On the road again

Today we leave the hills for a more low lying area, but with a few stops on the way for key species.

Unfortunately we woke to rain and low cloud, which made our post-breakfast birding at the top of the mountain rather unproductive.   Although we heard lots of Shortwings, and had a few fleeting glimpses as they flew, we didn't manage a good look at one complete bird.

Shrine

There were a few White-whiskered Laughing-thrush, a Cuckoo was calling in the distance, Johnstone's robin was also around giving us a good show, but the edge was taken off our pleasure by the weather, so we retreated.

Back at camp we loaded the bus and made our way down the mountain to 0km, stopping on the way for Huwamei, which eventually showed well after some dodging about, along with Grey-cheeked Fulvetta.   A Malayan Night-heron flew overhead.

Lunch was excellent - a Taiwanese banquet with many dishes, including ferns, mushrooms, beef with chilli and ginger, whole fish with pineapple, prawns in tempura batter with pineapple, all delicious.

Back on the road and heading for Douliou there were Barn Swallows over the town- we had noticed some Swallows nesting on buildings around the town, and then feeding up and down the streets, shame we seem to be losing our hirundine - probably due to our desire to destroy all insects in the vicinity!

New Raised Motorway

As we neared Linbei village we stopped for some bird watching along the river.   We parked near a butterfly conservation area set up by a local man who wanted to do something to protect the Crow Butterflies as they migrate.   A new raised motorway had been constructed and many of the butterflies were killed by trucks
and vehicles on the new road.   They raised money to get a net fence erected along the side of the road so that the Butterflies had to fly higher over the road thus missing the vehicles - simple and apparently extremely effective.   To support all their hard work they have also constructed a garden with butterfly mosaics and carvings on seats where the locals can rest in the shade and enjoy the flowers.  They also have toilets which are a major plus when on the road, albeit portaloos of the 'squat' variety - too much information for you ?

Crested Myna

So, back to birds.   Little Ringed Plover flew around, apparently they nest on the shingle in the middle of the river, but often get flooded out.   Tree Sparrow were utilising the new road structure for nest sites.   Two new birds for our trip list here were Crested Myna and Yellow-bellied Prinia, and although others saw Parrot-bill I missed out in this occasion.

Back on the road and we stopped next at Huben, home of Fairy Pitta.    Although they hadn't arrived here yet, we had plenty to keep us busy with a Maroon Oriole nest, and a female spotted.   We also had another 'ahhh' moment with a pair of Grey-capped Pygmy-woodpecker pair bonding with the male,feeding the female - marvellous to watch.

At the metro hotel in Douliou we were opposite the train station where there was a demonstration from groups of young people dancing and playing drums.   Very colourful to watch.   Nearer to us on the 12th floor we had bats flying in competition with Swallows ans Martins for food.  

We went to the local Dundee steak house for steak with a Taiwanese twist.   Filet mignon was great with a choice of noodles, beansprouts, odd mushrooms, cooked and raw fish, bamboo shoots, to name but a few and then onion and soy sauce starter.   The main course had a small garnish and then there were an array of deserts which I managed to avoid in favour of fruit.   On of the offerings was coffee jelly which was pronounced as being 'coffee flavoured and jelly'!

Douilou Skyline

Back at the hotel we had the chance for a decent bath or shower in a warm room, bliss . . . then we could hear Nightjar outside.   We had read that they roost on the flat roofs of the buildings in the town and sure enough having seen one fly past we then had the thrill of hearing two birds calling very close.   We
couldn't find them in the dark, but those balconies were priceless for their views.