We arrived in Hong Kong, exhausted after a painful travel day. We were all so happy to be here, since we have family living in both Hong Kong and Macau.
My Uncle Shannon got a great teaching job in Hong Kong, so moved the entire family here about three years ago. Even thought we arrived late, my aunt Carol insisted on picking us up at the airport. By the time we woke up the following day, my cousin Josiah and Uncle Shannon had already left for work/school. We decided to go take a tour of the school and meet uncle Shannon for lunch. The school he works at is probably the best school I have ever set foot in. I met some students, and they were extremely kind and invited me to join a soccer match during their gym class. There is a cafe in the school, and a pool, and I would say that everything in this school is perfect.
For lunch we went to a restaurant my aunt and uncle call the "Shirtless Man Restaurant". This is just its nickname. The real name is actually Dim Sum Cafe. Hong Kong is extremely humid and the restaurant is near several construction sites, so a lot of the construction workers come in for lunch. They are hot from work and to cool down, they take their shirts off. In China I had learned that manners are different, and that that is totally acceptable. Also many people cut in line and have a bad habit of hacking then spitting. Anyway, the meal was delicious and I discovered my favorite Chinese dish, Chow Fun noodles. Also, we saw some shirtless men! We went back to my aunt and uncle's place after. My Aunt Carol had never been birding, so she wanted me to take her out for a few minutes. They live far from the centre of Hong Kong, and their village has a lot of nature. The birding was great and I got 2 lifers, the best one being a CHINESE HWAMEI. I got a shot of my other life bird, this YELLOW BELLIED PRINIA. I hope aunt Carol enjoyed her first birding trip.
My Uncle Shannon got a great teaching job in Hong Kong, so moved the entire family here about three years ago. Even thought we arrived late, my aunt Carol insisted on picking us up at the airport. By the time we woke up the following day, my cousin Josiah and Uncle Shannon had already left for work/school. We decided to go take a tour of the school and meet uncle Shannon for lunch. The school he works at is probably the best school I have ever set foot in. I met some students, and they were extremely kind and invited me to join a soccer match during their gym class. There is a cafe in the school, and a pool, and I would say that everything in this school is perfect.
For lunch we went to a restaurant my aunt and uncle call the "Shirtless Man Restaurant". This is just its nickname. The real name is actually Dim Sum Cafe. Hong Kong is extremely humid and the restaurant is near several construction sites, so a lot of the construction workers come in for lunch. They are hot from work and to cool down, they take their shirts off. In China I had learned that manners are different, and that that is totally acceptable. Also many people cut in line and have a bad habit of hacking then spitting. Anyway, the meal was delicious and I discovered my favorite Chinese dish, Chow Fun noodles. Also, we saw some shirtless men! We went back to my aunt and uncle's place after. My Aunt Carol had never been birding, so she wanted me to take her out for a few minutes. They live far from the centre of Hong Kong, and their village has a lot of nature. The birding was great and I got 2 lifers, the best one being a CHINESE HWAMEI. I got a shot of my other life bird, this YELLOW BELLIED PRINIA. I hope aunt Carol enjoyed her first birding trip.
That night we went to Macau to visit our other aunt who also got a job out here. We stayed at her place for the 2 nights. It was great and was so nice to see my aunt Sylvia again. Every day she spoiled us with a huge American breakfast, something we hadn't had a while! The first day we met friends of Aunt Sylvia's at a famous Portugese restaurant called Fernando's. For 99 years Macau was ruled by the Portugese, so many Portugese influences were left behind, such as the food, architecture, and politics. The second day we did some sightseeing. We started at Sonada Square, then made our way to the St. Paul Ruins. As we wound up the road, we saw many Portugese egg tarts being sold, which we tried back in Portugal. In Portugese they are called Pastel De Nada. We arrived at the ruins, which used to be an old church, but only the front of it remains.
My Aunt Sylvia works for the a casino group called The Galaxy. Inside is a hotel called the Banyan Tree, an extremely nice place, and she was so very kind and let us stay 2 nights there for FREE! Thanks Aunt Sylvia! We spent the rest of our day at the pool.
The next day was our last day. The White family (my Uncle Shannon and Aunt Carol) has never actually been to Macau and Aunt Sylvia had to work that day, so we we hung out with them. We met them in Sonado Square, then went back to the ruins. I was glad I went, because I had spotted some HILL MYNAS on top of the ruins, which was the best bird I saw in Macau! The we went to Macau Fort. It is there to protect Macau from Mongolian invasion, and there were 32 cannons on the top of the fort, all directed towards mainland China, where the Mongolians would come from. Here is a photo of my cousin Josiah on a cannon.
