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

2026-03-24: Finches in Jeolmul Natural Recreational Forest

 My primary purpose for an early spring visit to Jeolmul on the east side of Hallasan was to look for wildflowers that bloom in this season. But of course birds were on the plate as well, and I had very pleasant views of Eurasian Siskins, Bramblings, and a Hawfinch. Most were getting into breeding plumage, which along with the flowers added a lot of nice contrast to the drab browns of early spring.

Eurasian Siskin

Eurasian Siskin

Brambling

Brambling

Hawfinch standing out among the Bramblings

Warbling White-eyes were enjoying the scene as well.

2026-03-08: Mara-do

 A very early spring visit to Mara-do to see if migration had started. Just the usual March regulars with a Kestrel, White-cheeked Starlings, Rusting Buntings, a Hoopoe, and various gulls. All expected species on Mara in March. Nice views of a Eurasian Skylark back on the mainland, too.

Fishing boat decoration

Blue Rock Thrush

Taimyr Gull

Japanese Cormorant

Eurasian Hoopoe

Eurasian Hoopoe

Rustic Bunting

Eurasian Kestrel

White-cheeked Starlings

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Mongolian Gull (or Vega?)

Eurasian Skylark at Alddreu Airfield

2026-01-04: Mara-do

 A short trip to Mara-do in early January to see what was around. Well, not much aside from a nice variety of gulls mainly, and three Osprey which is more than the usual one or zero I see on Mara.

Japanese Cormorant

Warbling White-eye

Oriental Magpie

Slaty-backed Gull

Taimyr Gull

Black-tailed Gulls

Vega Gull

Eurasian Tree Sparrows

One of three Osprey

Some nice winter songbirds in Seotal Oreum area along the southwest coast afterwards.

Goldcrest

Yellow-bellied Tit

Light-vented Bulbul

2025-11: November in Shinsan Park

 Migration continued on throughout November, and usually around this time of the season some interesting birds can show up. I suppose because Jeju stays warmer than the mainland, so some birds will stick around longer here before moving further south.

Various Starlings began to arrive in the city, as well as thrushes, Red-flanked Bluetails, and a couple Taiga Flycatchers. This was the first time I found a Taiga Flycatcher in Shinsan Park, and funnily enough not too long after this, a Taiga Flycatcher was found all the way in my hometown Vancouver, Canada. Nice coincidence, and lucky birders over there.

Taiga Flycatcher

Possible Black-faced Bunting?

Grey Wagtail

Olive-backed Pipit

Red-billed Starlings

White-cheeked Starling

Rana uenoi

Light-vented Bulbul