Knole Park

Our weekly walk took us to Knole Park this week, and although it wasn't the best of weather, it was a least a bit brighter than yesterday.

We wandered along a line of oak trees looking for Galls and did find Andricus quercus-ramuli - Cotton Wood Gall to you and I.   This is a gall made by a Gall Wasp, and it literally looks as if a cotton wool ball is stuck to the branch of the oak tree.   This was the highlight of Malcolm's day as the Gall is quite hard to find.

Andricus quercus-ramuli

We continued along the line of trees listening for any birds that may be singing.   Skylark was the first "hearing", then we saw a Blackbird carrying food, a group of around 35 Jackdaw called from the top of a tree where they were nesting.   Knole has many old trees which are decaying and have plenty of holes and crevices for them to use.   Magpie, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, and Mistle Thrush all appeared in quick succession.   

As we moved along The Gallops we found Stock Dove, a group of four Ring-necked Parakeets, Wren, Chiffchaff and Woodpigeon were also present.   A couple of Swallow were feeding around the house and at one stage they perched on top of one of the ornate chimney pots.

Robin, Willow Warbler and Song Thrush also sang as we continued along towards our lunch stop.   We were in the area where Tree Pipit used to be found, but sadly, none were seen or heard today.

Old hole ridden trunk

Kestrel hovered and Grey Heron leisurely flew across the parkland, and as we walked towards the small pond, Sally saw a small bird flitting around in a nearby tree.   We watched and waited and eventually Malcolm spotted a Redstart.   It flew to the ground then regained its former perch and it seemed as if it suddenly realised that we were there.   The bird stayed on the end of an overhanging bough, appearing to watch us until it decided we were no threat and carried on with its circuit of territory.   

We continued on, stopping at the pond to watch Mallard and Moorhen.  Our next distraction was a buzzard spotted gaining height as it circled ahead of us.   A second Redstart was heard as we approached the golf course, but we could not see the bird, although a Nuthatch fed in a tree in front of us.

Nearing the house I heard a Yellowhammer, it was in a bush just ahead of us, and after a few calls it decided to make a dash for it and shot out across the path and into the distance.   Just far enough to feel safe from approaching people, but still close enough to be heard.

Pied Wagtail completed our Knole Bird list, but we did have a short distraction from Malcolm as we hunted for more galls - this time on a Turkey Oak.   Apparently we have to go back later in the year!

Soon it was time to go on to Horton Kirby and our meeting with the Rainbows.   We met in Westminster Field and did a walk along the River Darent there.   Many of the children had binoculars and one also had a bird book.   We saw Swift overhead and a Sparrowhawk circled overhead for several minutes enabling all the girls to see the bird.   Buttercup and Dandelion seedheads gave us all entertainment as we shared our "do you like butter" and "what time is it?" experiences.

Cuckoo Pint

Their next sighting was a Moorhen on the river, and we then moved along to the more wooded area.   Here Blackbird, Robin, Crow and Blackcap were either seen or heard or both!

Then it was onto our star turn and the Chiffchaff nest area.   The girls all sat quietly whilst Malcolm explained to them what we had found the day before, and although we could hear the contact "chipping" the bird would not show itself.   We continued along the path, looking at the flowers we could find and looking for feathers and other items of interest.   Cow Parsley was in abundance and when we found a patch of Cleavers there was much amusement as it stuck to our clothing.   Seed dispersal in action!

Soon it was time to retrace our steps, with a quiet approach to the Chiffchaff enabling some of us to finally see a bird near the nest area.   We moved swiftly on, back to meet mum or dad, with thanks and farewells. 

Lullingstone

A cold and grey morning's walk at Lullingstone this week certainly added to my "heard" list rather than species seen!   There weren't even any butterflies or many flowers to enjoy with such a delayed early summer.

English Bluebells

Crosswort was good to see, along with the twisted bark on the trunk of Sweet Chestnut trees.  Another delight was watching Swifts mating on the wing - I had only seen this a few times before this year, but I have obviously been luckier (or more observant!) this year with a least a dozen sightings over the last week.

Sweet Chestnut flower

House Martin and Swallow were feeding over the fields and lake near Lullingstone Castle, and although we heard several Whitethroat this morning, Blackcap were surprisingly quiet, although as I walked ahead of the group at one stage I found a singing male perched on some dead wood.   Willow Warbler serenaded part of our woodland walk, but it appeared to be only one bird.

