LATEST SIGHTINGS - OCTOBER 2020
October 1-4
October 1-4
Garganey with Common Greenshanks and Marsh Sandpipers at Mai Po, 2nd October 2020
Generally fine and sunny with easterly winds and temperatures up to 31⁰C, but cooler in the mornings and evenings.
The four-day holiday period saw many birders out in the field. The commoner migrants and arriving winter visitors continued to be recorded in decent numbers (see the last entry in September Latest Sightings for a list of these species). Two new sites of particular interest feature in this report. One is Lung Kwu Tan near Tuen Mun which, following a sighting of two Eurasian Jays on 1st, saw some interesting observations of migrants, including the second highest total of Black-naped Orioles ever recorded in the territory. The other is Tung Lung Chau, an island off Clearwater Bay peninsula. An exploratory visit to this island was made by three birders who arranged a private boat to get there on 24 September; this turned up a good spread of migrants (again see the September report for some of these). The island is accessible on weekends and public holidays by ferry from either Sai Wan Ho or Sam Ka Tsuen and a number of birders have made the trip out there since that initial visit.
Highlights of the four-day period were:
Garganey: 104 at Mai Po on 2nd
Northern Shoveler: 14 at Mai Po on 2nd
Himalayan Swiftlet: one at Yuen Leng, Tai Po on 1st; two at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd with one there on 3rd
Grey-headed Lapwing: one at Mai Po on 2nd
Pheasant-tailed Jacana: one at Long Valley through to 3rd; two at Mai Po on 4th
Ruff: one at Mai Po on 1st
Whiskered Tern: highest counts were 40 at San Tin on 3rd and 30 at Mai Po on 4th
White-winged Tern: three at Lut Chau on 3rd
Black-winged Kite: one at Mai Po on 1st, with two there on 4th; one at Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 4th
Chinese Sparrowhawk: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 1st with two there on 2nd; one at King’s Park and three at Tung Lung Chau on 3rd
Japanese Sparrowhawk: two at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd
Eastern Marsh Harrier: one at Mai Po on 1st & 4th
Oriental Dollarbird: highest count was 14 at Tai Tong on 4th
Black-capped Kingfisher: singles at Lam Tsuen and Long Valley on 3rd, and at Lung Kwu Tan on 4th
Blue-tailed Bee-eater: 15 at Mai Po on 3rd, with 18 there on 4th
Common Kestrel: highest count was three at Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun on 3rd
Eurasian Hobby: singles at Lam Tsuen and Lamma on 1st, and at Mai Po on 3rd & 4th
Fairy Pitta: one found dead (apparently killed by a raptor) on Lamma on 1st
Black-winged Cuckooshrike: singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd, Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun and Shek Kong catchwater on 3rd, and San Tin and Mai Po on 4th
Tiger Shrike: one at Ho Man Tin on 1st
Black-naped Oriole: a total of 28 were seen migrating at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd – this is the second highest count on record, the highest being 30 at Tsim Bei Tsui on 21 September 1986
Black Drongo: a flock of 65 at Lung Kwu Tan on 4th, with at least 60 in total moving through Mai Po on the same date
Ashy Drongo: the first bird of the autumn was at Tung Lung Chau on 1st, after which the highest count was eight at Lung Kwu Tan on 3rd
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: singles at Tai Lam Chung on 2nd, Tung Lung Chau and Shek Kong catchwater on 3rd, and Grassy Hill on 4th
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher: singles at Ho Man Tin and Tai Lam Chung on 2nd, and Tai Lam CP, Shek Kong catchwater and Yan Yee Rd, Sai Kung on 3rd
Eurasian Jay: two at Lung Kwu Tan on 1st
Asian Stubtail: the first of the season was one heard at Tai Lam CP on 3rd
Dusky Warbler: highest count was 18 at San Tin on 3rd
Eastern Crowned Warbler: singles at Tai Lam CP, Shek Kong catchwater and Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Alström's Warbler: one at Tung Lung Chau on 4th is the 11th Hong Kong record
Two-barred Warbler: two at Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun on 3rd, with singles at Tung Lung Chau and Mai Po on 3rd & 4th
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: singles at Tung Lung Chau on 1st, Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd, and Mai Po and Ho Man Tin on 3rd; one was at Mai Po and three were at Lung Kwu Tan on 4th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: highest count was five at Mt Davis on 2nd
Arctic Warbler: highest count was seven at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd
Oriental Reed Warbler: highest count was 11 at San Tin on 3rd
Black-browed Reed Warbler: highest count was five at San Tin on 3rd
Lanceolated Warbler: one at San Tin on 3rd
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun on 3rd
White-rumped Shama (Cat III): four at Yan Yee Rd, Sai Kung on 3rd
Grey-streaked Flycatcher: singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd and Chai Wan on 3rd
Dark-sided Flycatcher: highest count was four at Tai Lam Chung on 2nd
Asian Brown Flycatcher: highest counts were five at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd and Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun on 3rd
Hainan Blue Flycatcher: one at Lamma on 1st
Blue-and-white Flycatcher: one at Tung Lung Chau on 1st
Verditer Flycatcher: one at Tung Lung Chau on 1st & 3rd
Siberian Blue Robin: one at Ho Man Tin on 1st; one at King’s Park on 2nd
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher: singles at Ho Man Tin on 2nd, San Tin on 3rd and the Peak on 4th
Red-throated Flycatcher: singles at Ho Man Tin on 2nd, and Mai Po and Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Forest Wagtail: one between Tai O and Yi O on 1st; one at Chai Wan on 3rd
Citrine Wagtail: one between Tai O and Yi O on 1st
Olive-backed Pipit: one at Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Common Rosefinch: one at Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Little Bunting: singles at Lamma on 1st, and Mt Davis and Lut Chau on 3rd.
The four-day holiday period saw many birders out in the field. The commoner migrants and arriving winter visitors continued to be recorded in decent numbers (see the last entry in September Latest Sightings for a list of these species). Two new sites of particular interest feature in this report. One is Lung Kwu Tan near Tuen Mun which, following a sighting of two Eurasian Jays on 1st, saw some interesting observations of migrants, including the second highest total of Black-naped Orioles ever recorded in the territory. The other is Tung Lung Chau, an island off Clearwater Bay peninsula. An exploratory visit to this island was made by three birders who arranged a private boat to get there on 24 September; this turned up a good spread of migrants (again see the September report for some of these). The island is accessible on weekends and public holidays by ferry from either Sai Wan Ho or Sam Ka Tsuen and a number of birders have made the trip out there since that initial visit.
Highlights of the four-day period were:
Garganey: 104 at Mai Po on 2nd
Northern Shoveler: 14 at Mai Po on 2nd
Himalayan Swiftlet: one at Yuen Leng, Tai Po on 1st; two at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd with one there on 3rd
Grey-headed Lapwing: one at Mai Po on 2nd
Pheasant-tailed Jacana: one at Long Valley through to 3rd; two at Mai Po on 4th
Ruff: one at Mai Po on 1st
Whiskered Tern: highest counts were 40 at San Tin on 3rd and 30 at Mai Po on 4th
White-winged Tern: three at Lut Chau on 3rd
Black-winged Kite: one at Mai Po on 1st, with two there on 4th; one at Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 4th
Chinese Sparrowhawk: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 1st with two there on 2nd; one at King’s Park and three at Tung Lung Chau on 3rd
Japanese Sparrowhawk: two at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd
Eastern Marsh Harrier: one at Mai Po on 1st & 4th
Oriental Dollarbird: highest count was 14 at Tai Tong on 4th
Black-capped Kingfisher: singles at Lam Tsuen and Long Valley on 3rd, and at Lung Kwu Tan on 4th
Blue-tailed Bee-eater: 15 at Mai Po on 3rd, with 18 there on 4th
Common Kestrel: highest count was three at Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun on 3rd
Eurasian Hobby: singles at Lam Tsuen and Lamma on 1st, and at Mai Po on 3rd & 4th
Fairy Pitta: one found dead (apparently killed by a raptor) on Lamma on 1st
Black-winged Cuckooshrike: singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd, Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun and Shek Kong catchwater on 3rd, and San Tin and Mai Po on 4th
Tiger Shrike: one at Ho Man Tin on 1st
Black-naped Oriole: a total of 28 were seen migrating at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd – this is the second highest count on record, the highest being 30 at Tsim Bei Tsui on 21 September 1986
Black Drongo: a flock of 65 at Lung Kwu Tan on 4th, with at least 60 in total moving through Mai Po on the same date
Ashy Drongo: the first bird of the autumn was at Tung Lung Chau on 1st, after which the highest count was eight at Lung Kwu Tan on 3rd
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: singles at Tai Lam Chung on 2nd, Tung Lung Chau and Shek Kong catchwater on 3rd, and Grassy Hill on 4th
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher: singles at Ho Man Tin and Tai Lam Chung on 2nd, and Tai Lam CP, Shek Kong catchwater and Yan Yee Rd, Sai Kung on 3rd
Eurasian Jay: two at Lung Kwu Tan on 1st
Asian Stubtail: the first of the season was one heard at Tai Lam CP on 3rd
Dusky Warbler: highest count was 18 at San Tin on 3rd
Eastern Crowned Warbler: singles at Tai Lam CP, Shek Kong catchwater and Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Alström's Warbler: one at Tung Lung Chau on 4th is the 11th Hong Kong record
Two-barred Warbler: two at Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun on 3rd, with singles at Tung Lung Chau and Mai Po on 3rd & 4th
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: singles at Tung Lung Chau on 1st, Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd, and Mai Po and Ho Man Tin on 3rd; one was at Mai Po and three were at Lung Kwu Tan on 4th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: highest count was five at Mt Davis on 2nd
Arctic Warbler: highest count was seven at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd
Oriental Reed Warbler: highest count was 11 at San Tin on 3rd
Black-browed Reed Warbler: highest count was five at San Tin on 3rd
Lanceolated Warbler: one at San Tin on 3rd
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun on 3rd
White-rumped Shama (Cat III): four at Yan Yee Rd, Sai Kung on 3rd
Grey-streaked Flycatcher: singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd and Chai Wan on 3rd
Dark-sided Flycatcher: highest count was four at Tai Lam Chung on 2nd
Asian Brown Flycatcher: highest counts were five at Lung Kwu Tan on 2nd and Leung Tin Au trail, Tuen Mun on 3rd
Hainan Blue Flycatcher: one at Lamma on 1st
Blue-and-white Flycatcher: one at Tung Lung Chau on 1st
Verditer Flycatcher: one at Tung Lung Chau on 1st & 3rd
Siberian Blue Robin: one at Ho Man Tin on 1st; one at King’s Park on 2nd
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher: singles at Ho Man Tin on 2nd, San Tin on 3rd and the Peak on 4th
Red-throated Flycatcher: singles at Ho Man Tin on 2nd, and Mai Po and Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Forest Wagtail: one between Tai O and Yi O on 1st; one at Chai Wan on 3rd
Citrine Wagtail: one between Tai O and Yi O on 1st
Olive-backed Pipit: one at Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Common Rosefinch: one at Lam Tsuen on 3rd
Little Bunting: singles at Lamma on 1st, and Mt Davis and Lut Chau on 3rd.
