Huisun.
We
started the February 3rd at Huisun Forest Recreation Area. After two
days of just about perfect weather it was a bit disappointing to have
rain overnight and to wake to a chillier, overcast world.
 |
| Formosan Blue Magpie |
Birding
was slow but we managed to get some of the target birds (1 Malayan
Night-heron, 6 Formosan Magpie (only in high trees) without too much
trouble. Also present were many Grey Treepies, Yuhinia, Sibia, Black
Bulbuls, and a pair of Grey-chinned Minivet.
Target
birds missed included Varied Tit (usually here), Maroon Oriole, and Brown Dipper. Oh
well, those blue magpies first thing in the morning work well for
someone in magpie-free Tainan.
On
Road # 21 between Huisun and the intersection with #8 we encountered 2
Crested Serpent-eagles, and 1 Oriental Honey Buzzard.
New Birds at Huisun:
Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus
Formosan Magpie Urocissa caerulea Endemic species
Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Gray-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris
Three days Mid-Taiwan Birding.
This
is how to do it! Chinese New Year malarkey over, and I finally had an
excuse to guide someone birding in central-west Taiwan.
Three
days of nothing but birding, mostly great weather, not much time wasted
on daytime eating and rest. Some truly outstanding birds found - from now it
becomes harder!
18 of the 22 official endemics were seen. Another 20-30 endemic subspecies and possible splits were among the 100+ species seen.
For convenience I am splitting these three days (February 1,2,3) into 7 parts.
Chun-yang. (visited Feb 1st morning, and 2nd late morning), plus notes on Wushe.
Meifeng. February 1st late morning and lunchtime.
Hehuan and Blue Gate Trail. February 1st lunchtime and afternoon.
Beidongyen Mountain. February 2nd morning.
Near Puli and Lienhuachr. February 2nd afternoon and evening.
Huisun. February 3rd morning.
Shrgang Reservoir and Gaomei Wetlands. February 3rd lunchtime and afternoon.
Catherine,
on a short trip to Taiwan from Los Angeles to see her daughter studying
in Taipei, had visited Dasyueshan before on a previous visit. She was
very enthusiastic about checking out some new sites.
I
met her on the Tuesday the 31st evening at Taichung High Speed Rail
Station, she was back in Taipei Friday evening with an expanded
life-list - and Taiwan Bulbul to get in Taroko Gorge on Sunday.
Species
I would have hoped to get, bit missed on this trip: Coal Tit, Eurasian
Jay, Taiwan Bush-warbler, Eurasian Nutcracker, Mikado Pheasant, Russet
Sparrow, Pygmy Wren-babbler, Varied Tit. For me, these should be picked
up at a later date - either in these same areas, or somewhere like
Dasyueshan. Would have loved to have spent more time at all these
destinations - will be back!
This
schedule worked well for us: we were happy rushing around, few noisy
tourist were about, and we were blessed with excellent weather. For most
people I would suggest birding these sites over a longer period.