The next day was our last day. The White family (my Uncle Shannon and Aunt Carol) has never actually been to Macau and Aunt Sylvia had to work that day, so we we hung out with them. We met them in Sonado Square, then went back to the ruins. I was glad I went, because I had spotted some HILL MYNAS on top of the ruins, which was the best bird I saw in Macau! The we went to Macau Fort. It is there to protect Macau from Mongolian invasion, and there were 32 cannons on the top of the fort, all directed towards mainland China, where the Mongolians would come from. Here is a photo of my cousin Josiah on a cannon.
When I was there, I photographed one of many JAPENESE WHITE EYES.
Our last stop for the day was the Mandarin House, the largest house in Macau, but is now a museum. In a large tree there, I saw my life bird RED BILLED STARLING. Unfortunately, I got no good pictures. Later that night we went to carnivale celebration in the neighboring Venetian Hotel and played some games, then got Italian food for dinner. The next morning we had another wonderful breakfast at the hotel's buffet with Aunt Sylvia, then we sadly had to say goodbye, and went off to Hong Kong again! Here is a photo of us all on a short hike after lunch after Fernando's. We had a wonderful time in Macau. Thanks for everything Aunt Sylvia!
So, back to Hong Kong. We checked into our new place, in the nearest village to the White's. Just a few days after we arrived in Hong Kong, the trip just got one step better, because another family arrived, the Chung family! We spent the first day with them getting noodles for breakfast then going to the top of Victoria Peak where we got great views of the city.
The next day was my cousin Remi's 5th birthday, so the whole gang went to disneyland to celebrate. Disneyland is me, my dad's and uncle Shannon's worst nightmare, so the three of us went birding instead. We tried to go to Long Valley, a farmland area that produces 250 species of birds, but we somehow ended up at a golf course and were escorted out. So we did plan B, Tai Po Nature Reserve. It was the middle of the day by then, and not many birds were out. Just at the start of our walk, we walked past the SCARIEST dog alive. It was probably 250 pounds, barking like mad, and was held back by only the tinniest fences. Of course none of us got a photo because, again, this was the scariest dog alive. My Uncle Shannon said "I don't speak dog, but I know he was probably saying "I am going to kill you all." We didn't see much, but my dad did happen to point out some SOOTY HEADED BULBULS, my only sighting for Hong Kong. I think we were all still glad to go because a birding trip will always be better a trip to Disney.
Soon after, we took a minibus, a train, then a double decker bus, then a ferry to get to Cheung Chao Island. I think the whole gang thought it was worth it because we had such a fun day. We rented bikes and rode to a place overlooking the ocean where I spotted a nice PACIFIC REEF HERON, a bird I have not seen since Vietnam. These BLACK KITES were likely the most common bird of the day. I may have also seen this bird in Vietnam, but did not positively ID it, so it was nice to get it for sure. Life Bird!
The next day was my cousin Remi's 5th birthday, so the whole gang went to disneyland to celebrate. Disneyland is me, my dad's and uncle Shannon's worst nightmare, so the three of us went birding instead. We tried to go to Long Valley, a farmland area that produces 250 species of birds, but we somehow ended up at a golf course and were escorted out. So we did plan B, Tai Po Nature Reserve. It was the middle of the day by then, and not many birds were out. Just at the start of our walk, we walked past the SCARIEST dog alive. It was probably 250 pounds, barking like mad, and was held back by only the tinniest fences. Of course none of us got a photo because, again, this was the scariest dog alive. My Uncle Shannon said "I don't speak dog, but I know he was probably saying "I am going to kill you all." We didn't see much, but my dad did happen to point out some SOOTY HEADED BULBULS, my only sighting for Hong Kong. I think we were all still glad to go because a birding trip will always be better a trip to Disney.
Soon after, we took a minibus, a train, then a double decker bus, then a ferry to get to Cheung Chao Island. I think the whole gang thought it was worth it because we had such a fun day. We rented bikes and rode to a place overlooking the ocean where I spotted a nice PACIFIC REEF HERON, a bird I have not seen since Vietnam. These BLACK KITES were likely the most common bird of the day. I may have also seen this bird in Vietnam, but did not positively ID it, so it was nice to get it for sure. Life Bird!