October 5-11
Pale-footed Bush Warbler at Wo Hop Shek, 10 October 2020
The week was dominated by the continental monsoon. A cold front on the 5th brought heavy rain to the territory in the morning; the following days were generally fine and dry, albeit rather cloudy until the weekend when the skies became clear. Temperatures were in the mid-late twenties, reaching the low thirties at the weekend. Winds were fresh northeasterlies.
Some late reports from the beginning of the month included a Fairy Pitta at Ho Man Tin on 1st and 2nd, and an Eastern Grass Owl photographed at night in the hills above Discovery Bay on 3rd. The latter would be only the fifth record and the first since 1997 if accepted, although there may be doubts about its provenance.
There were three other rarities during the week under review. The first involved two Taiga Bean Geese at Mai Po on 8th; the second was a Pale-footed Bush Warbler at Wo Hop Shek on 10th; the third was a Blue-throated Bee-eater at Mai Po on 11th.
Autumn passage migrants were much in evidence, with the following being widely reported: Oriental Dollarbird, Ashy Minivet, Brown Shrike, Black Drongo, Black-naped Oriole, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler, Oriental Reed Warbler, Dark-sided Flycatcher, and Asian Brown Flycatcher. There were no reports of Hainan Blue Flycatcher or Yellow-rumped Flycatcher.
There were also widespread reports of the commoner winter visitors (with the usual proviso that some of these may also be moving through): Red Turtle Dove, Common Kestrel, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Ashy Drongo, Hair-crested Drongo, Yellow-browed Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Chinese Blackbird, Red-throated (Taiga) Flycatcher, Blue Rock Thrush, Stejneger’s Stonechat, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Richard’s Pipit, Olive-backed and Red-throated Pipit.
Records of note included the following:
Taiga Bean Goose: two at Mai Po on 8th; this is only the second Hong Kong record of this taxon. The first record involved two, also at Mai Po, from 3 November 2010 to 22 February 2011
Eurasian Wigeon: 11 at Mai Po on 9th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: one at Mai Po on 8th
Northern Pintail: one at Mai Po on 11th
Himalayan Swiftlet: two at Tung Lung Chau on 7th; singles at Shek Wu Wai, Discovery Bay and Long Valley on 8th
Oriental Cuckoo: singles at Ho Man Tin on 7th, and Palm Springs on 8th
Red Turtle Dove: highest count was 80 at San Tin on 10th
Slaty-breasted Rail: one at Mai Po on 9th
Watercock: a male at Long Valley on 10th
Pheasant-tailed Jacana: two at Lok Ma Chau on 6th; present at Mai Po throughout the week with a high count of three on 9th; one at San Tin on 10th; one at Long Valley on 10th & 11th; one at the Wetland Park on 11th
Gull-billed Tern: one at Mai Po on 6th
Whiskered Tern: highest count was 70 at San Tin on 10th
Black-faced Spoonbill: ten were at Mai Po on 5th
Eurasian Bittern: one at Mai Po on 8th
Purple Heron: ten at Mai Po on 9th is a good count these days
Black-winged Kite: up to two at Mai Po throughout the week, with other reports of singles from San Tin and Yuen Long Bypass Floodway
Crested Honey Buzzard: singles near Discovery Bay on 6th, and at Lung Kwu Tan and Tung Lung Chau on 10th
Black Baza: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 11th
Chinese Sparrowhawk: one at Po Toi on 6th; one at Mt Davis on 9th; three at Lung Kwu Tan on 10th; one at Long Valley on 11th
Japanese Sparrowhawk: three at Lung Kwu Tan on 10th, with one there on 11th; singles at San Tin on 10th & 11th; one at Long Valley on 11th
Eastern Marsh Harrier: highest count was three at Mai Po on 9th
Pied Harrier: one at Mai Po throughout the week
Eastern Buzzard: the first of the autumn was one at Lung Kwu Tan on 11th
Eastern Grass Owl: one in the hills above Discovery Bay on 3rd; there are four previous records of this species in Hong Kong, all between 1981 and 1997
Eurasian Hoopoe: one at Po Toi from 6th - 10th
Oriental Dollarbird: highest count was eight at Fan Lau on 10th
Black-capped Kingfisher: one at Lam Tsuen on 5th; one at Mai Po on 5th & 6th
Blue-tailed Bee-eater: a total of 113 moved through Mai Po on 5th; this is the second highest count on record, the highest being 121 at Mai Po on 5 October 2007. Twenty were at Mai Po on 11th
Blue-throated Bee-eater: one at Mai Po on 11th lacked a tail. Apparently the same bird was seen at Shenzhen in September. This is potentially the ninth Hong Kong record
Eurasian Wryneck: two at Mai Po on 5th; one at Lok Ma Chau on 6th; one at Mai Po on 9th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 10th; one at Mai Po on 11th
Common Kestrel: highest count was two at Long Valley on 10th
Amur Falcon: the first sighting of the season was a female at Long Valley on 11th
Eurasian Hobby: singles at Po Toi on 6th, Leung Tin Au and Tung Lung Chau on 7th, Leung Tin Au, Mai Po and Clearwater Bay CP on 8th, Shek Kong catchwater, Po Toi and Tai O on 10th, and San Tin on 11th
Fairy Pitta: a late report of one at Ho Man Tin on 1st & 2nd
Black-winged Cuckooshrike: highest count was three at Lok Ma Chau on 6th
Bull-headed Shrike: one at Mai Po on 11th
Black-naped Oriole: highest count was eight at Mai Po on 5th
Black Drongo: highest count was 62 at Mai Po on 5th
Ashy Drongo: highest count was three at Shek Kong catchwater on 10th
Black-naped Monarch: one at Mai Po on 5th
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 10th
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher: two at Tai Po Kau on 8th; three at Tai Lam CP on 10th; one at Mai Po on 11th
Large-billed Crow: 226 were counted flying over Leung Tin Au towards the nearby West New Territories Landfill on 7th; this is a new high count, the previous highest being 200 at Tai Lam Chung on 20 Jan 2008.
Eurasian Skylark: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 11th was the first of the autumn
Sand Martin: one at San Tin on 11th was the first of the autumn
Pale-footed Bush Warbler: one at Wo Hop Shek on 10th; this is the 11th or 12th record for Hong Kong
Dusky Warbler: highest count was 24 at Mai Po on 5th
Eastern Crowned Warbler: highest count was six at Tai Po Kau on 8th
Two-barred Warbler: highest count was three at Ho Man Tin on 6th
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: one near Discovery Bay on 6th; two at Fanling Golf Course, and one at Tai Po Kau on 8th; one at Tung Lung Chau on 10th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: highest count was 11 at Fanling Golf Course on 8th
Arctic Warbler: up to three reported from several sites
Oriental Reed Warbler: highest count was 25 at Mai Po on 5th
Black-browed Reed Warbler: highest count was 15 at San Tin on 11th
Manchurian Reed Warbler: one at Mai Po on 10th
Thick-billed Warbler: one at Long Valley on 10th
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler: two at Mai Po on 5th; one at Mai Po on 9th; two at Long Valley on 10th; one at Telford Gardens on 11th
Lanceolated Warbler: singles at Mai Po on 5th & 10th, and Telford Gardens on 11th
Zitting Cisticola: highest count was 39 at Mai Po on 5th
Golden-headed Cisticola: singles at Leung Tin Au and Ping Yeung on 7th
Daurian Starling: one at San Tin on 10th
Chestnut-cheeked Starling: five were seen in flight at Lung Kwu Tan on 10th; this is a new high count, the previous highest being four at MPNR on 22 & 23 April 1989
White-shouldered Starling: 150 were at San Tin on 10th
Orange-headed Thrush: one at Ho Man Tin from 4th – 6th; one at Tin Fu Tsai on 10th
Grey-streaked Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 6th, with two there on 8th
Dark-sided Flycatcher: highest count was two at Tai Po Kau on 8th
Asian Brown Flycatcher: highest count was five at Po Toi on 8th
Blue-and-white Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 6th & 10th, with two there on 8th; one at Tai Lam CP on 10th
Siberian Blue Robin: one at Tai Lam CP on 10th
Siberian Rubythroat: one at Mai Po on 5th was the first of the autumn
Red-throated Flycatcher: up to two at several sites
Blue Rock Thrush: highest count was six at Tung Lung Chau on 7th
Stejneger’s Stonechat: highest count was 12 at Long Valley on 11th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): small numbers continue to be recorded including ten at Mai Po on 9th, and three at Long Valley on 10th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): small numbers continue to be recorded including 20 at Long Valley and two at Yi O on 10th
Eastern Yellow Wagtail: highest count was 139 at Mai Po on 5th
Red-throated Pipit: highest count was 21 at Mai Po on 9th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: two at Long Valley on 7th; one at San Tin on 10th
Little Bunting: one at Long Valley on 11th
Yellow-browed Bunting: one at Po Toi on 6th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: high counts involved 14 at Mai Po on 9th, and 19 at Long Valley on 10th.
