We’re back in the Paddyfields this week! As the weather keeps up the warmth, a lot of our migrants seem to be moving on, and our peak season seems to be over already!
First up was a very special little bird- a recapture Little Bunting! This bird was originally caught in November 2022, and is just our 2nd recaptured Bunting since paddyfield ringing began! It seems it is not so common for our Buntings to return to the same site year-on-year, so it is very nice to see an old friend!
From the extent of black on the crown, we can see this must be an adult female, showing less black than that of an adult male. The tail is nice and broad, with rounded tips, while the skulls shows full development.
Our next highlight of the day was a gorgeous 1st calendar year Common Kingfisher recapture, originally ringed one month ago! This bird showed a still fully juvenile wing and tail. A nice, calm day!
Daily Totals
| Species | Original | Recapture |
| Black-faced Bunting | 1 | 0 |
| Bluethroat | 3 | 2 |
| Common Kingfisher | 0 | 1 |
| Dusky Warbler | 2 | 0 |
| Little Bunting | 10 | 2 |
| Plain Prinia | 0 | 1 |
| Red-throated Pipit | 1 | 0 |
| Rustic Bunting | 1 | 1 |
| Scaly-breasted Munia | 1 | 0 |
| Stejneger’s Stonechat | 1 | 1 |
| White Wagtail | 1 | 0 |
| White-rumped Munia | 1 | 0 |
| Yellow-breasted Bunting | 0 | 1 |
| Zitting Cisticola | 1 | 0 |
| Grand Total | 23 | 9 |
*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 wilfully 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.*
