Birds Korea Bird Review 2009€¦ · Lee Gi-Seob (LGS) Lee Hee-Ju (LHJ) Lee Hae-Seun (LHS) Lee...

Birds Korea is dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats in Korea and the wider Yellow Sea Eco-region.

The Birds Korea Bird Review 2009

© Tim Edelsten

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A Contents

01 Introduction, Selected Species

02 Contributors, Abbreviations

03-34 Selected Species Accounts

35 References

Birds Korea 1108 Ho 3 Dong Samick Tower Apt. 148-22, Namcheon-Dong Su-Young-GuBusan, 618-762 Republic of Korea

Web: http://www.birdskorea.org

Written and compiled by Tim Edelsten and Nial Moores.

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The Birds Korea Bird Review 2009IntroductionThis review was compiled and written by Tim Edelsten with additional input and editing by Nial Moores; review ofselected records by Shim Kyu-Sik; and online layout by Andreas Kim. Nomenclature and threat status follow the2009 Birds Korea Checklist (Moores & Park 2009) as online publication of this review (in April 2013) precedesonline publication of the 2013 Birds Korea Checklist.

Out of the 400 or so species recorded in total during 2009 in the Republic of Korea (ROK), this review containsespecially notable records of over 220 species. These records were submitted to Birds Korea by members orvisiting birders, and for 2009 were also gleaned from key literature, ten domestic birding websites and a further 70domestic birding blogs. A small number of ornithologically significant records made in the DPRK in 2009, during avisit to Mundok wetland in late April by a team from the Miranda Shorebird Centre in New Zealand (Riegen 2009),are also included.

Identification of the review species has in almost all cases been made by the observer(s) themselves, and isusually supported by photographs, as clarified in the text. In the absence of a national or regional recordscommittee, details of several of the records were respectfully requested from observers (and in the absence of aresponse or necessary online supporting details, have occasionally been omitted), while many of the more notablerecords have also already been open to public review, through online-posting by Birds Korea or by other websites /blogs. In a few especially challenging cases, images or descriptions have also been assessed by independentidentification specialists.

Selected SpeciesFollowing this process, species adequately-documented for the first time in Korea include King Eider Somateriaspectabilis, Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis, Claudia’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus claudiae, and AshyWoodswallow Artamus fuscus. Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii was also elevated to CategoryOne from Category Three. Northern Raven Corvus corax was recorded for the first time in the ROK, whileCaspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia was recorded for the first time in the DPRK. Both Northern Fulmar Fulmarusglacialis and Tufted Puffin Fratercula cirrhata are also to be added to the Checklist in 2013 on the basis ofhistorical records from waters off the DPRK. One further species, Guldenstadt's Redstart Phoenicuruserythrogastus, was added to Category Three of the 2009 Checklist.

In addition, four regularly-occurring species (Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Japanese Night Heron Gorsachiusgoisagi, Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus and Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris) wereadequately-documented as breeding species apparently for the first time in the ROK in 2009. A further 20 or sospecies are included in the review as they have likely been recorded less than ten times previously in the ROK.Some of these species are likely very rare in Korea, while several others might have been largely overlooked inprevious years (see Moores 2012 for a review of potential biases affecting records which include e.g. an increase inaccess, observer activity and ability). In addition, three exotic species are included for the first time, because of thepotential identification challenges they pose or because they have occurred in one or more close-lying countries ina natural or near-natural state. The remaining species are included because of their global conservation status orbecause numbers, dates or locations of records appear to be exceptional (based on a reading of available onlineand published literature). However, as most online sources do not include counts or records of commoner species,most peak counts listed below are from Birds Korea members and therefore might be conservative.


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Contributors

This is the eighth in a series of Year Reviews made freely available by Birds Korea in html format or as adownloadable PDF. While incomplete, these Year Reviews still remain the only annual review (in either English orKorean) to capture the majority of ornithologically significant records in the ROK. This important citizen science-driven process is only possible due to the generous efforts of all who share or help to assess images and records.Our sincerest thanks to all concerned, in particular once more to Dr. Shim Kyu Sik. This year information andrecords are drawn from the following 134 observers, contributors and commentators (arranged alphabetically, withfamily name provided first for those of East Asian origin, and given names first for those from other regions):

AbbreviationsIn addition to named individuals, certain oft-cited organisations or websites are indicated by the following abbreviations:BCK: http://www.birdcenter.krBDB: Birds Data Base website: http://birddb.comBIJ: Birds in Jeju website: http://www.birdsinjeju.comKNP: Korea National Parks Service: http://www.knps.or.krKWBS: Korean Wild Bird Society website http://www.kwbs.or.krMOE: Ministry of Environment: http://eng.me.go.krSLR: http://www.slrclub.comTBV: "Team Bavaria", comprising Heiko Kraetzel, Kirsten Kraetzel, Soenke Tautz, Jörg Langenberg, Thomas

Langenberg, Johanna Rathgeber-Knan, Armin Schneider, & Nial Moores.

AAlan Brown (AB)Andreas Kim (AK)BBob Flood (BF)Barry Heinrich (BH)Byeon Jeong-Gwan (BJG)Baek Jong-Seok (BJS)CCam Bieksza (CB)Chai Seung-Hoon (CSHN)Choi Cheol-Seun (CCS)Choi Hae-Young (CHY)Cho Seung-Ho (CSH)Choi Soon-Kyu (CSK)Choi Soo-Yeol (CSY)DDave Bakewell (DB)Dominic Le Croisette (DLC)D.O.M. (DOM)EElaine Miller (EM)Ellin Stubblefield (ES)GGail Lindie (GL)Gang Chang-Hwan (GCH)Geoff Carey (GC)Goh Kyoung-Nam (GKN)Gu Joon-Hee (GJH)Gwan Chan-Su (GCS)HHan Dong-Gwan (HDG)