Some late reports from the beginning of the month included a Fairy Pitta at Ho Man Tin on 1st and 2nd, and an Eastern Grass Owl photographed at night in the hills above Discovery Bay on 3rd. The latter would be only the fifth record and the first since 1997 if accepted, although there may be doubts about its provenance.
There were three other rarities during the week under review. The first involved two Taiga Bean Geese at Mai Po on 8th; the second was a Pale-footed Bush Warbler at Wo Hop Shek on 10th; the third was a Blue-throated Bee-eater at Mai Po on 11th.
Autumn passage migrants were much in evidence, with the following being widely reported: Oriental Dollarbird, Ashy Minivet, Brown Shrike, Black Drongo, Black-naped Oriole, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler, Oriental Reed Warbler, Dark-sided Flycatcher, and Asian Brown Flycatcher. There were no reports of Hainan Blue Flycatcher or Yellow-rumped Flycatcher.
There were also widespread reports of the commoner winter visitors (with the usual proviso that some of these may also be moving through): Red Turtle Dove, Common Kestrel, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Ashy Drongo, Hair-crested Drongo, Yellow-browed Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Chinese Blackbird, Red-throated (Taiga) Flycatcher, Blue Rock Thrush, Stejneger’s Stonechat, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Richard’s Pipit, Olive-backed and Red-throated Pipit.
Records of note included the following:
Taiga Bean Goose: two at Mai Po on 8th; this is only the second Hong Kong record of this taxon. The first record involved two, also at Mai Po, from 3 November 2010 to 22 February 2011
Eurasian Wigeon: 11 at Mai Po on 9th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: one at Mai Po on 8th
Northern Pintail: one at Mai Po on 11th
Himalayan Swiftlet: two at Tung Lung Chau on 7th; singles at Shek Wu Wai, Discovery Bay and Long Valley on 8th
Oriental Cuckoo: singles at Ho Man Tin on 7th, and Palm Springs on 8th
Red Turtle Dove: highest count was 80 at San Tin on 10th
Slaty-breasted Rail: one at Mai Po on 9th
Watercock: a male at Long Valley on 10th
Pheasant-tailed Jacana: two at Lok Ma Chau on 6th; present at Mai Po throughout the week with a high count of three on 9th; one at San Tin on 10th; one at Long Valley on 10th & 11th; one at the Wetland Park on 11th
Gull-billed Tern: one at Mai Po on 6th
Whiskered Tern: highest count was 70 at San Tin on 10th
Black-faced Spoonbill: ten were at Mai Po on 5th
Eurasian Bittern: one at Mai Po on 8th
Purple Heron: ten at Mai Po on 9th is a good count these days
Black-winged Kite: up to two at Mai Po throughout the week, with other reports of singles from San Tin and Yuen Long Bypass Floodway
Crested Honey Buzzard: singles near Discovery Bay on 6th, and at Lung Kwu Tan and Tung Lung Chau on 10th
Black Baza: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 11th
Chinese Sparrowhawk: one at Po Toi on 6th; one at Mt Davis on 9th; three at Lung Kwu Tan on 10th; one at Long Valley on 11th
Japanese Sparrowhawk: three at Lung Kwu Tan on 10th, with one there on 11th; singles at San Tin on 10th & 11th; one at Long Valley on 11th
Eastern Marsh Harrier: highest count was three at Mai Po on 9th
Pied Harrier: one at Mai Po throughout the week
Eastern Buzzard: the first of the autumn was one at Lung Kwu Tan on 11th
Eastern Grass Owl: one in the hills above Discovery Bay on 3rd; there are four previous records of this species in Hong Kong, all between 1981 and 1997
Eurasian Hoopoe: one at Po Toi from 6th - 10th
Oriental Dollarbird: highest count was eight at Fan Lau on 10th
Black-capped Kingfisher: one at Lam Tsuen on 5th; one at Mai Po on 5th & 6th
Blue-tailed Bee-eater: a total of 113 moved through Mai Po on 5th; this is the second highest count on record, the highest being 121 at Mai Po on 5 October 2007. Twenty were at Mai Po on 11th
Blue-throated Bee-eater: one at Mai Po on 11th lacked a tail. Apparently the same bird was seen at Shenzhen in September. This is potentially the ninth Hong Kong record
Eurasian Wryneck: two at Mai Po on 5th; one at Lok Ma Chau on 6th; one at Mai Po on 9th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 10th; one at Mai Po on 11th
Common Kestrel: highest count was two at Long Valley on 10th
Amur Falcon: the first sighting of the season was a female at Long Valley on 11th
Eurasian Hobby: singles at Po Toi on 6th, Leung Tin Au and Tung Lung Chau on 7th, Leung Tin Au, Mai Po and Clearwater Bay CP on 8th, Shek Kong catchwater, Po Toi and Tai O on 10th, and San Tin on 11th
Fairy Pitta: a late report of one at Ho Man Tin on 1st & 2nd
Black-winged Cuckooshrike: highest count was three at Lok Ma Chau on 6th
Bull-headed Shrike: one at Mai Po on 11th
Black-naped Oriole: highest count was eight at Mai Po on 5th
Black Drongo: highest count was 62 at Mai Po on 5th
Ashy Drongo: highest count was three at Shek Kong catchwater on 10th
Black-naped Monarch: one at Mai Po on 5th
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 10th
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher: two at Tai Po Kau on 8th; three at Tai Lam CP on 10th; one at Mai Po on 11th
Large-billed Crow: 226 were counted flying over Leung Tin Au towards the nearby West New Territories Landfill on 7th; this is a new high count, the previous highest being 200 at Tai Lam Chung on 20 Jan 2008.
Eurasian Skylark: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 11th was the first of the autumn
Sand Martin: one at San Tin on 11th was the first of the autumn
Pale-footed Bush Warbler: one at Wo Hop Shek on 10th; this is the 11th or 12th record for Hong Kong
Dusky Warbler: highest count was 24 at Mai Po on 5th
Eastern Crowned Warbler: highest count was six at Tai Po Kau on 8th
Two-barred Warbler: highest count was three at Ho Man Tin on 6th
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: one near Discovery Bay on 6th; two at Fanling Golf Course, and one at Tai Po Kau on 8th; one at Tung Lung Chau on 10th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: highest count was 11 at Fanling Golf Course on 8th
Arctic Warbler: up to three reported from several sites
Oriental Reed Warbler: highest count was 25 at Mai Po on 5th
Black-browed Reed Warbler: highest count was 15 at San Tin on 11th
Manchurian Reed Warbler: one at Mai Po on 10th
Thick-billed Warbler: one at Long Valley on 10th
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler: two at Mai Po on 5th; one at Mai Po on 9th; two at Long Valley on 10th; one at Telford Gardens on 11th
Lanceolated Warbler: singles at Mai Po on 5th & 10th, and Telford Gardens on 11th
Zitting Cisticola: highest count was 39 at Mai Po on 5th
Golden-headed Cisticola: singles at Leung Tin Au and Ping Yeung on 7th
Daurian Starling: one at San Tin on 10th
Chestnut-cheeked Starling: five were seen in flight at Lung Kwu Tan on 10th; this is a new high count, the previous highest being four at MPNR on 22 & 23 April 1989
White-shouldered Starling: 150 were at San Tin on 10th
Orange-headed Thrush: one at Ho Man Tin from 4th – 6th; one at Tin Fu Tsai on 10th
Grey-streaked Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 6th, with two there on 8th
Dark-sided Flycatcher: highest count was two at Tai Po Kau on 8th
Asian Brown Flycatcher: highest count was five at Po Toi on 8th
Blue-and-white Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 6th & 10th, with two there on 8th; one at Tai Lam CP on 10th
Siberian Blue Robin: one at Tai Lam CP on 10th
Siberian Rubythroat: one at Mai Po on 5th was the first of the autumn
Red-throated Flycatcher: up to two at several sites
Blue Rock Thrush: highest count was six at Tung Lung Chau on 7th
Stejneger’s Stonechat: highest count was 12 at Long Valley on 11th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): small numbers continue to be recorded including ten at Mai Po on 9th, and three at Long Valley on 10th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): small numbers continue to be recorded including 20 at Long Valley and two at Yi O on 10th
Eastern Yellow Wagtail: highest count was 139 at Mai Po on 5th
Red-throated Pipit: highest count was 21 at Mai Po on 9th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: two at Long Valley on 7th; one at San Tin on 10th
Little Bunting: one at Long Valley on 11th
Yellow-browed Bunting: one at Po Toi on 6th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: high counts involved 14 at Mai Po on 9th, and 19 at Long Valley on 10th.
