Birds Korea - Baekryeong Island - April 25

Baekryeong Island: April 25 - May 9 2014
Nial Moores, May 13 2014

I visited Baekryeong Island again from April 25^th (arriving in the afternoon) to May 9^th (departing at 2PM). I was joined on several dates in early May by Prof. Robert Newlin (RN) and on May 5^th by Mr. Tim Edelsten (TE).

The main research aims included trying to determine if some species of landbird likely cross Ongjin County on a broad or narrow front (in particular, the three ROK islands of Baekryeong, Daecheong and Socheong; and western Hwanghaenam Province, DPRK); and trying to improve understanding of the effects of weather and source-winds on the numbers of birds that are recorded. Such a baseline understanding is important in interpreting data sets, and in trying to identify population trends in some of these species.

Throughout this survey period, efforts were especially focused on areas of fields and woodland edge in the northeast; and in arable and woodland edge in the far southwest of the island (at Junghwadong). Further observations and counting (of all birds heard and seen, irrespective of distance) were also conducted on three or more dates in the marsh at Hwadong (“Hwadong Wetland”); at Sagot Village in the south; and at Yeonhwa Village in the west. Several visits were also made to an especially large Black-tailed Gull colony kindly introduced to me by one of the islanders.

In total, 195 bird species were recorded, with species of most note including six or seven Black-faced Spoonbill, one (or more probably two) Saker Falcon, Korea’s first Mongolian Lark, one or two Alpine Leaf Warblers, two singing Yellow-streaked Warblers, a singing Sakhalin Leaf Warbler, a Wheatear sp., two Tree Pipit together and presumed national high day-counts of e.g. Yellow-browed Bunting.

Below follows the annotated checklist – the third in a series (with the others covering May 16-31 and November 1-12 2013 (both posted at: http://www.birdskorea.org/Habitats/Other/Baekryeongdo/BK-HA-Baekryeongdo.shmtl), Nomenclature, order and global conservation status follow the 2014 Birds Korea Checklist. For a few species the number of “encounters” is included (the total number of observations on different dates combined, with no allowance for double-counting). All images were taken by NM through a truly superb Swarovski ‘scope and a hand-held Nikon Coolpix. The herculean task of image-editing and layout was most kindly undertaken by Mr. Andreas Kim.

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons LC. Six in Hwadong wetland on May 4^th was the only record.
Gadwall Anas strepera LC. Two in Hwadong Wetland on April 26^th were last seen on the 30^th.
Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope LC. Two in Hwadong Wetland were last seen on April 30^th.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos LC. Ten in Hwadong Wetland on April 25^th had decreased to four by April 30^th and zero by early May.
Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha LC. The most widespread and numerous duck species, with c. 75 on April 30th the highest day-count.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata LC. Six in Hwadong Wetland on April 25^th and one on April 30^th.
Garganey Anas querquedula LC. Between two and three were in Hwadong Wetland on April 25^th, with two remaining until the 30^th.
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca LC. Twenty in Hwadong Wetland on April 25^th had decreased to six by April 30^th.
Common Pochard Aythya ferina LC. One on Baekryeong Reservoir on April 25^th and 30^th; and one on Hwadong Wetland on 30^th.
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula LC. One on Baekryeong Reservoir on April 25^th and 30^th.
White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi LC. Thirty-three were present off the south of the island on April 25^th, with 25 still there on 30^th.
American Scoter Melanitta Americana NT. Twelve were present on the sea on April 25^th, with four still present on the 30^th.
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator LC. Two were on the sea to the south of the island on 25^th and one was off the east of the island on April 30th.
Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica NT. Five on April 30^th; three on May 1^st, two on the 3^rd; two suspected on the 5^th (TE only); one on the 6^th; and one on the 7^th.
Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus LC. Common and widespread, with 10-25 recorded on most dates.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis LC. Fifteen on April 25^th on Baekryeong Reservoir was the highest day-count.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus LC. Five on Baekryeong Reservoir on April 25^th was the highest day-count.
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis LC. One in breeding-plumage on Baekryeong Reservoir on April 25^th was the only record.
Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor EN. One was in Hwadong Wetland on April 25^th. A first-visit to a large Black-tailed Gull colony on April 29^th found two adults allopreening quite aggressively (apparently as a prelude to copulation). Repeat visits to the same colony found five there on May 3^rd and six on subsequent dates.

Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor, © Nial Moores

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax LC. One on April 25^th; three on the 30^th; 2+ on May 1^st; two on 3^rd; and one on 7^th.
Striated Heron Butorides striata LC. Between one and three on most dates.
Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus LC. First recorded on May 3^rd, and present in small numbers (1-4) on most subsequent dates.
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus LC. Between one and five seen on several dates throughout the survey period.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea LC. Present in small numbers throughout the survey period with the highest day-count 15 on April 30^th.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea LC. Two were seen circling Hwadong Wetland on April 30^th.
Great Egret Ardea alba LC. Seen in small numbers (1-4) throughout the survey period.
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia LC. Seen in small numbers (1-3) throughout the survey period.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta LC. Seen in small numbers (1-3) throughout the survey period.
Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes VU. One seen by TE on May 5th and two seen in different parts of the island on May 8^th were the only records.
Pelagic Cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus LC. Apparently a breeding species, with small colonies (of < 50 birds) in probably two or three parts of the island.
Temminck’s Cormorant Phalacrocorax capillatus LC. A breeding species, with small colonies (of <100 birds) in probably two or three parts of the island.

Temminck's Cormorant Phalacrocorax capillatus, © Nial Moores

Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus LC. One on April 29^th was the only record.
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus LC. Surprisingly scarce (as in 2013), with two on May 3^rd and one on the 9^th the only records. From the return ferry to Incheon on the 9^th, at least 14 were moving east down Socheong Island, with one also seen over the sea about 8km south of the island. It seems likely that many of the Crested Honey Buzzard recorded on Socheong arrive from the southwest (or south?), rather than after undertaking a west-east flight from the Shandong Peninsula.
Chinese Sparrowhawk Accipiter soloensis LC. An adult male was seen on the rather early date of May 2^nd. The only other record was of one on May 7^th.
Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis LC. Singles were seen almost daily. One was heard giving mewing calls in woodland in the northeast of the island on May 3^rd and appeared thereafter to be paired-up and in territory.

Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis, © Nial Moores

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus LC. One on April 30^th and one in May 2^nd were apparently the only records.
Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus LC. One over Hwadong Wetland on April 30^th was the only record.

Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus, © Nial Moores

Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos LC. A female in fields at Jincheon on May 1^st and a (presumed) Second calendar-year male on May 8^th.
Black Kite Milvus migrans LC. One heard winnowing on April 25^th was the only record.
Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus LC. Three on April 25^th; 5+ on April 30^th; three on May 2^nd; two on May 8^th; and four on May 9^th.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus LC. Present in small numbers (1-5) throughout the survey period in the Hwadong Wetland and at Yeonhwa.
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra LC. Present throughout the survey period in small numbers (5-10) on the Baekryeong Reservoir and in the Hwadong Wetland, with a high count of 15+ on April 25th.
Far Eastern Oystercatcher Haematopus (ostralegus) osculans LC. Present throughout the period in small numbers. Probably 15-20 were present on the island, with the first bird apparently sitting on the nest seen on May 3^rd.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus LC. Seven were in Hwadong Wetland on April 30^th; and one or more were heard there again on May 1^st.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, © Nial Moores

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva LC. One on April 26^th, and one on 28th
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius LC. Apparently in territory in three or four sites on the island, with the high-count a modest 11+ on April 25^th.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus LC. Two on 25^th and three on the 30^th, including one larger bird showing some (but not all!) features suggesting “White-faced Plover”. One pair appeared to be in territory in the Hwadong Wetland.
Mongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus LC. One was in salt-pans in Hwadong Wetland on April 30^th.
Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii LC. One on April 30^th, two on May 1^st, one on 2^nd and one on May 8^th.
Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura LC. Based on calls, considered to be the second most numerous shorebird on the island during the survey period. At least six were heard in the late evening of April 25^th; six were heard on the 30^th; approximately 40 were seen and heard on May 1^st (including a single flock of 27 watched coming in off the sea and moving east across the island); ten on the 3^rd; two on the 6^th; and 30 on the 8^th.
Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala LC. Based on calls, and on flight views of bulky, dark-looking “swintail snipes” at least one probable on April 30^th and one definite on May 8^th.
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago LC Recorded on only four dates, with the highest count three on April 26^th and again on May 8^th.
Little Whimbrel Numenius minutus LC. One was heard in rice-fields east of Baekryeong Reservoir at 0430 on May 1^st.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus LC. On April 25^th, six were on the main beach in the south and three departed the island from the northeast in the evening. Subsequently, ones and twos were seen or heard on several dates until at last May 4^th.
Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis VU. A total of three: two were on the main southern beach from April 25^thto 27^th and one was in the main harbor on April 26^th.
Common Redshank Tringa totanus LC. One was in Hwadong Wetland on April 30^th and May 1^st.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis LC. Three were in the Hwadong Wetland on April 25^th and four were there on the 30^th.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia LC. Recorded more or less every day in small numbers (1-5) throughout the survey period, with 11 seen overflying the island on May 9^th the highest day-count.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus LC. Recorded more or less daily throughout the survey period in small numbers (2-5) with the highest count 10+ on April 30^th.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola LC. First noted on April 28^th (two), with the highest counts involving flocks in active across-island flight, including c. 75 on May 1^st; and 43 departing the island in the evening of May 8^th.
Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes LC. Recorded on only three dates, with the highest day-count five on April 27^th and the last one heard in the early hours of May 1^st.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus LC. Recorded on only four dates, with four on April 25^th, two on April 27^th; eight on 30^th; and one on May 1^st.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos LC. First recorded on April 28^th (when three), with the highest day count 6+ on 30th
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris VU. One overflew the island in rain at moderate height at 17:45, heading northeast.
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis LC. One on April 27^th’ and 3+ on 30th
Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii LC. One was in Hwadong Wetland on April 30^th.
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta LC. There were 6+ on April 30^th in Hwadong Wetland; and one in Jincheon on May 1^st and 2^nd.

