Chook information by Leslie Hurteau. All pictures copyright of Leslie Hurteau.
No spring birding season on Jeju is full with out a go to (or 2 or 5) to Mara Island, among the finest spots for spring and fall migration within the nation. This small island is situated on the very far southwest of Jeju, making it the furthest south birders can go to within the Korean peninsula. A spotlight go to this spring was on Might fifth, proper when migration hits a peak and nearly any species appears to be attainable.
We took the boat from Moseulpo (Unjin Port), the place a small group of Terek Sandpipers have been resting within the harbour. Shortly after departure a Pacific Loon was seen on the ocean, which is pretty late for this species. Black-tailed Gulls and a Japanese Cormorant have been seen, as effectively, however in any other case the boat journey was pretty quiet.
Arriving on the island, it was clear that chicken exercise was going to be fairly good. A small group of Yellow-breasted Buntings, a pair of Peregrine Falcons flying at eye degree alongside the east coast, and loads of Black-faced Buntings. Additional into the forest included highlights akin to Yellow-bellied Tit, Swinhoe’s White-eye, Yellow-billed Grosbeak, and Purple-flanked Bluetail.
Phylloscopus warblers have been effectively represented, with Yellow-browed, Sakhalin, Pale-legged, Dusky, and Japanese Topped Warblers. Flycatchers as effectively, with Gray-streaked, one Darkish-sided, a feminine Blue-and-White, Narcissus, and lots of Asian Brown Flycatchers.
Oriental Reed Warbler, Black-naped Oriole, and Ashy Minivet have been different anticipated species seen and heard pretty effectively.
Chinese language Pond Heron was current in good numbers, with Little Heron, Gray Heron, and Japanese Cattle Egret additionally current all through. A Purple-necked Stint was seen within the small wetland on the western fringe of the island.
A couple of nice spring surprises included a feminine Black Redstart, a single Blyth’s Pipit together with a number of Richard’s Pipits, and a Wryneck, all discovered within the fields of the northern facet of the island. A pair of Mongolian Quick-tailed Larks have been flushed right here, too, recognized based mostly on their distinctive flight name.
The return boat journey was quieter, with two Streaked Shearwaters and some Black-tailed Gulls.
eBird checklists right here:
https://ebird.org/guidelines/S332881693
https://ebird.org/guidelines/S332881781