Yellow Bittern at San Tin, 11 October 2020
October 12-18
Taiga Bean Geese at Mai Po, 15 October 2020
Tropical Storm Nangka passed 500 km to the south of Hong Kong on 13th, causing the T8 signal to be raised for most of the day. In spite of the high signal, the storm had little effect on the territory. The rest of the week was dominated by the northeast monsoon and was mainly fine and dry. The maximum temperature was around 29⁰C with coolish mornings and evenings.
Highlights of the week were the return of the Taiga Bean Geese to Mai Po on 12th. Somewhat out of its element, a Red-footed Booby joined them on the reserve - albeit all too briefly - on 17th. The second Alström's Warbler of the season was at Tai Lam CP on 17th. Also on 17th, a Chinese Blue Flycatcher was at Po Toi. On 18th a Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler was discovered at Telford Gardens.
These and other records of note as follows:
Taiga Bean Goose: the two birds seen at Mai Po on 8 October reappeared on 12th and remained throughout the week
Garganey: highest count was 85 at Mai Po on 18th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: up to two at Mai Po between 16th & 18th
Tufted Duck: one at Mai Po on 18th
Grey Nightjar: one at Tai Po Kau on 16th
Himalayan Swiftlet: the unprecedented autumn passage of this species continued: two at Wo San Wai on 12th; singles at Long Valley and Lam Tsuen on 13th; two at Lung Kwu Tan on 14th; four at Long Valley and one at Mai Po on 15th
Pacific Swift: one at Discovery Bay on 13th
House Swift: a movement involving at least 300 birds at Discovery Bay on 13th
Red Turtle Dove: highest count was 21 at Mai Po on 18th
Grey-headed Lapwing: one at Lok Ma Chau on 12th; one at Kam Tin on 17th
Pheasant-tailed Jacana: three at Lok Ma Chau on 12th; one at Long Valley on 13th & 17th; one at Mai Po on 15th & 18th; singles at Lok Ma Chau and San Tin on 18th
Oriental Pratincole: two at Mai Po on 17th, with on there on 18th
Lesser Black-backed Gull (heuglini): a 2nd-winter at Mai Po on 18th
Gull-billed Tern: one in Sai Kung harbour on 13th
Common Tern: two at Cape D’Aguilar on 13th
Whiskered Tern: 60 in Sai Kung harbour on 13th; 60 at San Tin on 18th
Red-footed Booby: one flew onto the main reserve at Mai Po on 17th and briefly joined the Taiga Geese; this is the 16th Hong Kong record and is a new late date as previous sightings have all been between 3 May and 9 October
Black-faced Spoonbill: 15 at Mai Po on 18th
Von Schrenck’s Bittern: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 12th
Cinnamon Bittern: singles at Lok Ma Chau on 12th & 18th, Long Valley on 13th, Mai Po on 17th, and San Tin on 18th
Black-winged Kite: up to two at Mai Po during the week with others reported from Lok Ma Chau, Palm Springs and Long Valley
Bonelli’s Eagle: one between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th
Chinese Sparrowhawk: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 17th; one at southwest Lantau on 18th
Japanese Sparrowhawk: singles at Lam Tsuen and Shek Kong catchwater on 17th, and Mai Po on 18th
Eastern Marsh Harrier: highest count was four at Mai Po on 15th & 17th
Pied Harrier: at least one present at Mai Po throughout the week; one at San Tin on 18th
Eastern Buzzard: singles reported from several widespread sites
Collared Owlet: one singing at Tai Po Kau on 16th & 17th
Oriental Dollarbird: one at Leung Tin Au on 15th; one at Tai Lam CP on 17th & 18th; one at Castle Peak on 18th
Black-capped Kingfisher: one between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th; one at Mai Po on 18th
Blue-tailed Bee-eater: one at Mai Po on 17th, with four there on 18th
Eurasian Wryneck: two at Lok Ma Chau on 12th; one at Long Valley on 13th; singles at Mai Po and San Tin on 18th
Common Kestrel: highest count was three between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th
Amur Falcon: singles at Ap Lei Chau and Mai Po on 14th; one at Tung Lung Chau on 16th; singles at Mai Po and Long Valley on 17th
Eurasian Hobby: one between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 14th; one at Long Valley on 15th; two at Pui O on 17th; one at Wang Tong on 18th
Ashy Minivet: one at Po Toi on 15th; one at Tai Lam CP on 17th; five at Lung Kwu Tan on 18th
Black-winged Cuckooshrike: highest count was four at Pui O on 17th
Brown Shrike: highest count was two at Ho Man Tin on 14th
Black-naped Oriole: highest count was six at Mai Po on 18th
Ashy Drongo: highest count was two at Shek Kong catchwater on 17th
Black-naped Monarch: one at Lau Shui Heung on 12th; one at Ho Man Tin from 14th - 16th
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: singles at Lau Shui Heung and Shing Mun on 12th; one at Tai Lam CP on 17th
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher: singles at Lau Shui Heung, Wo San Wai and Shing Mun on 12th; one at Mai Po from 12th – 16th; two at Tai Lam CP from 12th - 18th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: one at southwest Lantau on 18th was the first of the season
Eurasian Skylark: one at Long Valley on 13th
Sand Martin: three at Wo San Wai on 12th; five at San Tin on 18th
Asian Stubtail: three at Tai Lam CP on 17th
Yellow-browed Warbler: highest count was 11 between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th
Dusky Warbler: highest count was 52 at Mai Po on 18th
Eastern Crowned Warbler: two at Lau Shui Heung on 12th; one at Tai Lam CP on 12th, with two there on 17th
Alström's Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 17th is the 11th Hong Kong record
Two-barred Warbler: highest count was three at Ho Man Tin on 15th and at Tung Lung Chau on 16th
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: singles at Lung Kwu Tan and Wo San Wai on 12th, Lok Ma Chau on 15th, Lam Tsuen on 17th, and Mai Po on 18th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: highest count was three at Mai Po on 16th
Arctic Warbler: highest count was five at Mai Po on 16th
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 12th & 17th
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: one (goodsoni) at Tai Lam CP on 12th & 17th
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler: one between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th; one at Lok Ma Chau on 15th; one at Tsim Bei Tsui on 17th; one at Telford Gardens on 18th
Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler: two at Mai Po on 18th
Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler: one at Telford Gardens on 18th is the ninth Hong Kong record
Lanceolated Warbler: one at Long Valley on 15th; one at Mai Po on 16th; one at Lam Tsuen on 17th; one at Telford Gardens on 18th
Zitting Cisticola: highest count was 14 at Long Valley on 15th
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Lam Tsuen on 17th
Daurian Starling: three at Lung Kwu Tan on 17th
Chestnut-cheeked Starling: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 17th & 18th; one at Pui O on 17th
Orange-headed Thrush: singles at Tai Lam CP and Ho Man Tin on 12th; one near Pak Mong on 17th
White's Thrush: one at Po Toi on 15th
Grey-streaked Flycatcher: one at Pui O on 17th
Highlights of the week were the return of the Taiga Bean Geese to Mai Po on 12th. Somewhat out of its element, a Red-footed Booby joined them on the reserve - albeit all too briefly - on 17th. The second Alström's Warbler of the season was at Tai Lam CP on 17th. Also on 17th, a Chinese Blue Flycatcher was at Po Toi. On 18th a Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler was discovered at Telford Gardens.
