Heuksan Island, September 7 – 8

Bird news from Subhojit Chakladar and Jason Loghry

September 7

Starting early from Mokpo harbor, we encountered few sea-birds enroute. Most notable were about Common Terns (~10), Streaked Shearwater (4) and Red-necked Phalarope (4). Once on the island, we found Japanese White-eyes is almost every tree and bush. There were a few Barn Swallows in the air along with a split second view of what appeared to be a Sand Martin. Quite a few wagtails were observed in the main village near the harbor – Eastern Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and a single Forest Wagtail. After having distant looks at a couple of Common Kestrels, we suddenly came across a harrier with what appeared to be a bat in its talons. It had a white rump, whitish nape (it was bleeding from the back of its head) and I managed to quickly snap a photo before it disappeared behind the trees. It appeared after while and soared for some time over the harbor. The features seemed to indicate a juvenile Pied Harrier. Expert comments on ID would be greatly appreciated. Walking towards the northern side of the harbor, we found 2 Sanderlings and were able to observe them from close quarters. There were plenty of Pale Thrushes (many of them juvenile) and some of them had bands on their feet. At a reservoir in the village north of the harbor, a Striated Heron was seen along with a Peregrine couple in the air. A Long-toed Stint was observed under excellent light conditions which yielded some nice photos. At this point while looking at a pair of snipes (probably Common Snipes), we came across a very interesting flycatcher. It had a rather heavy bill, a very prominent eye-ring with no pale lores. Overall greyish in color with rusty tones on the wing – it seemed to be a familiar species showing unfamiliar characteristics. We were left scratching our heads (and snapping a few photos for ID). Expert comments on whether its a Asian Brown or Dark-sided Flycatcher is welcome. Towards dusk, notable species were a Daurian Starling, Black-naped Oriole, Arctic Warbler, Eastern-crowned Warbler (JL only) and an apparent juvenile Little Cuckoo.

September 8

Having slept very little the previous day, it was a real struggle trying to wake up before sunrise in order to search for locustellas (yes, the search still continues and so does the disappointment!). Walking to the wetland area north of the harbor, the first bird of note was a Pintail Snipe (in the mist nets). Thanks to a researcher from the Migratory Birds Center, I was able accompany the gentleman as he went about inspecting the mist nets and collecting the birds for ringing. It was a real treat to be able to observe the ‘pins’ on the tail of the bird! On a nearby beach, a Black-winged Stilt and about 3 dozen Sanderlings were seen. In a plantation behind the wetlands, a cuckoo was observed. It had an elongated shape, rather dark upper parts and relatively thick barring. Being silent for the entire duration of the observation made it almost impossible for it to be IDied definitively. Expert comments based on the photos below are welcome. Back at the main village, many juvenile Light-vented Bulbuls were seen. A flock of 7 Chestnut-cheeked Starling and 2 Daurian Starlings wrapped up our stay on the island.

On the return ferry, some gentle persuasion provided us a chance to observe from the deck (under supervision of course … felt like a school kid!) but it was totally worth it. At least 8 Red-necked Phalaropes and an impressive concentration of Streaked Shearwaters in 2 big flocks. Conservative estimate would put the total size of the combined flock to at least 400 birds. Even though we had to get in after about 10mins, perseverance paid off when JL found a (rather distant) Skua with mostly dark plumage and lighter patches on the primaries.

In all a fairly productive trip to a rather touristy island with a total of 55 species observed on or around the island.