Fowl information by Leslie Hurteau. All pictures copyright of Leslie Hurteau.
Early June noticed one other go to to Mara Island, one of many prime 5 migration spots within the nation (I’ll depart the opposite 4 as much as the reader’s creativeness). Late Might to early June is a private favorite of mine for spring migration. Whereas numbers of species and variety are typically low by this level, there all the time appears to be some fascinating species which are both shifting by late or making uncommon appearances. On prime of that, there are a number of migrants that usually arrive late within the season, such because the grasshopper warblers, that may make birding at the moment additional rewarding.
The departure was made by Unjin Harbour in Moseulpo as soon as once more, primarily because of quick access through common bus service. The harbour space was noticeably quieter than earlier than, however with loads of resident species in addition to the summer season breeding Barn Swallows being fairly lively. The boat journey proved to be notably quiet, each on the way in which there with mainly solely two Jap Spot-billed Geese seen flying northwards, and the return journey with nothing.
Regardless of the gradual begin on the boat, arrival on the island was greeted by Pacific Reef Egrets and Chinese language Pond Herons, in addition to a pair of late Richard’s Pipits within the northern finish fields. Herons can look like a theme in late spring on Mara Island, with different associated species seen in the course of the day together with a gaggle of three Black-crowned Evening Herons, Little Heron, and Nice Egret.
Additional into the forested areas, the acquainted tune of Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler could possibly be heared all through, an everyday summer season customer on Mara Island and perhaps the simplest place within the nation (or wherever?) to search out them singing on breeding grounds. A Black-browed Reed Warbler was heard, and one potential Middendorf’s Grasshopper Warbler (ID tentative however the name sounded less complicated than Styan’s).
Common summer season guests had been shifting by, together with Dollarbird, Black Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Oriole, and Tiger Shrike. Ashy Minivet and Oriental Reed Warbler had been additionally encountered, and several other temporary however beauty at a Frequent Cuckoo that we bumped into a number of instances on the island.
Late spring typically has few Leaf Warblers and Flycatchers, with solely Kamchatka and Dusky Warbler current for the previous, and Asian Brown Flycatcher current for the latter. One lone Manchurian Bush Warbler was discovered singing within the shrubby space within the south of the island, seen very effectively with the distinct rufous tinged upperparts and pinker legs and invoice in contrast with the extra yellowish-brown colors of the domestically widespread Japanese Bush Warbler.
High spring surprises of the go to must be a pair of Pink Collared Doves, a species I’ve seen right here in late spring earlier than, and a single Chestnut-cheeked Starling. Considerably uncommon within the context of the situation was a single feral Rock Dove flying across the island, a species quite common all through the nation in developed areas, however personally I’ve solely seen them a number of cases on Mara Island.
eBird checklists right here:
https://ebird.org/guidelines/S351659594