Rough Hawksbeard (Crepis biennis) was of particular interest to Malcolm as it is home to a gall later in the year.

Crosswort

In the afternoon, we moved off to Horton Kirby to recce our walk the next day with the local Rainbows group, we did find a Chiffchaff nest, and had a Sparrowhawk circling overhead.

Gibraltar Point

I spent last weekend at Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire.

On the way up we stopped off at Lakenheath were a Red-footed falcon gave a superb show, and two Golden Oriole flew right over our heads, giving their alarm call as they went.  Then it was on to Lincolnshire.

Avocet

Although the weather was not as good as my last May visit (in 2010) it was at least dry.   I felt that perhaps the bird watching hadn't been as good, but I only saw one less species this time, so it may be that I have just found my level as a bird finder!

Anyway, by far the highlights were on Saturday evening when I had the joy of listening to three separate Grasshopper warblers, and watched a Barn Owl hunting over the fields.   At one stage it came past with a vole in its talons, with the light fading it gave an atmospheric close to our day.

Barn Owl carrying vole

Before we left on Sunday there was the delight of Turtle Dove, yet another Grasshopper Warbler, close views of Corn Bunting, Whitethroat and Yellowhammer, and a Short-eared Owl.

Interestingly they have a flock of around 27 Jays on the reserve at the moment, they appear to have migrated south last winter and do not seem keen to take on the North Sea migration back!   They were easily seen and had a regular circuit so we all had great views of them.   They are so rarely seen at the Reserve, they are not even on their checklist!

Corn Bunting

On the way home we stopped at Frampton Marsh, Whimbrel, Little Gull and Temminck's Stint were the highlights amongst the many other species which were seen.

Happy days!

Oare - more than just a backstop; and Milton Creek - a new experience

So, given that we had a great Sunday, we were keen to repeat the experience nearer home, on Wednesday.   Unfortunately the weather had other ideas and we mulled over our destination for quite a while - long enough for Malcolm to feed the birds, Sally to explain why they had ended up with 4 kg of live meal-worms this week, and Irene and I to be grateful that we didn't have 4 kg!

Eventually we decided that with windy (potentially wet) weather we needed hides and also somewhere close by, so off to Oare we went.

Oare looking deceptively sunny and calm

It was very blowy when we arrived and we were rather reluctant to get out of the car, but with the windows wound down I could hear Whitethroat.   By the slipway there were very few birds as the tide was extremely low, but we did find a couple of Ringed Plover, some Shelduck, and Black-headed Gull.   Swifts flew overhead, I find it amazing that they can control their flight in such strong gusty wind.

Along the seawall we were virtually blown off the top by the big gusts of southerly winds, and the only bird we could hear was Skylark - again it was bewildering that they could still manage to control their flight in these unstable conditions.   We decided that we wouldn't be able to see anything well from here so moved back towards the scrape and some shelter.   At the start of the path which leads west we found Chaffinch, Greenfinch and House Sparrow.   A Grey Heron flew in the distance, a Little Egret was in a reed-bed having it's long head plumes blown about.  

New workings at Milton Creek

A female Marsh Harrier battled against the wind and was mobbed by a pair of Lapwing.   Unfortunately we later saw a Carrion Crow take a Lapwing chick, some time later it went back for more but the adult birds appeared to fend it off the second time.   Nature can be very cruel sometimes, but survival is the only instinct every other species has.

From the road Malcolm spotted House Martin, and there were several mixed in with a huge flock of Swifts and Swallows.  They were all being pushed down low over the water to find insects, as they tried to seek some shelter from the wind.

In front of the Hide south of the East Flood we could see four Coot nests, Tufted Duck, over 150 Black-tailed Godwit, Mallard, Starling, a single Avocet (usually there are many to be seen in the area even at low tide) and several Gadwall were also found here.  

We decided to move to the other side of the road and try the hide in the grazing land as the tide was still quite a way out and we needed to stay in a sheltered area.   We added Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Blackbird, Moorhen, Peregrine, Hobby, Little Grebe, Shoveler, a pair of displaying Oystercatcher, Redshank, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Cormorant, Canada Geese, Pheasant and the find of the day - a pair of Yellow Wagtail.   Not the greatest of views - they shot past us twice whilst we were in the hide, both times they were moving at high speed, but their yellow plumage and call immediately identified them.