Huang Jae-Heung (HJH)Han Seung-Woo (HSW)Hans Thalund (HT)Hayley Wood (HW)IIgari Atsushi (IA)Im Bek-Ho (IBH)Im Da-Mi (IDM)Im Kwang-Wan (IKW)Im Bong-Hee (IMBH)JJoseph Bieksza (JB)Jang Byoung-Soon (JBS)Jeong Da-Mi (JDM)Jong Ha-Jin (JHJ)Joh Heung-Sang (JHS)Jeong Hwan (JH)Jong Jin-Mun (JJIM)Ji Jong-Man (JJOM)Jörg Langenberg (JL)Jon Lewis (JOL)Jeon Mi-He (JMH)Javier Piedra (JP)John Roberts (JR)Jang Su-Bang (JSB)Jeon Shi-Jin (JSJ)Joh Song-Sik (JSS)JeongYong-Gi (JYG)KKim Beom-Su (KBS)Koo Bong-Jeong (KBJ)

Kim Dae-Hwan (KDH)Kim Eun-Mi (KEM)Kim Gye-Soo (KGYS)Kim Gye-Song (KGS)Kim Gi-Yeol (KGY)Kathy Gustafson (KG)Kim Hyan-Gee (KHG)Kim Han-Ju (KHJ)Kang Hee-Man (KHM)Kwak Ho-Kyoung (KHK)Kang Hwa-Yeon (KHWY)Kim Hwa-Yeon (KHY)Kim Hyo-Gun (KHOG)Kim Yeon-Su (KYS)Kim Young-Ho (KYH)Kim Jae-Hwan (KJH)Kim Jun-Cheol (KJC)Kim Jong-Won (KJW)Kwan Kyoung-Sook (KKS)Kelly Shepherd (KS)Kim Shin Hwan (KSH)Kim Song-Jin (KSJ)Kim Su-Kyoung (KSK)Kim Seong-Mi (KSM)Kim Seok-Min (KSMI)Kim Tae-Gyu (KTG)Kim Sung-Hyun (KSUH)Kim Seok-Yee (KSY)Kim Woo-Yuel (KWY)LLee Dae-Jong (LDJ)Lee Eun-Sang (LES)

Lee Gi-Seob (LGS)Lee Hee-Ju (LHJ)Lee Hae-Seun (LHS)Lee Hyun-Woo (LHW)Lee Jae-Heung (LJH)Lee Jong-Sik (LJS)Lee Jae-Won (LJW)Lee Kwang-Goo (LKG)Lee Seung-Cheol (LSC)Lee Sang-Hun (LSH)Lee Sang-Il (LSI)Lee Song-Won (LSW)Lee Seung-Yeol (LSY)Lee Yang-Seob (LYS)LeeYong-Min (LYM)MMike Balfour (MB)MunEun-Ju (MEJ)Mike Friel (MF)Matt Poll (MP)Michael Rumberger (MR)Michael Stubblefield (MS)Mishima Takanobu (MT)Marc Van Roomen (MVR)NNial Moores (NM)OOh Dong-Pil (ODP)Oh Jang-Geun (OJG)Oh Tae-Seok (OTS)

PPark Gi-Ha (PGH)Park Geun-Seok (PGS)Park Heung-Sik (PHS)Park Hyun-Woo (PHW)Park Hang-Jae (PHJ)Park Jong-Gil (PJG)Park Joo-Hyun (PJH)Park Meena (PM)Park Un-Nam (PUN)Park Young-Ook (PYO)RRichard Lindie (RL)Robin Newlin (RN)SSuh Chung-Gi (SCG)Stephen Gustafson (SG)ShimHyun-Seob (SHS)Song In-Sik (SIS)S.Jong (SJ)Seok Jae-Eul (SJE)Shim Kyu-Sik (SKS)TTim Edelsten (TE)Thomas Langenberg(TL)VVictor Stanger (VS)WWon Jeong-Dae (WJD)YYang Hyun-Sook (YHS)


http://www.birdcenter.kr

http://birddb.com

http://www.birdsinjeju.com

http://www.knps.or.kr

http://www.kwbs.or.kr

http://eng.me.go.kr

http://www.slrclub.com



Selected Species Accounts (all relate to the ROK unless stated otherwise)

Swan Goose Anser cygnoides P3,W4A local migrant and scarce winter visitor. At the Han-Imjin Estuary (where most numerous), the peak count known toBirds Korea was 600 on March 14th (RN, IMBH, IDM).

Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus P/W5A scarce but much overlooked migrant and winter visitor, usually recorded from early October to mid-March. In Januaryan adult and a juvenile were at Janggu Bay in the Geum Estuary on January 1st (NM), while two were present atJungmun, Jeju Island throughout the month (JES). On March 1st, one was also seen at Imjingak (RN). In thesecond half of the year, at Seosan Lakes, an adult was photographed on October 10th (LKG); a juvenile and anadult were seen on the 18th (LHW); one was heard on the 25th (RN, IKW, SCG); and further singles werephotographed on the 29th (SIS) and on November 14th (LHW). Three adults were also pictured together there onNovember 29th (KSH). Elsewhere, an adult was photographed at Gangneung, Gangwon, on October 29th (HJH),followed by one or two seen at Junam Reservoirs on December 5th (via DLC) and 10th (NM, SG, KG).

Snow Goose Chen caerulescens WV1An annual winter visitor in very small numbers, usually from early October to late March. Three were recorded at theMangyeung River (Jeollabuk) during the MOE Census (MOE 2009), and at Seosan Lakes, one was photographed onJanuary 28th (CSY) and again on October 11th (KSH). At Cheorwon, two were photographed on November 1st (PHW),with one also seen there on the 12th of that month (RN, SCG).

Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii WV1A rare winter visitor, recorded near-annually this decade, from October to March, with the majority of records believd toinvolve leucopareia. At Imjingak on January 9th, one believed to be of subspecies minima was seen on January 9th(TBV). At Cheorwon, two were seen on November 1st (PHW)- the thirteenth record of this species since 1992. Inaddition, an oddly-patterned goose with a few characteristics (vaguely) suggesting Cackling Goose wasphotographed at Seosan on October 19th (PHS).

