"Forrest species"

To demonstrate the broad wildlife scope of this blog, (and because I haven't been out with the camera for a day or two) here are couple of creatures from our recent trip to Yunnan.

Golden-breasted Fulvetta - Alcippe chrysotis forresti

AND


Forrest's Rock Squirrel - Sciurotamias forresti

Both were named after the famous plant hunter, George Forrest, who made several long expeditions to Yunnan province in the early 20th century. A good organizer of native collectors, Forrest collected mammals and birds, as well as the plants that were the principal reason for his time in west China. Forrest died near Tengchong, west Yunnan in 1932.

http://www.plantexplorers.com/explorers/biographies/forrest/george-forrest.htm

Asian Barred Owlets

The Barred Owlets have bred in their usual spot in Shui Tau Tsuen, Yuen Long. The young are "branching".


Parent in a distant tree, contemplating a busy evening hunting for the young, no doubt.

Two juveniles

What are YOU looking at ?

No sign of them nearer home. 2004 was the last time we saw young birds here at Hang Tau.

"Twitch" for Band-bellied Crake

A mysterious visitor to Hong Kong was first spotted near HKU last Saturday, but it took a while to get the "Buzz" going..

Three friends from the Shenzhen birdwatching society came down to view this rarity. Many HK birders went up to Shenzhen recently for a very obliging Blue-winged Pitta. Reciprocal "Twitching" !



HK's 4th, and so far, only "Twitchable" Band-bellied Crake. One was sick (2002) and two were found dead (in 1977 and 1996). And deceased doesn't count. This beast was alive and kicking. HK tick ! LIFE tick !


Band-bellied Crake

Band-bellied Crake

"Cloudy Tourist Walk" Cangshan, Dali

By 13th and 14th April we had moved on to Dali, and a few hours on the Cloudy Tourist Walk near Zhonghe Temple produced a few birds. They all seemed to be nestbuilding and/or territorial.

Slaty-blue Flycatcher


White-browed Fulvetta


Stripe-throated Yuhina


Gould's Sunbird


Rufous-bellied Niltava

All taken with the 800mm - worthwhile to carry it such a long way !