Waterfowl Count June 2001
Summary Report

The June 2001 was originally scheduled for 10 June, but was cancelled due to heavy rain. Fortunately, it was possible to re-schedule it for the following week, and it took place on 17th. Coverage of the Ramsar Site was complete. With regard to the Deep Bay area as a whole, all other sites were surveyed apart from Ma Tso Lung (Shenzhen River B) and San Tin.

A total of 3,324 waterbirds were recorded in the Deep Bay area (including Fu Tian), of which 1,500 were present in the Ramsar Site. As is usual at this time of year, ardeids comprised by far the largest group of birds, with 2,975 recorded. The increase on the number of ardeids recorded in May probably reflects the presence of locally-bred juveniles in the population. A small summering population of 246 waders was also present.

It can be seen that this year’s count was significantly above average, and the highest since monthly waterbird counts began. However, there was no count in 2000, and the 1998 count may involve some under-counting, as it was the first full waterbird count.