November

Waves of colder air and strong winds cause a sharp drop in temperature, especially from mid-month onwards  when maxima can be as low as 8-10°C.  The last of the autumn migrants are joined by huge numbers of wintering waterbirds.

Numbers of Baikal Teal and other duck and geese species continue to build. Swan Geese peak at the Han-Imjin (with several hundred in recent winters) and internationally important concentrations of Whooper Swan arrive at a few key sites.  Movements of loons and alcids, most especially Ancient Murrelet, can be impressive along the east coast (though less so in recent winters), and winter raptors also become more widespread, including Eastern Buzzards from the beginning of the month and Cinereous Vultures from month’s end.  November also sees a rapid increase in most gull species, with  Saunders’s Gull widespread on remaining tidal-flats, and mixed flocks of Heuglin’s, Vega, Mongolian and Slaty-backed Gulls appearing in harbours, especially on the east coast.  Arriving winter visitors range in size from the massive to the diminutive. Hooded, then White-naped and Red-crowned Cranes arrive for the winter – the latter two species concentrated mostly in Cheorwon - along with passerines which include Siberian Accentor and Goldrest. Passerines on the move include many late-migrating summer visitors until the second week of the month, when winter species such as Pallas’s Reed Bunting predominate.

In the past decade, November has produced several national first-records including White-capped Redstart (2003), Redwing (2006) and Fujian Niltava (2010).

Jason Loghry, Mike Friel, and I spent the day birding throughout the Suncheon Bay area. Highlights of the day included c.400 Hooded Cranes in the fields around the Eco-park. Within this congregation we found three White-naped Cranes and what appeared to be a Common x Hooded Crane hybrid. Birds of prey were also plentiful: 10 Bull-headed Shrikes, a Merlin, two Eastern Buzzards, and several Cinereous Vultures and Common Kestrels. A complete list of all the species (42) sighted is below.

Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus, © Patrick Blake

Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus, © Patrick Blake

Hooded Crane Grus monacha, © Patrick Blake

White-naped Crane Grus vipio, © Patrick Blake

Hooded Crane Grus monacha, © Patrick Blake

Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus, © Patrick Blake

White-cheeked Starling Spodiopsar cineraceus, © Patrick Blake

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus, © Patrick Blake

A visit to the Gangjin Bay on the afternoon to check for Whooper Swans turned out to be a very birdy trip. Strong wind and several rain showers made it occasionally uncomfortable. The first stop was at an observation point that now had undergone a dramatic change. A 14km long paved bicycle path had been constructed along the bay and the observation point had been turned into an open board-walk platform. Now it is impossible to see birds from close range as even just opening a car door makes the birds move away – no shielding as it had been there before.

Bicycle path along the bay, © Andreas Kim

New open visitor platform, still under construction, © Andreas Kim

In the bay ca. 500 to 600 Whooper Swan accompanied by at least 1000 Mallard and about 300 Eastern Spot-billed Duck. Flocks of ducks constantly flying between reed beds and rice fields. Also seen a few Common Goldeneye and one Northern Pintail. In one corner a group of c. 30 Common Merganser with a small group of Spot-billed Ducks could be observed. On a mudflat area along with some swans c. 300 Taiga Bean Geese were mostly roosting while 7 Common Greenshank and 18 Dunlin were busy feeding. Also there one Eurasian Spoonbill, one Great Crested Grebe, one Little Egret and a few Grey Heron. Small numbers of Eurasian Treesparrows, Eurasian Magpie and Brown-eared Bulbul passing by as usual, one Bull-headed Shrike enjoyed a short period of sunshine and a flock of c. 60 Buff-bellied Pipit coming from rice fields was a nice surprise.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus and ducks, © Andreas Kim

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, © Andreas Kim

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Northern Pintail Anas acuta, © Andreas Kim

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, © Andreas Kim

Mallards Anas platyrhynchos and one Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha, © Andreas Kim

Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha, © Andreas Kim

Common Merganser Mergus merganser, © Andreas Kim

Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis and Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, © Andreas Kim

Dunlin Calidris alpina, © Andreas Kim

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, © Andreas Kim

Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus, © Andreas Kim

Between rain showers, © Andreas Kim

A short research trip to Ulleung County from November 20^th-23^th found a total of c. 74 bird species (including five seen only from inside the ferry between c. 10km north of the Guryongpo Peninsula and Ulleung). Weather throughout was mild, mostly overcast with occasional sunny periods (especially on the 23^rd), with overnight temperatures falling to 3-4C and day-time highs reaching 13-15C. Winds were from the west, and were generally either light or moderate.

The main research aims were to determine whether there was much overlap in migrant landbird species on Ulleung Island (at approximately 37.50° N, 130. 86° E), with those found earlier in the month on Baekryeong Island c. 540km to the west-northwest (see: http://www.birdskorea.org/Habitats/Other/Baekryeongdo/BK-HA-Baekryeongdo-Nov-2013.shtml). Main species of interest this visit therefore included Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra and Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea, in addition to populations and subspecies of more widespread presumably sedentary species (including the “Ulleung Great Tit” Parus minor dageletensis). While much of the centre of the island is mountainous and forested, fieldwork focused on more open areas, including the ‘arboretum’ and hillside behind Sadong harbour in the southeast (on 20^th PM); fields and villages at Hyeonpo and Taewa in the northwest (on 21^st); and the Nari Basin (in the north) and Taewa again (on 23^rd).

A chance conversation with the motel owner (of the excellent M Motel in Dodong, Ulleung) on November 21^st also resulted in a wonderful opportunity to visit Dokdo on November 22^nd. Well-known to everyone in Korea, Dokdo (at approximately 37.24° N, 131.87° E) is a small cluster of islands and islets approximately 90km southeast from Ulleung and 215km east from Uljin. In addition to being the ROK’s easternmost and most isolated island-group, Dokdo also possesses deep meaning and value to people nationwide. It is “where the Korean Peninsula begins”. While most visitors nowadays are restricted to spending only 20 minutes on the jetty, the Dokdo Management office and police officials most kindly allowed a few of us (including no less than three media teams) to join the county boat as it ferried police and supplies to the island – and then me to spend almost two hours freely searching for birds on the eastern island of Dongdo. Although I was unable to find the ROK’s first Pine Grosbeak that had been recorded there in late October and early-mid November, it was still an excellent experience - to visit these remote Korean islands and also to get some sense of their value (increasingly realised) to migration studies in this part of Korea and in the East Sea. Habitat-wise, the islands of Dokdo are steep-sided, with patches of grasses and some fruiting bushes. They were remarkably ‘birdy’ considering the date and weather, which on the 22^nd allowed clear views of Ulleung to the northwest.