Mute Swan Cygnus olor W5A rare, irregular and very local winter visitor. In 2009, recorded from at least four locations. At the northern reservoiron Yongjeong Island, three were present from at least January 16th (PJH) to at least January 27th (JDM); on JejuIsland, one in January (JES) was followed by two on November 15th at Yongsu-ri Lake (LSC); at Chungju, a groupof four were seen on November 21st (via IKW); and thirteen at Songji Lagoon, Geojin, Gangwon province onDecember 20th (BH, KSM) was the highest count during the year

Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus W4A declining and now scarce winter visitor with all records attributable to subspecies bewickii. A total of only 65 werereported by MOE (2009), compared with 792 reported in 1999 and 397 in 2000 by the same census. Five photographedat Shihwa Lake on October 24th (YHS) appears to be the highest concentration in the second half of the yearknown to Birds Korea. Of interest, one presumed bewickii x nominate columbianus hybrid was present at JunamReservoir (Changwon) from December 10th (NM, SG, KG) to at least December 15th (DLC).

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus W3/SV2After a rapid increase at the end of the 1990s, the over-wintering population in the ROK in recent winters appearsto be more or less stable, with 4,857 reported by MOE (2009). A neck-banded individual "CO3", was photographedat Gumi on February 17th (WJD). One photographed at Seosan on June 6th (KSH) and again on June 24th (KKS)is an exceptional mid-summer record.


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Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata R, W3An uncommon and declining species, apparently more numerous and widespread in winter than in summer. MOE(2009) reported only 640 nationwide, compared with a mean of >1,909 per winter for the period 1999-2003 (MOE1999-2003).

Falcated Duck Anas falcata W3, SV2 Br: 3Classified as globally Near-threatened, with a world population estimated at c.89,000 with 78,000 of these inChina (Cao et al. 2008). Numbers overwintering in the ROK reported by the MOE census have increasedsubstantially since 1999 (when 1,912 were reported), doubling since 2005 to reach a new high count of 5,224 in2009 (MOE 1999-2009). In the second half of the year, a count of 700 on November 21st at Shihwa Lake (TE)seems noteworthy.

American Wigeon Anas americana V1First documented record in 1993 (Park 2002), with few subsequent records. Probably annual in very smallnumbers, but status confused by comparatively numerous hybrids. One recorded by the MOE Census (2009) wasfollowed by a male photographed on April 6th at Gyehwado, Saemangeum (SSMP): the latter a rather late andunusual record (as away from the south coast). At the more typical location of the Nakdong Estuary, Busan, twowere photographed on November 30th (KHY), with at least one there still on December 14th (KHY).

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos W1, S4The rapid decline in the wintering population of this species in the ROK continues, with only 159, 884 reported byMOE (2009), compared to almost 420,000 recorded in 2000 at many fewer sites (MOE 2000). While present in verysmall numbers each summer, a female photographed with three ducklings at Gwacheon, Seoul, on June 14th(JJOM) is perhaps the first adequately-documented breeding record of this species in the ROK.

Baikal Teal Anas formosa W1, SV2In 2009 recorded in large numbers moving between several locations, with a new high total of 1,063, 280reported by the MOE Winter Census. Half of this total was in Jeollanam Province, with a further 200,000 atDongrim Lake (Jeollabuk) (MOE 2009). Also in January, 400,000 were noted at the Geum Estuary on the 1st(TBV), followed by a flock of perhaps 200,000 over-flying Mokpo on the 12th (KSY). Also in Jeollanam Provinceat Saneh Lake, Gangjin-Gu, a concentration of perhaps 400,000 was photographed on the 17th. In March, a flockof up to 30,000 were photographed at Seosan on the 5th (KSH) and 8th (KYS). In the second half of the year, atYeongam Lake, Haenam, a gathering of 50,000 on November 22nd had apparently risen to 150,000 byDecember 4th (LJS).

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina V1A rare winter visitor, not recorded annually. At Shihwa Lake, two females were seen between January 4th and 25th,with one remaining until February 16th at least (PHS).

Common Pochard Aythya ferina P/W2A common winter visitor and passage migrant, mostly present from mid-October to April. A total of 36, 789 werereported by MOE (2009), with almost a third of these (12,150) claimed on Shihwa Lake.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca V1 Not (yet) recorded annually, despite an apparent increase in recent reports in China and also Japan (where alsovery rare). A male on Gageo Island on February 20th (NM) is approximately the seventh national record and alsothe first to be seen on an offshore island.




King Eider Somateria spectabilisA female, the first record of this species for Korea, wasfound at Ayajin Port, Gangwon Province, on January11th (KSMI). This individual was later re-found furthernorth at Geojin Harbour, where it was last seen andphotographed alive on January 19th (TE). It was thenunfortunately found dead in early February (KWBS).Extraordinarily, a male was found during the sameperiod near Uljin on January 17th (PYO) and likewisetracked northwards, until being last seen on the borderof Gyongsangbuk and Gangwon provinces on January22nd (LYS).

Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus W4 NNA locally common winter visitor along the north-east and east coast, some years wintering as far south as Busan.As the species is easy to overlook during rapid survey, a total of only 206 were reported by MOE (2009). Twophotographed at Shihwa Lake between January 8th (KHK) and 27th (IKW), is a rare record for the west coast.

White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi W3A total of 1,089 were reported by MOE (2009), with most along the east coast, and numbers in Busan falling from1,000 in 2006 to only 33 in 2009. Forty-one off Socheong Island on April 12th (NM, MS, ES) is the highest westcoast count during the year.

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis V1A rare winter visitor, scarcely reported annually. At Hwajinpo, Gangwon Province, one was seen on January 6th(TBV). At Shihwa Lake, a male, present since November 2008, remained until at least January 29th (KHOG). It wasalso loosely accompanied by two females from January 4th (KJC) to the 25th (TE, SKS), with one female remaininguntil at least the 29th (KHOG). On the very late date of April 28th, a male and female were seen out to sea, about10km east of Eocheong Island in Gunsan (JT). Back at Shihwa, a male was again seen on November 21st (TE),where a female was also photographed on December 26th (IKW).

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula W3A common winter visitor to the ROK, apparently showing large annual fluctuations in number. A total of 6, 348 werereported by MOE (2009), with 2, 580 of these at Shihwa Lake.

Scaly-sided Merganser Mergus squamatus W5 Br: NN2A scarce winter visitor and migrant, apparently often overlooked by rapid survey effort, with only 14 recorded byMOE (2009). In 2009, recorded from at least the following locations:

1. At the "South East River" in Gyeongsangnam Province, twelve, including four males and eight femaleswere seen on January 2nd (TBV);

2. At Chungju at least one was present on January 8th (LES);3. 3. Fourteen were reported from Dalcheon in Gangwon Province on January 15th (PUN);4. "North East River", Gangwon Province. Despite increasing disturbance along the riverbank by the

construction of a quad bike track, at least two were present on February 18th (CSY). Two had returned byNovember 9th (PHW), and seven were counted there on December 15th (RN);

5. One (or more?) was present on the sea off Heuksan Island. According to Table 1-23, the species wasrecorded in early March, early May and even late May (KNP 2009).

King Eider Somateria spectabilis, Photo © Kim Shin-Hwan


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Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii W52009 was a remarkable year for this scarcely-reported winter visitor and migrant. Much of the increase in records isprobably attributable to an increase in survey effort, including counting from boats and commercial ferries. Recordsin 2009 known to Birds Korea came from the following locations:

1. Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk Province. One on January 4th (TBV);2. Hwajinpo, Gangwon Province. Four on January 5th and one on January 6th (TBV);3. Ayajin Port, Gangwon Province. One photographed close inshore on January 25th (KJC) and seen

subsequently by multiple observers until at least March 7th (RN, IKW);4. Yeongil Bay, Gyeongsangbuk Province. One found on February 6th (LHW) was seen and photographed by

multiple observers until at least February 26th (PHS);5. Sokcho, Gangwon Province. One was photographed dead in the fishing harbour among other discarded

seabird corpses on February 14th (KHY);6. From Socheong Island. One was seen on February 18th (NM);7. Between Incheon Port - Socheong Island. Singles were seen on March 17th (NM), April 11th and 16th (NM,

MS, ES) and on May 9th (NM);8. Between Mokpo Port and Gageo Island. Up to five were seen on April 17th (NM, RN);9. Geojin, Gangwon Province. Two on December 9th (NM).

Petrel Pterodroma spAn unidentified petrel was watched at medium-long range in strong glare and against the light from a fishing boatabout 8km offshore from Hwajinpo on January 5th (TBV). The bird resembled a Flesh-footed Shearwater, with aheavy body and appearing all dark. However, in only light winds, it flew quickly with rapid wing-beats followed byextended, exaggerated upward and downward glides.

Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas S2 Br:1A locally common breeder on offshore Islands, apparently absent or largely absent from Korean waters from mid-November to early March. Unusually early records included one or two between Mokpo and Gageo Island on February19th, and five seen from Igidae, Busan on March 6th (NM). Noteworthy counts included 6, 400 off Socheong Island onMay 16th and 2, 500 off Gageo Island on October 7th (NM).

Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris P5A generally scarce migrant (although occasionally recorded in larger concentrations) from April to October, withmost records in mid-summer. One photographed near Eochong Island on June 6th (SIS) and four seen on July22nd between Socheong Island and Incheon Port (NM) are apparently the only reports in 2009.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes P5A generally scarce migrant, with most records between June and November. In 2009, most records were fromcommercial ferries:

1. At sea, between Incheon Port and Socheong Island. One on July 23rd (NM), and in August one on the 16th(SKS) and two on the 19th, one on the 22nd, and three or four on the 31st (NM). In September, singleswere seen on the 13th and 22nd (NM) and one was photographed on the 26th (SKS). In October, three onthe 1st (TE, SKS), two on the 2nd (SKS), three on the 9th, and two on the 11th (RN);

2. At sea, between Bigeum Island and Heuksan Island. One on July 29th (PJG), one on August 13th and twoon October 12th (NM);

3. At sea, between Hatei and Manjay Island and Gageo Island. One on August 13th and another on August 18th (NM);4. At sea, close to Eocheong Island. One on August 29th (NM, BF, RN);5. Approximately 5km offshore from Geojin, Gangwon Province. One or more on August 30th (NM, RN, SKS, BF);6. From Socheong Island itself. One on September 13th and 14th (NM);7. At sea, between Mokpo and Jeju Island. One on September 18th (RN);8. From Gageo Island itself. One on October 7th (NM).




Swinhoe's Storm Petrel Oceanodroma monorhis S3 Br:1A local summer visitor, with the majority of the world’s breeding population confined to only a few ROK islands, most inthe West Sea (though including Dok Island in the East Sea, since at least 2005: Ahn 2005). The largest concentration(possibly up to 90% of the world population) breeds on the Gugeul Islets off Gageo (Birds Korea 2010). In 2009,although the Gugeul Islets are legally-protected, illegal fisherman were photographed on one of the islets during thesummer months, and fishing boats (some playing loud music) regularly fished close-by (NM pers. obs.) Breeding wasalso documented at Gwantal Islet, off Chuja Island, where twenty birds were observed (GCH, Joh 2009)

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena W3A locally common winter visitor, especially to inshore waters along the east coast between the Guryongpo Peninsulaand Hwajin Po. Underreported by the MOE census (which recorded a total of only 222 in 2009: MOE 2009), a countof 300 between Jukbyeon Port and Onyang-ri, Gyeongsangbuk Province on January 20th (TE, NM) is perhaps morerepresentative of a handful of areas with larger concentrations. One near Gageo Island on February 22nd (NM)was the first record for that island and an unusual record from that part of the Yellow sea.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus cristatus W3, R5 Br: 1An increasing and locally common winter visitor (with 6, 314 reported by MOE 2009) and also a scarce breedingspecies. At Uiwang Reservoir, at least two pairs managed to raise a total of five chicks (TE), although greaterbreeding success was limited by wildly fluctuating water levels for agricultural irrigation purposes which submergedthe nest of at least one pair. Breeding was also observed at Seosan in July (KSH).

