2022-05 Birds on Jeju Island in May

 Birding in the spring can be interesting anywhere you are in Korea. Jeju has a wide range of habitats within a close proximity, so it can be easy to find a lot of interesting species at the right time. May of couse has some really interesting species rolling through, as well is good opportunities to see resident species in fresh green surroundings.

Large-billed Crow at Jeolmul Forest.

Jeju City has some nice parks that can have migrants hiding during spring time. Emphasis on the hiding though as it can take a bit of work finding some of the more interesting birds passing through. I think mainly due to how popular the parks can be with both tourists and locals.

Black-naped Oriole at the Halla Arboretum. A regular summer breeder on the Korean mainland, but generally only a migrant on Jeju Island.

Dollarbird in a pine tree at Sarabong Park. Another common Korean summer breeder that usually only shows up during migration on Jeju.

The south of the island is where the real gold is in spring time, with many choices of habitat. A birdwatcher can really have a lot of fun going through these different parks during spring, finding some pretty rare species at the right times. I found myself rotating through these different parks each week, trying to find the sweet spots. Certainly some parks seemed better than others, but there were surprises to be had even on non-birding days.

Tristram's Bunting in the scrub.

Gray Wagtail in a stream somewhere by Jungmun.

Male Mugimaki in the canopy in a Park in Seogwipo City.

Yellow Bunting, rather uncommon in Korea during migration. Jeju is apparently the best place to find them in spring.

Brown Shrike perched on a reed on the south coast.

One of my favourite spots, Yongsu Reservoir, has interesting birds year round. Spring time certainly met my expectations, even with just a couple of visits. The highlight for this area in spring was certainly a Pheasant-tailed Jacana, a species not so common in Korea.

Common Cuckoo. This one had me confused until it was pointed out that Common Cuckoo's have light streaking on their vent and heavy barring on their chest. Also the thicker, heavier body.

Brown-eared Bulbul with some nesting material.

Light-vented Bulbul, a species that has successfuly colonized Jeju Island, and slowly the mainland.

Marsh Sandpiper at Yongsu Reservoir.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana at Yongsu Reservoir. This species used to breed on Jeju until development and extra disturbance made them more rare. Despie this, Several were found in spring 2021, and I personally saw 2 individuals this year (2022).