XiaoYangshan, a small island located south of Shanghai in the Hangzhou bay is best known for the massive deep-water port. Even-though the island falls under the administration of Zhejiang province, the 32.5km long Donghai Bridge makes the accessibility easy from Shanghai. Besides the huge container port and economic development, XiaoYangshan is a hot place among Shanghai birders during the migration season. There are huge developments underway to expand the port but the island offers a variety of habitat for various passage migrants.

During this spring migration, it was evident that Chinese Egrets (Egretta eulophotes) were seen regularly in XiaoYangshan. As per BirdLife International, the population of Chinese Egrets is 2,500-9,999 mature individuals which places the total population in the range of 3,800-15,000 individuals. Like every other shorebird migrates through the East Asian-Australian Flyway which shows a declining trend in their population, Chinese Egrets are also succumbed to the loss of habitat. The land reclamation throughout the East Coast, especially along the Zhejiang province, has cost a potential staging site for these birds. Unlike the other Egrets, Chinese Egrets are mainly dependent on the inter-tidal mudflats and estuaries and rarely seen in fishing ponds and paddy fields.

Chinese Egret

Chinese Egret actively feeding on the mudflats of XiaoYangshan

During May 2015, 3 different individuals were observed feeding in the receding tide. During May 2016, the no’s have significantly increased and making first two weeks of May is their key time of passage through East China. On 16th April 2016, along with Russell Boyman, we noticed 3 individuals resting on the mudflats. On 24th April, we saw 4 birds, one at the fishing dock(30.641269, 122.052142) and the other 3 at the harbor mudflats (30.611012, 122.109624).

Individual 1 on 24th April

Individual 1 on 24th April

Individual 2 on 24th April

Individual 2 on 24th April

On 30th April, we had more eyes on the field with “Frogfish” aka Kevin Harding joining us and we noted 7 individuals on the harbor mudflats and another 3 in Nanhui making the total day count to 10 individuals. The major congregation was noted this weekend, 7th May with staggering 15 mature individuals roosting together during a hide on XiaoYangshan, full credits to Russell for finding this flock.

The Big Flock

The Big Flock

Based on the observation during two springs(May 2015 & May 2016), XiaoYangshan is becoming a key staging site for the Chinese Egrets during their migration. With the developments lurking around throughout the east coast of China, XiaoYangshan mudflats are unharmed at the moment as the port is expanding northwise. Although, an entire mountain was “demountainized” during last spring for a new power station, its unclear whether the mudflats will remain or not.

Some other highlights from XiaoYangshan during this spring

Just like the Chinese Egret, we had good no. of Yellow-breasted Bunting passing through. We had 100% success rate in finding the Yellow-breasted Bunting on all the four weekends.

Individual 2 near the Garbage dumping site

Individual 2 near the Garbage dumping site on 25th April

Yellow-breasted Bunting

Another scarce bunting in Shanghai

A very confiding Nightjar

A very confiding Nightjar

Dusky Warbler

Dusky Warbler

Narcissus Flycatcher

Narcissus Flycatcher, a specialist in coastal migration

Vocal specialist - Manchurian Bush Warbler

Vocal specialist – Manchurian Bush Warbler

Yet another new bird for my Shanghai list

Yet another new bird for my Shanghai list

We had a plenty of variety in Buntings, we even managed to score the two scarce Buntings (Yellow-breasted and Yellow) but missed the Yellow-browed.

Japanese Yellow Bunting

Japanese Yellow Bunting

A very common Bunting during passage.

A very common Bunting during passage.

