|
China Birding Trip: September-16-30, 2013 |
Day 14 September 28 -
Return to Beidaihe and Shopping by Bus
Bird of the
day: Eurasian Hobby
The early morning Magic Woods birders did not include Bill and
Barbara – we were taking a break. We were disappointed to
have missed seeing two new thrushes.
We had breakfast at our usual spot. The Chinese guides eat a
simpler breakfast featuring gruel (porridge), vegetables and
peanuts. Before leaving, we all posed for a few photos.
As we drove through Tangshan Harbour, we noticed several large
empty buildings. Apparently China is experiencing the same
phenomenon as Panama where there is money available for
construction but buildings remain empty because people can not
afford to live there.
We also passed many industrial sites, showing China’s
business side.
We dropped Snow off near her home outside the city.
We checked out some of the same spots for birds as a few days ago
– the Luan estuary in the corn growing area, Seven Mile Sea
where a restaurant permitted us to come in to make our lunch, and
the Daphue River. The water levels were not conducive to good
bird sightings. But we did see a few Caspian Terns, Pied Avocets
and Common Kingfishers.
Homemade sandwiches for lunch again, supplemented with two cooked
whole chickens.
Phil treated us to a drink of whisky on the bus.
We returned to Beidaihe and settled back into the Jin Shan hotel.
June offered to take some of us on a shopping tour. This would
take us on a crowded bus to the huge city of Quinhuangdao just
before the National Holiday. Interestingly some of the passengers
were talking about us and June told us they thought we were new
university professors.
We were surprised the large “shopping centre” stores
were full of western brand name clothing and shoes. Sharon and
Liz selected some scarves; Nuncio, Phil and Ian found some tea;
and Barbara got some children’s toys (there was a
childrens’ street). June selected a beautiful new top. There
was no time to wait for a crowded bus, take the 45 minute bus
ride to a station in Beidaihe and then find a way back to our
hotel. We opted for two cabs. They played in and out of traffic
tag team driving. Both drivers put their seatbelts on for a
police inspection (then took them off).
The birders were dropped off in town to bird up a hill on a back
lane between houses. It wasn't looking too promising until a
Eurasian Hobby flew over and perched in a nearby tree. We edged
closer and closer to get better photos, when suddenly, some guys
started shouting at us from a nearby building. We ignored it,
thinking that PJ or Kevin would let us know if there was a
problem. The shouting continued until Kevin came running up to
tell us to get out of there as we were taking photos on army
property. Oops. Needless to say, we beat a hasty retreat.
We returned to the bus and had Mr. Lee take us to the sand flats.
Rick found a Grey (Black-bellied) Plover in full breeding
plumage. As well we interacted with some wedding couples –
great photo of George posing with the bride.
Time for dinner and a good rest.
English signs of the day:
