Tag Archives: Long-billed Dowitcher

East Jeju Island, December 25th, 2021

A Christmas birdwatching trip ended up being quite productive in various ways. Starting at Seongsan, plenty of interesting winter ducks were around but with strong cold winds it was difficult to stay long enough to search the whole area. Common Goldeneyes, Greater Scaup, and Black-necked Grebes were pleasant highlights.

Mallard hybrid or Domestic Mallard? © Leslie Hurteau
Greater Scaup Aythya marila 검은머리흰죽지 © Leslie Hurteau
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 혹부리오리 © Leslie Hurteau

We moved onto Hado-ri Wetland afterwards with hopes there would be a bit more shelter from the wind. While the wetland had plenty more ducks than a visit a couple weeks ago, the wind really forced the birds to take shelter or stay quiet. Regardless, both Eurasian and Black-faced Spoonbills were seen along with three Taiga Bean Geese. Northern Lapwings were cautiously feeding along the rocks, and a single Black-faced Bunting was seen and heard briefly. The star of the show though ended up being a very close Long-billed Dowitcher seen feeding among the ducks and lapwings.

Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus 긴부리도요), a rather rare vagrant to the ROK © Leslie Hurteau
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 댕기물떼새 © Leslie Hurteau
Eurasian Coot © Leslie Hurteau

A final stop at east-central Jeju before the weather turned was worthwhile. A large group of Rooks were found perched on wires and some trees taking a break from the strong winds. Mixed in were a few Large-billed Crows and one gorgeous Daurian Jackdaw. Weather conditions didn’t allow for nice photography but view was clear and enjoyed for a sustained period.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 해오라기, a last minute surprise before leaving the wetland © Leslie Hurteau
Rooks(Corvus frugilegus 떼까마귀) perched on wires and in the trees © Leslie Hurteau
Daurian Jackdaw (Coloeus dauuricus 갈까마귀) mixed in with the Rooks © Leslie Hurteau