Tai Po Kau 28 Apr 2019 - Collared Owlet

There was a Collared Owlet reported in Tai Po Kau few days ago, which could be a first official HK record, so we made a visit today, even we have seen this species in Taiwan and Malaysia before. Anyway, we still want a HK/China tick.

On the way up, we saw a really cute fledged Light-vented Bulbul, responsive Hainan Blue Flycatcher, perching Chinese Sparrowhawk and a well showing Great Barbet while the Chinese Barbet was heard-only even close.

Thanks to Matthew, we finally managed to get to the spot though we had heard the Collared Owlet before getting there, just not sure if it was a distant playback or not. We waited and played then, tried twice and I could finally spotted this smallest owl species in HK and thanks to Lisa, we could have brilliant view of it!

Not a bad day indeed as the target was seen successfully after walking 11.555km, but of course I will be happier if I can have a better look of the ebird
Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo.... Next time then...

The checklist is here and the HK Big Year is now 233:
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55496101

fledged Light-vented Bulbul

Light-vented Bulbul calling for parents

male Hainan Blue Flycatcher

Hainan Blue Flycatcher singing

perching Chinese Sparrowhawk

Great Barbet

sand-bathing cow......

first view when I spotted the owlet..

Collared Owlet - much smaller than the Asian Barred Owlet and with spotted head

Collared Owlet - this individual got strange iris, some kind of deform

Collared Owlet with Japanese Tit - note the fake eyes

Collared Owlet

after waiting two hours... the Collared Owlet showed us the front view

so much walk....