These and other records of note as follows:
Taiga Bean Goose: the two birds seen at Mai Po on 8 October reappeared on 12th and remained throughout the week
Garganey: highest count was 85 at Mai Po on 18th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: up to two at Mai Po between 16th & 18th
Tufted Duck: one at Mai Po on 18th
Grey Nightjar: one at Tai Po Kau on 16th
Himalayan Swiftlet: the unprecedented autumn passage of this species continued: two at Wo San Wai on 12th; singles at Long Valley and Lam Tsuen on 13th; two at Lung Kwu Tan on 14th; four at Long Valley and one at Mai Po on 15th
Pacific Swift: one at Discovery Bay on 13th
House Swift: a movement involving at least 300 birds at Discovery Bay on 13th
Red Turtle Dove: highest count was 21 at Mai Po on 18th
Grey-headed Lapwing: one at Lok Ma Chau on 12th; one at Kam Tin on 17th
Pheasant-tailed Jacana: three at Lok Ma Chau on 12th; one at Long Valley on 13th & 17th; one at Mai Po on 15th & 18th; singles at Lok Ma Chau and San Tin on 18th
Oriental Pratincole: two at Mai Po on 17th, with on there on 18th
Lesser Black-backed Gull (heuglini): a 2nd-winter at Mai Po on 18th
Gull-billed Tern: one in Sai Kung harbour on 13th
Common Tern: two at Cape D’Aguilar on 13th
Whiskered Tern: 60 in Sai Kung harbour on 13th; 60 at San Tin on 18th
Red-footed Booby: one flew onto the main reserve at Mai Po on 17th and briefly joined the Taiga Geese; this is the 16th Hong Kong record and is a new late date as previous sightings have all been between 3 May and 9 October
Black-faced Spoonbill: 15 at Mai Po on 18th
Von Schrenck’s Bittern: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 12th
Cinnamon Bittern: singles at Lok Ma Chau on 12th & 18th, Long Valley on 13th, Mai Po on 17th, and San Tin on 18th
Black-winged Kite: up to two at Mai Po during the week with others reported from Lok Ma Chau, Palm Springs and Long Valley
Bonelli’s Eagle: one between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th
Chinese Sparrowhawk: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 17th; one at southwest Lantau on 18th
Japanese Sparrowhawk: singles at Lam Tsuen and Shek Kong catchwater on 17th, and Mai Po on 18th
Eastern Marsh Harrier: highest count was four at Mai Po on 15th & 17th
Pied Harrier: at least one present at Mai Po throughout the week; one at San Tin on 18th
Eastern Buzzard: singles reported from several widespread sites
Collared Owlet: one singing at Tai Po Kau on 16th & 17th
Oriental Dollarbird: one at Leung Tin Au on 15th; one at Tai Lam CP on 17th & 18th; one at Castle Peak on 18th
Black-capped Kingfisher: one between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th; one at Mai Po on 18th
Blue-tailed Bee-eater: one at Mai Po on 17th, with four there on 18th
Eurasian Wryneck: two at Lok Ma Chau on 12th; one at Long Valley on 13th; singles at Mai Po and San Tin on 18th
Common Kestrel: highest count was three between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th
Amur Falcon: singles at Ap Lei Chau and Mai Po on 14th; one at Tung Lung Chau on 16th; singles at Mai Po and Long Valley on 17th
Eurasian Hobby: one between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 14th; one at Long Valley on 15th; two at Pui O on 17th; one at Wang Tong on 18th
Ashy Minivet: one at Po Toi on 15th; one at Tai Lam CP on 17th; five at Lung Kwu Tan on 18th
Black-winged Cuckooshrike: highest count was four at Pui O on 17th
Brown Shrike: highest count was two at Ho Man Tin on 14th
Black-naped Oriole: highest count was six at Mai Po on 18th
Ashy Drongo: highest count was two at Shek Kong catchwater on 17th
Black-naped Monarch: one at Lau Shui Heung on 12th; one at Ho Man Tin from 14th - 16th
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: singles at Lau Shui Heung and Shing Mun on 12th; one at Tai Lam CP on 17th
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher: singles at Lau Shui Heung, Wo San Wai and Shing Mun on 12th; one at Mai Po from 12th – 16th; two at Tai Lam CP from 12th - 18th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: one at southwest Lantau on 18th was the first of the season
Eurasian Skylark: one at Long Valley on 13th
Sand Martin: three at Wo San Wai on 12th; five at San Tin on 18th
Asian Stubtail: three at Tai Lam CP on 17th
Yellow-browed Warbler: highest count was 11 between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th
Dusky Warbler: highest count was 52 at Mai Po on 18th
Eastern Crowned Warbler: two at Lau Shui Heung on 12th; one at Tai Lam CP on 12th, with two there on 17th
Alström's Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 17th is the 11th Hong Kong record
Two-barred Warbler: highest count was three at Ho Man Tin on 15th and at Tung Lung Chau on 16th
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: singles at Lung Kwu Tan and Wo San Wai on 12th, Lok Ma Chau on 15th, Lam Tsuen on 17th, and Mai Po on 18th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: highest count was three at Mai Po on 16th
Arctic Warbler: highest count was five at Mai Po on 16th
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 12th & 17th
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: one (goodsoni) at Tai Lam CP on 12th & 17th
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler: one between Pak Mong and Lo Fu Tau on 12th; one at Lok Ma Chau on 15th; one at Tsim Bei Tsui on 17th; one at Telford Gardens on 18th
Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler: two at Mai Po on 18th
Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler: one at Telford Gardens on 18th is the ninth Hong Kong record
Lanceolated Warbler: one at Long Valley on 15th; one at Mai Po on 16th; one at Lam Tsuen on 17th; one at Telford Gardens on 18th
Zitting Cisticola: highest count was 14 at Long Valley on 15th
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Lam Tsuen on 17th
Daurian Starling: three at Lung Kwu Tan on 17th
Chestnut-cheeked Starling: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 17th & 18th; one at Pui O on 17th
Orange-headed Thrush: singles at Tai Lam CP and Ho Man Tin on 12th; one near Pak Mong on 17th
White's Thrush: one at Po Toi on 15th
Grey-streaked Flycatcher: one at Pui O on 17th
Dark-sided Flycatcher at Tai Lam CP, 12 October 2020
Dark-sided Flycatcher: highest count was two at Ho Man Tin on 15th
Asian Brown Flycatcher: highest count was eight at Lung Kwu Tan on 12th
Chinese Blue Flycatcher: a male at Po Toi on 17th is the tenth Hong Kong record, and the earliest in autumn by just one day
Blue-and-white Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 15th
Verditer Flycatcher: one at Lau Shui Heung on 12th; one at Po Toi on 15th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 18th
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher: one at Mai Po on 16th
Stejneger’s Stonechat: highest count was 17 at Lam Tsuen on 13th
Grey Bush Chat: one at Yi O on 18th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): highest count was six at Long Valley on 12th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): highest count was 30 at Long Valley on 12th
White Wagtail: the first ocularis of the season was at Lam Tsuen on 9 October. One of the race lugens was at Tei Ton Teng, Clearwater Bay on 15th, as was a baicalensis-type White Wagtail.
Olive-backed Pipit: highest count was seven at Lam Tsuen on 17th
Red-throated Pipit: highest count was 18 at Pui O on 18th
Common Rosefinch: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 18th
Grey-capped Greenfinch: two at Lung Kwu Tan on 16th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: one at Long Valley on 13th & 15th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: highest count at Long Valley was six on 15th; two at Mai Po on 18th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 18th
Black-faced Bunting: singles at Tung Lung Chau and Long Valley on 16th; one at San Tin on 17th.
Asian Brown Flycatcher: highest count was eight at Lung Kwu Tan on 12th
Chinese Blue Flycatcher: a male at Po Toi on 17th is the tenth Hong Kong record, and the earliest in autumn by just one day
Blue-and-white Flycatcher: one at Po Toi on 15th
Verditer Flycatcher: one at Lau Shui Heung on 12th; one at Po Toi on 15th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 18th
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher: one at Mai Po on 16th
Stejneger’s Stonechat: highest count was 17 at Lam Tsuen on 13th
Grey Bush Chat: one at Yi O on 18th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): highest count was six at Long Valley on 12th
White-headed Munia (Cat III): highest count was 30 at Long Valley on 12th
White Wagtail: the first ocularis of the season was at Lam Tsuen on 9 October. One of the race lugens was at Tei Ton Teng, Clearwater Bay on 15th, as was a baicalensis-type White Wagtail.
Olive-backed Pipit: highest count was seven at Lam Tsuen on 17th
Red-throated Pipit: highest count was 18 at Pui O on 18th
Common Rosefinch: one at Lung Kwu Tan on 18th
Grey-capped Greenfinch: two at Lung Kwu Tan on 16th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: one at Long Valley on 13th & 15th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: highest count at Long Valley was six on 15th; two at Mai Po on 18th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 18th
Black-faced Bunting: singles at Tung Lung Chau and Long Valley on 16th; one at San Tin on 17th.
October 19-31
Amur Falcon at Ma Tso Lung, 31 October 2020
Two cyclones passed westwards across the central part of the South China Sea during the period under review. Tropical Cyclone Saudel caused storm signal T3 to be raised on 23rd and Tropical Cyclone Molave was closest to Hong Kong on 27th. Both storms, however, were too far to the south to have much effect here apart from bringing a few rain patches. For the most part, the territory was dominated by the northeast monsoon, with fresh winds and with temperatures in the mid-twenties.
The last fortnight in October is perhaps the best time of the year for the variety of migrants in Hong Kong, with both passage birds and arriving winter visitors being much in evidence. Rarities consisted of the Taiga Bean Geese continuing at Mai Po; both Willow Warbler and Common Chiffchaff were trapped at Mai Po; a Grey-crowned Warbler was at Tung Chung Lau, and the third Alström's Warbler of the autumn was at Shan King, Tuen Mun; the Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler remained at Telford Gardens where it was joined briefly towards the end of the month by the second Pale-footed Bush Warbler of the season.
