Chinese Pond Herons

It's a shame that we don't have Pond Herons in the UK, except for the odd vagrant Squacco. I must say that wherever I go on in SE Asia, I always look forward to seeing them - whether they're Chinese Pond, Indian Pond or Javan Pond; to complete the genus Ardeola there are a further two in Africa (Madagascar Pond and Rufous-bellied Heron) plus Squacco.

Chinese Pond Heron - a bit peckish and ready for aerial assault

Ok, so this post is two fold. Firstly in WRP Bourne style, one for those bird behaviour folk. I've never seen a heron fishing from the air in such Osprey-like, talismanic fashion. Look at this masterclass from an adult Chinese Pond Heron that I took at Mai Po: -

Got it!

Secondly, is CPH one for the UK someday? Personally, I still quite like the adult back in 2004 (on the back of a Rufous-tailed Robin and Chestnut-eared Bunting) but, back to my HK experience, I was actually taken aback at how noticeably different non-breeding/1st-winter Chinese Pond Herons are compared to Squaccos. And that'll be the plumage you want for a pucker UK October/November record. You're obviously seeing these birds below in fresh plumage given the time of year, but look at the strong black streaking on the ear-coverts, crown and nape. The flight shots also show the large breast streaks that are clearly demarcated onto a white belly. Also, just a little like Indian Pond, the yellow lores are bordered at the top by a nice horizontal black line. The mantle too appears relatively dark in colour. Reckon we wouldn't mess one of these boys up in Britain? Hang on... Amur Falcon. Perhaps we would.

Sweating it out at Mai Po

I headed into the New Territories today, catching an early morning train from my base on Hong Kong Island. HK's metro line really does put London to shame - super efficient, air conditioning and even TV in some of the carriages. Not bad. However, they have a still have a little bit to learn on the food front. I asked at my hotel last night 'is there anywhere decent to eat?' and was told 'yes, there is a McDonald's and KFC just up the road'. Oh well, I guess they'll realise in time. Found myself a decent noodle house tonight, £4 for the lot and even managed to eat it (just) with chopsticks.

PGP and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

So, the birds. I know August isn't meant to be a great month at Mai Po, but with a bit of hard work I managed to get a list that included most of the super rare Asian shorebirds on the British list. It was particularly nice to see a handful of Red-necked Stints, all adults in variable stages of moult and I was pretty chuffed with the PGP and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper side by side (the only ones of these species I saw all day); also loads of Terek Sandpipers and Greater Sand Plovers. Oh, and I also saw five Black-faced Spoonbills - a little distant but really good to finally see this endangered species.

Derek the Terek

Sharp-tailed Sand - Siberian breeder on its way to Oz?

Greater Sand Plover with crab

Oh yeah, just to finish this one off. Reckon I must have shed the odd pound today in sweat; one of the stickiest days I've ever had. And, if that wasn't enough to think about when in the mangroves I had to duck under several of these bad boys too... the size of my hand, including the legs.