9 Feb 2015

Mai Po in midwinter

A Short-eared Owl has been reported twice in the past few weeks at Mai Po.

But it seems to have a very good idea of what "nocturnal" means, and despite several dusk and dawn visits, I haven't managed to see it while there was any light to see by.

Mai Po Nature Reserve

Mai Po Nature Reserve

Mai Po Nature Reserve

Mai Po Nature Reserve

My last visit was in the middle of last week. No sign of the owl. 

Still, it was a fine morning for a cycle ride around the Border Fence Road. 


Out at the boardwalk, the commoner winter waders have been showing well; -

Marsh Sandpipers - Tringa stagnatilis

Pied Avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta

Black-tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa

Common Redshank - Tringa totanus

Common Redshank - Tringa totanus
Common Redshank - Tringa totanus

There are still thousands of duck in the bay, here are two of the common ones...

Wigeon, Pintail - Anas penelope, Anas acuta

Northern Pintail - Anas acuta
 We have lift-off !





8 comments:

  1. Wow, look at all those Avocets! I didn't know Mai Po was so good for waders even in winter.................

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    Replies
    1. Stu, well it's good for Avocets - we have thousands of them.

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  2. Some fantastic scenery and huge bird collection. You managed some excellent pictures despite not seeing the owl.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Russell - I fell back on the old 70 - 200mm lens for the scenic shots.

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  3. Beautiful images! I guess that kind of make up for missing out on the owl.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mun. I'm still trying for the Owl....it must be in there somewhere !

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  4. You are certainly looking for the Short-eared Owl at the right time, John. In my experience they are more crepuscular than nocturnal. Keep on trying and I am sure that persistence will ultimately pay off.

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  5. Some beautiful images there. Bad luck about the Owl, especially as you've gone several times.

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