Black Stork Ciconia nigra P5, WV1 Br: 3A scarce migrant and winter visitor, with records from at least four locations in 2009:

1. Hampyeong, Jeollanam Province. At this traditional wintering site, three were photographed on January20th (LJW); one on February 27th (JHJ); and two on or around March 2nd (SIS);

2. Youngju City, Gyeongsangbuk Province. One frequented a stretch of dry riverbed from at least January25th (KJC) to February 8th (JJIM);

3. Gageo Island. One probable was seen flying over the sea from the island on April 19th (RN, NM), and anadult was photographed on October 5th (NM);

4. Socheong Island. A juvenile was seen over-flying the island on September 30th (KSUH).

Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana W5, SV2 Br:3Extirpated as a breding species, and now a rare, localized and declining winter visitor, typically from late October tolate March. This year, recorded in at least four locations:

1. Yeongjeong Island. One seen on January 17th (TE) was present until at least April 4th (TE, RN);2. Geumho Lake, Haenam. One was seen on February 24th (TE, AK);3. 3. Seosan Lakes, Chungcheongnam Province. In January, two were seen and photographed on the 3rd

(PHS), with five on the 9th (TBV) and seven on the 24th (MEJ) and in February eight on the 21st, increasingto eleven on the 28th (KSH). In March, this group peaked at fifteen on the 4th (KSK), which appears to be thehighest concentration recorded in the ROK for the past five years. This number decreased to fourteen on the6th (RL, AB), thirteen on the 7th (KSH), and only four by the 19th (KYS). One photographed there on June 5th(KKS), is apparently only the second recent record of over-summering on the mainland. The following autumn,one had returned on November 14th (KJC), with three seen on the 15th (JJIM) and six on the 20th (BCK);

4. Gomso Bay, Jeollanam Province. Three were seen on December 12th (NM, SG, KG).

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia W4, SV1A survey conducted at traditional sites for this species between January 9th-11th (KWBS) found at least 70 at Seosan;two at Hado, Jeju Island; 26 at the Nakdong Estuary, Busan; and eighteen at Junam Reservoir (Changwon). Oneon Gageo Island on April 22nd (NM, RN) is exceptional for a small offshore island.


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Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor S4/3, W5 Br:1 A locally common summer visitor (late March to October) to tidal-flats along the west coast (especially in GyeonggiBay) and rare over-wintering species, most regular on Jeju. The 2009 Black-faced Spoonbill winter census recorded2, 041 individuals globally, with most wintering in Taiwan (Yu 2009). In the summer of 2009, between 443 and 515pairs were counted / estimated to be breeding in the ROK (Lee Ki Sup unpublished data shared with SAVEInternational and other organisations). Thus, approximately half of the total known world population of the species isnow known to breed in the ROK. Most colonies were on small islets in Incheon. The largest colonies contained 150-200 pairs on Yodo; 78-100 pairs on Bido; and 130 pairs on Gujido. This total is much higher than previous nationalestimates, e.g. of 327+ pairs in 2006, 284+ in 2007, and 295-335 pairs in 2008 (Lee Ki Sup unpublished data). AtSongdo, Incheon, two pairs were apparently first noted nesting on a small islet in a lagoon on reclaimed land on April26th (TE). This number had risen to seven nests on May 23rd (TE, JP). On July 5th, fourteen adults and nineteenfledglings were counted (TE), with 47 individuals present on September 5th (TE, RN, IKW, KDH). During thenon-breeding season, nationwide surveys of mostly mainland areas, by members of KWBS in 2009 revealed totalsof 25 individuals at two sites in January, 450 present at thirteen sites in August, and 572 at twenty sites in October. Ofthese, the highest single concentration was of 251 at Gangwha Island on October 18th.

Cinammon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus V1Now recorded annually or near-annually, with most records in May and June. In 2009, an adult male photographed onWeiyeon Island on May 7th remained on-site until at least May 31st (RN, SKS). On Gageo Island, a male and femalewere photographed on May 23rd (NM), and one or morewere recorded on Heuksan Island in late May (KNP2009). At Soneul-ri, Jeju Island, one was recorded in June(JES), becoming apparently at least the 15th record forthe ROK.

Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis V1An overshooting migrant in months April-June, recordedannually in recent years with at least 13 previous recordsso far traced by Birds Korea. One photographed onHeuksan Island on May 18th (PJG) was followed byanother individual seen on Gageo Island on May 24th(NM).

Japanese Night Heron Gorsachius goisagi V1In Jeju City, a pair successfully raised two chicks, garnering national media attention (JES, SBS). This is the firstbreeding record for Korea and apparently only the second breeding record outside of Japan. Elsewhere, one seenon Gageo Island on April 23rd (RN, NM) was followed by one at Weiyeon Island, Chungcheongnam Province, onMay 3rd (CHY).

Striated Heron Butorides striataAn adult photographed at Seogwipo, Jeju (MP) on January 17th is the second adequately-documented mid-winterrecord in Korea of the species known to Birds Korea (after the first also from Jeju Island in December 2008). In thelatter half of the year, an adult was found at Seogwipo, Jeju Island, on December 3rd, and an immature, also atSeogwipo, on December 5th (MP).

Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus P/S5 WV2 Br: 1Increasingly regular as a migrant; recorded breeding in several areas and also rarely overwintering. One at Hado, Jeju,on January 4th (MP, MB) was followed by another seen at Hwajin Po, also on Jeju Island, on January 13th (TBV).

Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis Photo © Park Jong-Gil




Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel V1Recorded annually in recent years, often associated with the passage of typhoons through southern Japan andsouthern Korea. One seen at Weiyeon Island on August 29th (LKG) remained until at least September 4th (KNP).

Red-footed Booby Sula sula V2An immature, seen (but not photographed) some 2km east of Heuksan Island on July 25th (NM) is only the secondnational record of this species, after the first was collected in 1986.

Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus P3A nest was observed at Bukbang-myeon, Hongcheon-Gun, Gangwon Province on August 16th (Cho et al. 2010). Thisis the first documented record of breeding in the ROK. However, this species had long been suspected of breedinghere. Gore & Won (1971) noted that the species “had been observed on a number of occasions in the Gwangneungforest in summer and may breed”. In addition, recent summer records include one photographed at Yangpyeong onJuly 29th 2005 (CSK), another photographed at Pocheon on June 9th 2008 (LSI), and another photographed overTaebaek, Gangwon Province on June 27th 2009 (YHS). During southward migration, 4,372 were counted onSocheong Island between September 19th and October 6th (Kim et al. 2011), with a peak count of 1,100 onSeptember 20th (KSUH, IA, MT). Based on research outlined by Higuchi (2011) it is reasonable to assume that theROK supports a substantial proportion of the Japanese breeding population of Crested Honey Buzzard duringnorthward migration (as all 28 satellite-tracked individuals from breeding grounds in Japan migrated through Korea atthis time) and that birds recorded during southward migration more likely derive from the East Asian mainland (as thesame satellite-tracked Japanese birds migrated through Kyushu into eastern China during southward migration).