Full details of these and other sightings of note as follows:
Japanese Quail: at least one at Long Valley from 23rd – 26th; singles at San Tin and Tsung Yuen Ha on 25th
Taiga Bean Goose: the two birds were still present at Mai Po until at least 27th
Garganey: highest count was 79 at Mai Po on 24th
Falcated Duck: one at Lok Ma Chau on 26th; one at Mai Po on 26th & 29th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: singles at Mai Po on 21st and Lok Ma Chau on 28th
Grey Nightjar: one at Braemar Hill on 19th; one at Pak Sha O on 26th
Himalayan Swiftlet: singles at Mai Po on 19th, Tung Lung Chau and Tso Wo Hang on 22nd, Mai Po on 24th, Long Valley on 24th, 26th & 28th, and Chek Lap Kok on 28th
Pacific Swift: one at Robin’s Nest on 20th; one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd
Red Turtle Dove: highest counts were 38 at Mai Po on 19th, 19 at San Tin on 19th, and ten at Pui O on 31st
Baillon’s Crake: one at Mai Po on 27th;
Ruddy-breasted Crake: one at Telford Gardens from 23rd - 30th; one at Long Valley on 29th
Eurasian Coot: four at Lok Ma Chau on 20th; one at San Tin on 25th
Yellow-legged Buttonquail: one at Long Valley on 29th
Grey-headed Lapwing: two at Long Valley from 25th – 31st
Pheasant-tailed Jacana: two at Lok Ma Chau on 20th; one at Shing Mun River, Sha Tin on 20th; one at Mai Po on 21st; one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Lok Ma Chau on 22nd; one at Pui O on 23rd & 26th
Long-billed Dowitcher: one at Mai Po on 25th
Eurasian Woodcock: two at Tai Lam CP on 21st; one at Tai Lam CP on 27th; two on Lamma on 28th
Common Snipe: highest count was 45 at Long Valley on 23rd
Oriental Pratincole: one at Mai Po on 24th
Caspian Tern: one from the Mui Wo to Central ferry on 30th
Whiskered Tern: highest counts were 36 at San Tin on 19th, and 35 at Mai Po on 26th
White-winged Tern: one at San Tin on 29th
Black Stork: one at Wo San Wai on 26th
Eurasian Spoonbill: two at Lok Ma Chau on 28th
Black-faced Spoonbill: highest count was 184 at Mai Po on 27th;
Von Schrenck’s Bittern: one at Lok Ma Chau Village on 25th
Cinnamon Bittern: one at Mui Wo on 25th & 26th
Purple Heron: highest count was seven at Mai Po on 24th
Black-winged Kite: ones and twos reported from Mai Po, San Tin, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway, Palm Springs, Long Valley, Lok Ma Chau, Lung Kwu Tan and Ma Tso Lung
Crested Honey Buzzard: an obvious movement between 23rd and 26th: one at Tai Au Mun on 23rd; three at Lung Kwu Tan on 23rd; one at Lam Tsuen on 24th; one at Pak Sha O on 24th; two at Happy Valley on 24th; one at Long Valley on 25th; singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 26th & 31st
Greater Spotted Eagle: one at San Tin/Lok Ma Chau on 25th & 26th; two at Mai Po on 26th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: one at Mai Po on 30th; one at Palm Springs on 30th
Bonelli’s Eagle: singles at Shek Kong catchwater on 24th & 25th, at Luk Keng on 24th, and at Tsung Yuen Ha on 25th; two at Pui O on 31st
Chinese Sparrowhawk: one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Tai Au Mun on 23rd
Japanese Sparrowhawk: one at Dog’s Teeth Ridge, Lantau on 20th; one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Mai Po on 24th; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 25th; two at Long Valley on 26th; one at Long Valley on 29th
Eastern Marsh Harrier: highest count was five at Mai Po on 19th
Pied Harrier: singles at Mai Po on 19th & 26th, Lok Ma Chau on 20th & 22nd, Long Valley on 23rd, San Tin on 23rd & 25th, and Ma Tso Lung on 31st
The last fortnight in October is perhaps the best time of the year for the variety of migrants in Hong Kong, with both passage birds and arriving winter visitors being much in evidence. Rarities consisted of the Taiga Bean Geese continuing at Mai Po; both Willow Warbler and Common Chiffchaff were trapped at Mai Po; a Grey-crowned Warbler was at Tung Chung Lau, and the third Alström's Warbler of the autumn was at Shan King, Tuen Mun; the Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler remained at Telford Gardens where it was joined briefly towards the end of the month by the second Pale-footed Bush Warbler of the season.
Full details of these and other sightings of note as follows:
Japanese Quail: at least one at Long Valley from 23rd – 26th; singles at San Tin and Tsung Yuen Ha on 25th
Taiga Bean Goose: the two birds were still present at Mai Po until at least 27th
Garganey: highest count was 79 at Mai Po on 24th
Falcated Duck: one at Lok Ma Chau on 26th; one at Mai Po on 26th & 29th
Chinese Spot-billed Duck: singles at Mai Po on 21st and Lok Ma Chau on 28th
Grey Nightjar: one at Braemar Hill on 19th; one at Pak Sha O on 26th
Himalayan Swiftlet: singles at Mai Po on 19th, Tung Lung Chau and Tso Wo Hang on 22nd, Mai Po on 24th, Long Valley on 24th, 26th & 28th, and Chek Lap Kok on 28th
Pacific Swift: one at Robin’s Nest on 20th; one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd
Red Turtle Dove: highest counts were 38 at Mai Po on 19th, 19 at San Tin on 19th, and ten at Pui O on 31st
Baillon’s Crake: one at Mai Po on 27th;
Ruddy-breasted Crake: one at Telford Gardens from 23rd - 30th; one at Long Valley on 29th
Eurasian Coot: four at Lok Ma Chau on 20th; one at San Tin on 25th
Yellow-legged Buttonquail: one at Long Valley on 29th
Grey-headed Lapwing: two at Long Valley from 25th – 31st
Pheasant-tailed Jacana: two at Lok Ma Chau on 20th; one at Shing Mun River, Sha Tin on 20th; one at Mai Po on 21st; one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Lok Ma Chau on 22nd; one at Pui O on 23rd & 26th
Long-billed Dowitcher: one at Mai Po on 25th
Eurasian Woodcock: two at Tai Lam CP on 21st; one at Tai Lam CP on 27th; two on Lamma on 28th
Common Snipe: highest count was 45 at Long Valley on 23rd
Oriental Pratincole: one at Mai Po on 24th
Caspian Tern: one from the Mui Wo to Central ferry on 30th
Whiskered Tern: highest counts were 36 at San Tin on 19th, and 35 at Mai Po on 26th
White-winged Tern: one at San Tin on 29th
Black Stork: one at Wo San Wai on 26th
Eurasian Spoonbill: two at Lok Ma Chau on 28th
Black-faced Spoonbill: highest count was 184 at Mai Po on 27th;
Von Schrenck’s Bittern: one at Lok Ma Chau Village on 25th
Cinnamon Bittern: one at Mui Wo on 25th & 26th
Purple Heron: highest count was seven at Mai Po on 24th
Black-winged Kite: ones and twos reported from Mai Po, San Tin, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway, Palm Springs, Long Valley, Lok Ma Chau, Lung Kwu Tan and Ma Tso Lung
Crested Honey Buzzard: an obvious movement between 23rd and 26th: one at Tai Au Mun on 23rd; three at Lung Kwu Tan on 23rd; one at Lam Tsuen on 24th; one at Pak Sha O on 24th; two at Happy Valley on 24th; one at Long Valley on 25th; singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 26th & 31st
Greater Spotted Eagle: one at San Tin/Lok Ma Chau on 25th & 26th; two at Mai Po on 26th
Eastern Imperial Eagle: one at Mai Po on 30th; one at Palm Springs on 30th
Bonelli’s Eagle: singles at Shek Kong catchwater on 24th & 25th, at Luk Keng on 24th, and at Tsung Yuen Ha on 25th; two at Pui O on 31st
Chinese Sparrowhawk: one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Tai Au Mun on 23rd
Japanese Sparrowhawk: one at Dog’s Teeth Ridge, Lantau on 20th; one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Mai Po on 24th; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 25th; two at Long Valley on 26th; one at Long Valley on 29th
Eastern Marsh Harrier: highest count was five at Mai Po on 19th
Pied Harrier: singles at Mai Po on 19th & 26th, Lok Ma Chau on 20th & 22nd, Long Valley on 23rd, San Tin on 23rd & 25th, and Ma Tso Lung on 31st
Pied Harrier at Ma Tso Lung, 31 October 2020
Grey-faced Buzzard: one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; 18 in total (15 + 3) at Cheung Chau on 23rd; three at Dog’s Teeth Ridge on 23rd; four at Long Valley on 24th; 31 at Shui Hau on 24th; one at Pui O on 24th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 30th
Eastern Buzzard: common and widespread, the highest single-site count being six at Long Valley on 24th
Collared Owlet: one heard at Tai Po Kau on 25th
Eurasian Hoopoe: singles at San Tin on 29th, Chek Lap Kok on 30th, and Lok Ma Chau Village on 31st
Oriental Dollarbird: singles at Tai Lam CP on 19th & 31st, Leung Tin Au on 26th, Long Valley on 27th, and Tai Tong on 31st
Black-capped Kingfisher: one at Mai Po on 21st; two at Pui O on 23rd; one at Mai Po on 24th; one at Tsim Bei Tsui on 24th
Blue-tailed Bee-eater: one at Mai Po on 21st
Eurasian Wryneck: singles at Mai Po on 19th, 21st & 30th, with three there on 27th; two at Lok Ma Chau on 20th; one at Ma Tso Lung on 24th & 31st; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 31st
Common Kestrel: reports of single birds from several widespread sites, with two at Robin’s Nest and at Dog’s Teeth Ridge, Lantau on 20th
Amur Falcon: reported from Mai Po, Lok Ma Chau, Ma Tso Lung, Shek Kong catchwater, Uk Tau, Lung Kwu Tan, Clearwater Bay CP, and Tung Lung Chau – mainly single birds apart from four at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd, two at Long Valley on 26th, and three at Lung Kwu Tan on 30th