Ulleung Island, © Nial Moores

Ulleung Island: Hyeonpo, © Nial Moores

Ulleung Island: part of Nari basin, © Nial Moores

Of course, there is much overlap between these islands (from jurisdiction and administration to geology and birdlife). However, one surprising species on Dokdo, was Tree Sparrow Passer montanus (more or less absent from Ulleung, where it is replaced in summer by the only substantial breeding population of Russet Sparrow P. rutilans in the ROK). Why were they on Dokdo and not on Ulleung?

From this visit to both Ulleung and Dokdo, it was also clear that several species were indeed still on the move in the ROK – including both Red Crossbill and Common Redpoll. Other species of most note included Black Wood Pigeon Columba janthina on several dates; a Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis and Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria (on 21^st); Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus (on 22^nd); and apparent Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis and a gull showing several features of Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri, in among large numbers of other gulls, on the 23^rd.

Dokdo, © Nial Moores

Dokdo: Visitor information board, © Nial Moores

As there is little detailed information publicly available on the birdlife of Ulleung and Dokdo (especially on our websites or in English), a full list of species from this short research visit follows. All are from Ulleung unless specifically stated otherwise. All observations and images were by NM, using a hand-held Nikon Coolpix P7100 and superb Swarovski optics.

1. Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. Noted daily on Ulleung in small numbers. Apparently introduced on the island.
2. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. On Ulleung, seen only at Taewa, with 12 on the 21^st and two on the 23^rd. A group of 25 duck – including or comprised entirely of this species – were seen flying south over the sea c. 15km east of Ulleung on the 22^nd.
3. Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha. Six on 21^st and three on 23^rd.
4. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca. Three on the 21^st and two on the 23^rd.
5. Greater Scaup Aythya marila. Two on the 21^st.
6. Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus. An adult male and female were in Hyeonpo harbour on the 21^st and 23^rd.


Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus, Ulleung Island, November 21, © Nial Moores
7. White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi. One First-winter male was in Hyeonpo harbour on the 21^st.


White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi, Ulleung Island, November 21, © Nial Moores
8. Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. One on the 23^rd.
9. Common Merganser Mergus merganser. Three on the 21^st.
10. Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata. From the ferry, in addition to two close to Pohang one was seen c. 150km southwest of Ulleung, all on 20^th.
11. Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas. From the ferry, one was seen c. 110km southwest of Ulleung on the 20^th and eight were seen between c. 25km and 60km southwest from Ulleung on 23^rd.
12. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. One was in Hyeonpo harbour on the 21^st.
13. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Four were seen over the sea approaching Ulleung from the east in the evening of the 20^th and one was in Taewa on 23^rd.


Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
14. Temminck’s Cormorant Phalacrocorax capillatus. Fairly widespread with the highest area count 40 along the east coast on the 20th. At least five were also seen on Dokdo.
15. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. A juvenile was in Taewa on the 23^rd.
16. Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus. One or two were seen daily, including one on Dokdo on the 22^nd.
17. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. One on Ulleung on 21^st and one on Dokdo on 22^nd.
18. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus. Singles were at Hyeonpo and Nari and 2-3 were also on Dokdo on 22^nd.
19. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. One was in Taewa on the 21^st.
20. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva. Perhaps the oddest observation of this trip was a Pacific Golden Plover at Nari on the 23^rd. Not only is this an exceptionally late date, but this bird was also in near full breeding plumage!


Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, Ulleung island, November 23, © Nial Moores
21. Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria. One was at Taewa on 21^st. Although looked for on 23^rd it was not re-found. The species is probably not recorded annually in the ROK away from the National Arboretum, with most such past records coming from offshore islands (e.g. Gageo and Socheong) during migration or from Gangwon Province.


Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria, Ulleung Island, November 21, © Nial Moores
22. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago. Two (including one with broad white edges to the coverts) were with the Solitary Snipe in Taewa on the 21^st. One even seemed to imitate the bobbing feeding motion of the Solitary, before both flew off an hour after sunset.


Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Ulleung Island, November 21, © Nial Moores
23. Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius. From the ferry, a phalarope in non-breeding plumage seen c.40km southwest of Ulleung on the 23^rd was presumed to be this species.
24. Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. From the ferry on the 20th, c. 125 were seen 5-10km northwest of the Guryongpo Peninsula; three were seen halfway between Pohang and Ulleung; 20+ were c. 40km southwest of Ulleung; and 25 were within 10km of Ulleung. One adult was also seen close to Sadong harbour on the 20^th and 15+ were feeding off from Hyeonpo on the 21^st.
25. Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris. From the ferry on the 20^th a total of 55 were seen in open sea, with a further 19 within c. 10km of Ulleung. On Ulleung itself, the highest single count was of 1500 (at Taewa), and there were also c. 1000 at Dokdo on the 22^nd.
26. Common Gull Larus canus. Two were at Hyeonpo on the 21^st and 3+ were at Taewa on the 23^rd.


Common Gull Larus canus, Juvenile / First-winter kamtschatschensis, © Nial Moores
27. Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri (?). A juvenile gull showing multiple features of this species (and a few features perhaps not so typical of thayeri) was at Taewa on the 23^rd. As shown in the images, taken in very strong light, structurally it was intermediate in size between Black-tailed and Vega Gull L. vegae, and was also long-winged and slender-billed. Most of the underparts were solidly brown (at times appearing “velvety”), more so that seen in any regularly-occurring Korean gull species, while most of the upperparts, including the wing-coverts, were pale and strikingly frosty-edged. It lacked the darker coverts expected in e.g. L. smithsonianus and was much more strongly patterned than L. schistisagus. The primaries of the closed wing were dark but obviously brown-tinged, with strong white tips for a gull of this age. The upperwing when open showed dark primaries (especially outer edges) contrasting strongly with greyer-washed inner primaries (also ruling out all but an extreme-plumaged L. vegae or L. smithsonianus). The underwing coverts and axillaries were dark brown (latter with a hint of barring) contrasting with silvery undersides to the primaries, which were tipped darker (an underwing pattern shown by very few gull species). The bill was dark (with a hint of some paling – but much less so than all other First Calendar-year gulls that were present for direct comparison) and the legs were pink. While Thayer’s Gull is a rare but regular visitor to Japan, it is recorded less than annually in Korea (with most records being of adults). Informed comments on the images here would therefore be greatly appreciated (NB: there are also several minutes of video that could be sent to any guller interested in helping with its identification).


Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri (?), Juvenile, Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
Showing elongated, delicate structure and size (in direct comparison with L. crassirostris, L. vegae and L. schistisagus).


Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri (?), Juvenile, Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
Showing brown tone of otherwise fresh-looking primaries.



Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri (?), Juvenile, Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
Showing rump and tail (left) and underwing (right).




Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri (?), Juvenile, Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
Showing upperwing.