Old ship hulls in the mud by the creek

Whilst we had lunch the Hobby gave us several fly-pasts and Swallow, Swift and House Martin were also feeding close in to the hide giving us remarkably close views.   The rain started, and we decided that it was time to move on, so as soon as the rain stopped we went back to the car park, and on to a new site for us - Milton Creek Country Park.

After an abortive parking up we finally found somewhere to park the car near the main part of the park.  This is an area which has been reclaimed from a landfill site, gravel pit and brick works.   Although very new the idea is to create a safe green space in the middle of an urban area in Kent.   The signage is still to be installed and we needed to use our GPS to get to the creek viewpoint areas, but we still managed to get an impressive list which included Magpie, Starling, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Whitethroat, Linnet, Collared Dove, a pair of Kestrel, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Green Woodpecker and Reed Warbler.   The highlight of the park came in a thrilling ten minutes when we heard Cuckoo - which Sally and I managed to see as it left a nearby tree - and two Nightingale, the first was signing well close to the path, the second was further in some deep scrub, but still distinctly recognisable.

Migrant Heaven - the Water Treatment Works!

The Park needs to mature but there is great potential for the wilder areas as it grows.   The Saxon Shore Way passes though part of the park, following the Creek.

Minsmere

Had a great day at Minsmere at the weekend.  A group trip with over 40 of us swarming over the reserve.  We saw 90 species in all, but I managed 77.

Highlights for me were hearing Willow Warbler - sadly I rarely hear them locally - seeing a pair of Stone-curlew at their nest, seeing a Tawny Owl and a Spotted Flycatcher.

Nesting Avocet

There were lots of other great things to watch though, including great views of  a male Marsh Harrier and two females (one with green wing-tags which refused to give up their codes unfortunately), several Hobby feeding low over the reedbed.   We had Avocet, Oystercatcher and Black-headed Gull on the nest right in front of the hide, and lovely views of Common Tern, Kittiwake, Redshank and Common Sandpiper.

A Nightingale sang well as we stood in the car park on arrival, and we also heard several Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap and a Garden Warbler sang long enough for us to get reasonable views.

North Scrape

Spoonbill stood along the side of a distant pool, and it was only when it started to preen that I could see the "spoon" against its white plumage.  Lapwing were displaying and piping - great to hear even though we see them regularly nearer home.

Swift, Swallow and Sand Martin were going through in great numbers and feeding low over the scrapes and reedbeds.  

Back home

The last couple of weeks have been a bit of a busy time with lots of house and garden work, setting up my BBS walks and trying to catch up on on those little jobs which didn't seem that urgent when I went on holiday!

So, gardening and housework done (sort of) and it was off out to recce my two BBS walks.   Both went well, although one has an area that is totally inaccessible (unless you have wings!) and where the landowner is rather forthright in his comments.   Good job I'm used to football crowds and wasn't overly offended.

Green-veined White

Last Wednesday Irene and I did a walk around one of the BBS squares and had a lovely sunny wander through a small wood and some fields.   Whitethroat, Blackcap and large numbers of Blue Tit and Chaffinch were our main counts.   We did find a predated egg at one stage, but have been unable to identify it - probably from one of the nearby farms as it was rather large!

Water on Great Bells

A couple of days ago I visited Great Bells on Sheppey with the RSPB to see what is being achieved there - given their loss of the Elmley Reserve to ECT.   [note that whilst the original Elmley reserve will remain open to the public as previously, Great Bells is a sanctuary reserve with no public access.]   Having been involved in a couple of surveys of the site when it's management was originally taken over by the RSPB,  it was interesting to see how the new rills and bunds have changed the site and once the installation of a new pumping system takes place, hopefully more water on the site will bring about an improved habitat for birds and wildlife in general.

Yesterday the whole Wednesday squad were back together and we went off to Cliffe Pools.   We had a lovely walk in sunshine, even though the wind did play havoc with Malcolm's hearing aid and Sally, Irene and my hairdo!!

Great Migrant Habitat at Cliffe

We had several Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, Nightingale, Cuckoo, Common Tern, Swallows and Swifts to enthral us. Added to those summer migrants, we also counted around 150 Avocets, many of them appeared to be settled on one of the islands - so potentially nesting.   Redshank, Whimbrel, and Oystercatchers were feeding in the fields around the pools.   Cetti's Warbler and Dunnock were singing well, and a Chiffchaff was skulking about low in the brambles with nesting material.

Spot the Lapwing nest!

We found Lapwing nesting in the nearby fields, some of them appear to have chosen a dangerous spot, in the path of some rather large-footed horses, but hopefully nature will find a way of making it work - can you spot the bird on the nest?