Consolidated species list during 24 April  – 7 May 2016

 

Common name Scientific name Location Date Count
Ducks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae) – 1 / 173
Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 10
Pheasants and allies (Phasianidae) – 1 / 182
Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 4
Grebes (Podicipedidae) – 1 / 23
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Ibises, Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae) – 2 / 36
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Black-faced Spoonbill – EN Platalea minor Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 40
Herons, Bitterns (Ardeidae) – 8 / 72
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Lava/Striated Heron Butorides sundevalli/striata XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 10
Great Egret Ardea alba Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Little Egret Egretta garzetta XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Chinese Egret – VU Egretta eulophotes XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 5
Ospreys (Pandionidae) – 1 / 2
Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 5/7/16 2
Kites, Hawks and Eagles (Accipitridae) – 1 / 256
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Rails, Crakes and Coots (Rallidae) – 3 / 151
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Stilts, Avocets (Recurvirostridae) – 2 / 10
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 15
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Nanhui, Shanghai, China 5/7/16 1
Plovers (Charadriidae) – 3 / 67
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 10
Jacanas (Jacanidae) – 1 / 8
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae) – 18 / 96
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Far Eastern Curlew – VU Numenius madagascariensis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 15
Common Redshank Tringa totanus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 10
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 5
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 4
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Dunlin Calidris alpina XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 10
Gulls, Terns and Skimmers (Laridae) – 2 / 102
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 5/7/16 1
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Pigeons, Doves (Columbidae) – 2 / 335
Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Nightjars (Caprimulgidae) – 1 / 98
Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Caracaras, Falcons (Falconidae) – 2 / 67
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Shrikes (Laniidae) – 3 / 33
Tiger Shrike Lanius tigrinus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 5/7/16 1
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Figbirds, Orioles (Oriolidae) – 1 / 38
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 5/7/16 2
Drongos (Dicruridae) – 2 / 25
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 5/7/16 4
Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 5/7/16 1
Crows, Jays (Corvidae) – 2 / 131
Eurasian Magpie Pica pica Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 4
Tits, Chickadees (Paridae) – 1 / 61
Japanese Tit Parus minor XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Larks (Alaudidae) – 1 / 97
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae) – 1 / 151
Light-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 10
Swallows, Martins (Hirundinidae) – 3 / 88
Pale Martin Riparia diluta Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 4
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 10
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Cettia Bush Warblers and allies (Cettiidae) – 1 / 32
Manchurian Bush Warbler Horornis borealis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 6
Leaf Warblers and allies (Phylloscopidae) – 7 / 77
Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Hume’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 7
Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Reed Warblers and allies (Acrocephalidae) – 1 / 61
Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Grassbirds and allies (Locustellidae) – 1 / 60
Marsh Grassbird Locustella pryeri Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Cisticolas and allies (Cisticolidae) – 3 / 158
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Hill Prinia Prinia superciliaris XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 5
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Sylviid Babblers (Sylviidae) – 1 / 70
Vinous-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthora webbiana Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 10
Northern/Reed Parrotbill Paradoxornis polivanovi/heudei Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 5
White-eyes (Zosteropidae) – 1 / 128
Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Starlings, Rhabdornis (Sturnidae) – 3 / 123
Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Red-billed Starling Spodiopsar sericeus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 20
White-cheeked Starling Spodiopsar cineraceus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Thrushes (Turdidae) – 8 / 166
Siberian Thrush Geokichla sibirica Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Grey-backed Thrush Turdus hortulorum XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Japanese Thrush Turdus cardis Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Common Blackbird Turdus merula Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Brown-headed Thrush Turdus chrysolaus Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Chats, Old World Flycatchers (320) (Muscicapidae) – 13 / 320
Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa latirostris Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Siberian Blue Robin Larvivora cyane XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Rufous-tailed Robin Larvivora sibilans Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 6
Stejneger’s Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 1
Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches (Passeridae) – 1 / 51
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 15
Wagtails, Pipits (Motacillidae) – 5 / 65
Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 50
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
White Wagtail Motacilla alba Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 5
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 10
Buntings, New World Sparrows and allies (Emberizidae) – 9 / 176
Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/30/16 2
Tristram’s Bunting Emberiza tristrami XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 10
Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 5
Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Yellow-breasted Bunting – VU Emberiza aureola XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 1
Yellow Bunting – VU Emberiza sulphurata XiaoYangshan, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 3
Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 5
Pallas’s Reed Bunting Emberiza pallasi Nanhui, Shanghai, China 4/24/16 2
Species: 117