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta, © Nial Moores

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata LC. One (or two) was in rice-fields and in Hwadong wetland on April 30th.
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus LC. Five on April 25^th and one on April 30^th.
Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris LC. The most numerous species recorded on the island, with several breeding colonies. The largest colony held a minimum 12,000 to 13,000 individuals (counted on two different dates, first in 100s and then in 10s and 100s), with other colonies also holding several hundred pairs. All sitting and the vast majority of attending birds were fully adult, though a few hundred non-breeders (several of which apparently retained a fair amount of juvenile plumage from last year) were also in attendance.

Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris, © Nial Moores

Common Gull Larus canus LC. One on April 25^th was the only record.
Mongolian Gull Larus mongolicus LC. Small numbers were present throughout the survey period, and the species is likely breeding at one site on the island.
Slaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus LC. One was on the main south beach on April 30^th; and an immature was in Junghwadong harbor on May 1^st.
Taimyr Gull Larus heuglini taimyrensis LC. Two were on the main southern beach on April 30^th.
Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis LC. Present and widespread throughout the island during the survey period, with 40+ on May 1^st the highest day-count.
Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus LC. One on May 4^th was the only record.
Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus optatus LC. One or two were heard on several dates, first on April 25^th and last on May 8^th.
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus LC. One heard on May 7^th was the only record.
Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia LC. One or two were heard most evenings / early mornings throughout the survey period (first on April 25^th, last on May 9^th). Only one (a rufous morph) was seen (in Jincheon on May 9^th)
Northern Boobook Ninox japonica LC. One or two were apparently in territory in Jincheon throughout the survey period, with one seen in high flight twice over the suspected breeding site during the day; and one other heard near Hwadong Wetland on May 1^st.
Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka LC. One heard pre-dawn in woodland near Hwadong on May 1^st and one heard in Jincheon the same evening were the only records.
White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus LC. Seen only twice: two on April 29^th and 5+ on 30th
Pacific Swift Apus pacificus LC. Seen most days in small numbers (2-5) with the highest counts 20 on April 30^th and 10+ on May 1^st, 6^th and 8^th.
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis LC. One seen by RN on May 6^th was the only record.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis LC. Present in small numbers (2-5) throughout the survey period, with a high count of 10+ on May 1^st.
Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops LC. One, of a pair, singing in Jincheon on April 26^th was seen carrying food in the same area on May 8^th.
Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla LC. Recorded on six dates, with the first one on April 30^th and the last on May 8^th and the highest day-count four (on May 1^st, in the southwest).
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major LC. One or two were in Yeonhwa Village during the survey period.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus LC. One on April 25^th was the only record.
Amur Falcon Falco amurensis LC. One male and one female were seen over Jincheon during an arrival on May 6^th; and two males were seen on May 8^th.
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo LC. First seen on April 30^th (when two) and thereafter seen each day, with a high count of five on May 9^th.
Saker Falcon Falco cherrug EN. A large brown-backed falcon with a mainly white head seen distantly in the west of the island on May 3rd was presumably this species. A different brown-above individual (with a more strongly marked head pattern and a warmer-toned tail) seen during the arrival of the 6^th was more confidently identified as a Saker based on the contrast on the upperwing and especially because it showed a dark line across the underwing coverts that was clearly visible in ‘scope views. Surprisingly, May seems to be a good month for finding this species along the west coast and on offshore islands.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus LC. Present throughout the survey period, with one pair apparently nesting on cliffs towards the southwest and an additional three or more individuals seen in other parts of the island.
Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus LC. Recorded more or less every day, with the highest day-counts 60 on April 30^th and 80-90 on May 1^st.

Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus, © Nial Moores

Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus LC. Small numbers (perhaps 2-3 pairs) were present throughout the survey period, with one pair attending two recently-fledged juveniles in Junghwadong on May 5^th.
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus LC. First recorded on May 1^st (when two in the far southwest) and thereafter recorded daily in small numbers, with the highest day-counts 10 on May 4^th and 12 on May 8^th.
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis LC. First-recorded on May 1^st and subsequently recorded daily with the highest day count 89 (all in active flight) on May 7^th.
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus LC. One was in the north of the island on May 7^th.
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius LC. Present throughout the survey period, with the highest day-count 74 on April 30^th, including a flock of 64 attempting to depart the island towards the east (many apparently succeeded, as they were seen to tower and not to return). A restless flock of 51 was also present in the far east of the island on May 9^th
Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus LC. Present in the south and west of the island with the highest day-count 25 and a total of c. 50 on the island as a whole (as in late May 2013).
Eurasian Magpie Pica pica LC. At least four birds were present in the east of the island (n Jincheon and in Sagot Village).
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos LC. Present throughout the survey period with 2-10 seen most dates.
Japanese Waxwing Bombycilla japonica NT. One on April 26^th, 28^thand 30^th; three on May 6^th; and six on May 8^th.
Coal Tit Periparus ater LC. Only one record during the present survey: one singing in Jincheon on May 9^th.
Yellow-bellied Tit Pardaliparus venustulus LC. Two records, both in the southwest, with one heard on the 28^th and a Second Calendar-year male seen on May 1^st.
Eastern Great Tit Parus minor LC. Present throughout the survey period in small numbers in all areas of the island. Probably 25-40 pairs present in total in areas that were surveyed.
Chinese Penduline Tit Remiz consobrinus LC. Small numbers (1-3) recorded on several dates, with birds singing in two locations.
Mongolian Lark Melanocorypha mongolica LC. One was found and digiscoped by NM in fields in Jincheon at 18:25 on May 6^th (a day with a fair weather arrival of birds), and was also seen and photographed in the same field by RN together with NM from about 18:45. It was not found on 7^th or 8th, despite a fairly extensive search. Although this species has reached Japan (once, in spring) and has also been recorded once on the Liaoning Peninsula (on November 9^th 2013: Tom Beeke via Bird Forum), this is the first record of the species in Korea. Mongolian Lark will therefore be added to Category One of the Birds Korea Checklist in the next update.

Mongolian Lark Melanocorypha mongolica, © Nial Moores

Light-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis LC. Common (and vocal) throughout the survey period in all areas that were surveyed, with 20-30 counted on several days, 50 logged on May 1^st, and multiple pairs seen nest-building. There was also some suggestion of additional birds arriving during May. In the second half of May 2013, 25-50 pairs were estimated to be present on the island.
Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis LC. Between five and twenty recorded most dates: notably less numerous than Light-vented Bulbul.
Sand / Pale Martin Riparia riparia / Riparia diluta LC. First recorded on May 2^nd, when eight were seen over Jincheon; 5+ were then on the 6^th; two on the 7^th and 10+ on the 8th. All that were seen well showed a decent tail fork; strong breast bands and darkish brown tones on the head and upperparts and thus seem most likely to be Sand Martin.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica LC. Recorded more or less daily throughout the survey period, with highest day-counts 250 on April 30^th, 150 on May 6^th and 200 on May 8^th.
Common House Martin Delichon urbicum LC. One on April 30^th was the only record.
Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus LC. Recorded only once: one on May 8^th.
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica LC. Recorded near-daily throughout the survey period, with highest day-counts 250 on May 2^nd and 150 on May 8^th.
Korean Bush Warbler Horornis borealis LC. Present throughout the survey period, with the highest day-count 15+ on May 1^st.
Asian Stubtail Urosphena squameiceps LC. Remarkably scarce when considering numbers recorded on Socheong Island in previous years. One or two were recorded on five or so dates and the highest day-count was a modest 30 on May 1^st.
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus LC. Small groups were recorded on several dates in at least five parts of the island, suggesting a total island population of perhaps 30-40 birds. As in 2013, all individuals that were seen well were white-headed.
Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus LC. Recorded daily during the survey, mostly in small numbers (1-5), with highest day-counts 13 on May 1^st; 35 on the 4^th; 20+ on the 5^th and 15+ on the 8^th.

Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus, © Nial Moores

Alpine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus occisinensis LC. One highly confiding individual was found in Junghwadong on May 4^th. It was present in the same group of bushes on the 5^th. The same, or another, was also seen 850m to the east on May 7^th. There are only eleven or so previous records of the species in the ROK, including the one on Baekryeong on May 19^th 2013. However, the species appears to be a regular May overshoot migrant to West Sea islands, as in the past ten years there have also been records from Gageo (one on May 3^rd 2009 by NM); Eocheong (one on May 11^th 2010 seen by two visiting birders and one photographed poorly on May 13^th 2011 by NM); Weiyeon (one in May 2013 seen by RN); and Socheong (three, two of which were photographed, in May 2005; one on May 12^th and 13^th 2009 photographed and sound-recorded by NM; one on May 24^th 2011 seen by Jens Thalund; and one in May 2013 photographed by Kim Sung-Hyun and Choi Soon-Kyoo).

Alpine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus occisinensis, © Nial Moores

Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii LC. One was heard and seen calling and was then digiscoped extremely poorly in song in Junghwadong just before the start of a heavy rain storm in the late afternoon of May 7^th. A return to the same area in the morning of the 8^th found two birds singing from adjacent patches of bushes – with one of these birds remaining vocal, but largely hidden, for several hours in the same bushes as on the 7^th, eventually allowing two-seconds of digiscoped video and several recordings of vocalisations through the camera. This rather poorly-known species (at least to ornithologists and birders here) has been recorded fewer than five times in the ROK but is undoubtedly overlooked as it apparently occurs regularly as close as the Shandong Peninsula. It is generally rather skulking (preferring dense bushes); its call and song are distinctive but not striking; and plumage-wise it appears initially rather unremarkable, though is subtly beautiful and rather more distinctive-looking than most field-guides suggest.
To assist observers with finding this species here, a fuller ID description (based on several encounters with the species, first in China and more recently in the ROK, follows):
The call is best described as being rather locustella–like (rather than bunting-like), a short “ttuk” or “ttik”. This note is sometimes given singly but is also often run together – or at least given in a rapid series. It is obviously much less stone-clicking or disapprovingly tutting than Dusky Warbler and quieter and less anxious-sounding and multi-syllabic than Radde’s. The song is fairly short and simple, with a swinging rhythm and length recalling Styann’s Grasshopper Warbler though with a bunting-like flourish. The song lacks the rich Nightingale-like quality of the trilled phrases given by Radde’s or the complexity of some Dusky Warbler songs.
Structurally Yellow-streaked is more or less intermediate between Radde’s and Dusky. The individual that was seen reasonably well on 7^th and 8^th appeared long-tailed, and a little big-headed (suggesting a Radde’s head on a Dusky’s body), with pinkish legs lacking the yellower toes or strength and thickness of Radde’s. Its plumage was fairly pale brown above (paler above than Radde’s or most worn Dusky and lacking the obvious greenish remiges’ blaze of the former species). Below, it was strikingly pale-throated and breasted; had brownish breast sides and unique to this species in spring at least was washed weakly yellow across much of the remainder of the underparts, with a rust- or orangey-washed vent and clearer yellow on the chin. Its supercilium, set off by subtly darker lateral crown stripes, was long and pale, also faintly yellow-tinged to the rear and browner to the fore, showing more contrast than Dusky and a better definition to the fore than Radde’s.

Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii, © Nial Moores

Soundsamples:

Call

Song

Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi LC. First recorded on May 1^st (when three were found) and found near-daily subsequently, with highest day-counts 10 on the 5^th and 20+ on the 8^th, with many in full song.
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus LC. This typically early migrant was recorded in small numbers on only five dates, with the highest day-count 12 on May 1^st and the last record on May 5^th.
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus LC. The most numerous warbler during the survey period, with several peaks and troughs in number. The highest day-counts were 150 on April 30^th; 750+ on May 1^st (when probably several thousand were on the island); 100 on the 3^rd and 120 on the 4^th.
Hume’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei LC. Taking a necessarily very conservative ID approach, this species was recorded on only three dates, with one on May 1^st; two on the 2^nd and one on the 8^th.
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis LC. Only one record of this late migrant: one was heard calling on May 8^th.
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes LC. Recorded on most days of the survey (though singing was heard on only three dates) but only in small numbers (1-5), with the highest count a mere six (on May 7^th).
Sakhalin Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus borealoides LC. One was heard (and poorly sound-recorded) in Jincheon on April 28^th. Presumably the same individual was still present and in song in the same area on the 30^th. This is presumed to be the second record for Baekryeong (with one heard in song on May 19th 2013).
Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus LC. Recorded on most dates of the survey in small numbers (1-5), with the highest day-counts 20+ on May 1^st and 20 on the 2^nd.
Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis LC. First recorded on April 30^th (in Hwadong Wetland) and subsequently recorded on most dates in very small numbers (1-2).
Black-browed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps LC. One was in Jincheon on May 8^th.
Far Eastern Cisticola Cisticola juncidis brunniceps LC. Two were singing in Hwadong Wetland on April 25^th with one still present there on May 1^st.
Chestnut-flanked White-eye Zosterops erythropleurus LC. First recorded on May 1^st (when 20 seen), increasing thereafter. The highest day-count was on the 9^th, when 330 passed east / northeast in only 70 minutes of visible migration counts, most in groups of between 30 and 50. As birds were heard and seen throughout the morning (with a flock of 50+ also in trees by the ferry terminal) it is likely that many hundreds (or even low thousands) passed through Baekryeong Island on this day.
Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus LC. All individuals seen well were simplex. First found on April 27^th, when 10-12 were in Jincheon, with a highest day-count of 25 on May 2^nd (when flocks were found in three areas of the island). The species was more difficult to identify with confidence on call once Chestnut-flanked White-eyes became more numerous. The last Japanese White-eye identified on plumage was on May 3^rd.
Red-billed Starling Spodiopsar sericeus LC. Between one and three were recorded on five dates between April 26^th and May 8^th.
White-cheeked Starling Spodiopsar cineraceus LC. Recorded in small numbers on most dates, with 12+ on April 28^th the highest day-count.
Daurian Starling Agropsar sturninus LC. Between one and three were recorded on five dates between April 30th and May 7^th, probably involving 7-8 different individuals.

