yuhina: 30 at KFBG on 16th
Chestnut-flanked White-eye: one at Pak Sha O on 14th, with three there on 20th; one at KFBG on 16th; two at Shing Mun on 18th; one at Tai Lam CP on 20th
Grey-Backed Thrush: one at Long Valley on 16th; one at Pak Sha O on 20th
Japanese Thrush: one in the Wu Kau Tang – Sam A Tsuen area on 17th; five at Pak Sha O on 20th
Eyebrowed Thrush: singles at Tai Lam CP on 15th, Pak Sha O on 19th & 20th, and Tai Po Kau on 20th
Asian Brown Flycatcher: five at Fanling Golf Course on 16th
Verditer Flycatcher: one at Lam Tsuen on 14th & 15th; one at KFBG on 16th; three at Tai Lam CP on 19th
Japanese Robin: up to two at Tai Lam CP during the week
Bluethroat: two at Mai Po on 18th; two in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th
Mugimaki Flycatcher: one in the Wu Kau Tang – Sam A Tsuen area on 17th; two at Pak Sha O on 20th
Daurian Redstart: 16 at Fanling Golf Course on 16th
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Daurian Redstarts at Mai Po, 19 December 2020
White-throated Rock Thrush: one at Tai Lam CP on 19th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): seven at Long Valley on 16th, with one there on 18th; 12 at Lam Tsuen on 18th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): highest count at Long Valley was 46 on 18th; one at Lam Tsuen on 18th, with five there on 20th
Olive-backed Pipit: 18 at Tai Lam CP on 18th
Buff-bellied Pipit: one in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th
Brambling: one at Fanling Golf Course on 16th
Eurasian Siskin: 30 at Shek Kong catchwater on 16th
Grey-capped Greenfinch: 30 at Lai Chi Wo on 17th
Tristram’s Bunting: three at Lam Tsuen on 15th; one at Tai Lam CP on 18th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: one at Long Valley on 16th
Black-headed Bunting: the 1st-winter male was at Long Valley until at least 19th
Common Reed Bunting: a female was trapped at Mai Po on 18th .
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): seven at Long Valley on 16th, with one there on 18th; 12 at Lam Tsuen on 18th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): highest count at Long Valley was 46 on 18th; one at Lam Tsuen on 18th, with five there on 20th
Olive-backed Pipit: 18 at Tai Lam CP on 18th
Buff-bellied Pipit: one in the Ma Tso Lung area on 17th
Brambling: one at Fanling Golf Course on 16th
Eurasian Siskin: 30 at Shek Kong catchwater on 16th
Grey-capped Greenfinch: 30 at Lai Chi Wo on 17th
Tristram’s Bunting: three at Lam Tsuen on 15th; one at Tai Lam CP on 18th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: one at Long Valley on 16th
Black-headed Bunting: the 1st-winter male was at Long Valley until at least 19th
Common Reed Bunting: a female was trapped at Mai Po on 18th .
December 21-31
Eurasian Oystercatcher at Pak Nai, 22 December 2020.
An early Xmas present, this bird was reported by Graham Talbot from the muddy beach at Pak Nai on 21st. All kudos to Graham for putting the news out so promptly, enabling a good number of birders to see this rare species. This is the sixth Hong Kong record, and the first since a one-day bird was recorded from the Mai Po boardwalk on 5 April 2013.
An early Xmas present, this bird was reported by Graham Talbot from the muddy beach at Pak Nai on 21st. All kudos to Graham for putting the news out so promptly, enabling a good number of birders to see this rare species. This is the sixth Hong Kong record, and the first since a one-day bird was recorded from the Mai Po boardwalk on 5 April 2013.
It was cold (down to 12⁰C) on 22nd & 23rd, but became mild and fine until the very end of the year, with temperatures in the New Territories up to 27⁰C after Christmas. An intense cold front from the north caused the temperature to fall to 11⁰C on 30th, and then to 6⁰C on 31st, the coldest day of the winter so far.