With a Marsh Harrier in the distance, two Hobby and a Peregrine overhead our day was complete.

Here's looking forward to a great day at Minsmere!

The final countdown

Today we were off into mid-level altitude near the city of Taipei, looking for Blue Whistling-thrush and any other new birds to add to our trip list on the last day.   

Plumbeous Redstart

Although Phil and Andy saw a couple of Whistling-thrush on buildings as we drove along, the rest of us had to remain patient for a little longer.

At our first stop, on a busy road with interesting corners, we braved the traffic and rain looking along the river. Once we had parked up in the drizzle, Plumbeous Redstart and Brown Dipper were found quickly, and the Blue Whistling-thrush could be heard by all.   As Nigel and I wandered along the road trying to get closer to the Redstart for a photograph, we heard a Thrush nearby, it responded to Nigel's whistle and after giving a response it shot across the road ahead of us and went deep into a hole on the other side of the river.   We tried to attract the attention of the rest of the group, but most of them were staring intently at the cliff face above the road.   A couple of them came down towards us as the bird short back, across the river again and out of view. 




Unfortunately the wet spring had come a few days early, and a weather front had moved in.   

Wulai in the mist

The low cloud added atmosphere to an already heavy day - being our last in Taiwan.   

Brown Dipper

Our second stop was more productive with a Thrush on the road ahead of us - of course it disappeared before all could see it, so after waiting for some time in the rain we moved on.   Our guide arranged for us to go onto a viewing balcony of a local restaurant so that we cold look down on an area where the bird was often seen.   Within minutes we had two of them in front of us, one disappeared into the undergrowth below us but the other gave a great display perching on a large rock in the middle of the river, giving everyone the chance to see the lovely blue plumage.

A couple of large swifts flew over and as we watched them, we realised they were Silver-backed Needletail - a species we had been surprised not to have seen up in the hills.   We saw several flying overhead as we all gazed up to the sky.   At one stage there was what appeared to be a large migration of House Swifts, Barn and Pacific Swallow.

After taking tea and coffee we moved off above the town through  residential properties and overgrown banks.   Bulbul and drongo were the most common birds seen with Japanese White-eye also being quite numerous.    At one stage a pair were hanging upside down off a street lamp where they had presumably found some insects to feed on.   As we were nearing the end of the circular walk three pigeons flew over - we got absolutely nothing in them so decided to go off on pursuit, unfortunately the road was steep and it was hard work in the rain, but we were more than happy to do it - we found two females and a male White-bellied Green-pigeon.   They were sat up high in a tree, giving great views, the females were seen first, showing absolutely no white on them, then the more handsome male turned up - he was a stunner, with maroon wings, a bright lemon yellow head and a white belly, vent and undertail coverts with dark flecks.   Although I only got very scrappy photos, at least it showed the differences between the two quite well.

White-bellied Green-Pigeon

Buoyed up with this latest addition to our list we went off for lunch, which was the usual Chinese banquet of prawns, fish, duck, tofu, salad, scrambled egg with tomatoes and seafood soup.   

The afternoon was spent looking at the river from a couple of viewpoints, After this we paid a visit to the Taiwan Wild Bird Association offices and made a few purchases to put some money and encouragement into the coffers.



All that was left was to get out of the rain which our guide believed would last for the next two months, relax back at the hotel, prepare for our final goodbye dinner and start packing for our journey home tomorrow.

Leaving Huisun for Taipei

We are going back to Taipei today, so had arranged a relaxing start to the day - or so we thought - we were sparked into early morning action however by a knock on our doors from the local guide who announced that the Chinese Bamboo Partridge were viewable.   Throwing clothes on and rushing out of the rooms, several of us had good views of a pair of birds.

Himalyan Black-bulbul

As Phil went off to try to find the early-morning birding party, the birds disappeared from view.   So not always the early bird that gets the worm!

On our official pre-breakfast walk we had great views of Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers, two males with lovely crimson chest patches.   As we moved on down the hillside a Plain Flowerpecker was also seen, Crested Goshawk posed momentarily on a nearby branch and then shot off into the forest.   A Bush-brown butterfly sp and Chocolate Pansy allowed photographs but there were many others which eluded me.

A family of Taiwan Macaque watched us as we passed, the parent holding the young close and keeping a weather eye both for us, and, I suspect the Goshawk!

