Wintering Birds in Mai Po Nature Reserve

I was a bit worried about missing the wintering birds in Mai Po Nature Reserve this year as I have been away a lot lately.   Luckily, there are still plenty of them around in the Reserve and the birds don’t even seem to mind the recent air pollution.

I thought the Black & White images might look less depressing because of the poor air quality.

 
It makes me wonder how long these birds will be able to spend the winter here, as more and more residential buildings are being constructed every year on the other side of the mudflats in mainland China. 

Common Hong Kong Butterflies

Although Hong Kong is a tiny place of just over 1000 km2 (about 420 sq mile) in landmass (UK=240,000km2), it is a home to more than 240 butterfly species. So similar to humans, the butterfly is rather densely populated too, much to my delight.

In addition to the Swallowtail butterflies, I have recently managed to photograph several common species.   

Indian Fritillary Male (Nymph)

Common Mapwing (Nymph)

   
Constable (Nymph)  

 
Gaudy Baron Female (Nymph)

Gaudy Baron Male (Nymph)

Chocolate Pansy (Nymph)

Staff Sergeant (Nymph)

Yellow Rajah(Nymph)

 
Banded Tree Brown (Brown)  

 
Dark Evening Brown(Brown)

Muirhead's Labyrinth (Brown)

Blue Glassy Tiger (Crow)

Chestnut Angel (Skipper)

Indian Palm Bob  (Skipper)

Greenish Palm Dart (Skipper)

Tree Flitter (Skipper)

 
Restricted Demon (Skipper)

Purple Sapphire (Male) (Blue)

Punchinello (Metalmark)

More photos at Google+

Regular winter visitors---Pied Avocets

Like many waterbirds, Pied Avocets love the warm winter in Hong Kong, and the Mudflats at Mai Po Nature Reserve is their favourite feeding place. 

Their upcurved bill is unique among water birds.

When feeding, the bill sweeps from side to side to catch small insects in water. 

Sometimes, they also dive in the water to search for food. 

While the majority of migratory birds are still on their way to Hong Kong, these early birds are enjoying a quiet moment at Mai Po Nature Reserve.   

Early Arrivals----Black-winged Stilts

   The pleasant autumn brings not only the cool and comfortable weather but also the annual bird visitors to Hong Kong.  

    Although at the moment most of the migratory birds from Northern China are still on their way to the South, some early starters have already arrived in Hong Kong. The Black-winged Stilt is among the early arrivals. A couple of days ago, I saw several Black-winged Stilts enjoying a quiet and peaceful lunch.

   The long orange-red legs and a straight and thin black bill make them very easy to identify.  

  The feather of the young Black-winged Stilts are mainly grey coloured. 

  The Black-Winged Stilts usually breed in West and Central China and spend winter in the South, including Hong Kong. They feed mainly on aquatic insects. Instead of swimming, the prefer to walk around in shallow water,

and catch prey on the surface.

Occasionally, they plunge their heads below the surface to catch prey in the water.