The highlight of the period was a Eurasian Oystercatcher at Pak Nai. The two Greater White-fronted Geese and the two Oriental Storks remained at Mai Po; the Grey-backed Shrike continued to be seen at Lam Tsuen; the Alström's Warbler at Pak Sha O resurfaced and a new one was found at Castle Peak; the fifth Pale-footed Bush Warbler of the season was found at Lin Au; a Short-tailed Shearwater was photographed on the sea near Lamma, the first time this species has been seen here outside of the spring season.
Details of these and other species of note follow:
Greater White-fronted Goose: the two adults continued at Mai Po until at least 29th
Gadwall: two at Ma Tso Lung on 21st; two at Mai Po between 23rd & 29th
Falcated Duck: two at Mai Po on 24th, with one there on 29th; one at Black Point Ash Lagoon on 29th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: highest count was eight at Mai Po on 25th
Mallard: two at Mai Po on 24th, with one there on 27th and six on 28th
Common Pochard: eight at Mai Po on 24th, with four there on 29th
Greater Scaup: a male at Shing Mun River, Sha Tin on 31st
Himalayan Swiftlet: one at Lok Ma Chau on 21st
Eastern Water Rail: one at Lam Tsuen on 31st
Ruddy-breasted Crake: one at Pak Nai on 30th
Eurasian Coot: one at Mai Po on 24th; six at Black Point Ash Lagoon on 29th
Great Crested Grebe: highest count at Pak Nai, where there is a regular wintering flock, was 58 on 24th
Eurasian Oystercatcher: a 1st-year bird was reported from Pak Nai between 21st and 29th (although present from at least 14 December). This is the sixth Hong Kong record, and the first to remain longer than three days
The highlight of the period was a Eurasian Oystercatcher at Pak Nai. The two Greater White-fronted Geese and the two Oriental Storks remained at Mai Po; the Grey-backed Shrike continued to be seen at Lam Tsuen; the Alström's Warbler at Pak Sha O resurfaced and a new one was found at Castle Peak; the fifth Pale-footed Bush Warbler of the season was found at Lin Au; a Short-tailed Shearwater was photographed on the sea near Lamma, the first time this species has been seen here outside of the spring season.
Details of these and other species of note follow:
Greater White-fronted Goose: the two adults continued at Mai Po until at least 29th
Gadwall: two at Ma Tso Lung on 21st; two at Mai Po between 23rd & 29th
Falcated Duck: two at Mai Po on 24th, with one there on 29th; one at Black Point Ash Lagoon on 29th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: highest count was eight at Mai Po on 25th
Mallard: two at Mai Po on 24th, with one there on 27th and six on 28th
Common Pochard: eight at Mai Po on 24th, with four there on 29th
Greater Scaup: a male at Shing Mun River, Sha Tin on 31st
Himalayan Swiftlet: one at Lok Ma Chau on 21st
Eastern Water Rail: one at Lam Tsuen on 31st
Ruddy-breasted Crake: one at Pak Nai on 30th
Eurasian Coot: one at Mai Po on 24th; six at Black Point Ash Lagoon on 29th
Great Crested Grebe: highest count at Pak Nai, where there is a regular wintering flock, was 58 on 24th
Eurasian Oystercatcher: a 1st-year bird was reported from Pak Nai between 21st and 29th (although present from at least 14 December). This is the sixth Hong Kong record, and the first to remain longer than three days
Eurasian Oystercatcher at Pak Nai, 22 December 2020
Northern Lapwing: one at Long Valley on 26th & 27th
Grey-headed Lapwing: three at Ho Sheung Heung on 27th; nine at Kam Tin River on 29th
Saunders’s Gull: at least 26 at Mai Po on 29th
Pallas’s Gull: two adults at Mai Po on 29th
Slaty-backed Gull: a 1st-winter at Mai Po on 29th
Caspian Tern: two at Mai Po on 29th