Then, we went into a cave that used to be a pirates' hideout, and it was extremely small and narrow. After, we hopped back on our bikes and rode down back into town, in the search of ice cream, since it was sooooo hot. It was another fun day in Hong Kong.
The village were staying in also has lots of nature, and a spent a hour birding in it, and saw almost 20 species (way better than my neighborhood!) I spotted this BARN SWALLOW on the bamboo scaffolding next door. This bird doesn't often perch, but this time he did, allowing for a photo.
The village were staying in also has lots of nature, and a spent a hour birding in it, and saw almost 20 species (way better than my neighborhood!) I spotted this BARN SWALLOW on the bamboo scaffolding next door. This bird doesn't often perch, but this time he did, allowing for a photo.
I made my way to the front of the village, and spotted a COMMON SANDPIPER on a small mudflat on the edge of the ocean. Its nice that the house we are staying in is near the ocean, because how often do you find a sandpiper across the street? As I moved along, I spotted a CRESTED MYNA, an abundant species here, and a lifer. Too bad I didn't get a good shot. Unlike most mynas, this myna has a dull bill, while most have an orange yellowish bill. In about 1890, the bird was introduced in the southern part of British Colombia, and shortly thereafter the population grew to be in the thousands, but by the mid 20th century, it became extinct in North America. Glad I saw it here in Asia.
Then, I went around the block and I saw some trees filled with my life bird WHITE SHOULDERED STARLING! I did not get a good photo, but in my bad shot you can really see the white shoulder.
After seeing a number of species, I made my way back to the house, and now the water level was quite low. On the beach, I saw a WHITE WAGTAIL. I walked back up to the grass, when I saw movement in the large red flowers. Then, a beautiful male FORK TAILED SUNBIRD popped up! This was a bird I have wanted to see pretty much the whole time in Hong Kong, and I was so glad to finally see it! It was one of the coolest and prettiest birds I have seen on the trip.
Our second to last day was Easter, and it was the most fun day there. We started the morning at church. This is the best church ever! We started off by listening to music by the church band, and we all sang along. People played the guitar, electric guitar, bongos, and my aunt Carol played the piano while my uncle Charlie played the drums. It was so cool, and I had no clue that my family could play so well. Then we went to an Indonesian restaurant for lunch. Afterward, Eva, Josiah, Oona and I went back to fill eggs for the Easter egg hunt. It was awesome, hundreds and hundreds of eggs, even a few filled with cash. I teamed up with Ben, one of the 3 nice boys I met back at the school. Then, we had a fantastic potluck dinner back at his place. Many of the teachers from the school were there. I remember asking Ben if it was weird having his teachers there, and he said no, because they have such a close community. I can see why the White's find this such a wonderful place to live. In the middle of the potluck dinner, uncle Shannon approached me and asked if I wanted to bird at Long Valley tomorrow - he had found the location. He also asked if I wanted to invite Ben. I did, and the next morning we arrived at Long Valley at 9:00. We walked along the river for a bit, and spotted COMMON SANDPIPER, CHINESE POND HERONS, and LITTLE EGRETS. We walked along the path and I spotted my life bird MASKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH.
Our second to last day was Easter, and it was the most fun day there. We started the morning at church. This is the best church ever! We started off by listening to music by the church band, and we all sang along. People played the guitar, electric guitar, bongos, and my aunt Carol played the piano while my uncle Charlie played the drums. It was so cool, and I had no clue that my family could play so well. Then we went to an Indonesian restaurant for lunch. Afterward, Eva, Josiah, Oona and I went back to fill eggs for the Easter egg hunt. It was awesome, hundreds and hundreds of eggs, even a few filled with cash. I teamed up with Ben, one of the 3 nice boys I met back at the school. Then, we had a fantastic potluck dinner back at his place. Many of the teachers from the school were there. I remember asking Ben if it was weird having his teachers there, and he said no, because they have such a close community. I can see why the White's find this such a wonderful place to live. In the middle of the potluck dinner, uncle Shannon approached me and asked if I wanted to bird at Long Valley tomorrow - he had found the location. He also asked if I wanted to invite Ben. I did, and the next morning we arrived at Long Valley at 9:00. We walked along the river for a bit, and spotted COMMON SANDPIPER, CHINESE POND HERONS, and LITTLE EGRETS. We walked along the path and I spotted my life bird MASKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH.
