Happy Hangeul Day

Stejneger’s Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Falcated Duck Anas falcata

Dione Ratsnake Elaphe dione

Dione Ratsnake Elaphe dione

  Turns out yesterday was a national holiday, which celebrates Hangeul, the Korean alphabet…so I went birding along the river, as is tradition. Found some interesting spots, and a few new GNG birds, with my bird of the day being a lovely little Stejneger’s Stonechat. There was also a brown duck that had me scratching my head. After consulting with Tim (thanks!), it seems to be an eclipse Falcated Duck, a configuration I had not encountered before yesterday.
  The 20-strong tripod crew was ever-present along the southern mouth of the river. Not 100% sure what their deal is – they’re all set up with lawn chairs and umbrellas and little stoves and stuff, but didn’t seem to be actively observing the rafts of gulls and ducks on the river. Can’t say that I saw any binoculars either. (Shrugs.) Me? I’ll keep beating the bushes and wearing down the rubber on my heels and the cartilage in my knees, thank you.

Gangneung (Namdae River), October 9, 2018
Little Grebe-2
Temminck’s Cormorant-45+
Great Egret-1
Intermediate Egret-4
Little Egret-2
Grey Heron-9
Greater White-fronted Goose-12
Mallard-4
Spot-billed Duck-60+
Northern Shoveler-1
Falcated Duck-1
Eurasian Wigeon-1
Eurasian Sparrowhawk-2
Eurasian Kestrel-1
Ring-necked Pheasant-2
Moorhen-4
Common Sandpiper-1
Black-tailed Gull-45+
Black-headed Gull-35+
Vega Gull-8
Oriental Turtle Dove-6
Common Kingfisher-4
Great Spotted Woodpecker-1
Barn Swallow-10
Red-rumped Swallow-4
Eastern Yellow Wagtail-4
White Wagtail-12
Japanese Wagtail-2
Brown-eared Bulbul-12+
Bull-headed Shrike-7
Daurian Redstart-8
Stejneger’s Stonechat-1
Arctic Warbler-4
Vinous-throated Parrotbill-20+
Great Tit-10+
Oriental Greenfinch-10
Chinese Grosbeak-1
Tree Sparrow-120+
Red-billed Starling-1
Eurasian Magpie-15+
Large-billed Crow-5