Maolin

March 31st

Was pleased to have another day birding in this southern valley that gets more attention for its wintering butterflies than equally good low to mid elevation birds. I hope the nearby mid-high elevation Tengjhih FRA will soon reopen (currently possible to travel the road up there to the neighboring area).

Taiwan Barbet

I can confidently recommend the De-en Gorge Homestay and campground run by the aboriginal Chen Family. Mr Chen senior is a retired school teacher, and does much for the local community and environment. His son ‘Big Head’, is completing a masters degree in ecotourism, he can introduce the local insects/spiders/botany in English. His birding skills are improving in leaps and bounds. He can be contacted at 0989579751 or yammjuin@gmail.com.

The homestay is located on the south side of the main Maolin Valley, near a smaller river. After driving through the main Maolin Village, turn right at the fire station, cross the river and turn left.

These birds were seen from  the 4km long surfaced loop trail behind their guesthouse.

Black-naped Monarch
Black Bulbul
Light-vented Bulbul
Taiwan Barbet
Besra
Yellow-browed Warbler
Brown-headed Thrush
Black-eared Kite
Maroon Oriole
Treepie
Crested Serpent Eagle
Rufous-capped Babbler
Taiwan Blue Magpie
Oriental Honey-buzzard
Japanese White-eye
Collared Finchbill
Grey-cheeked Fulvetta
Taiwan Scimitar Babbler
Bronzed Drongo
White-rumped Munia
House Swift
Grey-capped Woodpecker
Olive-backed Pipit
Grey-chinned Minivet

Heard only, or unconfirmed visual:
Bamboo Partridge, Barred Buttonquail, Black-necklaced Scimitar-Babbler, Savanna Nightjar.

Other:
Muntjac (Barking Deer). Well heard
Formosan Macaque (Monkey). Several seen.
...and lots of smaller delights!

New Birds:

Brown-headed Thrush    Turdus chrysolaus

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