This morning started off busy, as we have some international guests with us today! HKBWS is currently partaking in an international research collaboration with ornithologists from Seoul National University in South Korea, and today we were lucky enough to show them our activities! Thankfully the weather was not too warm for them (or us), as the cold front begins to recede. Sadly, it seemed to be taking the birds with it, but not without some highlights turning up in the nets!

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest surprises today with this Adult male Crested Goshawk! It is not common for us to have these in our nets, as they are quite big, and usually escape very quickly, so it was a blessing to catch one!

He clearly did not agree, and it required some careful manoeuvring to avoid his dagger-liked talons and hooked beak. Crested Goshawks are resident to the forests in Hong Kong, and can be found soaring above the canopy with a loud hee-hee-hee call. A beautiful bird!

Next up was a recapture White-bellied Epornis, first ringed by us in April 2022. This means that this bird must be an adult, and shows fresh, dark and broad adult-type feathers in the wing and tail, as would be expected to find in an adult!

After a slow day, we ended with the incredibly colourful and characteristic Silver-eared Mesia! Though this is a common species, it has been a while since we caught one, so it was a nice surprise! Though the plumage all appeared fresh and nice, the juvenile-type iris, suggesting this is a young bird that has been through a Summer Complete moult!

Daily Totals

*Please note that all wild birds, their nests, and eggs are highly protected (under Wild Animals Protection Ordinate, Cap. 170) in Hong Kong. It is an offence to willfully disturb, take, remove, or injure wild birds or their nests/eggs. The actions described here were undertaken by trained professionals holding the necessary licenses and permits issued by the AFCD.*