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla W4, RV1 Br: 1A widespread winter visitor in very small numbers, usually from mid-November to mid-March, with 48 recordednationwide by MOE (2009) and individuals on Heuksan and Hong recorded as late as May and as early as September(KNP 2009) suggesting the possibility of continued breeding or oversummering there. An immature photographed atGwongcheon Marsh Park, Gyeonggi Province, on August 8th (JR, VS) is nonetheless an exceptional mainland summerrecord. Elsewhere, eleven at Shihwa Lake on January 25th (TE, MP) is a noteworthy winter concentration.

Steller's Sea Eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus W5A rare and local winter visitor, more or less confined to a handful of traditional sites, requiring large open areas ofundisturbed habitat such as rivermouths, estuaries, coastal lagoons, broad rivers with islands or sandbars, rivervalleys: less frequently large lakes inland. In 2009, apparently overlooked by the MOE census, but recorded fromten locations, involving between 13 and 15 individuals:

1. Haenam Lakes, Jeollanam Province. Two were reported from this area in January (PJG);2. Nakdong Estuary, Busan, Gyeongsangnam Province. Two (one First-winter and one Third-winter) were

seen on January 3rd (TBV). One First-winter was also present on December 11th (NM, SG, KG)3. Miho Stream, Yonggi-Gun, Chungcheongnam Province. A First-winter was present between January 4th

and 19th (LSW);4. Han River, Paldang, Gyeonggi Province. One adult was seen on January 7th (TBV). Two adults were noted

on February 8th (TE, JOL), with one remaining until March 1st (TE, KS). One (un-aged) had returned to thearea by November 21st (IKW);

5. Han River, Paju, Gyeonggi Province. One First-winter was seen on January 9th (TBV);6. Yechon, Gyeongsangbuk Province. A First-winter was photographed on February 1st (LSH);7. Andong, Gyeongsangbuk Province. An adult was seen near Andong Dam on February 16th (BH);8. Namdae Stream, Gangneung, Gangwon Province. A presumed First-winter was photographed on February

26th (JJIM);9. Mangyeung River, Jeollabuk Province. One First-winter was photographed on March 1st (ODP);

10. Nam River, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam Province. An immature was photographed on December 3rd (MF).


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Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus W3, RV1A locally numerous winter visitor, with most concentrated in and around the DMZ. Also ranges widely however, beingregularly seen in varying numbers throughout the country. One seen at Jeju City on August 16th (KEM) and three atYangsu Reservoir, Jeju Island, on June 8th (MP) may well involve the same individuals first noted over-summering here in2005.In 2009 at least ten birds with individually numbered wingtags - placed by researchers in Mongolia - were recorded:

1. No. H6, Cheorwon, January 7th (JJIM);2. No. 91, Cheorwon, January 7th (JJIM);3. No. 85, Gyeongsangnam Province, January 10th (PGH);4. No. 54, Location unclear, January 11th (SLR);5. No. 27, Cheorwon, January 17th (SLR);6. No. 56, Pyongchang-Gun, Gangwon Province, March 7th (SHS). This individual was also photographed in

December 2008;7. No. 81, Pyongchang-Gun, Gangwon Province, March 7th (SHS);8. No. 45, Nam River, Jinju, December 1st (MF);9. No. 111, Cheorwon, December 7th (NM, SG, KG);

10. No. 04, Gyeongsangnam Province, December 26th (JJIM).

Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus P/W5A scarce passage migrant, in very small numbers, generally recorded from mid-September to early November, with <5overwintering in the far southeast and southwest. Five or six at Seosan on September 20th (NM) is a notably highday-count.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis P/W3, R5 Br: 1A pair bred from April 2007 to August 2009 at Eomjong-Myeon, Chungju, Chungcheongbuk Province (Lee et al. 2011).Breeding was first documented at this location in 2006. During migration, 117 were counted on Socheong Islandbetween September 19th and October 6th (Kim et al. 2011).

Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus P3, S5 Br: 1A pair again bred at Eomjong-Myeon, Chungju, Chungcheongbuk Province, raising three chicks (PJG, BJG). Breedinghas been recorded at the same site since 2008 and probably earlier. A further breeding pair was photographed atPyeongchang, Gangwon Province (KGYS), which also raised three young. Historical cases of breeding are known atleast from Anyang in 1948 and Paju in 1967 (both inGyeonggi) (Gore & Won 1971), and an adult was alsophotographed in Wonju on July 19th (CTH), continuing arun of mid-summer records in Gyeonggi and Gangwonprovinces. Such records suggest that the species mightbe a scarce albeit widespread breeder in these twonortherly provinces too. During southward migration(which appears to be highly concentrated in time andspace), 7, 518 were counted passing through GageoIsland between October 3rd and 11th (Birds Korea 2010),with a peak of 3, 600 on the 6th (NM) - the latter record anew national high day-count.

Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius W/P4A dark morph photographed at Oido, Gyeonggi Province,on January 11th (TL, JL) is only the second nationalrecord of this type known to Birds Korea. Apparentlythere is one similar-looking museum specimen (PJG inlit. 2009). Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius, Photo © Thomas Langenberg




Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus kamtschatskensis V2An adult male of the subspecies kamtschatskensis was photographed at Incheon on December 20th (KHJ).

Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga P/W5A scarce but regular passage migrant, usually involving juveniles, mostly in late October and early November, anda rare winter visitor. In 2009 recorded from at least five locations:

1. Jeju Island. One seen on January 4th (MP) was possibly the same individual that was photographed atHado on January 13th (TBV). Towards the end of the year, one was seen in the northeast on November22nd and December 23rd (BIJ);

2. Haenam Lakes. Two were reported from this area in January (PJG) and two were also seen there on February24th (RN, AK, TE);

3. Socheong Island. One was reported in late September (KSUH) followed by a further individual on October18th (NM). On November 8th and 9th, three juveniles were photographed together (NM).

