A daytrip to Mara-do during the first week of May, right in the peak of fall migration in Korea. We took the boat from Moseulpo (Unjin Port), where a small group of Terek Sandpipers were resting in the harbour. Shortly after departure a Pacific Loon was seen on the sea, which is fairly late for this species. Black-tailed Gulls and a Japanese Cormorant were seen, as well, but otherwise the boat trip was fairly quiet.
Arriving on the island, it was clear that bird activity was going to be pretty good. A small group of Yellow-breasted Buntings, a pair of Peregrine Falcons flying at eye level along the east coast, and plenty of Black-faced Buntings. Further into the forest included highlights such as Yellow-bellied Tit, Swinhoe’s White-eye, Yellow-billed Grosbeak, and Red-flanked Bluetail.
Phylloscopus warblers were well represented, with Yellow-browed, Sakhalin, Pale-legged, Dusky, and Eastern Crowned Warblers. Flycatchers as well, with Grey-streaked, one Dark-sided, a female Blue-and-White, Narcissus, and many Asian Brown Flycatchers.
Oriental Reed Warbler, Black-naped Oriole, and Ashy Minivet were other expected species seen and heard fairly well. Herons fairly numerous, with Chinese Pond Heron present in good numbers, as well as Little Heron, Grey Heron, and Eastern Cattle Egret. A Red-necked Stint was seen in the small wetland on the western edge of the island.
A few pleasant spring surprises included a female Black Redstart, a single Blyth’s Pipit along with several Richard’s Pipits, and a Wryneck, all found in the fields of the northern side of the island. The return boat trip was quieter, with two Streaked Shearwaters and a few Black-tailed Gulls.
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| Oriental Greenfinch |
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| Pacific Loon |
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| Yellow-breasted Bunting |
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| Yellow-browed Warbler |
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| Black-faced Bunting |
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| Narcissus Flycatcher |
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| Grey-streaked Flycatcher |
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| Ashy Minivet |
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| Chinese Pond Heron |
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| Chestnut-eared Bunting |
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| Black Redstart |
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| Rufous-tailed Robin |
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| Black-faced Bunting |
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| Blyth's Pipit |
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| Eurasian Wryneck |
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| Red-necked Stint |
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| Streaked Shearwater |
