Chook information and pictures by Leslie Hurteau
October on Jeju started with a whole lot of pleasure, with a Chestnut-flanked White-eye present in an area metropolis park in Jeju Metropolis. A minimum of one particular person was there, however two have been seen and photographed by different observers. This species appears to be considerably uncommon in southern areas of Korea throughout migration, however I’m wondering if that’s not simply the results of the species being neglected, given how quite a few Warbling White-eyes are in Jeju and different southern areas of the peninsula.
Thrushes started to point out up in larger numbers by early October, specifically Gray-backed Thrush. Eyebrowed and Gray Thrushes started to maneuver via as properly, and afterward within the month Pale Thrushes. Flycatchers have been nonetheless considerably frequent to see, with Asian Brown and Gray Streaked Flycatchers round, and the occasional Blue-and-white Flycatcher.
Alongside the Chestnut-flanked White-eyes, early October introduced two extra surprises. The primary being a White-backed Woodpecker. Whereas not uncommon in any respect on Jeju, it was a private first for Shinsan Park. The opposite was a fowl a lot rarer to seek out in a metropolis, a Black Wooden Pigeon. It seemed to be a youthful particular person. First discovered consuming in a stream, and later refound resting within the cover of a big decidious tree within the park. Black Wooden Pigeons appear to maneuver via Jeju throughout September and October, with sightings considerably consistant throughout this time interval over the previous few years I’ve been birding right here. It makes me marvel if they’re dispersing from close by islands north of Jeju, or if there’s presumably a breeding inhabitants larger up on Hallasan (not unlikely given the habitat).
Down alongside the coast, the gulls began to extend in numbers and variety, with Vega, Mongolian, Taimyr, and Slaty-backed making appearances alongside the standard Black-tailed Gulls in Jeju Harbour space. Geese have been additionally noticed alongside the coast often, comparable to Eurasian Wigeon and Eurasian Teal.
A 3rd shock for the month was a possible Japanese Leaf Warbler discovered round mid-month in Shinsan Park. This leaf warbler had a really greenish again and the supercilium, face, and throat confirmed a powerful yellow colouration. The absence of a median stripe on the top and lack of distinction on the wings helped get rid of Yellow-browed and Pallas Leaf Warblers, which I had initially thought-about on account of how yellow the fowl appeared. Sadly it didn’t name, however given the options it appears Japanese Leaf is the most definitely.
Because the month moved on, migration shifted, with flycatchers exhibiting up much less and fewer, and swallow numbers slowly lowering (except a gaggle of Pink-rumped Swallows exhibiting up on the finish of the month). Bull-headed Shrikes made a return by mid-month, with Daurian Redstarts following shortly after. Chinese language Grosbeak numbers elevated, and Japanese Bush Warblers started to maneuver again into the park, having been mysteriously absent (or quiet?) throughout August and September.
