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!
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| Rufous-tailed Robin hiding in the undergrowth. |
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| Resident Light-vented Bulbul. A few years ago these were uncommon on Jeju, nowadays they are everywhere. |
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| Forest Wagtail, rarely seen during migration on Jeju. |
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| Forest Wagtail |
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| Grey-streaked Flycatcher |
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| Asian Brown Flycatcher |
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| Female Mugimaki Flycatcher |
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| Arctic Warbler doing a wing display while singing. |
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| Arctic Warbler |
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| Arctic Warbler |
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| A young Oriental Magpie resting in a tree. |
