2026-05-17

2026-05-17: Chuja-do: Seabirds and some fun passage migrants

Mid-May seems to be right around where migration peaks and then starts to quiet down a bit, at least further south on Jeju compared with the mainland. So of course to continue with this spring's theme, another trip to Chuja was warranted.

The boat ride was particularly eventful, with plenty of Streaked Shearwaters, Red-necked Phalaropes, and Japanese Murrelets (or Crested Murrelets - whichever name you prefer). A couple Short-tailed Shearwaters and a Brown Booby were also spotted along the boat ride, both of which are not seen on every boat trip in Korean waters especially the latter.

The island itself had plenty of migrants, with Fairy Pittas and Lesser Cuckoos singing from the forested hills, Black Paradise Flycatchers, Chestnut-cheeked Starling, and various thrushes. Some interesting fish in the harbour areas as well as nice views of several Chinese Pond Herons enroute northwards.

The return boatride wasn't terribly eventful but once again nice views of Streaked Shearwaters and Japanese Murrelets.

Brown Booby

Japanese Murrelets

Short-tailed Shearwater

Streaked Shearwaters

Streaked Shearwaters

Japanese Murrelets

Pterogobius zonoleucus

Chestnut-cheeked Starling

Feral Rock Pigeon

Dark-sided Flycatcher

Black Paradise Flycatcher

Chinese Pond Heron

Takifugu alboplumbeus

Japanese Murrelets


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