28. Vega Gull Larus vegae. Only small numbers (<10) were noted in open sea during each ferry journey. Much larger numbers were present in main harbours on Ulleung (e.g. 500+ at Sadong and 500+ at Taewa) and also on Dokdo (>1000).


Vega Gull Larus vegae, Adult (left) and First-winter (right), Ulleung island, November 23, © Nial Moores


Vega Gull Larus vegae, Juvenile > First-winter, Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
29. Mongolian Gull Larus mongolicus. One or two were with other large gulls at Taewa on the 23^rd.
30. Slaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus. Small numbers (<50) were seen on Ulleung, and at least three were on Dokdo.


Slaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus Juvenile (> First-winter), Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
31. Heuglin’s Gull Larus heuglini. In total, at least 25 (all apparently taimyrensis) were seen on Ulleung and one or more were also seen on Dokdo.
32. Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus. From the ferry one was seen c. 100km southwest of Ulleung Island on the 20^th.
33. Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus. From the ferry, one murrelet (presumably this species) was seen c.75km southwest from Ulleung on the 23^rd.
34. Black Wood Pigeon Columba janthina. Three or more were seen well in trees above Sadong harbour on the 20^th; one was seen in flight at Taewa on 21^st; and 2+ were seen on Dokdo on the 22^nd, sitting on cliff-sides and feeding in berry bushes. All individuals appeared rather dull, with some green gloss on the neck sides and weakly on the breast and mantle, but apparently lacking, as previously noted, obvious pinky-purple tones on the head as shown by (most) adults on Gageo and at some other sites.


Black Wood Pigeon Columba janthina, Ulleung Island, November 20, © Nial Moores


Black Wood Pigeon Columba janthina, Dokdo, November 22, © Nial Moores
35. Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis. On Ulleung only seen above Hyeonpo (where 3+ on 21^st and one on 23^rd), with the highest number (eight) seen on Dokdo on the 22^nd.
36. Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus. A total of five were seen or heard on Ulleung.
37. Rook Corvus frugilegus. Sixteen were in Hyeonpo on the 21^st, with four there still on 23^rd when one was also in Nari.
38. Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos. One was in Nari on the 23^rd. Bill depth and length appeared closer to more northern than to more southern birds and this individual was therefore most likely to be of subspecies mandshuricus.
39. Varied Tit Poecile varius. The most numerous landbird species encountered on Ulleung during this short survey period, with small flocks of 5-10 present in all areas. While many Varied Tit show rufescent tones to the head in autumn (perhaps more than at other times of the year?) birds on Ulleung all appeared strongly washed through with rufous-orange, including weakly admixed into the mantle. They therefore lacked the clean blue and orange appearance of typical mainland Varied Tit.


Varied Tit Poecile varius, Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
40. Coal Tit Periparus ater. A total of six were encountered on Ulleung.
41. Eastern Great Tit Parus minor. Ulleung has its own recognised subspecies, P. m. dageletensis. In total, 35+ were found during this survey on Ulleung. Of note, many birds gave a quite distinctive “tuk” call, recalling Marsh Tit Poecile palustris – a call I personally do not yet associate with Eastern Great Tit. There was much individual variation in plumage in the Ulleung birds – though some perhaps appeared paler and greener-toned above than might be thought typical of mainland birds. At least one individual (perhaps a First Calendar-year?) also showed a fairly strong yellowish wash on the underparts – recalling some images of hybrid P. major and P. minor from Russia. What were the characters used to determine this subspecies first used by Kuroda and Mori almost a century ago, when Ulleung must truly have seemed a remote place? P. Minor and P. major are now both known to be irruptive and in some areas regular partial migrants. P. minor frequently migrate out over the sea, e.g. departing Socheong in their thousands some years. Presumably both species are able to reach Ulleung in the right weather conditions – a distance of only 375km from the DPRK coast to the north and 200km from the ROK coast to the west. Therefore, is it possible that dageletensis might be the result less of prolonged isolation and rather more of occasional hybridisation between Northern and Eastern Great Tit following irruptions?


Eastern Great Tit Parus minor dageletensis, Ulleung island, November 21, © Nial Moores


Eastern Great Tit Parus minor dageletensis, Ulleung island, November 21, © Nial Moores
42. Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis. Seven at Hyeonpo and perhaps two at Nari. Two larks seen at distance on Dokdo were probably this taxon.
43. Far Eastern Lark Alauda japonica. At least 23 were at Nari on the 23^rd.
44. Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis. Present in small numbers (1-5) in all areas that were surveyed on Ulleung.
45. Japanese Bush Warbler Horornis diphone. One was heard at Hyeonpo on the 21^st.
46. Goldcrest Regulus regulus. A total of five were heard on Ulleung.
47. Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Five were in Hyeonpo on the 21^st, and one was in Taewa on 23^rd.
48. White-cheeked Starling Spodiopsar cineraceus. Three were on Dokdo on the 22^nd.
49. White’s Thrush Zoothera aurea. One was between Hyeonpo and Taewa on the 21^st.
50. Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni. At least four were on Dokdo on the 22^nd.
51. Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus. Two were on Dokdo on the 22^nd and one was at Nari on the 23^rd.
52. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus. A total of c.15 was found on Ulleung during this survey.
53. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius. A total of six was found on Ulleung and two on Dokdo.
54. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. About twenty were around the buildings on Dokdo. None were found on Ulleung
55. Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella. At least three were on Dokdo on the 22^nd and one was at Nari on the 23^rd.
56. White Wagtail Motacilla alba. Nine were at Taewa on the 21^st with six there still (all lugens) on the 23^rd.
57. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. One was seen and heard briefly in amongst a flock of c. 20 Buff-bellied Pipit A. rubescens at Nari on the 23^rd. Before any images could be taken the flock was flushed by an Oriental Turtle Dove, and appeared to depart south out of the Nari basin. Identification was based on heavily streaked upperparts (contrasting with the plain rump) and underparts; facial pattern (including prominent eye-ring standing out in an otherwise plain “face”); sandy-buff plumage tones – obviously warmer than any of the accompanying pipits, especially on the upperparts and flanks; and pinkish legs and fairly extensive yellowy-orangey base to the lower mandible. This species is (still) very rarely recorded in the ROK and in Japan – with perhaps all records being of birds in late autumn and winter, often with other pipits.
58. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni. Small numbers (3-5) were seen or heard each day on Ulleung and three were also on Dokdo.
59. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus. One late individual was at Nari on the 23^rd.
60. Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens. Eight on the 21^st, three on Dokdo on the 22^nd and 35+ in total on the 23^rd, including 25+ at Nari.
61. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla. Twenty-five were at Hyeonpo on the 21^st and ten were on Dokdo on the 22^nd.
62. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes. Five were on the cliffs at Dokdo and one was in Nari.


Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes, Dokdo, November 22, © Nial Moores
63. Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. One or two were heard in Taewa on the 23^rd.
64. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus. One was on Dokdo on the 22^nd: an exceptionally late migrant or one intending to overwinter?
65. Long-tailed Rosefinch Carpodacus sibiricus. One on the 21^st and two on the 23^rd.
66. Grey-capped Greenfinch Chloris sinica. Odd “chuw” calls heard on Dokdo from unseen birds on the 22^nd were presumed to belong to this species.
67. Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea. A flock of 11 on Dokdo on the 22^nd contained 3-4 greyish birds with obviously pale rumps. Unfortunately, due to moderate winds and the nervousness of the flock views were insufficient to rule out / rule in Arctic Redpoll A. hornemanni. One was also heard at Nari on the 23^rd.
68. Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. At least 35 were in Nari on the 23^rd. Although views of perched birds were distant and brief, all the males seen well (3-5) were pale red and had clearly paler and streaked vents. They can therefore safely be ascribed to subspecies japonica (unlike the males seen earlier in the month on Baekryeong).


Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra japonica, Ulleung Island, November 23, © Nial Moores
69. Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus. One on Ulleung on the 21^st and 5+ on Dokdo on the 22^nd.
70. Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos. Two non-breeding plumaged males were at Nari on the 23^rd.


Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos, Ulleung island, November 23, © Nial Moores
71. Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides. One was heard (but not seen -despite much searching) at Hyeonpo on the 21^st.
72. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica. Two were on Dodko on the 22^nd and one was at Nari on the 23^rd.
73. Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans. The only bunting encountered every day, with highest counts 3+ on Dokdo and 3+ at Nari.
74. Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis. A male (presumably in its First Calendar-year) was at Hyeonpo on the 21^st. This species is recorded less than annually in the ROK and there are still probably only 10-15 records in total nationwide.


Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis, Ulleung island, November 21, © Nial Moores


Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis, Ulleung island, November 21, © Nial Moores

A full and productive day around Hwaseong’s reclamation area of reeds, channels, lake, scrub—and, unfortunately, ever-increasing industrial construction. Highlights were Korea’s smallest and largest owls, an encouraging number of storks, and evidence of good numbers of mice and the raptors that feed on them.

1. Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. A few heard.
2. Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. Large flocks.
3. Bean Goose. Large flocks.
4. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea. 24.
5. Gadwall Anas strepera. 8.
6. Falcated Duck Anas falcata. 1.
7. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. Several hundred.
8. Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha. Several hundred.
9. Greater Scaup Aythya marila. 6.
10. Smew Mergellus albellus. 1.
11. Common Merganser Mergus merganser. 5.
12. Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana. 4. Not many birds can make a Grey Heron look small.
13. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia. 6.
14. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Several.
15. Great Egret. Several.
16. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Several.
17. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. 2.
18. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. 1. Very crisply marked, almost black and white, with somewhat light structure.
19. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla. 1.
20. Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius. 2.
21. Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus. 1.
22. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. 2. One flew in nearby to devour a frog, disappeared, and came back moments later with an enormous mouse.
23. Merlin Falco columbarius. 3.
24. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus. 1.
25. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus. 1.
26. Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. 3.
27. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus. 8.
28. Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo. 1.
29. Little Owl Athene noctua. 2. In widely separate spots.
30. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. 1.
31. Chinese Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. 2.
32. Chinese Penduline Tit Remiz consobrinus. About 12.
33. Far-Eastern Skylark Alauda japonica. Constantly heard overhead.
34. Vinous-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthera webbiana. Small flocks.
35. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus. 2.
36. Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens. One flock of about 50.
37. Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans. 2.
38. Common Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus. C. 20, very conservatively (more heard).

Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana, © Robin Newlin

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, © Robin Newlin

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, © Robin Newlin

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, © Robin Newlin

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, © Robin Newlin

Merlin Falco columbarius, © Robin Newlin

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, © Robin Newlin

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus, © Robin Newlin

Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo, © Robin Newlin

Little Owl Athene noctua, © Robin Newlin

Chinese Penduline Tit Remiz consobrinus, © Robin Newlin

An afternoon only at the Sumeokwan:

1. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1.
2. Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus 1.
3. Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos kizuki 2.
4. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus 2.
5. Greater Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1.
6. Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus 1.
7. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 (heard).
8. Varied Tit Poecile varius 2.
9. Marsh Tit Poecile palustris 3.
10. Yellow-bellied Tit Periparus venustulus 1.
11. Eastern Great Tit Parus minor 5.
12. Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis 24.
13. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 8.
14. Vinous-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthera webbiana small flock heard.
15. Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 1.
16. Dusky/Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni/naumanni 1 (heard).
17. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus 2.
18. Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus 8.
19. Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans 3.

Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis, © Robin Newlin

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus, © Robin Newlin

I spent a pleasant, though cold, morning at the Gwangjuho Lake Eco-park in Chunghyo-dong, Gwangju. The water levels have been brought down, exposing a lot of the shoreline, which attracted quite a few wagtails and waterfowl. Thirty-four species were tallied, including:

1. Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 2
2. Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata 3, all males
3. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 16
4. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca 25+
5. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 21
6. Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 1, female
7. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 5
8. Little Egret Egretta garzetta 5
9. Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax 1, immature
10. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1, male
11. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 1
12. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 2
13. Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis 12
14. Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos kizuki 3
15. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1, male
16. Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus 1, female
17. Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus 2, pair
18. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 2
19. Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus 40+
20. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica 16
21. Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos 2
22. Eastern Great Tit Parus minor 9
23. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudacutus 1
24. Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis 15+
25. Vinous-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthora webbiana 65+
26. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus 2, female
27. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1
28. White Wagtail Motacilla alba 30+, including lugens, ocularis, and leucopsis
29. Japanese Wagtail Motacilla grandis 1
30. Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens 5
31. Chinese Grosbeak Eophona migratoria 15+
32. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica 2
33. Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans 25+
34. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica 2

Vinous-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthera webbiana, © Patrick Blake

Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus, © Patrick Blake

Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus, © Patrick Blake

White Wagtail Motacilla alba leucopsis, © Patrick Blake

Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans, © Patrick Blake

After survey visits in March and May, a late autumn survey was conducted on one half-day (November 1^st) and ten full days between November 2^nd and 12^th on Baekryeong Island, Ongjin County. Although this period is outside the main migration period of many landbirds and some raptors, in total I found 144 bird species, with an additional four species – Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata (6), Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas (1), Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (1) and Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus (5) – also seen from the ferry on the return trip to Incheon on 13^th. The highest number of species recorded per day was 100 on the 2^nd and 98 on the 12^th, and the lowest was 58 on the 9^th (a day of heavy rain). Areas covered were all surveyed in previous visits and included Yeonhwa Ri (twice), rice-fields around the main reservoir and the reservoir itself (most dates); the “marsh” (most dates); Junghawdong (three times); the Northeast and East coast (on about five dates) and Samgot Ri in the south (twice). For most of these main locations, please refer to:
http://www.birdskorea.org/Habitats/Other/Baekryeongdo/BK-HA-Baekryeongdo-May-2013.shtml).