Short-tailed Sheawater: one photographed on the sea south of Lamma on 22nd. This is a very unseasonal record, all other sightings having occurred in spring between 5 April and 4 June
Oriental Stork: the two wintering birds remained at Mai Po until at least 27th; single birds were seen there on 28th & 29th
Eurasian Spoonbill: one at Mai Po on 29th
Black-winged Kite: one at Mai Po on 24th; one at Ma Tso Lung on 25th
Greater Spotted Eagle: four at Lok Ma Chau on 21st; two at Mai Po on 24th, with one there on 25th & 28th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: three at Lok Ma Chau on 21st; two at Ma Tso Lung on 21st; one at Mai Po on 24th, with two there on 29th
Black-capped Kingfisher: singles at Pak Nai on 22nd & 29th, Ma Tso Lung on 25th, Nam Sang Wai on 27th, and Mai Po on 28th
Eurasian Wryneck: one at Mai Po on 24th & 29th
Bull-headed Shrike: one at Pak Sha O on 26th; one at Cheung Chau on 31st
Grey-backed Shrike: the wintering bird remained at Lam Tsuen until at least 27th
Brown Shrike: six at Lai Chi Kok Park on 31st
Black-naped Monarch: singles at Leung King on 23rd, King Fung and Fu Tei from 24th – 27th, Shan King on 27th, and Palm Springs on 28th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: highest count was three at Tai Po Kau on 24th
Japanese Tit: the bird of the nominate race minor was still at Kowloon Park on 24th
Black Bulbul: eight at Tai Lam CP on 22nd, with four there on 29th, and two on 30th; one at Tai Po Kau on 24th & 31st
Asian House Martin: six at Nam Sang Wai on 21st, with three there on 23rd; one at Tai Sang Wai on 24th; one at Shan King on 27th
Pale-footed Bush Warbler: one at Lin Au on 26th. This is the fifth record of the autumn/winter, which is unprecedented. The total number of HK records before this year was ten
Eastern Crowned Warbler: singles at seven wooded sites during the period under review
Alström's Warbler: one at Pak Sha O on 26th & 27th – probably the same bird that was recorded there in November; one at Tai Po Kau on 26th & 31st; one at Castle Peak on 27th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: an unseasonal individual at Fu Tei, Tuen Mun on 24th, with two there on 26th
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 21st; one at Tai Lam CP from 22nd - 30th
Kloss’s Leaf Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 21st & 26th; one at Yan Yee Rd, Sai Kung on 31st
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Lam Tsuen on 27th; two at Robin’s Nest on 27th
Chinese Grassbird: four at Robin’s Nest on 27th
Indochinese Yuhina: 20 at Lead Mine Pass and 30 at Tai Po Kau on 28th
Chestnut-flanked White-eye: one at Pak Sha O on 25th & 31st; one at Tai Lam CP on 29th, with two there on 30th
Rosy Starling: an adult at San Tin on 25th was probably the same bird reported from there in late November. There was also late news of a juvenile at nearby Lok Ma Chau on 13 December
White’s Thrush: one at Leung King on 23rd; two at Pak Sha O on 25th, with one there on 31st
Grey-Backed Thrush: two at Tai Po Kau on 21st, with one there on 31st; one at Bride’s Pool on 23rd; one at Pak Sha O on 25th & 26th; two at Fu Tei on 26th; one at Castle Peak on 27th; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 29th
Japanese Thrush: one at Shek Kong on 26th; one at Pak Sha O on 25th & 26th; two at Castle Peak on 27th; seven at Pak Sha O and two at Tai Po Kau on 31st
Eyebrowed Thrush: three along the Ngau Kwu Leng Trail, Lam Tsuen on 21st; two at Nam Sang Wai on 23rd; one at Tai Po Kau on 24th & 26th; one at Pak Sha O on 26th & 31st
Pale Thrush: one at Castle Peak on 22nd
