March 2025 was one other “brief” birding month for me, on condition that I used to be away for the second half of the month – and it’s nonetheless too early for any significant spring migration. Nonetheless, I noticed a couple of birds.
A flock of a minimum of 7 Lengthy-billed Dowitchers was one of many early highlights of the month on Chongming island. Whereas I normally strive to not bore readers of my posts with my species lists, this one was quantity 383 for Shanghai (although these numbers at all times appear to vary attributable to species splits, birds being reclassified as vagrants/escapees, US inflation figures, inventory market performances and so forth.).
On the identical day, I presumably additionally noticed Hooded Cranes for the final time this spring – the juvenile already wanting ever extra like its mother and father.
Quickly it can begin listening to Hip-hop, and the mother and father will need it to depart.
The one-chick coverage remains to be the norm amongst China’s Hooded Cranes …
… and can most likely stay so, given the useful resource necessities of elevating two chicks …
… and the aim of elevating three chicks – as propagated by the present Chinese language authorities – remains to be far off even for the extra formidable crane mother and father.
Species that can stay in Shanghai for the summer time – like these Silver-throated Bushtits – have began preparations, bettering the state of affairs of the Chinese language building trade.
On Chongming, Lapwings apparently work in shifts, every lasting about half a yr. In March, the Grey-headed Lapwings have taken over from the Northern Lapwings (not proven).
Carrion Crows are nonetheless a comparatively uncommon sight in Shanghai regardless of most likely being of no curiosity to birders elsewhere.
It’s a bit greater than the Rook, of which Chongming Island this yr had a largish flock.
Even on the worst birding days on Chongming Island, there’s a good likelihood of some Reed Parrotbills saving the day – if you already know the place to look. Nonetheless, as soon as you already know a great location, the native authorities is normally very fast to destroy it inside a couple of months.
The Vinous-throated Parrotbill – form of just like the little brother of the Reed Parrotbill – will also be seen in the identical reeds, but additionally in lots of different habitats and thus is far much less weak.
Among the many many Noticed Redshanks seen on Chongming Island in early March, one Frequent Redshank stood out for its already a lot darker plumage.
In distinction, all of the Black-tailed Godwits have been nonetheless of their non-breeding plumage, making them appear to be they obtained second-hand garments from a charity group relatively than getting ready for an opera ball.
Seeing a Pale Thrush eat a scrumptious earthworm made me hungry.
When you just like the appears of Lengthy-tailed Shrikes however not their relatively aggressive habits, how in regards to the Chinese language Penduline Tit? It’s a cute various, although solely obtainable in Shanghai within the winter months.
Whereas David appears to haven’t any issues getting good pictures of Frequent Pheasants within the UK, the Shanghai ones are fairly timid.
It’s comprehensible, on condition that their camouflage is far worse than that of the Eurasian Woodcock.
Chinese language Gray Shrikes don’t actually trouble with camouflage.
A Higher Flamingo is wintering on Chongming Island, possibly the identical particular person seen there final yr as properly.
It’s too large to must worry the Jap Marsh Harrier close by – although the geese should be extra cautious.
Lastly, an Jap Yellow Wagtail.
Cowl picture: Pied Avocet, Chongming. My motto: If doubtful, at all times use an avocet as a canopy picture. If that final sentence sounds prefer it has been lifted from a Reacher novel, then it most likely has been.