Eurasian Hobby: two at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Tai Au Mun on 23rd; singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 23rd & 26th; one at Mai Po on 24th
Ashy Minivet: one at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 31st
Black-winged Cuckooshrike: reported in ones and twos from several widespread sites; highest count was five at Lam Tsuen on 28th
Bull-headed Shrike: one at Mai Po on 24th
Brown Shrike: singles reported from several widespread sites
Black-naped Oriole: singles at Mai Po on 19th & 24th, Tung Lung Chau on 22nd, Lung Kwu Tan on 24th, and Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 25th
Ashy Drongo: highest counts were three at Tai Lam CP on 19th and three at Ng Tung Chai on 20th
Black-naped Monarch: one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Lau Shui Heung on 31st
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: one at Mei Foo on 21st; one at Lau Shui Heung on 26th
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher: two at Tai Lam CP on 21st; one at Tai Lam Chung on 21st; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 25th; one at Lau Shui Heung on 26th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: one at Tai Lam Chung on 21st; two at Shek Kong catchwater on 24th
Chinese Penduline Tit: 15 at Mai Po on 30th
Eurasian Skylark: reported from Lam Tsuen, San Tin, Long Valley, Mai Po and Ma Tso Lung; highest count was five at Mai Po on 27th with up to three elsewhere
Black Bulbul: six at KFBG on 23rd; two at Tai Po Kau on 25th
Sand Martin: two at Mai Po on 19th with nine there on 21st and one on 24th; two at San Tin on 19th with three there on 21st; five at Lok Ma Chau on 22nd; one at Long Valley on 26th
Red-rumped Swallow: regularly reported from Long Valley where the highest count was 50 on 28th
Asian Stubtail: one at Telford Gardens on 24th; five at Tai Lam CP on 25th with two there on 31st; one at Leung Tin Au on 26th
Pale-footed Bush Warbler: one at Telford Gardens on 28th & 29th; this is the 12th or 13th Hong Kong record and the second this autumn
Yellow-browed Warbler: up to six reported from several widespread sites
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 19th & 31st; one at Robin’s Nest on 20th
Dusky Warbler: a strong passage of this species during the period under review with counts of 30 at Long Valley on 25th, 50 at Lok Ma Chau on 26th, and 71 at Mai Po on 30th
Willow Warbler: one trapped at Mai Po on 19th is only the second Hong Kong record; the first was of one photographed at Long Valley on 25th October, 2008
Eastern Crowned Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP from 19th - 31st; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 24th; one at Castle Peak on 25th; one at Tai Po Kau on 25th
Common Chiffchaff: one trapped at Mai Po on 30th is the sixteenth Hong Kong record
Grey-crowned Warbler: one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd is the fourth Hong Kong record
Alström's Warbler: one at Shan King, Tuen Mun on 25th
Two-barred Warbler: widespread reports of up to three birds at several sites
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: one at Mai Po on 21st; one at Ho Sheung Heung on 24th; two at Mai Po on 24th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: one at Robin’s Nest on 20th; one at Mei Foo on 21st; one at Mai Po on 22nd; two at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Mai Po on 24th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 24th; one at Pui O on 24th; one at Lam Tsuen on 28th; two at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 31st
Arctic Warbler: one at Ho Sheung Heung on 26th; two at Mai Po on 26th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 31st
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 21st, 27th & 31st
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: singles at Tai Lam CP on 25th & 27th, and at Tai Po Kau on 26th
Oriental Reed Warbler: up to four from several widespread sites
Black-browed Reed Warbler: highest count was 20 at Lok Ma Chau on 20th & 26th
Manchurian Reed Warbler: singles trapped at Mai Po on 19th & 30th
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler: one at Telford Gardens from 19th - 23rd; one at Mui Wo on 25th; one at Ma Tso Lung on 25th
Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler: reported from the Mai Po boardwalk from 21st – 25th, with four there on 22nd which is a new high count
Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler: one at Telford Gardens from 19th – 30th
Eastern Buzzard: common and widespread, the highest single-site count being six at Long Valley on 24th
Collared Owlet: one heard at Tai Po Kau on 25th
Eurasian Hoopoe: singles at San Tin on 29th, Chek Lap Kok on 30th, and Lok Ma Chau Village on 31st
Oriental Dollarbird: singles at Tai Lam CP on 19th & 31st, Leung Tin Au on 26th, Long Valley on 27th, and Tai Tong on 31st
Black-capped Kingfisher: one at Mai Po on 21st; two at Pui O on 23rd; one at Mai Po on 24th; one at Tsim Bei Tsui on 24th
Blue-tailed Bee-eater: one at Mai Po on 21st
Eurasian Wryneck: singles at Mai Po on 19th, 21st & 30th, with three there on 27th; two at Lok Ma Chau on 20th; one at Ma Tso Lung on 24th & 31st; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 31st
Common Kestrel: reports of single birds from several widespread sites, with two at Robin’s Nest and at Dog’s Teeth Ridge, Lantau on 20th
Amur Falcon: reported from Mai Po, Lok Ma Chau, Ma Tso Lung, Shek Kong catchwater, Uk Tau, Lung Kwu Tan, Clearwater Bay CP, and Tung Lung Chau – mainly single birds apart from four at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd, two at Long Valley on 26th, and three at Lung Kwu Tan on 30th
Eurasian Hobby: two at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Tai Au Mun on 23rd; singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 23rd & 26th; one at Mai Po on 24th
Ashy Minivet: one at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 31st
Black-winged Cuckooshrike: reported in ones and twos from several widespread sites; highest count was five at Lam Tsuen on 28th
Bull-headed Shrike: one at Mai Po on 24th
Brown Shrike: singles reported from several widespread sites
Black-naped Oriole: singles at Mai Po on 19th & 24th, Tung Lung Chau on 22nd, Lung Kwu Tan on 24th, and Yuen Long Bypass Floodway on 25th
Ashy Drongo: highest counts were three at Tai Lam CP on 19th and three at Ng Tung Chai on 20th
Black-naped Monarch: one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Lau Shui Heung on 31st
Amur Paradise Flycatcher: one at Mei Foo on 21st; one at Lau Shui Heung on 26th
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher: two at Tai Lam CP on 21st; one at Tai Lam Chung on 21st; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 25th; one at Lau Shui Heung on 26th
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher: one at Tai Lam Chung on 21st; two at Shek Kong catchwater on 24th
Chinese Penduline Tit: 15 at Mai Po on 30th
Eurasian Skylark: reported from Lam Tsuen, San Tin, Long Valley, Mai Po and Ma Tso Lung; highest count was five at Mai Po on 27th with up to three elsewhere
Black Bulbul: six at KFBG on 23rd; two at Tai Po Kau on 25th
Sand Martin: two at Mai Po on 19th with nine there on 21st and one on 24th; two at San Tin on 19th with three there on 21st; five at Lok Ma Chau on 22nd; one at Long Valley on 26th
Red-rumped Swallow: regularly reported from Long Valley where the highest count was 50 on 28th
Asian Stubtail: one at Telford Gardens on 24th; five at Tai Lam CP on 25th with two there on 31st; one at Leung Tin Au on 26th
Pale-footed Bush Warbler: one at Telford Gardens on 28th & 29th; this is the 12th or 13th Hong Kong record and the second this autumn
Yellow-browed Warbler: up to six reported from several widespread sites
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 19th & 31st; one at Robin’s Nest on 20th
Dusky Warbler: a strong passage of this species during the period under review with counts of 30 at Long Valley on 25th, 50 at Lok Ma Chau on 26th, and 71 at Mai Po on 30th
Willow Warbler: one trapped at Mai Po on 19th is only the second Hong Kong record; the first was of one photographed at Long Valley on 25th October, 2008
Eastern Crowned Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP from 19th - 31st; one at Shek Kong catchwater on 24th; one at Castle Peak on 25th; one at Tai Po Kau on 25th
Common Chiffchaff: one trapped at Mai Po on 30th is the sixteenth Hong Kong record
Grey-crowned Warbler: one at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd is the fourth Hong Kong record
Alström's Warbler: one at Shan King, Tuen Mun on 25th
Two-barred Warbler: widespread reports of up to three birds at several sites
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: one at Mai Po on 21st; one at Ho Sheung Heung on 24th; two at Mai Po on 24th
