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Subject: Possible Western Marsh Harrier at Mai Po [Print This Page]

Author: ajohn Time: 20/10/2013 15:24 Subject: Possible Western Marsh Harrier at Mai Po

Yesterday a Possible Western Marsh Harrier was seen at Mai Po. There are apparently photos available, but I have not yet seen these and I am not sure if I saw the correct bird.
If accepted, this would be the first record of this species in Hong Kong.

From what I understand features of the bird are:
Overall dark plumage
Well marked head pattern with clearly defined pale throat and dark stripe through eye
Little or no breast band
Rump dark

I thought this might be worth posting in case anyone is interested to look out for the bird, and in case anyone else has photos which might be useful for confirming identification.

Author: hmartin Time: 20/10/2013 17:45

I'm posting these pictures on behalf of the photographer concerned. They were taken on 17 Oct at Mai Po ponds 16/17. The same bird was apparently seen and photographed yesterday, but it seems that it was not present today.

Image Attachment: c5a4828e87d768f49dcf57cd4c9affd5.jpg (20/10/2013 17:45, 32.12 KB) / Download count 502
http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/attachment.php?aid=15936

Image Attachment: c77c7f59e80a9abb8910c0ad672396af.jpg (20/10/2013 17:45, 34.58 KB) / Download count 442
http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/attachment.php?aid=15937

Author: lpaul Time: 20/10/2013 20:27

Whilst I think this bird shows a number of pro WMH features (dark mask, pale crown, well-defined pale throat, little or no breast band, limited pale feathering on the leading edge), having read an article on the Birds Korea website, think the pale grey underside to the inner primaries and the crown streaking are pro EMH features. Both are known to hybridise, so maybe it's a hybrid. Anyhow, it would be good hear from those more familiar with WMH as it's a very distinctive bird.

Author: Andy-li Time: 20/10/2013 23:28

Another angle, taken on 17 Oct at Mai Po Ponds 16/17

Author: cthomas Time: 20/10/2013 23:33

It may be the same bird...

16/10/2013
Mai Po 米埔
Hasselblad CFE350mm + APO1.4XE x2 + 6D
ISO1000 f11 1/800s

Author: allwatin Time: 20/10/2013 23:59

same bird with 阿棋taken, Hope help to identify

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