Bird News from Nial Moores
A total of 108 or 109 species were logged on this island between the afternoon of the 12th (when doing the World Migratory Bird Day Birdathon) and departure on the 17th. Although there were no large arrivals of birds, the daily turnover of species, the good scenery (away from the main village) and a wonderful minbak made the time pass quickly. Along with expected scarce migrants (including Daurian Starling and Red-billed Starling), obvious highlights included a Black Drongo and male Black Paradise Flycatcher on the 12th (we missed an Ashy Drongo seen earlier the same day); a Hume’s Leaf Warbler on 13th and 16th; a Japanese Night Heron (globally Endangered) between at least 15th-17th, watched feeding on small frogs and worms; a Willow Warbler (perhaps only two or so national records to date?) seen and heard though not photographed in between dense fog patches on 16th; and single Amur Falcon and Common House Martin on 17th.