During the first half of November, the weather transitioned on Baekryeong from autumnal (with a high of 18-19C on the 1^st and 5^th) to more wintery in feel (coolest on 11^th, with a minimum of 3C rising to a high of 6C, and Beaufort Force 6 North-westerly winds). Rain fell on the 2^nd; 6^th and 9^th, with most other days largely bright with good visibility.

As anticipated, species diversity and visible migration peaked after the passage of rain. The best areas for seeing landbirds on the move after rain included the Northeast (presumably the main arrival point for some birds, with many birds then moving west or southwest) and the Southwest (where there was much “blogging” in overcast conditions). However, birds were not as obviously funnelled by the geography as on e.g. Socheong.

Compared with previous survey efforts on offshore islands in November (on Socheong and Gageo) some species appeared to be surprisingly uncommon (such as Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus and Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala) or were not even recorded (e.g. Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga and Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus). However, good numbers of several irruptive finch species were logged, and species of greatest ornithological interest included single Greylag Goose Anser anser, Asian Short-toed Lark Calandrella cheleensis and Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor; 3-6 Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana; flocks of Light-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis and small flocks of Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos; and one possible new subspecies for the ROK: Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra tianschanica.

As there seems to be little information publicly available about birds on Baekryeong, a full list of species follows below, with highest day counts and a total number of “observations” (an adding of daily totals, therefore potentially including double-counting) given for most species. All these records, comprised of birds heard or seen irrespective of distance, were made by NM, with images taken using a superb Swarovski ‘scope and a hand-held Nikon Coolpix P7100.

1. Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica. Noted on only four dates, with 6+ heard in the evening of the 7^th the highest number recorded during the period.
2. Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. Widespread and numerous throughout the island, with birds even seen perched on overhead wires and foraging on open tidal-flat.
3. Swan Goose Anser cygnoides. Two were with the Taiga Bean Goose flock in the marsh at Hwadong on the 12^th.


Swan Goose Anser cygnoides, © Nial Moores
4. Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis. Close views of the goose flock were only obtained from the 7^th onwards, when 1,000-1,200 Taiga Bean were present in rice-fields near the main reservoir and in the adjacent marsh at Hwadong. Although very large-bodied, many still appeared shorter-necked and slighter-bodied than many of the Taiga Beans wintering in the southeast of the country (e.g. at Joonam).


Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis in flight, © Nial Moores


Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis flock over the marsh (also note the Greylag Goose lower right and the three Oriental Storks), © Nial Moores
5. Tundra Bean Goose Anser serrirostris. Close views of the goose flock were only obtained from the 7^th onwards. The majority of bean geese (c. 850) on the 4^th appeared to be serrirostris. However, there were probably only 50 or so present by the end of the survey period.
6. Greylag Goose Anser anser. One was found near the main lake on the 10^th, and was still present on the last day of survey on the 12^th. This species has been recorded reliably in the ROK probably fewer than ten times (with some recent claims relating to hybrid or domestic geese, as in early 2013, or to confusion with juvenile frontalis Greater White-fronted Goose).


Greylag Goose Anser anser, © Nial Moores


Greylag Goose Anser anser, © Nial Moores
7. Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. Up to three were present within the main goose flock, including one pink-billed adult (perhaps referable to albifrons) and one orange-billed juvenile (most likely from the sometimes unrecognised Northeast Asian frontalis population).


Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons, © Nial Moores
8. Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Two (a juvenile and a presumed Second-winter) were present throughout in the marsh. This species is a rare winter visitor to the ROK (with some recent records perhaps related to the growing feral population in Japan?).


Mute Swan Cygnus olor, © Nial Moores
9. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus. Eleven were see flying in from the northwest at midday on the 10^th; two were present on the main reservoir that evening; and 11 were present in the marsh on 12^th, including one neck-collared bird (“C 60”). According to the EAAFP website (at: http://www.eaaflyway.net/documents/wg/eaaf_anatidae_colormarkings_v2.pdf) , “C60” was initially banded at Sharga Nuur in Mongolia on July 15th 2009, and was then photographed by Dr. Kim Shin-Hwan in Cheonsu Bay on January 8^th 2011.


Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, © Nial Moores
10. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea. Two in the marsh on the 10^th were still present there on the 12^th.
11. Gadwall Anas strepera. Present on the main reservoir daily from the 2^nd, with a high count of five on the 10^th.
12. Falcated Duck Anas falcate. Present on the main reservoir daily from the 2^nd, with the high count six on the 12^th.
13. Eurasian Wigeon Anas Penelope. One was on the main reservoir on the 12^th.
14. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. The second commonest duck during the survey, with 750 on the 10^th the highest day count.
15. Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha. The commonest duck during the survey, with >100 along the coast and a high count of 950 on the main reservoir on the 7^th.
16. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata. Present throughout the survey on the main reservoir with a high count of 15+ on the 10^th.
17. Northern Pintail Anas acuta. Present throughout the survey in the marsh and on the main reservoir with a high count of only four (on the 10^th).
18. Baikal Teal Anas formosa. Recorded on five dates on the main reservoir, with four on the 2^nd the highest count.
19. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca. Recorded on five dates on the main reservoir and in the marsh, with 30 on the 2^nd and 20 on 10^th and 11^th.
20. Common Pochard Aythya farina. Up to 25 were present on the main reservoir throughout the survey period.
21. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. Present throughout the survey period on the main reservoir, increasing from four on 1^st to 20 during 10^th-12^th.
22. Greater Scaup Aythya marila. One or two were present on the main reservoir throughout the survey period.
23. White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi. Present throughout the period in or close offshore from several bays, especially in the southwest of the island. The highest count in a single scan was 140 on the 2^nd.


White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi, © Nial Moores
24. American Scoter Melanitta americana. Present in small numbers on the east and south coasts, with 15 on 12^th the highest count. Of note, all birds seen were adult males – with individuals calling constantly and apparently displaying to each other.
25. Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. First observed on the 10^th (when two were on the main reservoir), increasing to four by the 12^th.
26. Smew Mergellus albellus. Two were present on the main reservoir on the 12^th.
27. Common Merganser Mergus merganser. First noted on the 7^th, increasing to 15 on the main reservoir by the 12^th.
28. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator. Recorded on only three dates, with the high count being four on the 2^nd.
29. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. Rather widespread with 40 on the 4^th the highest count, and probably more than 100 present on the island. Most of the birds on the main reservoir (25+ most dates) were adults in non-breeding plumage. However, on smaller wetlands, several family groups were heard and seen, with juveniles begging adults (several of which retained much of their breeding plumage). It appears that the species is likely double-brooded on the island (as birds also appeared to be actively paired and in territory here in May).


