In spring, Oriental Pratincoles pass through Hong Kong between the end of February and mid-May. A couple of days ago, I had the luck to come across a pond with twenty or more of these birds wheeling around taking insects in the late afternoon sunshine.
In flight they are surprisingly erratic - at least that's my excuse for not getting more shots in focus.
The low sun angle made it possible to appreciate the cinnamon-coloured underwing lining of this species.
A wader that flies like a swallow - what's not to like ?
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
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| Oriental Pratincole - Glareola maldivarum |
Thanks a million for this post, John. It brings back very fond memories of when you and I watched this bird together in Long Valley. Pratincoles are among the most enigmatic of birds.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, David - pratincoles can be spectacular, as you know !
DeleteVery Nice John, I had c150 in one flock in a roadside field in Petchaburi, Thailand just last week and I suggested this number was a migrating fock, great birds, I will be uploading some of my "lesser quality" images to the blog soon. And yes it was nice watching the snow fall as I was looking out of the window at Heathrow heading for warmer climes......
ReplyDeleteOur "Prats" are strictly passage birds, too. They may breed nearby in south China, but no breeding records here - yet.
DeleteBeautiful birds. The only pratincoles I have seen were Rock Pratincoles in Uganda. They did not fly.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Uganda, but your comment made me look up Rock Pratincole..... they are very attractive. Seems like a good reason to go there !
DeleteWonderful BIF work...........
ReplyDeleteThanks Stu - the best of about 500 frames !
DeleteThey look high quality flight pictures to me. They are a striking looking bird too. All the best to see them with wings outstretched.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Russell - one of my favourites, certainly !
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