4. Hong Island. One or more were reported in early October and one was seen on one date in late October(KNP 2009);

5. Seosan Lakes. Presumably the same individual (a heavily spotted juvenile) was photographed and seen onOctober 4th (KSH), the 11th (RL, GL, HW), November 5th (JSS) and 8th (KJC). In addition, an adult wasseen on October 25th (RN, IKW, SCG).

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis V2Two, a juvenile and an immature, were present in the Haenam area in January (PJG) with possibly the same juvenilestill present and photographed in March (LDJ). At Suncheon Bay, Jeollanam Province, a juvenile was found andtaken into care in December (Park 2010). Migrants included a Sub-adult and a Third Calendar-year together overSocheong Island on November 3rd (NM). There are apparently only six or so previous properly-documentedrecords for the ROK.

Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca V1A rare migrant and annual winter visitor, mostly involvingjuveniles, in very small numbers and only to a handful ofsites. In the Haenam area, an immature was seen onJanuary 2nd (MR), with at least four present therethrough the month, including an adult-type (PJG). Onejuvenile was still present on February 24th (TE, RN,AK).

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W/P5 A scarce and localised winter visitor to ROK, typically from early November to early March, with most records beingof First-winter or immature birds. Historically, it used to be a widespread breeding species on the ROK mainland(Gore and Won 1971) and was also considered to be resident on Ulleung Island in 1877 (Kobunruko 1877). In 2009this species was reported from only four locations:

1. Haenam Lakes, Jeollanam Province. Two were reported from this area in January (PJG), with one juvenilestill present in February (YHS);

2. Seosan Lakes, Chungcheongnam Province. Up to three were present from at least January 7th to February12th (KSH);

3. Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk Province. A juvenile was photographed on January 31st (LSH);4. Jeju Island. A juvenile was photographed on May 29th (KHM). This species has been recorded year-round

there in recent years (JES).

Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Photo © Park Jong-Gil




Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni V2 (Cat.3)One probable (identified on structure and some plumage details) was seen at Paju (KHK: full details not known),followed soon after by another possible sighting of a First-year on Socheong Island on October 20th (NM). Thereare at least three previous sight records of this species from the ROK (all in autumn on offshore islands).

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo P/S3 Br:1A local breeding summer visitor, commoner northward, and a common migrant (especially through offshore islands).One leucistic individual was photographed on Socheong Island on October 3rd (TE).

Saker Falcon Falco cherrug V1An irregular migrant, also recorded several times in mid-winter. One seen flying toward Yeon Island (Gunsan City)on May 6th (RN) was followed by singles seen flying in off the sea at Socheong Island on October 21st and 23rd(NM). There are about ten previous Korean records.

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus P/S5, WV2 Br: 1A scarce migrant through southern and western Islands in spring. One photographed at Yanggu, Gangwon Province,on April 26th (BH) is a rare inland record.

Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla P5 Br: NN2A scarce and apparently decreasing migrant, most often recorded on offshore islands. During northward migration,one or more were reported on Heuksan Island between mid-April and early May (KNP 2009) and one was found deadon Eocheong Island on May 27th (IKW). In the second half of the year, one was photographed in ChungcheongnamProvince on September 13th (GCS), and one was seen flying low over the ferry between Incheon and Socheong Is-land on September 27th (SKS). In the southwest, birds were reported on Hong Island in mid-September and onHeuksan Island between late August and early November (KNP 2009) – with a peak of fifteen on Heuksan Island onSeptember 14th (PJG) being easily the highest day count in the ROK known to Birds Korea.

Band-bellied Crake Porzana paykullii V1 Br: NN2An irregularly-recorded migrant, mostly recorded in May. In 2009 one was seen on Gageo Island on May 21st (NM).In October, one probable was seen on Socheong Island on the 9th, followed by another seen on Gageo Island onthe 19th (RN). There are at least 14 previous records.

Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus V2An extremely rare migrant and over-winterer, recordednear-annually in recent years. An adult was found atCheorwon in mid-November, and was photographed byKSH on November 19th.

Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis V1Eight seen at Cheorwon on March 1st (KWBS, LGS) iseasily the highest concentration yet recorded in Korea.At least four were still present on March 14th (KBS).There are nine previous records of this species knownto Birds Korea, all between October and March.

White-naped Crane Grus vipio P3/W4MOE (2009) recorded 1,790 nationwide in mid-winter. During northward migration, a national survey on March 14th(KWBS, LGS) recorded 2,520 at Cheorwon, six at Yeoncheon, 340 at Paju, and two at Junam, where there hadbeen c.100 on January 3rd (TBV) and were 58 on December 12th (DLC).

Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus, Photo © Kim Shin-Hwan




Common Crane Grus grus lilfordi V1An annual winter visitor in very small numbers from October to March. At Seosan, two pure indiduals and two hybridswere present from January 1st (KJC) to March 26th (KSH), with three hybrids and one pure bird having returned thereon November 22nd (KHK), being still present on the 27th of that month (LSW). At Suncheon Bay, two were present onMarch 14th (LGS). At Cheorwon, one was seen on March 22nd (RN), where also one was photographed onNovember 1st (PHW).

Hooded Crane Grus monacha P3,W4MOE (2009) recorded 343 nationwide in the mid-winter.A nationwide survey by KWBS members revealed avery similar total of 355 individuals at four sites on March14th, with 273 of these seen at Suncheon Bay. Duringmonitoring of southward migration from October 25th-30th, participants counted 4,500 individuals at ninedifferent sites, including a single concentration of 1,970at Gumi on October 28th (KWBS).

Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis W4MOE (2009) recorded 1,029 nationwide in mid-winter. Themajority were in usual areas, though one also over-winte-red at Junam Reservoir, Gyeongsangnam Province, beingphotographed e.g. on December 22nd (DLC).

Far Eastern Oystercatcher Haematopus (ostralegus) osculans W3/R4 Br: 1A total of 4, 382 were recorded by MOE (2009). One photographed on a freshwater stream at Yangju, GyeonggiProvince on September 29th (KBJ) is a rare inland record.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus P/S5, WV2 Br: 1An uncommon but widespread and increasing passage migrant, and rare and local breeder in the ROK. Two werephotographed at Namdae stream in Gangwon Province on February 16th (JJOM), becoming the fifth known recordof overwintering since 2004. In the DPRK, 14 were recorded at Mundok between April 26th and 29th (Riegen2009). Tomek (2000) cites only two previous records in the DPRK.