Asian Brown Flycatcher: singles at Bride’s Pool on 23rd, Leung King on 23rd, Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 26th, and Shek Kong catchwater on 29th
Verditer Flycatcher: singles reported from six wooded sites, with two at Shek Kong catchwater on 21st
Japanese Robin: one at Tai Lam CP on 21st & 29th
Siberian Rubythroat: 16 at Robin’s Nest on 27th
Red-flanked Bluetail: one at Castle Peak on 27th; one at Pak Sha O on 27th
Slaty-backed Forktail: one at Shing Mun on 26th & 29th
Mugimaki Flycatcher: singles at Castle Peak on 22nd & 27th, Pak Sha O from 26th – 31st, Leung Tin Au Trail on 26th, and Yan Yee Rd, Sai Kung on 31st
Grey Bush Chat: two at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 25th & 26th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): one at Lam Tsuen on 23rd; 20 at Long Valley on 27th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): 20 at Long Valley on 23rd, with 40 there on 27th
Olive-backed Pipit: 26 at Tai Lam CP on 22nd
Buff-bellied Pipit: one at Pui O on 21st; five at Mai Po on 29th
Chinese Grosbeak: 11 at Yuen Long Park on 22nd, with five there on 24th
Common Rosefinch: two at Fu Tei, Tuen Mun on 24th, with 17 there on 25th, 14 on 26th and 12 on 27th
Eurasian Siskin: 25 at Our Lady of Joy Abbey, Lantau on 22nd
Chestnut Bunting: one at Lam Tsuen on 27th
Tristram’s Bunting: one along the Ngau Kwu Leng Trail, Lam Tsuen on 21st; two at Lam Tsuen on 27th
Little Bunting: 16 at Lam Tsuen on 27th.
Grey-headed Lapwing: three at Ho Sheung Heung on 27th; nine at Kam Tin River on 29th
Saunders’s Gull: at least 26 at Mai Po on 29th
Pallas’s Gull: two adults at Mai Po on 29th
Slaty-backed Gull: a 1st-winter at Mai Po on 29th
Caspian Tern: two at Mai Po on 29th
Short-tailed Sheawater: one photographed on the sea south of Lamma on 22nd. This is a very unseasonal record, all other sightings having occurred in spring between 5 April and 4 June
Oriental Stork: the two wintering birds remained at Mai Po until at least 27th; single birds were seen there on 28th & 29th
Eurasian Spoonbill: one at Mai Po on 29th
Black-winged Kite: one at Mai Po on 24th; one at Ma Tso Lung on 25th
Greater Spotted Eagle: four at Lok Ma Chau on 21st; two at Mai Po on 24th, with one there on 25th & 28th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: three at Lok Ma Chau on 21st; two at Ma Tso Lung on 21st; one at Mai Po on 24th, with two there on 29th
Black-capped Kingfisher: singles at Pak Nai on 22nd & 29th, Ma Tso Lung on 25th, Nam Sang Wai on 27th, and Mai Po on 28th
Eurasian Wryneck: one at Mai Po on 24th & 29th
Bull-headed Shrike: one at Pak Sha O on 26th; one at Cheung Chau on 31st
Grey-backed Shrike: the wintering bird remained at Lam Tsuen until at least 27th
Brown Shrike: six at Lai Chi Kok Park on 31st
Black-naped Monarch: singles at Leung King on 23rd, King Fung and Fu Tei from 24th – 27th, Shan King on 27th, and Palm Springs on 28th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: highest count was three at Tai Po Kau on 24th
Japanese Tit: the bird of the nominate race minor was still at Kowloon Park on 24th
Black Bulbul: eight at Tai Lam CP on 22nd, with four there on 29th, and two on 30th; one at Tai Po Kau on 24th & 31st
Asian House Martin: six at Nam Sang Wai on 21st, with three there on 23rd; one at Tai Sang Wai on 24th; one at Shan King on 27th
Pale-footed Bush Warbler: one at Lin Au on 26th. This is the fifth record of the autumn/winter, which is unprecedented. The total number of HK records before this year was ten
Eastern Crowned Warbler: singles at seven wooded sites during the period under review
