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China Birding Trip: September-16-30, 2013 |
Day 10 September 24 - Four Birding Stops
Bird of the day: Hoopoe
Dave led his early morning birders to the Friendship Hotel –
there was lots of bird song but the birds were hiding. In China
birds are captured for cages or for food, so they have learned to
avoid people. Many eyes looking with binoculars scanning trees,
bushes, the grass.
To get a feel for this challenge, find the little warblers in
these photos:
Check out the Eurasian Hobby, a small falcon. Finding this falcon
gave us another clue as to why the warblers were being so
secretive.
After our 7:30am breakfast we hopped in the bus to visit Stone
River again via the very busy city of Quinhuangdao. People were
travelling by bike, bus, small trucks – all interweaving
quickly along the highway.
PJ entertained us by falling asleep on the bus again – he
stays up late studying bird references to be sure our list is
correct and is up at 5am for early morning birding, so naps on
the bus, quickly becoming alert when we stop to bird.
When we arrived at Stone River, several locals were digging for
shellfish. We quickly started birding, spotting a family of
Little Grebes, some Cattle Egrets and a small group of Far
Eastern Curlews.
The Long-billed Plover (another of Dave's targets) was present
again and stayed for better photos.
While looking in vain for another Bluethroat, a Hoopoe was
discovered on a nearby wall.
A Red-banded venomous Water Snake slithered through the grass.
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Photo, Dave Milsom |
We saw some more skulking
warblers, a pair of Brown Shrikes, the easy-to-photograph
Siberian Stonechats and a cooperative White-cheeked Starling.
A donkey cart passed. A herd of sheep crossed the road in front
of us – the black one really stood out.
At lunch time the donkey came by again, just as June, Nuncio and
Phil were setting out their homemade sandwiches – ham,
cheese and tomato. We all appreciated the picnic they had
prepared. Nuncio and Phil were longtime teaching friends of Dave
and Liz and were happy to help out. Although they were not
birders, they blended well with our group. They suggested the
lunch spot be called “June’s Hut” and up went a
sign… June served her famous “sneakers” bars.
After lunch, Nunzio became a very determined fly swatter.
Next we travelled back through busy Quinhuangdao for another
visit to Longxing Park just outside Beidaihe. Liz checked an
attractive edible berry that birds like {not very tasty). The
major sightings were a pair of Chinese Spot-billed Ducks, groups
of Chinese Bulbuls and Chestnut-flanked White-eyes, and dozens of
Vinous-throated Parrotbills.
Today Dave decided we would also visit the popular Dove Nest Park
in Beidaihe to scope gulls. We were able to hike to the edge of
the water and, with scopes, get some good views of a Relict Gull
(target bird). Dave and Bill did some digiscoping. There were
also lots of jellyfish washed in by the tide.
On our way out we passed a bride and groom surrounded by doves. A
little bit of bird seed brought the doves in. Everyone was happy!
It was time to check out the sandflats before the sun set; Mr.
Lee dropped us off at the boardwalk. Our last sightings of the
day were Gadwall, Capian Tern, Whimbrel, Mongolian Gull, Northern
and Grey-headed Lapwings and Pacific Reef Heron.
Another stunning sunset and, after listing, a happy dinner
together – tonight with Italian wine. Thanks Phil and
Nuncio!
English signs of the day:
