Bird news by Leslie Hurteau. All images copyright of Leslie Hurteau.
No spring birding season on Jeju is complete without a visit (or 2 or 5) to Mara Island, one of the best spots for spring and fall migration in the country. This small island is located on the very far southwest of Jeju, making it the furthest south birders can visit in the Korean peninsula. A highlight visit this spring was on May 5th, right when migration hits a peak and just about any species seems to be possible.
We took the boat from Moseulpo (Unjin Port), where a small group of Terek Sandpipers were resting in the harbour. Shortly after departure a Pacific Loon was seen on the sea, which is fairly late for this species. Black-tailed Gulls and a Japanese Cormorant were seen, as well, but otherwise the boat trip was fairly quiet.
Arriving on the island, it was clear that bird activity was going to be pretty good. A small group of Yellow-breasted Buntings, a pair of Peregrine Falcons flying at eye level along the east coast, and plenty of Black-faced Buntings. Further into the forest included highlights such as Yellow-bellied Tit, Swinhoe’s White-eye, Yellow-billed Grosbeak, and Red-flanked Bluetail.
Phylloscopus warblers were well represented, with Yellow-browed, Sakhalin, Pale-legged, Dusky, and Eastern Crowned Warblers. Flycatchers as well, with Grey-streaked, one Dark-sided, a female Blue-and-White, Narcissus, and many Asian Brown Flycatchers.
Oriental Reed Warbler, Black-naped Oriole, and Ashy Minivet were other expected species seen and heard fairly well.
Chinese Pond Heron was present in good numbers, with Little Heron, Grey Heron, and Eastern Cattle Egret also present throughout. A Red-necked Stint was seen in the small wetland on the western edge of the island.
A few pleasant spring surprises included a female Black Redstart, a single Blyth’s Pipit along with several Richard’s Pipits, and a Wryneck, all found in the fields of the northern side of the island. A pair of Mongolian Short-tailed Larks were flushed here, too, identified based on their distinctive flight call.
The return boat trip was quieter, with two Streaked Shearwaters and a few Black-tailed Gulls.
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