Adult molting into non-breeding plumage Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, © Nial Moores


Juvenile Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, © Nial Moores
30. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Present in small numbers throughout the survey period, both on the sea (5-10 birds) and on the main reservoir (c. 15 most dates).
31. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. Present in small numbers throughout the survey period, with the highest count seven on the 2^nd and 12^th.
32. Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana. One was seen in flight towards the east on the 1^st; two were seen in flight over the marsh on 2^nd; and three were together in the marsh from 10^th-12^th. As a search of rice-fields and wetland areas found no storks between 3^rd and 9^th it seems that six birds were probably present during the survey period (including birds on active migration). Could the Hwanghaenam-Shandong crossing be used regularly during migration by this species?


Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana, © Nial Moores


Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana, © Nial Moores
33. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia. One adult was in the marsh on the 2^nd; a First Calendar-year was present there on 6^th and 7^th; and there was one there on the 10^th, three on the 11^th and four on the 12^th.
34. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Present throughout, with 20 on the 4^th the highest day count.
35. Great Egret Ardea alba. Present throughout the survey, with five modesta and five alba on 2^nd, and 10+ alba on 11^th and 12^th.
36. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia. One on the 2^nd, two on the 4^th and the last singles seen on the 5^th and 6^th.
37. Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Singles recorded on 4^th and 12^th were the only records.
38. Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes. One, with a damaged wing, was first found on the main beach on the 12^th. As this was the first day to check this area the bird might already have been present for some time.
39. Pelagic Cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus. Present throughout the survey period, mostly in the west and southwest, with the high count 45+ on the 7^th.
40. Temminck’s Cormorant Phalacrocorax capillatus. Widespread and fairly numerous with 150+ recorded on several dates.
41. Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Present throughout, with a high count of four on the 4^th, decreasing to just one on the 11^th and 12^th.
42. Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis. A total of 12 “observations” during the survey, with the high count three on the 7^th.
43. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. Recorded daily, with a total of 22 “observations” and a peak of four on 5^th and 7^th.
44. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. Observed daily, with a total of 19 “observations” (most of which were juveniles), including a peak of 3+ on 4^th and a huge grey-toned adult on 12^th.
45. Black Kite Milvus migrans. Small numbers (mostly First year birds, though some adults) were recorded daily, with 15 (mostly in the west) on 4^th and on the 9^th, 14 watched going to roost in Jincheon in the east being the highest day counts.
46. Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius. A pale morph adult was present north of the main reservoir from 4^th to the survey end, with a second bird (presumably a First-winter) also seen by the main reservoir on the 10^th.
47. Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus. The most numerous raptor during the survey, seen daily, with a total of c.100 “observations” and a peak count of 25 on the 7^th.
48. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Seen daily, with a total of 24 “observations” and a peak of four on 4^th. Most appeared heavily marked, though at least two appeared to be obviously paler and might have been perpallidus.
49. Amur Falcon Falco amurensis. A juvenile on the 1^st was the only record.
50. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo. One late adult was seen in the east on the 5^th and in the west on the 6^th.
51. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus. Between one and five were seen daily. Two peregrine-sized brown-backed falcons (one with contrastingly darker wing-tips) seen distantly on the 4th were either juvenile Peregrine migrating across the island or instead Saker Falcons F. cherrug.
52. Brown-cheeked Rail Rallus indicus. One seen in the marsh on 2^nd, and another probable was heard at the main reservoir the same day.
53. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra. One was on the main reservoir on the 12^th.
54. Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Between two and four were in Hwadong on the 4^th, with singles seen also on the 6^th, 7^th and 12^th.
55. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago. One was heard (probably departing) an hour after sunset on 7^th.
56. Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis. One on the remaining tidal-flat in the southeast on the 2^nd and 9^th appeared to have a damaged wing.
57. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. One was in the marsh on the 7^th.
58. Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus. Two on the 2^nd was the only record.
59. Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris. The most numerous gull species, seen daily, with 300+ on the 6^th the highest day count.
60. Vega Gull Larus vegae. Recorded almost daily, with a peak count of 10 on the 10^th.
61. Mongolian Gull Larus mongolicus. Recorded almost daily in small numbers, with a high count of 15 on the 11^th.
62. Heuglin’s Gull Larus heuglini. Seen only on the 10^th and 11^th during strong northerly winds when 8+ were on the remaining tidal-flat in the southeast. All were taimyrensis.
63. Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis. Seen daily, with 30+ seen on several dates (with no clear evidence of movement).
64. Northern Scops Owl Otus semitorques. An owl giving a “whoop” call at forest edge on the 2^nd and two owls giving a range of calls (including a rapidly-repeated “whoop” and a lapwing-like “ee-veet”) on the 6^th and 7^th in a different area were likely to be this taxon. Very poor recordings were made which will later be compared with recordings of owls of known identity. Any recordings of owl taxa or links to such recordings will be gratefully received (and acknowledged)…
65. Long-eared Owl Asio otus. One was seen briefly in Samgot Ri on 10^th.
66. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major. Singles were seen in different parts of the island on 2^nd, 3^rd and 5^th.
67. Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus. One very late migrant was heard and seen in high flight towards the northwest on the 6^th.
68. Bull-headed shrike Lanius bucephalus. Recorded daily in small numbers, with the highest count ten on the 6^th.
69. Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. A First-winter sibiricus was in Samgot Ri on the 10^th. This is probably only the second record of this subspecies in the ROK (the last being one on Socheong on October 24^th 2009). The species is still listed as V2 by Birds Korea (i.e. less than ten records nationally).


Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, © Nial Moores


Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, © Nial Moores
70. Chinese Grey Shrike Lanius sphenocercus. One first seen north of the main reservoir on the 6^th was still present in the same area on the 12^th.


Chinese Grey Shrike Lanius sphenocercus, © Nial Moores
71. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius. Noted daily, with several small flocks in sustained flight and a high count of 25 on the 5^th.
72. Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus. Apparently more localised than in May, being recorded on only five dates and only in the west of the island (with a high count of 10 in Junghwadong and 1-2 in Yeonhwa Ri).
73. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica. Recorded on seven dates, with the high count only three.
74. Daurian Jackdaw Coloeus dauuricus. Recorded on five dates, with eight on the 3^rd and 4^th and 3-5 from the 9^th to the 12th.


