Waterfowl Count 23 April 2000
Summary Report

During the April 2000 waterfowl count, not all sites within the Ramsar Site were covered. Mai Po San Tsuen and Shenzhen River A were not counted, and Tam Kon Chau was only partially counted. In addition, the stretch of coast from Nim Wan to Lau Fau Shan was also not counted; though this area lies outside the Ramsar Site, it is usually counted in all months of the year.

A total of 8,049 waterbirds were recorded in the Deep Bay area, with 7,826 of these being recorded in the Ramsar Site. Nearly 92% of birds (7,384 birds) were waders, and only 7% were ardeids. This is almost certainly a reflection of the fact that the fish pond areas, where many ardeids would have been, were relatively less well-counted than Mai Po Nature Reserve, and probably should not be taken as an accurate indication of the relative numbers of waterbirds present.

The high total of waders reflects the fact that April is the month of peak wader passage through Hong Kong, and this is the month when these birds always form their largest percentage of the total present. The great majority were recorded roosting on Mai Po Nature Reserve.

Small numbers of late-staying ducks, not yet departed north, were still present, and nine Black-faced Spoonbills were recorded. Two late Black-headed Gulls were also recorded.