Amazing Swarms of Shorebirds

The Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong is famous for housing thousands of wintering birds each year. When the tide is right, these beautiful birds often put on a magnificent display. Watching these spectacular shows is always the highlight of my day there.

When I visited the Reserve last week, I was amazed to find the biggest swarms of shorebirds I have ever seen on display. 

The number of Pied Avocets is often huge, but that day it was enormous!

Because they prefer to feed in shallow water, these birds would fly with the low tide which gave us birdwatchers a real treat!  

                             

See more photos: at Google+

Get Up Close and Personal With The Waders (1)---Pied Avocet

Each year, thousands of Pied Avocets come to Hong Kong and spend the winter in Mai Po Nature Reserve.

When  the tide is low, sometimes they get really close to the Birdhides on the mudflats while searching for food. 

Occasionally, some of them get carried away feeding right underneath my nose.

It is a privilege to be able to watch these beautiful birds so closely, and it always makes my day.

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.