Daurian Jackdaw Coloeus dauuricus, © Nial Moores
75. Rook Corvus frugilegus. Recorded on seven dates, first from 3^rd, with the high count 100+ on 10^th.
76. Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos. Recorded daily, with the high count 20 on the 2^nd but less than 10 found each day from the 10^th to 12^th despite coverage of much of the island.
77. Coal Tit Periparus ater. Recorded daily, with a total of 230 “observations”, and the highest day count 75+ on 5^th. Some birds were seen in high flight, suggesting intended emigration.
78. Yellow-bellied Tit Periparus venustulus. Recorded on eight dates and in several parts of the island, with 28 “observations” and the highest day counts of eight on the 5^th and 6-8 on the 9^th. Of note, this species was recorded (and banded) in early October this year at Muraviovka Park in Russia (see: http://www.amurbirding.blogspot.kr/search?updated-max=2013-10-14T17:51:00%2B10:00&max-results=7), probably the first Russian record. The species appears to be continuing to expand its range rapidly north-eastward. Before the first ROK record in 2005, and recent records in Japan, the species was considered to be endemic to China.


Yellow-bellied Tit Periparus venustulus, © Nial Moores
79. Eastern Great Tit Parus minor. Recorded daily, with 152 “observations” and high counts of 25 on the 5^th and 10^th.
80. Chinese Penduline Tit Remiz consobrinus. Recorded on only five dates, with the high count 3+ on 1^st.
81. Asian Short-toed Lark Calandrella cheleensis. One strikingly pale individual was on one of the main tracks through the rice-fields on 1^st, heard again there on the 4^th and was perhaps seen briefly in the same area again on 11^th (but not on 12^th, despite much searching). Of note, between one and three were reported in Gangneung on the northeast coast of the mainland on the 1^st, with at least one still present there on the 3^rd.


Asian Short-toed Lark Calandrella cheleensis, © Nial Moores
82. Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis. Recorded on seven dates, with the highest day count 15 on the 12^th.
83. Far Eastern Skylark Alauda japonica. One was present on 1^st and 2^nd.
84. Light-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis. Recorded daily, with 317 “observations’. A single flock of 30 was present in the northeast on the 3^rd. This seemed remarkable (in the Korean context – as the species was only first recorded in the ROK in late October 2002), until 65 were seen in a single flock in the southwest on the 9^th, with at least 85 present in the same area on 11^th. Of interest a flock “many hundred in number” were reported at Laoteishan in Liaoning, China (one major peninsula north from Hwanghaenam / Baengryeong) on November 8^th (see: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=165968&page=39). Like the Yellow-bellied Tit (and a few other small to medium sized landbirds tolerant of artificial or degraded habitats), this species has expanded its range north-eastwards massively during the past decade.


Light-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis, © Nial Moores


Light-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis, © Nial Moores
85. Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis. Recorded daily, with 305 “observations” and a high count of 50+ on the 6^th.
86. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. Recorded only between 3^rd and 6^th, with a high count of ten.
87. Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus. A single on the 3^rd was the only record.
88. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica. Two on the 6^th was the only record.
89. Korean Bush Warbler Horornis borealis. Recorded on six dates, with 11 “observations” and a high count of three on both the 2^nd and 6^th.
90. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Presumably present throughout but only seen / heard on seven dates, with a high count of eight on 5^th. All individuals seen were white-headed.
91. Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. One tristis was digiscoped poorly in the southeast of the island on the 5^th. Although increased observer activity might explain some of the recent increase in records in the ROK of this species, it also seems probable that it is occurring more frequently now than only a decade ago (personally, this is about my ninth record of the species in the ROK – with all but two being in the past three years).


Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, © Nial Moores
92. Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi. Singles were heard and seen on the 2^nd and 5^th.
93. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus. Remarkably scarce (considering its status in November on Socheong and Gageo), with one on the 7^th the only record.
94. Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus. Recorded daily until the 7^th, with a peak count of 7+ on the 2^nd, and the last record one on 12^th.
95. Far Eastern Cisticola Cisticola juncidis. One on the 4^th was the only record.
96. White-eye sp. Zosterops sp. One heard on the 2^nd was the only record.
97. Goldcrest Regulus regulus. Fairly numerous and widespread, recorded daily with 220 “observations” and a peak count of 50+ on the 5^th.
98. Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Recorded daily with 35 “observations”, with 5+ on the 9^th and 12^th the highest day counts.
99. White-cheeked Starling Spodiopsar cineraceus. Recorded on eight dates, with the highest day count four on the 3^rd.
100. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Two (one First-winter and one non-breeding adult) were in Junghawdong on the 2^nd.
101. Grey-backed Thrush Turdus hortulorum. One on the 4^th and another on the 5^th were the only records.
102. Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus. One on the 5^th was the only record.
103. Red-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis. An adult male was seen briefly on the 2^nd in the southeast. Most thrushes, however, were extremely secretive and / or flighty so most (several hundred “Dusky-Naumann-Darkthroats”) were not identified to species.
104. Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni. Recorded certainly on only five or so dates – with all 28 thrushes seen properly out of 200 in flight over the southeast of the island on the 12^th being this species.
105. Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus. Recorded almost daily. With most of the 120 thrushes seen in flight on the 2^nd thought to be this species.
106. Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope. Surprisingly scarce, with only two heard (singles on the 5^th and 9^th) during the survey.
107. Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus. Remarkably scarce considering its status on other islands in late October and early November, being recorded on only six dates with two on the 3^rd and 5^th the highest day count.
108. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus. Recorded daily, with 114 “observations”, including highest day counts of 20 on the 2^nd and 5^th.
109. Stejneger’s Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri. Recorded almost daily, with 28 “observations” including a peak count of six on the 11^th.


Stejneger's Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri, © Nial Moores
110. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius. One philippensis on the 3^rd was the only record.
111. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. Present in every village and town on the island in small numbers (10-30), with the highest day count 50 (on the 12^th) and an island population of probably several hundred.
112. Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella. Recorded on only four dates, with ten on the 5^th, 6+ on the 6^th, 10+ on the 9^th and at least 18 (all in the east of the island) on the 12^th.


Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella, © Nial Moores
113. Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis. Only one record: one in Samgot Ri on the 12^th.
114. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Singles were recorded on three dates (last on the 9^th).
115. White Wagtail Motacilla alba. Recorded daily, with 92 “observations”, and the highest day counts of 35 on the 2^nd and 30 on the 6^th. Three subspecies were recorded, with ocularis the most numerous, and only 2-3 leucopsis and a total of five lugens.
116. Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi. Singles were recorded on the 2^nd, 4^th and 5^th.
117. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni. Recorded in small numbers daily, with 90 “observations” and a peak count of 20 on the 2^nd.
118. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus. One or two recorded on seven dates, most regularly until 7^th, though with one or two still present also on the 12^th.
119. Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens. The commonest pipit, recorded daily, with 106 “observations”, with 25+ on the 2^nd and 20+ on the 12^th the highest day counts.
120. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla. The most numerous landbird during the survey period, especially during the first week. There was a total of 5,520 “observations” with a high count of 1,500 on the 2^nd (including one flock of 600 in Jincheon). Migration seemed to trail off after the 9^th (when 700 were seen in the west of the island).
121. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes. Recorded daily from the 2^nd, with 105 “observations”, including the highest day count of 20+ on the 2^nd and 3^rd.
122. Chinese Grosbeak Eophona migratoria. Recorded on four dates, with five in the west on the 2^nd; five in the east on the 3^rd; one on the 9^th and three in the east on the 12^th.