Daurian Starling Agropsar sturninus, © Nial Moores

Chestnut-cheeked Starling Agropsar philippensis LC. A female was seen near Baekryeong Reservoir on May 4^th and 5^th.
Siberian Thrush Geokichla sibirica LC. Two on May 8^th was the only record.
White’s Thrush Zoothera aurea LC. Recorded more or less daily in small numbers (1-5) after the first on April 30^th, with 15+ on May 1^st the highest day-count.
Grey-backed Thrush Turdus hortulorum LC. From April 28^th, recorded daily in small numbers (3-10), with 30+ on May 1^st the highest day-count.

Grey-backed Thrush Turdus hortulorum, © Nial Moores

Chinese Blackbird Turdus merula mandarinus LC. One was in Sagot Village on April 25^th and one or two were near Kaul Village on May 7^th.

Chinese Blackbird Turdus merula, © Nial Moores

Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus LC. First recorded on May 1^st (when three were found), and subsequently recorded daily in mostly small numbers with 75 on the 4^th the highest day-count.
Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus LC. Ones or twos were recorded daily until April 30^th.
Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus LC. Recorded in small numbers (1-5) most days, with 30 counted on April 30^th and two still present on the 9^th.
Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta LC. Recorded daily from May 1^st, with the highest day-counts four on the 4^th and the 7^th.

Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta, © Nial Moores

Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa latirostris LC. Recorded daily from April 28^th (when four), with the highest day-count 12 on May 4^th.
Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana LC. The most frequently-encountered flycatcher during the present survey, recorded on all dates (apart from May 7^th) from April 27^th (when three were found). In total there were 72 “encounters” with the species, with the highest day-count 26 on the 28^th (when all males were of the nominate subspecies). The first male intermedia was found on May 3^rd.
Siberian Blue Robin Larvivora cyane LC. Rather scarce, with singles recorded on only four dates (first on May 1^st).
Rufous-tailed Robin Larvivora sibilans LC. Recorded almost daily after the first two were heard singing on May 1^st. The peak count of this mid-May migrant was 6+ on the 8^th.
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica LC. A total of three males were seen (and photographed), all in May: one in Junghwadong on 1^st; one in Yeonhwa Village on May on 3^rd and 5^th; and one in Jincheon on 6^th.

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica, © Nial Moores

Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope LC. Rather scarce, being recorded on only four dates. The first were noted on May 1^st (when three were in the southwest) and the peak count was only 10+ (on the 5^th).
Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus LC. Presumably this survey missed the peak migration period of this early-migrating species. Recorded on only five dates, there were only 12 “encounters” with this species, with the highest day-count four on April 26^th and the last observation on May 3^rd.
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia LC. Recorded daily after the first two were found on April 30^th. In total there were 49 “encounters” with this species and a highest day-count of 23 (on May 1^st).

Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia, © Nial Moores

Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina LC. Three records during the survey period, all in Jincheon: a Second Calendar-year male on April 30^th; a less well-marked male on May 1^st; and 1-2 females on May 8^th.
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki LC. First found on May 4^th, with 2-6 found on subsequent dates.
Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla LC. Recorded on nine dates, first on April 28^th, with a total of 64 “encounters” and the highest day-count 18 on May 4^th. At least two otherwise standard-looking and –sounding males showed orange-blotches on the underparts.

Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla, © Nial Moores

Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus LC. Small numbers (<3) were seen on several dates, with one pair suspected of nesting in the far southwest. A male seen in the far southwest of the island on May 4^th and 5^th was strikingly-plumaged when compared with typical males in Korea at the same time of year, with a near-white crown and black mantle lacking obvious browner edges: plumage wear or from a different source area than most Korean breeding birds?

Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus, © Nial Moores

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius LC. Present in small numbers within 250m of and along the coast, with probably 5-10 territories in areas visited during the present survey.
Stejneger’s Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri LC. Recorded more or less daily during the survey, mostly in small numbers (1-5), with a total of 120 “encounters”, and highest day-counts of 30+ on May 4^th and 25 on the 6^th.

Stejneger's Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri, © Nial Moores

Wheatear sp. One, probably a Northern Wheatear, was seen in sustained flight over Jincheon from the motel at the start of a fair-weather arrival of birds on May 6th. Few plumage details were seen, although in bright conditions the bird appeared brownish above, with weak contrast on the head, and also showed a striking white rump and a clear black and white T-tail pattern (presumably ruling out both Desert and Isabelline?). It also had clearly pale underwings (lacking the blackish underwing coverts and contrast of Pied).
Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans LC. A male was in the west on May 5^th and a pair was in the same area on May 7^th.

Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans, © Nial Moores

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus LC. Common and widespread around habitation throughout the island, with probably>100 pairs present in total.
Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus LC. Noted on only three dates, with two on May 3^rd, one on 5^th and one on the 9^th.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis LC. The most numerous wagtail during the survey period, noted daily from the first on April 30^th (when 150+ were counted), with 3-50 on subsequent dates. The first taivana were noted on May 5^th.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea LC. Recorded more or less daily in small numbers of 1-15.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba LC. Recorded more or less daily in small numbers of 2-25, with the highest day-count only 60 (on May 3^rd). The vast majority were ocularis.
Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi LC. Recorded daily from April 30^th (when five) to the end of the survey period, with the highest day-count 20+ on May 7^th.
Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii LC. Only two were found during the survey period with singles on May 4^th and 5^th.
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis LC. Two together were found and photographed in the southwest of the island on May 5^th. This is believed to be the first record of more than one together in the ROK.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni LC. The most numerous pipit, noted daily though not recorded in numbers comparable with high-counts recorded at the same time of year on Gageo and Eocheong Islands a decade or so ago. Highest day-counts were only 200 on April 30^th and 350 on May 1^st.

Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi LC. Recorded on six dates, with a maximum of 13 birds noted. First recorded on April 26^th when four were seen and heard; and last on May 7^th. Based on flight views, calls and dates, it seems likely that earlier individuals (total of seven) were more likely menzbieri, with the first nominate seen on May 3rd.
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus LC. The second most numerous pipit during the survey period, with 60 on April 25^th and 50 on April 30^th the highest day-counts and small numbers still present at the end of the survey period.
Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens LC. Present in very small numbers throughout the survey period, with the highest day count only three (on April 25^th) and a single bird remaining in the west until at least May 5^th.
Brambling Coelebs montifringilla LC. Present throughout, mostly in small numbers, with highest day-counts of 200 on May 2nd and 180 on May 8^th.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes LC. One or two were recorded on five or so dates.
Chinese Grosbeak Eophona migratoria LC. Present throughout the survey period in small numbers (10-30) in the northeast, west and southwest. On May 7^th, larger numbers of this species were on the move across the island, and a total of 245 (perhaps a recent national high-count?) were counted in the west and northeast.

Japanese Grosbeak Eophona personata LC. Two apparently arrived in the fair weather arrival in the afternoon of May 6th
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus LC. Surprisingly scarce, with one heard on May 9^th the only record.
Grey-capped Greenfinch Chloris sinica LC. Present throughout in small numbers (with a highest day-count of 30), with several full-grown juveniles first noted on April 28^th.
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra LC. Present throughout the survey period, with 1-4 in the northeast; up to eight in the west; and a peak count of 35 in the southwest (on May 1^st). At least some of the males had paler vents with darker markings. However, based on a very wide difference in calls between birds and groups of birds, it is unclear whether one or more types or if one or two subspecies were involved. The best views were of the birds in the west (including the male in the image), which when in pairs gave rapidly-repeated “Duweet” calls suggestive of e.g. Chinese Nuthatch.

Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus LC. Present throughout the survey period in small numbers, with the highest day-counts 75 on April 30^th and 200 on May 2^nd.
Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides LC. Present in small numbers throughout the island, with probably only 5-10 territories present in those areas that were surveyed.
Tristram’s Bunting Emberiza tristrami LC. Recorded more or less daily, with a high count of only 10 (on April 30th). This species was no doubt overlooked as it generally favours wooded areas (poorly covered by the present survey).
Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata LC. Recorded almost daily, with highest day-counts 20+ on April 30^th; and 20 (only in the northeast) on May 6^th.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla LC. Recorded daily, with highest counts (all in the northeast) of 75 on April 26^th (including a single flock of 60, all in song); 75 on May 4^th; and 220 on May 6^th (including one flock of 180).
Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys LC. One of the commonest grounded migrants during the survey period, with 450 counted on May 1^st presumably representing a new national high day-count. Between two and seven were in Jincheon between April 25^th and 27^th with an additional ten in the southwest on the 28^th. Numbers increased rapidly after the rain at month’s end, with 100+ in the east of the island on the 30^th; and 100 in the southwest and c. 350 in the northeast on May 1^st. Numbers fell subsequently, with 200 still present in a small area in the northeast of the island on May 2^nd; 250 counted on the 3^rd in Jincheon and Yeonhwa; and 100 present in the northeast and southwest on the 4^th. A maximum of 20-30 were counted on subsequent dates.

Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica LC. The last record was one on April 26^th.
Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans LC. Small numbers (5-10) were recorded most dates, with several birds apparently in territory.
Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola EN. All males seen well enough to identify to subspecies were ornata. First recorded on April 30^th, when three were in Hwadong Wetland. One male was in Jincheon on May 2^nd; four were counted on May 3^rd; three on May 5^th (in the west); and at least 100 (mostly males) were present in fields in Jincheon on the 6^th (with most of these seen to arrive during the day). This peak count (perhaps the highest day-count in the ROK for several years?) fell to 30 on the 7^th with only two seen on the 8^th.

Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila LC. First noted on May 1^st (when two or three were heard singing), with five on the 4^th and a high count of c. 100 on the 6^th (most of which were involved in a fair-weather arrival).
Yellow Bunting Emberiza sulphurata VU. An adult male was in Junghwadong on May 1^st. This species is very scarce on the northwestern islands.
Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala LC. Recorded daily in small numbers (2-30) until April 30^th when at least 500 were recorded in the east of the island. The highest day count was 550 on May 1^st with numbers falling steadily again, until they increased again from 35 on the 5^th to at least 150 on the 6^th. The majority of individuals showed some yellow tones on the underparts (and could therefore be ascribed to extremiorientis), though c. 50 on May 6^th were much greyer and more likely of the nominate subspecies. No personata were found.

Pallas’s Reed Bunting Emberiza pallasi LC. Recorded in very small numbers throughout the survey period, with the highest day count only three (on April 30^th) and the final observation on May 7^th.

Ochre-rumped Bunting Emberiza yessoensis NT. One male in partial breeding plumage in Hwadong Wetland was the only record.

These survey results suggest that some species (like Yellow-browed Warbler and Chestnut-flanked White-eye) likely do cross on quite a broad-front, with birds probably arriving from the southwest and west in both westerly and northwesterly winds. Such winds therefore resulted in large fair-weather arrivals of multiple species on April 30th, May 1^st and May 6^th. In contrast, a few species (e.g. Crested Honey Buzzard) appear to have a much more focused route that likely takes many individuals through Socheong and onto Hwanghaenam, missing out Baekryeong altogether. Southwest and southerly winds (which often result in large numbers of birds arriving on Socheong, including southern overshooting species) failed to result in large arrivals on Baekryeong in either May 2013 or 2014; and some smaller species that are found commonly on Socheong (like Asian Stubtail) appear to be far less numerous on Baekryeong (perhaps because they arrive from the southwest and can disappear into deep cover on Socheong and Daecheong with few continuing on to Baekryeong).

While large numbers of some species were found during the survey and happily much excellent habitat still remains, habitat loss on Baekryeong (as elsewhere) continues apace – with a new road presently being constructed through the wetland at Hwadong (see: http://www.birdskorea.org/Habitats/Other/Baekryeongdo/BK-HA-Baekryeongdo-Hwadong-Marsh.shtml). In addition, a large part of the reedbed at Yeonhwa has been lost in the past year to yet another unattractive eco-park and to new roads; and many fields have also been lost since last year to new buildings or to ginseng orchards. What of the future if the present construction model fails to change?

This trip (my sixth to the island) was also the first to find evidence of small-scale bird-hunting on Baekryeong, with a boy spotted carrying an air rifle (and showing great interest in a flock of buntings) and three spring-traps found (each with a dead bird in it). On both occasions, the local police were called and responded immediately: many thanks to them for their speedy and efficient response.