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: one at Robin’s Nest on 20th; one at Mei Foo on 21st; one at Mai Po on 22nd; two at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd; one at Mai Po on 24th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 24th; one at Pui O on 24th; one at Lam Tsuen on 28th; two at Tai Mei Tuk catchwater on 31st
Arctic Warbler: one at Ho Sheung Heung on 26th; two at Mai Po on 26th; one at Lung Kwu Tan on 31st
Sulphur-breasted Warbler: one at Tai Lam CP on 21st, 27th & 31st
Hartert’s Leaf Warbler: singles at Tai Lam CP on 25th & 27th, and at Tai Po Kau on 26th
Oriental Reed Warbler: up to four from several widespread sites
Black-browed Reed Warbler: highest count was 20 at Lok Ma Chau on 20th & 26th
Manchurian Reed Warbler: singles trapped at Mai Po on 19th & 30th
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler: one at Telford Gardens from 19th - 23rd; one at Mui Wo on 25th; one at Ma Tso Lung on 25th
Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler: reported from the Mai Po boardwalk from 21st – 25th, with four there on 22nd which is a new high count
Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler: one at Telford Gardens from 19th – 30th
Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler at Telford Gardens, 24 October 2020
Lanceolated Warbler: one at Telford Gardens on 19th - 23rd, and on 25th; one at Mai Po on 27th with three there on 30th
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Lam Tsuen on 19th; three at Robin’s Nest on 20th; one at Wu Shek Wai on 26th; three at Leung Tin Au on 26th; one at Lam Tsuen on 31st
Chinese Grassbird: two at Robin’s Nest on 20th
White-cheeked Starling: highest count was 50 at Lok Ma Chau Village on 31st
Daurian Starling: two at Long Valley on 19th with one there on 25th; one at Lok Ma Chau on 26th
Common Starling: one at Lok Ma Chau Village on 24th
Orange-headed Thrush: one at Wonderland Villas on 26th
Dark-sided Flycatcher: singles at King’s Park, Ho Man Tin and Tai Lam CP on 20th, Shan King and Leung King (both in Tuen Mun) on 25th, and at Tai Po Kau on 26th
Asian Brown Flycatcher: highest count was three at Mt Davis on 31st
Verditer Flycatcher: one at Shek Kong catchwater on 24th; at least four at Pak Sha O on 26th; one at Tai Lam CP on 27th; one at Lau Shui Heung on 31st
Bluethroat: one at Mai Po on 21st & 27th;
Siberian Rubythroat: highest counts were five at Mai Po on 27th, and five at Lam Tsuen on 31st
Red-flanked Bluetail: a female at Ho Man Tin on 23rd & 29th
Narcissus Flycatcher: a female at Ho Man Tin on 19th & 21st
Red-throated Flycatcher: ones and twos at Long Valley, Nam Sang Wai, Ho Sheung Heung, Mai Po and King’s Park
Daurian Redstart: singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 19th, Long Valley on 24th, and Lok Ma Chau Village on 25th, after which widespread; four were at Mai Po on 29th and at Lung Kwu Tan on 31st
Blue Rock Thrush: highest count was ten at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd
White-throated Rock Thrush: a female at Tai Lam CP on 31st
Stejneger’s Stonechat: highest counts were 22 at Lok Ma Chau on 20th, 16 at Lam Tsuen on 24th, and 18 at Long Valley on 26th
Grey Bush Chat: one at Pak Sha O on 24th
House Sparrow: a female at Long Valley on 24th; a female at Lok Ma Chau Village on 24th & 25th – potentially the eighth and ninth records for Hong Kong
Golden-headed Cisticola: one at Lam Tsuen on 19th; three at Robin’s Nest on 20th; one at Wu Shek Wai on 26th; three at Leung Tin Au on 26th; one at Lam Tsuen on 31st
Chinese Grassbird: two at Robin’s Nest on 20th
White-cheeked Starling: highest count was 50 at Lok Ma Chau Village on 31st
Daurian Starling: two at Long Valley on 19th with one there on 25th; one at Lok Ma Chau on 26th
Common Starling: one at Lok Ma Chau Village on 24th
Orange-headed Thrush: one at Wonderland Villas on 26th
Dark-sided Flycatcher: singles at King’s Park, Ho Man Tin and Tai Lam CP on 20th, Shan King and Leung King (both in Tuen Mun) on 25th, and at Tai Po Kau on 26th
Asian Brown Flycatcher: highest count was three at Mt Davis on 31st
Verditer Flycatcher: one at Shek Kong catchwater on 24th; at least four at Pak Sha O on 26th; one at Tai Lam CP on 27th; one at Lau Shui Heung on 31st
Bluethroat: one at Mai Po on 21st & 27th;
Siberian Rubythroat: highest counts were five at Mai Po on 27th, and five at Lam Tsuen on 31st
Red-flanked Bluetail: a female at Ho Man Tin on 23rd & 29th
Narcissus Flycatcher: a female at Ho Man Tin on 19th & 21st
Red-throated Flycatcher: ones and twos at Long Valley, Nam Sang Wai, Ho Sheung Heung, Mai Po and King’s Park
Daurian Redstart: singles at Lung Kwu Tan on 19th, Long Valley on 24th, and Lok Ma Chau Village on 25th, after which widespread; four were at Mai Po on 29th and at Lung Kwu Tan on 31st
Blue Rock Thrush: highest count was ten at Tung Lung Chau on 22nd
White-throated Rock Thrush: a female at Tai Lam CP on 31st
Stejneger’s Stonechat: highest counts were 22 at Lok Ma Chau on 20th, 16 at Lam Tsuen on 24th, and 18 at Long Valley on 26th
Grey Bush Chat: one at Pak Sha O on 24th
House Sparrow: a female at Long Valley on 24th; a female at Lok Ma Chau Village on 24th & 25th – potentially the eighth and ninth records for Hong Kong
House Sparrow at Lok Ma Chau Village, 25 October 2020
Russet Sparrow: eight at Long Valley on 25th; one at Lok Ma Chau Village on 26th; two at Long Valley on 27th
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): six at Mai Po on 19th; six at Long Valley on 21st, with four there on 23rd & 24th; three at Kai Tak Runway Park on 23rd
White-headed Munia (Cat III): noted at Long Valley throughout, with 40 there on 29th; 20 at Kai Tak Runway Park on 23rd
Forest Wagtail: one at Lamma on 24th
Eastern Yellow Wagtail: 475 were counted leaving their roost at dawn at Mai Po on 30th
White Wagtail (ocularis): highest counts were four at Lam Tsuen on 31st, and four at Ma Tso Lung on 31st
White Wagtail (lugens): one at Lung Kwu Tan on 31st
Richard’s Pipit; highest counts were eight at Pui O on 26th, and eight at Lam Tsuen on 31st
Olive-backed Pipit: highest counts were 11 at Lung Kwu Tan on 23rd, and 12 at Lam Tsuen on 24th
Pechora Pipit: one at Mai Po on 21st
Red-throated Pipit: highest counts were 18 at Pui O on 26th, and 15 at Long Valley on 31st
Brambling: one at Long Valley on 28th & 29th; one at KFBG on 30th; two at Mt Davis on 31st
Common Rosefinch: one at Lam Tsuen on 23rd; six at Nam Sang Wai on 23rd
Grey-capped Greenfinch: singles at Lok Ma Chau Village on 26th, and Mai Po on 27th & 30th
Tristram’s Bunting: three at Po Toi on 29th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: recorded from Long Valley, San Tin, Ma Tso Lung, Lam Tsuen and Mai Po, the highest counts being five at Long Valley on 26th and three at Ma Tso Lung on 31st
Little Bunting: widespread reports of single birds, the highest count being three at Mt Davis on 31st
Yellow-browed Bunting: one at Po Toi on 29th
Rustic Bunting: one at Long Valley on 25th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: recorded from Mai Po, San Tin, Ho Sheung Heung, Lam Tsuen, Lung Kwu Tan and Pui O, the highest counts being 20 at Long Valley on 29th, and 15 at Ma Tso Lung on 25th & 31st
Black-faced Bunting: ones and twos reported from several widespread sites.
Chestnut Munia (Cat IIC): six at Mai Po on 19th; six at Long Valley on 21st, with four there on 23rd & 24th; three at Kai Tak Runway Park on 23rd
White-headed Munia (Cat III): noted at Long Valley throughout, with 40 there on 29th; 20 at Kai Tak Runway Park on 23rd
Forest Wagtail: one at Lamma on 24th
Eastern Yellow Wagtail: 475 were counted leaving their roost at dawn at Mai Po on 30th
White Wagtail (ocularis): highest counts were four at Lam Tsuen on 31st, and four at Ma Tso Lung on 31st
White Wagtail (lugens): one at Lung Kwu Tan on 31st
Richard’s Pipit; highest counts were eight at Pui O on 26th, and eight at Lam Tsuen on 31st
Olive-backed Pipit: highest counts were 11 at Lung Kwu Tan on 23rd, and 12 at Lam Tsuen on 24th
Pechora Pipit: one at Mai Po on 21st
Red-throated Pipit: highest counts were 18 at Pui O on 26th, and 15 at Long Valley on 31st
Brambling: one at Long Valley on 28th & 29th; one at KFBG on 30th; two at Mt Davis on 31st
Common Rosefinch: one at Lam Tsuen on 23rd; six at Nam Sang Wai on 23rd
Grey-capped Greenfinch: singles at Lok Ma Chau Village on 26th, and Mai Po on 27th & 30th
Tristram’s Bunting: three at Po Toi on 29th
Chestnut-eared Bunting: recorded from Long Valley, San Tin, Ma Tso Lung, Lam Tsuen and Mai Po, the highest counts being five at Long Valley on 26th and three at Ma Tso Lung on 31st
Little Bunting: widespread reports of single birds, the highest count being three at Mt Davis on 31st
Yellow-browed Bunting: one at Po Toi on 29th
Rustic Bunting: one at Long Valley on 25th
Yellow-breasted Bunting: recorded from Mai Po, San Tin, Ho Sheung Heung, Lam Tsuen, Lung Kwu Tan and Pui O, the highest counts being 20 at Long Valley on 29th, and 15 at Ma Tso Lung on 25th & 31st
Black-faced Bunting: ones and twos reported from several widespread sites.
Yellow-breasted Bunting at Ma Tso Lung, 31 October 2020
********************
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
[email protected]
[email protected]