Chinese Grosbeak Eophona migratoria, © Nial Moores
123. Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Recorded daily in small numbers from the 5^th, with 20 “observations”. Most records were of calling birds in high overhead flight so none were identified to subspecies.
124. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus. Recorded on seven dates, daily until the 7^th and then again on 12^th (a single). The highest day count was 10, on the 2^nd, when an adult male was also seen (at Junghwadong).
125. Long-tailed Rosefinch Carpodacus sibiricus. Recorded in small numbers (1-3) on eight dates.
126. Pallas’s Rosefinch Carpodacus roseus. Recorded daily only between the 2^nd and the 6^th, with 23 “observations” in total including a high count of eight on the 2^nd.
127. Grey-capped Greenfinch Chloris sinica. Found in steadily increasing numbers throughout the survey period, with the highest count 75+ on the 12^th. Many of the vocalisations sounded distinctly different from those given by birds in south-eastern ROK.
128. Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea. Redpolls were recorded in overhead flight on six dates, with eleven “observations” including a high count of four on the 12^th. Only two birds were seen reasonably well – both were Common Redpoll. It seems possible that 2013/ 2014 might be a decent winter for the species in the ROK and the wider region (with birds also reaching Beijing on November 3^rd: http://birdingbeijing.com/).
129. Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. Recorded daily until the 9^th, with a single outlier on the 12^th and a total of 288 “observations” including c. 100 on the 2^nd. Most birds were seen only in flight and appeared to be remarkably (and atypically) shy. As can be seen in a couple of very poor record shots, those males that were seen well (a dozen or more) appeared all-red below, lacking the paler sometimes streaked vent often shown by subspecies japonica (the only subspecies so far claimed in the ROK). As we also found the first Red Crossbill for Rudong County (Jiangsu Province, China) this October which was similarly all- red below, it is tempting to consider that these birds might well be originating from further west than in normal irruptions. Of note, Brazil’s East Asia field-guide states that subspecies tianschanica of “of C Asia and W China winters to Liaoning and Hebei” and images of this subspecies from Kazakhstan (http://www.birds.kz/subspeciesbest.php?sspecies=627&l=en) seem closer to those seen on Baekryeong than most images of japonica (including those in our gallery at: http://www.birdskorea.org/Gallery/Species/BK-GA-Loxia-curvirostra.shtml). It would be great to see more (and much better!) images of this taxon / these taxa this winter!


Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra, © Nial Moores
130. Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus. Recorded daily with 1250 “observations” including the highest day count of 250 on the 9^th.
131. Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos. Recorded on eight dates, with 45 “observations” (involving probably 35-40 individuals in total). Observations of this typically scarce species were as follows: 5-6 on the 6^th; 10-17 on the 3^rd; 11-12 on the 4^th; three on the 5^th and 6^th; one on the 7^th and 11^th and two on the 12^th. Probably ten adult males were seen, showing a very wide range of plumage features, from much black to almost no black on the crown sides. One female type seen in flight only on the 3^rd, appeared weakly yellow below – but could not be re-found despite much searching.


Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos, © Nial Moores


Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos, © Nial Moores
132. Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides. Widespread in more open areas. Recorded daily, with 228 “observations” and a highest day count of 40 on both the 6^th and the 12^th.


Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides, © Nial Moores
133. Tristram’s Bunting Emberiza tristrami. Recorded on only three dates, with three on the 2^nd, and 2+ on the 9^th and 10^th.
134. Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata. Recorded on six dates, with the highest count 3+ on 5^th.
135. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. Recorded daily, with 133 “observations” and highest day counts of 30 on the 6^th and 20 on the 12^th.


Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla (front) with very pale Asian Short-toed Lark, © Nial Moores
136. Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys. A female was in Junghwadong on the 9^th and 11^th.
137. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica. The most numerous bunting, especially until the 6^th, with a total of 2,400 “observations”, more than half of which were between the 2^nd and the 6^th. The highest day counts were 800 on the 2^nd and 500 on the 6^th. Numbers were lowest on the 10^th (when only 10 were logged) recovering somewhat to 120 by the 12^th.
138. Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans. The second most numerous bunting with 995 “observations” and the peak in number on 5^th and 6^th when 150+ and 200 respectively were counted.
139. Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila. Singles on three dates with two on the 6^th the highest day count and the final observation.
140. Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala. Remarkably scarce, being recorded on only eight dates, with a total of only 14 “observations” including a high count of five (on the 4^th).
141. Pallas’s Reed Bunting Emberiza pallasi. Recorded daily, with 141 “observations” and a high day count of 30 on the 1^st
142. Ochre-rumped Bunting Emberiza yessoensis. Recorded on four dates, with at least eight “observations” and a high count of c.5 on the 2^nd.


Ochre-rumped Bunting Emberiza yessoensis, © Nial Moores
143. Common Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus. Recorded almost daily, with 75 “observations” and highest day counts of 25+ on the 3^rd and 20+ on the 6^th.
144. Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus. Recorded on seven dates, with 1-3 most dates, and a high count of 26+ on the 4^th.

DPRK coastline at dawn, © Nial Moores

Sunset Baekryeong Island, © Nial Moores

Our birding party focused on the Korean National Arboretum, spending the bulk of the day scouring the grounds for migrants. Our spirits (not to mention our clothes, equipment, and everything else) were dampened by the continuous rain that started soon after our arrival. The birding slowed to a crawl while the rain continued, but exploded once the weather broke around 3pm. Below is a list of the species observed throughout the day:

1. Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata (8)
2. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (1)
3. Grey Heron Ardea cinereus (2)
4. Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria (2, including 1 flyover)
5. Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis (2)
6. Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo (1)
7. Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos kizuki (4)
8. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus (2)
9. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (3)
10. Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus (2)
11. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius (3)
12. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica (2)
13. Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos (9+)
14. Marsh Tit Poecile palustris (4)
15. Varied Tit Poecile varius (3)
16. Coal Tit Periparus ater (5)
17. Yellow-bellied Tit Periparus venustulus (9+)
18. Eastern Great Tit Parus minor (16+)
19. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudacutus (7)
20. Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea (2)
21. Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris (1 BS, PB, MPB)
22. Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis (40+)
23. Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans (30+)
24. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica (60+, JL)
25. Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii (1, JL)
26. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes (18+)

Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria, © Patrick Blake

Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo, © Patrick Blake