Protective Mum

White-bellied Erpornis was a trip addition.   Blue Magpie were around the garden both before and after breakfast giving great opportunities for photography.

When we had finally pulled ourselves away from the garden, it was time to move off down the hill with a couple of stops along the way, before we hit the freeway and the long haul back to the capital for our last full day tomorrow.

The final leg . . . .

A journey day and we are off to Huisun Forest on our way back to Taipei.

The usual suspects were seen along the way, with a wetland stop giving us a lovely display by two Common Kingfishers.   We flushed a Common Snipe when we arrived and got out of the bus, and the bird flew back again later as we progressed along the track.   Sacred Ibis fed with some egrets, and a Magpie Robin shot past at one stage.   Terek's Sandpiper were seen again, along with many of the species already seen in the last couple of days.

Black-winged Stilt

Spot of the day was by Phil who saw a Great Cormorant (looking suspiciously like the European race -sinesis, with the distinctive white face) our first of the trip and just when the 'other Sue' had said she was surprised not to have seen one!

On the post lunch journey was stopped at a bridge and surveyed the tumbling river - Brown Dipper and Plumbeous Redstart were our additions here.   Dippers are always great to watch, with their heads pushed well under the water as they feed in under the rocks.   The Redstart was a dark smoky blue grey with a red shock of a tail.

Plumbeous Redstart

At the Huisun Forest Recreation Park we checked in to our rooms and then met for a wander in the grounds.   Blue Magpie were spotted from our rooms, Varied Tit called from the top of the pine trees, but were not seen well.   Grey Treepie, Large-billed Crow, and Himalayan Black Drongo were around.    On a lawned area just below our rooms we had Malayan Night-heron feeding, enjoying some juicy fat long worms.    As we returned towards dinner we could hear Chinese Bamboo Partridge, but it did it respond to tape, so we enjoyed some butterflies instead.

Taiwan Butterfly

After dinner we could hear Mountain Scops Owl calling, we went off in pursuit and although we could tell the direction the bird was in, it would not come in to a whistled imitation - don't blame it really!   As we lay in bed that night we drifted off to duetting Mountain Scops and Brown Hawk Owl calling.

Wetland wonders

After a good night's sleep in a comfortable hotel, we were set up for some wader watching.

We went off to a huge fish farm complex where there are endless areas of shorelines for birds to feed up - especially important on migration.  The area also abuts the coast and we travelled to a couple of estuaries which had been turned into reserves and where there were hides and toilets - most welcome.

Kentish Plover

As we got out of the bus, we had a Kentish Plover doing its broken wing display to distract us from its young chick which was nearby, brilliant to see it so close although we did make sure not to disturb it and moved away as soon as everyone was off the bus.   Pied Avocet,  Black-crowned Night-heron, Black-winged Stilt, Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-shouldered Kite, and then our first Black-faced Spoonbill, an endangered species of which there are only 2700 or so birds in the wild, and we saw 84 of them during the day.

We wandered along a road leading to an amazingly ornate temple - some of the group went to look at it a little closer, whilst the rest of us continued our bird watching.   A Chinese Reef Heron was found by Phil, the bird was in with other egrets, but hunkered down and with its plumes blowing around in the breeze it was easy to spot once it had been found.    Common kingfisher and cinnamon bittern were the final additions here.

Citsao Temple

Next stop brought forth Pacific Golden Plover, Yellow Bittern, Redshank, Lesser Sand-plover, Red-necked Stint and Common Tern.

We continued our travels through this vast wetland area stopping off regularly to view different areas which our guide knew of.   En route at one stage we had a single Coot, our first (and only - as it turned out) of the trip.

Our next destination was at the Black-faced Spoonbill Research Centre, where Whiskered Tern were displaying the superb black bellies in breeding plumage.   Yellow-bellied and Plain Prinia called from nearby bushes and we saw several pairs displaying.

Salt Pans being worked

The final stop of the morning brought forth Far Eastern Curlew, Caspian Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Grey Plover, Grey-tailed Tattler and Terek's sandpiper - pretty amazing given that the birds were a long way out and the light was bad with the mud and water taking on the same hazy hue as the sky.

Off for another great Chinese lunch and then back in the field for more birdwatching where we added Wigeon to the trip list.   The final stop was back to an earlier site and now that the tide had receded the birds were a little closer and in slightly better light.   We now saw Whimbrel, more Curlew and Grey Plover, Turnstone, Broad-billed Sandpiper and then a real delight as our group wader experts looked closely at a particular pair of waders and identified them as a pair of Asiatic Dowitchers.