We saw a few OLIVE BACKED PIPITS, a lifer. This birds habitat is open country, and feeds on the ground. It mainly feeds on insects, but may also eat seeds. It is a long distance migrant and winters in southern Asia. The bird's nest is made of moss and grass placed on the ground under a tuft of grass or boulder. Thanks to Josh Engel for identifying this one!
Then, I spotted 1 sandpiper that was different. A GREEN SANDPIPER! Instead of making their own nests, this bird finds an old birds nest in a tree, where it lays about 2 to 4 eggs. It not at all a gregarious species, but sometimes can be found with other Green Sandpipers. I'm fairly sure this is a Green Sandpiper. Sure enough to count it, but if I'm wrong, please let me know in the comments section.
We made our way to the agricultural area, where there were huge numbers of WOOD SANDPIPERS, snipes, SCALY BREASTED MUNIAS and some SIBERIAN STONECHATS. I was hoping to find the White Rumped Munia, a species harder to find than the Scaly Breasted ones. I managed to pick out 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, in the group of sandpipers. I did not get a photo, but did photograph these BLACK WINGED STILTS.
Then, as we were walking through a grassy area, I spotted my life bird WHITE RUMPED MUNIA, there! He was brave and let me get really close.
Near one of the stilts, we saw this CATTLE EGRET in breeding plumage. When it is not in breeding plumage, the bird becomes all white.
On our way out, we saw this nice LONG TAILED SHRIKE, tallying up 31 identified species at the end of the day.
Big thanks to my uncle Shannon for taking me, and to Ben for coming. It would not have been as special without them. We had a good hot pot dinner with the family in Kowloon. We had an amazing time in Hong Kong, and a massive thanks to the White family for being such kind hosts, and showing us all the coolest things in their great city. It was one of the best parts of the trip, and I'll be back. We all waved goodbye sadly, and headed for Korea, all alone again.
Bird List For Hong Kong Life List 489 (13 life birds in Hong Kong) + Dusky
Moorhen (seen recently)
Grey Heron 1
Little Egret 7
Cattle Egret 10
Chinese Pond Heron 6
Black Kite 14 life bird!
White Breasted Waterhen 3
Black Winged Stilt 4
Little Ringed Plover 1
Common Sandpiper 2
Wood Sandpiper 25
Spotted Dove 1
Asian Koel 6
Long Tailed Shrike 2
Eurasian Magpie X
Collared Crow 2 life bird!
Barn Swallow 15
Red Whiskered Bulbul X
Chinese Bulbul X life bird!
Japanese White Eye X
Masked Laughingthrush 7 life bird!
Oriental Magpie Robin 5
Siberian Stonechat 2
Crested Myna 3 life bird!
Common Myna 2
Black Collared Starling 3
White Wagtail 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow X
White Rumped Munia 1 life bird
Scaly Breasted Munia 15
Fork Tailed Sunbird 1 life bird!
Japanese Tit 3
Red Billed Blue Magpie 4 life bird!
Olive Backed Pipit 3 life bird!
Chinese Hwamei 1 life bird!
Yellow Bellied Prinia 4 life bird!
Rock Pigeon X
Sooty Headed Bulbul 2
White Shouldered Starling X life bird!
Red Billed Starling 2 life bird!
Bird List For Hong Kong Life List 489 (13 life birds in Hong Kong) + Dusky
Moorhen (seen recently)
Grey Heron 1
Little Egret 7
Cattle Egret 10
Chinese Pond Heron 6
Black Kite 14 life bird!
White Breasted Waterhen 3
Black Winged Stilt 4
Little Ringed Plover 1
Common Sandpiper 2
Wood Sandpiper 25
Spotted Dove 1
Asian Koel 6
Long Tailed Shrike 2
Eurasian Magpie X
Collared Crow 2 life bird!
Barn Swallow 15
Red Whiskered Bulbul X
Chinese Bulbul X life bird!
Japanese White Eye X
Masked Laughingthrush 7 life bird!
Oriental Magpie Robin 5
Siberian Stonechat 2
Crested Myna 3 life bird!
Common Myna 2
Black Collared Starling 3
White Wagtail 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow X
White Rumped Munia 1 life bird
Scaly Breasted Munia 15
Fork Tailed Sunbird 1 life bird!
Japanese Tit 3
Red Billed Blue Magpie 4 life bird!
Olive Backed Pipit 3 life bird!
Chinese Hwamei 1 life bird!
Yellow Bellied Prinia 4 life bird!
Rock Pigeon X
Sooty Headed Bulbul 2
White Shouldered Starling X life bird!
Red Billed Starling 2 life bird!
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