2025-05-14

2025-05: Early May birding in Jeju City

Early may in Shinsan Park had quite a few standout birds. Personal favourites included a Rufous-tailed Robin that was singing from a single shrub along a walking trail in the park. I spent some time working to get a closer look and was rewarded with a somewhat decent view, and even managed a bit of video. A bit later that morning I ran into a visiting birder and showed them the spot, I hope they managed to see it.

An even more exciting bird was a Forest Wagtail. It was particularly stormy weather around those few days, and I went down to the ravine area one evening to see what was around. A singing Oriental Cuckoo was a new one for the park, and various flycatchers were around. But suddenly I saw a Forest Wagtail hop out from the side right onto the path. It walked around a bit and then flew into the ravine. I sent the word out but I don't think it was refound afterwards.

One more special sighting in the park during this time was a singing Arctic Warbler. They aren't as common on Jeju as Kamchatka Leaf, but still regular enough. What was special about this individual was getting the chance to see it do a flight display, an action I think they do during spring to impress mates. Well, I'm not a potential suitor, but I certainly was impressed!


Rufous-tailed Robin hiding in the undergrowth.

Resident Light-vented Bulbul. A few years ago these were uncommon on Jeju, nowadays they are everywhere.

Forest Wagtail, rarely seen during migration on Jeju.

Forest Wagtail

Grey-streaked Flycatcher

Asian Brown Flycatcher

Female Mugimaki Flycatcher

Arctic Warbler doing a wing display while singing.

Arctic Warbler

Arctic Warbler

A young Oriental Magpie resting in a tree.


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