Tag Archives: Blue and White Flycatcher

Gimhae, June 8-9

Birds News by Jason Loghry

Last week I was tipped off about an area within Gimhae that might be good habitat for forest birds – near the Gaya Country Club. I decided to have a gander. Southwest past the golf course, there is a narrow trail into the forest. There were no hikers – and perhaps it is private land. Species observed were Pygmy Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, and Grey-headed Woodpecker towards to base of the trail (which ascends to the peak and ridge), Varied Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, and Eastern Great Tits throughout the forest. At about midway up Blue and White Flycatchers could be heard singing and observed close to the trail. There were several pairs and they were very vocal. Common Cuckoo, Oriental Cuckoo, and Lesser Cuckoo could also be heard. On the way up trail, I was mobbed by a large group of tits. I stood quietly and just observed. There must have been at least a couple dozen birds around me – mostly Varied and Eastern Great – some immature. Although some seemed curious, sadly, I felt unwelcomed. Towards the peak of the mountain, mostly Pale Thrushes could be heard singing.

Most interestingly was the song of a Fairy Pitta – not continuous, and only heard twice. It was heard in the afternoon of the 8th, and then again the next morning; also non-continuous and heard only twice. Asian Stubtail were also very vocal on the morning of the 9th, a Japanese Bush Warbler singing near the course, and Black-naped Oriole could be seen crossing over the canopy. I took photos of the different broad-leaved tree species – very excited to get to know this habitat a little better.