Black-faced Spoonbill Art

A great end to a brilliant day's bird watching.

Time flies when you're having this much fun . . .

Day six dawns and its another transfer day, but first back to Huben and a hectic few minutes as we left the bus with Black Drongo, Striated Swallow, Taiwan Barbet, Japanese White-eye, Blue Magpie, Grey Treepie and Brown Shrike.   Better was yet to come however as our local expert took us into a small farmed area with banana trees and surprisingly a mist net.  There were a team of ringers on site.   As we settled to listen for Black-necklaced Scimitar-babbler it started to rain, so we used umbrellas and banana leaves to give some shelter.   We waited listening as a bird called for what felt like ages for the bird to appear.   A couple of us had fleeting glimpses as it moved in the bush but only our guides saw it well . . . . as we moved around the area, a Taiwan Barbet was spotted in the mist net, and with two very experienced Bird Ringers in our group we hastened over to extract it and get it out of the rain.   As we neared the nets however we also found the Scimitar-babbler!

Brown Shrike

The Ringers took a bird each, extracted them, the Scimiter-Babbler was a retrap, but the Barbet was an unringed bird and we were able to take it back to the ringing team, and the extractor, Phil,  had the pleasure of ringing it whilst we all watched on - no pressure there.   It was great to see two birds in the hand, and have the chance of seeing them so well - even if the Barbet did bite its rescuer several times!

Time to move on as more birds and a long drive awaited us.   We had very scanty views of the Vinous-throated Parrotbill, an Emerald Dove and delightful views of a young Black Drongo family with two juveniles.   They perched on a telegraph wire waiting for the parents to feed them - another ahhh moment.

Next stop a reserve set up to increase awareness of Pheasant-tailed Jacana.

Stunning Pheasant-tailed Jacana

We followed paths around the reserve with hides which were populated by enthusiastic photographers wielding large telephoto lenses and shutters which fired off like AK47's.   Moorhen and Little Grebe were our first spots, then a Pheasant-tailed Jacana was spotted, then several more - elegant and striking, they were a real treat.  A Chinese Pond-heron in breeding plumage was good to see - I saw them previously in their non-breeding colours which did not do them justice.  Great White and Little Egret stalked amongst the lilies.

We moved out of the reserve proper and looked over the nearby fields, an Oriental Pratincole flew over along with a Cuckoo with its distinctive flight.   An Oriental Skylark was heard, and then found hovering high up, just to parachute down in that fashion we are so used to at home.   Ring-necked Pheasant called but remained unseen in the long tufts of reedy grasses.    I spotted a large white bird of prey, which was identified as a White-bellied Sea-eagle, then we found a huge 'kettle' or spiral of birds - around 150, which were Chinese Sparrowhawk.

Oriental Pratincole
(with Eastern Yellow Wagtail in the background)

Lunch called and we stopped at a roadside restaurant where they found us a private dining room.  As usual, the food began to arrive within minutes.   Soup with mushrooms, special fried rice, tofu in soy sauce, bamboo in mayonnaise with cabbage and the by now expected steamed vegetable greens.

Our journey continued with a stop at a harbour where we hoped to see some gulls and terns.   Tree Sparrows were perched on the mopeds parked by the fishermen, a Long-tailed Shrike sat up on an old cactus flower.   We cut through some rough ground and onto the pier.   Over 300 cattle egret flew over off the sea on migration, they were mixed with some Intermediate and Little Egret.   Their colours were brilliant -a rich orange head neck and throat with a red bill, so unlike the ones we see in Europe.   Eastern Yellow Wagtail were coming over in large groups too.

Cattle (and Little) Egret Migration

Caspian, Greater Crested and Little Tern were spotted flying through, some feeding, but we dipped out completely on the Gulls . . . . . .  we have decided that Taiwan has no gulls whatsoever!

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.

Dasyeushan - the lower road

I did some moth photography this morning before breakfast (some amazing specimens, but none recognisable!) and as it was raining we only managed about 20 minutes of our pre-breakfast birding session in the grounds, before we decamped back to the rooms until 7.   We did find Ashy Wood-pigeon in a dead tree in the garden, some more of our old friends the Laughing-thrushes - this time the Rufous-crowned variety - along with Taiwan Yuhina and Sibia before we left for the day.

Grey-chinned Minivet

After breakfast we went off to the police station just outside the drive of the recreational area to try for some new species.  Collared owlet was calling but refused to respond, we had a male White-browed Robin but little else of note.

Further down the road we stopped at another car park and walked back up the road a short way.   This area was quite productive with Grey-chinned Niltava (another good spot by Phil), a male and female White-tailed Robin, a pair of Black-throated Tit - one with nesting material which we watched until we found their nest which appeared to be made of ferns, lichens and mosses.   Rufous-faced warblers had been with us for the last few days, embarrassingly close on many occasions but eluding our sight - driving us mad with their calls.   This morning was no different!

Asian House Martin collecting nesting material

We did hear a flower-pecker and see one on flight bit it was impossible to get anything on it - another one bites the dust!    We did have an excellent view of a Taiwan Barwing, which gave us a great show before flying off into the distance through the dense forest.   A Swinhoe's Pheasant shot across the road at one stage.

We stopped at a bridge which is well known for Asian House Martin - there must have been around 150 of them frantically collecting moss and soil which had collected on the smoothed stones on the side of the hill.   They wheeled around and performed acrobatic dances in the sky as they built their nests under the bridge.

Taiwan Yuhina

Overhead we had Indian Black Eagle and Crested-serpent Eagle.   White-backed Woodpecker was seen and better views of Rufous-capped Laughing-thrush.   Finally the Rufous-faced Warbler showed itself, giving scanty views at first, but with perseverance we eventually saw two birds really well.   Down near km 13 we added Spotted Dove for the day, White-rumped Munia, and heard Black-necklaced Scimitar-babbler, we were also back in the land of the Chinese Bulbul and Tree Sparrow.

After an excellent lunch, probably the best so far, we were back off up the road to try for some of those species we had missed this morning.

Fairy Pitta was heard calling - in fact we had them most of the day, which is great, but they obviously were not going to show themselves, having just arrived on migration, and being Pittas!  

Yellow Tit was our first notable find of the afternoon, and much as the Liocichla, Sibia, Ashy Woodpigeon, and  Swinhoe's Pheasant are great, we were delighted to find this enigmatic little bird, with a lovely blue/black crest showing beautifully against the yellow face and breast.

The Dasyeushan Hills

We watched the interaction between a couple of Grey-chinned Minivets, the brighter coloured male collected a caterpillar and feed the female in a pair bonding exchange.   Eurasian Jay was next on the tick list, and our final bird for the day was by far the best with much anticipation.   We had spent several sessions looking for Taiwan Wren-babbler which was another species we had heard close over the last couple of days but which had remained typically out of sight.

We made our final stop of the day back at the police station, where the owlet was calling again.   The Wren-babbler called from the fern-covered bank on the opposite side of the road and we followed it up and down several,times, unable to spot it.   At one stage I saw a glimpse of a bird as it moved but then could not see it again.   Finally after much frustration our guide spotted it right in front of us.   He pointed it out and we all had the most incredible views, the tiny little bird was moving around like a mouse, keeping to the dark covered areas, but with patience we had fantastic views.

Seaweed Soup, Chicken and Ferns!

After much congratulations we went off with broad smiles to have our team photograph taken with the local constabulary - lets hope it was not for anything sinister!

Dasyeushan - the upper road

Today we met at 6 am for a pre-breakfast visit higher up the hill to try to see Mikado Pheasant. We failed on that count but did see Flamecrest well, a pair of Vinaceous Rosefinch, the male looking handsome in his deep red plumage and the female a more dull brown.   A Spotted Nutcracker was heard and then moments later appeared above us landing in a nearby tree, a lot browner than its European cousin.   A pair of Large-billed Crow similarly presented themselves.   The high pitched whistle of Yellow-bellied Bush-warbler could be heard and it took us ages to finally see the bird itself, even though all eyes were on the relevant bush!

White-whiskered Laughing-thrush

A small group of Green-backed Tit flitted around in a nearby tree, confusing us by settling themselves with the Flamecrest pair.   White-whiskered Laughing-thrush were everywhere once again, entertaining us with their bouncing run, coming close in hoping for food.   The Steer's Liocochla once again delighted us with their beautiful plumage.

As we drove back to breakfast the bus shuddered to a halt as a White-backed Woodpecker was spotted in a tree by the side of the road.   As we stopped it flew off to another nearby trunk.   We disembarked and watched as it worked its way around us, finally disappearing up the hillside and out of view.

Striped Squirrel

After our Chinese breakfast of rice soup, omelette, noodles, toast with tasteless fluorescent pink or orange spread - jam is too good a description for this weird jelly, steamed buns, salted peanuts and ground pork, we were ready for anything.

The birds for the rest of the day came in manageable groups always with the presence of White-whiskered Laughing-thrush: with Taiwan Bush-warbler, Yellow-bellied Bush-Warbler, and Johnstone's Robin around Heaven Lake ~ what a lovely name.

Lunch at the top of the hill was soon over and our afternoon started with a walk at the highest part of the park, we then moved down to various known birdwatching points along the way.   We found more Flamecrest, Nutcracker, Green-backed Tit, Johnstone's Robin, then lovely Black-throated Tit - so undersold in the field guide!  Taiwan Barwing was a great find - a beautiful bird which gave us great views, and Winter Wren was calling as we left for lower altitudes.

Mikado Pheasant

Next stop was for the Mikado Pheasant and we had to wait some time before a lovely male came in to the area where grain had been placed.   We were entertained by squirrels and the laughing thrushes, and also by a very heavily kitted out photographer who had two cameras set up on tripods.   When the pheasant started to approach he got a pop up mobile hide out of the car and proceeded to get a third camera out of his car, all most amusing.

The pheasant played his part well, jumping up on a stone and giving good views of his front and side, and then proceeded to turn so that his tail could be seen as well.   He decided that we could only have a certain quota of his time and scurried across the road like an over-sized roadrunner, with his tail held proudly high.   Striking as it is, I still think that the Swinhoe's Pheasant is a more stunning bird with its lovely white plumes and vermiculations on the back.

Not wishing to leave the birding day here, we were off in search of Little Fork-tail, and thanks to some eagle-eyed spotting by Denis we found that within minutes of arriving at the suggested waterfall site.

The final site of the day was at the Park Headquarters where we added Siberian Nuthatch to our list.

Watch Out - there's a Pheasant About!

Back for dinner, a hot bath and an early night.

Off to the Hills

Breakfast was another interesting mix of Asian and western cuisine, we are far more sanguine today and all feeling a little jet-lagged - I had been awake since 2 am, and unable to get much sleep since, our 7am breakfast was a welcome start to the day.

Taipei Skyline

Bags packed and we were off to join the main freeway running down the west of the island taking a coastal route south and then up into more hilly territory.

We stopped at various sites along the way during the morning, repeating some of our sightings from yesterday and adding Dunlin, Red-necked Stint, a very distant and unidentifiable gull, and over 100 Black-winged Stilt.

An accipiter appeared at one stage, possibly Besra, but as we were hurtling along the motorway it was hard for our experts to positively id it.  

After spending some time examining paddy fields and a river it was time for the long stage of our journey, so out came the books, diaries and iPods for some and snoozing for the others (who shall remain nameless!).

Lunchtime bird-watching spot

We stopped at a restaurant for lunch along the way and added Grey-capped Pygmy-woodpecker, Crested Goshawk and Collared Finchbill.   At a stop to buy beer for the next three nights we had Striated Swallow with Barn Swallow, allowing a great close comparison of the two species.

We arrived at Dasyueshan Recreational Park around 4.45 pm, got our keys and then went off up the road to an area where Swinhoe's Pheasant are fed.   Without much delay a male appeared, fed for a short while and then delighted us all by scurrying across the road giving a great view.   Once again we were pleased to
see various photographers staking out the birds and taking an interest, although probably not birdwatchers in the truest sense of the word, they at least appreciate the birds for their beauty - and presumably the kudos and money that follow when a good picture is taken!

Taiwan Sibia, Taiwan Yuhina and Steer's Liocochla were heard and seen well, and a Fairy Pitta called but remained (as expected) hidden.   Dusky Fulvetta also called but remained off my seen list.   Grey-hooded Fulvetta showed momentarily.

Swinhoe's Pheasant and Red-bellied Tree Squirrel

All the while we had White-whiskered Laughing-thrush jumping about at our feet and looking for food as they have become used to taking advantage of the feeding stations set out for the pheasants.

We wandered along the road, and after a while our driver beckoned us to join him, signalling that we should be quiet in our approach.   Just over the railing at the roadside, at another area where grain is thrown, a Taiwan Partridge fed, oblivious to the gathering photographers above.

Excellent views were had by most of us.   Then it was time to check-in, eat and have an early night before the rigours of another day's hard birdwatching - hopefully Mikado Pheasant awaits us.