Alström's Warbler: one at Pak Sha O on 26th & 27th – probably the same bird that was recorded there in November; one at Tai Po Kau on 26th & 31st; one at Castle Peak on 27th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: an unseasonal individual at Fu Tei, Tuen Mun on 24th, with two there on 26th
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 21st; one at Tai Lam CP from 22nd - 30th
Kloss’s Leaf Warbler: one at Tai Po Kau on 21st & 26th; one at Yan Yee Rd, Sai Kung on 31st
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Lam Tsuen on 27th; two at Robin’s Nest on 27th
Chinese Grassbird: four at Robin’s Nest on 27th
Indochinese Yuhina: 20 at Lead Mine Pass and 30 at Tai Po Kau on 28th
Chestnut-flanked White-eye: one at Pak Sha O on 25th & 31st; one at Tai Lam CP on 29th, with two there on 30th
Rosy Starling: an adult at San Tin on 25th was probably the same bird reported from there in late November. There was also late news of a juvenile at nearby Lok Ma Chau on 13 December
White’s Thrush: one at Leung King on 23rd; two at Pak Sha O on 25th, with one there on 31st
Grey-Backed Thrush: two at Tai Po Kau on 21st, with one there on 31st; one at Bride’s Pool on 23rd; one at Pak Sha O on 25th & 26th; two at Fu Tei on 26th; one at Castle Peak on 27th; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 29th
Japanese Thrush: one at Shek Kong on 26th; one at Pak Sha O on 25th & 26th; two at Castle Peak on 27th; seven at Pak Sha O and two at Tai Po Kau on 31st
Eyebrowed Thrush: three along the Ngau Kwu Leng Trail, Lam Tsuen on 21st; two at Nam Sang Wai on 23rd; one at Tai Po Kau on 24th & 26th; one at Pak Sha O on 26th & 31st
Pale Thrush: one at Castle Peak on 22nd
Asian Brown Flycatcher: singles at Bride’s Pool on 23rd, Leung King on 23rd, Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 26th, and Shek Kong catchwater on 29th
Verditer Flycatcher: singles reported from six wooded sites, with two at Shek Kong catchwater on 21st
Japanese Robin: one at Tai Lam CP on 21st & 29th
Siberian Rubythroat: 16 at Robin’s Nest on 27th
Red-flanked Bluetail: one at Castle Peak on 27th; one at Pak Sha O on 27th
Slaty-backed Forktail: one at Shing Mun on 26th & 29th
Mugimaki Flycatcher: singles at Castle Peak on 22nd & 27th, Pak Sha O from 26th – 31st, Leung Tin Au Trail on 26th, and Yan Yee Rd, Sai Kung on 31st
Grey Bush Chat: two at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 25th & 26th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): one at Lam Tsuen on 23rd; 20 at Long Valley on 27th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): 20 at Long Valley on 23rd, with 40 there on 27th
Olive-backed Pipit: 26 at Tai Lam CP on 22nd
Buff-bellied Pipit: one at Pui O on 21st; five at Mai Po on 29th
Chinese Grosbeak: 11 at Yuen Long Park on 22nd, with five there on 24th
Common Rosefinch: two at Fu Tei, Tuen Mun on 24th, with 17 there on 25th, 14 on 26th and 12 on 27th
Eurasian Siskin: 25 at Our Lady of Joy Abbey, Lantau on 22nd
Chestnut Bunting: one at Lam Tsuen on 27th
Tristram’s Bunting: one along the Ngau Kwu Leng Trail, Lam Tsuen on 21st; two at Lam Tsuen on 27th
Little Bunting: 16 at Lam Tsuen on 27th.
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Please note that these are unchecked reports. Records of rarities and of unseasonal occurrences may be subject to assessment by the HKBWS Records Committee. A checklist showing species for which a description is required can be found at the HKBWS website - http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?tid=28893&extra=page%3D1
All images & text © David Diskin unless otherwise stated
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