Tag Archives: Gwangju

Gwangju, January 12-13

Bird News from Patrick Blake

For the past two days I’ve been birding around the Gwangjuho Lake area, primarily at the Eco-Park of the same name. I’ve observed 49 different species over the two days, with some notable and unexpected sightings.

Although the water is slightly lower than usual, and patches along the shore are covered in thin ice, waterfowl are plentiful on Gwangjuho Lake. Typical species like Eurasian Teal, Common Merganser, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Falcated Duck, and a large concentration of Mallard. Two Baikal Teal drakes remain on the lake, hidden among the teal.

Raptors are never plentiful at the Eco-Park, but I’ve observed Eastern Buzzard consistently; one on the 12th, two on the 13th. A surprise sighting of an adult White-tailed Eagle on the 12th was a new species for me at this location.

The Eco-Park is host to many passerines at this time of year, specifically finches and buntings. Bramblings make up the most common finches at the Eco-Park, but the occasional Grey-capped Greenfinch can also be found. I have not seen any Chinese Grosbeaks yet, although this species is a regular occurrence here in winter.

The most common buntings are Yellow-throated Bunting, followed closely by Rustic Bunting. Black-faced Bunting is regular (1 sighted on both days); a single Meadow Bunting made for an unusual sighting on the 13th.

Black-faced Bunting Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala © Patrick Blake

White Wagtail (both lugens and leucopsis) was seen on both days, as were numerous Buff-bellied Pipits. A resident Grey Wagtail was seen on both days, and a single Japanese Wagtail on the 13th.

Japanese Wagtail Japanese Wagtail Motacilla grandis © Patrick Blake

Shorebirds were observed on the 13th, including eight Long-billed Plovers, six Common Snipe, and a flyover Green Sandpiper.

Finally, two notable sightings occurred on both days. On the 12th, the “Bird of the Day” was a Bluethroat observed skulking among the dead vegetation on the exposed lake bed. On the 13th, five Siberian Accentors were observed foraging together, a high number for this location.

IMG_7351-L Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella © Patrick Blake

IMG_7335-L Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella © Patrick Blake

Gwangju, January 1

Bird News from Patrick Blake A sudden change in the weather cancelled my initial plans, but I still managed to get out and make the most of the Big Day 2015 fundraiser in Gwangju. Relying solely on public transportation, and … read more

Gwangju, May 17

Bird News from Patrick Blake My wife and I spent a sunny and warm afternoon in the mountains on the east side of Gwangju. There were many signs of nesting around, including a Pale Thrush nest with five chicks, estimated … read more

Gwangju, April 22

Bird News from Patrick Blake My wife and I made a brief visit to the mountains in East Gwangju at the Gakhwa reservoir. At least five Oriental Scops Owls were heard calling just before and after dusk. Also heard approximately … read more

Gwangju, November 16

Bird News from Patrick Blake   I spent a pleasant, though cold, morning at the Gwangjuho Lake Eco-park in Chunghyo-dong, Gwangju.  The water levels have been brought down, exposing a lot of the shoreline, which attracted quite a few wagtails … read more

Birds Korea in Gwangju

Posted by Maria Lisak, June 27, 2013 Saturday, June 22nd’s GIC Talk at Gwangju International Center was a huge success. Dr. Nial Moores shared a presentation called “Visible Connections,” a riff on the trilingual photo book titled “Invisible Connections” by … read more