A short (?) interlude today from the ice and snow as I went out with Martin H to do some local birding. We planned to shoot at Nam Sang Wai but it was dull, grey and downright birdless. So we headed to Long Valley in search of Crested bunting for me and the rumoured Red-headed bunting for Martin.
LV seemed a better prospect and the good thing is that you can pick up everyday birds as you go like this Zitting cisticola. And yes that really is its name. Cisticola juncidis to the pros.
Hmmm, I think the first image has been over-warmed a tad in processing 😦
We started in fact with a rather obliging Plaintive cuckoo. Cacomantis merulinis.
Not so obligingly close was a Chestnut-eared bunting, Emberiza fucata.
We also saw a Bluethroat but it was into the light and the photo, sadly, is crapissimo. Yuk.
At lunchtime I retired to my car for a drink and a Mrs. Ha made sandwich whilst Martin went off to do some chores. Reconvene at 3pm was the plan. But 75 minutes later I had to phone him. “Get your **** over here….. the Red-headed bunting is showing.” I’m sure I put it more (or less) politely than that but this is a seriously good bird in Hong Kong.
So what was all the fuss about? This. Emberiza bruniceps.
I mean, never mind Rockhoppers and Chinstraps, how good is that? When I left it was still there and showing well. Doubtless the crowd controlling mutaween will be needed tomorrow. But the sharper amongst you will have realized that I didn’t see my Crested bunting. So its a replay tomorrow. Kick off 7.30am sharp. Feel free to join in the excitement.
All downhill from here 
Great shots, Andrew. I especially like the first two of the sweet Zitting cisticola.
Thanks Sandra. They are great birds.
Andrew, this is an excellent set of bird pics. You are improving on the backgrpounds. Of late. the photos are more of what you were shootiong for. (A pun?) Seriously 🙂 The snotty- I mean snooty 🙂 nosed resident ship photographer would need to work hard to rival these latest captures.
Yvonne, thank you as ever. Backgrounds are difficult. Some birds are found in habitat that makes a clean bg almost impossible. Long Valley is agricultural wetland. Rice fields, veggies growing, cress beds etc.Birds hop up and with patience a clean bg is achievable. But your comment is spot on. They look so much better when the bg is uncluttered.
Amazing birds in beautiful settings!
Thanks Phil.
Ah, back in your wheelhouse, Andrew. Nothing beats home cooking. 🙂
Indeed, Steve. A very enjoyable day but the plates of meat are a bit tired.
Wish I could get crapissimo photos like your blue throated whatsit. Birds are such a nuisance, they never sit still for me 😦
Patience is the key. Let the bird come to you. And use a humungous 800mm lens 🙂
I need a humungous DSLR first 😀