Bird News from Robin Newlin
A holiday morning expedition to Gyeyangsan, particularly in hopes of the Siberian Accentors last reported by Tim Edelsten in February. Right outside the subway station, a group of Azure-winged Magpies, some clinging to the brick side of an old house; just before the mountain, a small flock of Long-tailed Tits. Single Varied Tit and Grey-headed Woodpecker greeted my ascent: it was still early enough that there were only a few hikers.
Up on the scrubby hillside, I found what I was seeking: at least 7 Siberian Accentors, characteristically shy and inquisitive at the same time. I spent most of the morning enjoying their company: small groups of Rustic and Yellow-throated Buntings, Naumann’s Thrushes, Grey-capped Greenfinches and Vinous-throated Parrotbills added background variety. On the way back down near mid-day, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and enormous numbers of ascending hikers.
Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella ©Robin Newlin
Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella ©Robin Newlin