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta V1A rare annual visitor, recorded mostly in spring and more rarely in winter. At Seosan, Chungcheongnam Province, one wasphotographed on June 10th (KKS) and two on June 29th (LHS). These are the first June records known to Birds Korea.

Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus V1A rare but increasingly recorded migrant, typically occurring from mid-April to late May, and again from Septemberto late October. There are also at least two previous summer records. At the Namdae Stream in Gangneung, GangwonProvince, two were photographed on April 18th (HJH), followed by another there in September between the 24th(PYO) and 29th (IKW). On Jeju Island, one was photographed in May (JES) and one was also seen on Socheongisland on May 11th (NM). In the autumn, one was on Gageo Island on September 26th (NM).

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula V1A rare and irregular passage migrant, probably annual or near-annual in the Nakdong Estuary. In 2009 observationsincluded a national high count of five at the Nakdong Estuary on September 13th (JSJ, KHG, KBS), and two at theMokpo Namhang Urban Wetland on October 6th (KSY). The latter is the 13th or 14th record known to Birds Korea.

Far Eastern Oystercatcher Haematopus (ostralegus) osculans, Photo © Tim Edelsten




Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius P/S3 Br:1A widespread migrant and summer visitor, with most records falling between early March and late October, with two onGageo Island on February 24th 2009 (NM) considered an exceptionally early arrival date. The vast majority of mid-winterclaims appear to be in error, due to confusion with Long-billed Plover C. placidus. One found and photographed atSeongsan Po, Jeju between January 13th and 15th (TBV) is therefore the first adequately-documented winter recordof this species in Korea known to Birds Korea.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus dealbatusAn apparent “White-faced Plover” C. alexandrinus dealbatus (with clean white lores and paler upperparts than otherKentish Plovers in direct comparison) was seen but not photographed on Yubu Island on September 19th (NM). Thereare no previous claims in the ROK of this controversial recently re-described taxon (see e.g. Kennerley et al. 2008).

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii P5A scarce annual migrant. Away from the two main sites for the species (the Nakdong and Geum estuaries) in April onewas photographed on Mara Island (JES), followed by one at Seongsan Po, Jeju, on the 19th (KJC) and one on GageoIsland on April 21st (NM, RN). In the autumn one was at Gojang County, Jeollabuk Province, on October 15th (LDJ).

Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus V1A very scarce migrant, especially in early spring to the southwest (e.g. Jeju and Gageo Island). Three at Muan,Jeollanam Province, on March 28th (HSW) and one in Mid-April on Hong Island (KNP 2009) are the only records in2009 presently known to Birds Korea.

Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis S/R5 Br:1A rare and local breeding summer visitor, occasionally overwintering. At Gojang County in Jeollanam Province, apair raised three young, being photographed from October 9th (ODP) until at least November 12th (LDJ).

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus V1 Br:1First recorded in 1993. A rare annual visitor, recorded from late April to early November. Bred in 2004, 2006 and2007. At Jocheon, Jeju Island, an adult was seen between April 24th (OJG) and May 1st (JSB), followed by a juve-nile photographed at Goheung Bay, Jeollanam Province, on October 10th (HDG).

Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria P/W5Away from the regular wintering site at Gwangneung Arboretum, where at least four on January 7th (TBV), one wasphotographed at Gwacheon on February 14th (PHS), followed by one photographed at Samdo-dong, Jeju Island, inMarch. Apparently one was also recorded at the same site in March 2007 (JES).

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus V1A scarce and irregular migrant, with apparently sixteen previous records from 1998 to 2008, in spring, autumn, andwinter. In September, one was photographed and seen by multiple observers at the Namdae Stream in Kangneung,Gangwon Province from the 25th (HJH) to the 29th (IKW).

Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus V1A very scarce, barely annual migrant, with some thirteen previous records in spring and autumn. One photo-graphed at Gangneung on April 22nd (SHS) remained into May (CCS). At Namyang Bay, one photographed andseen by multiple observers on September 5th was still present the following day (RN).

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa P2, WV2A locally numerous but fast-declining passage migrant, mostly along the west coast from the Saemangeum areanorthwards, in May and again from mid-August to early November. At Songdo, a peak count of 800 on September5th (TE, RN, IKW, KDH) compares poorly to previous years and reflects the ongoing degradation and reclamation




at this site as well as the species’ rapid decline. At least 75 photographed at Seosan on June 29th (LHS) is an ex-ceptional record for June. Two at Junam on December 5th (DLC) is an exceptional winter record.

Little Curlew Numenius minutus P5A scarce, mainly spring migrant, mostly encountered on offshore islands. In recent years there have been increasinglywidespread reports, presumably corresponding largely with increased observer activity. In 2009 recorded from atleast six locations:

1. Gageo Island. In April, presumed different individuals were seen on the 22nd, 23rd and 26th, followed bythree on the 27th (NM, RN);

2. Seosan Lakes, Chungcheongnam Province (the only mainland site to regularly host this species). A flock of20 photographed on April 23rd (KKS) equals the previous existing national high day-count (made in 1993).This was followed by one on September 20th (NM);

3. Beka Island, Incheon. One was photographed on April 23rd (LSI);

4. Jeju Island. In April, singles -possibly involving the same individual- were photographed on the 25th (YHS),26th (MP, KYH), and 29th (KSH);

5. Hong Island. One was photographed on May 4th (PCW).

6. Socheong Island. One was seen on August 21st (NM).

Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis P2, S3, WV1At Mundok Reserve, DPRK, 950 were counted between April 26th and 29th (Riegen 2009). This internationallyimportant concentration is assumed to be the highest count of this species made to date in the DPRK.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus P4, S5, WV2 Br:1An uncommon passage migrant, rarely overwintering. Also a very rare and local breeding summer visitor. Much ofthe regular breeding area of shallow freshwater and reeds on Yongjeong Island has recently been lost to drainageand development. Despite this, five were seen there on April 4th (TE, RN, SKS). In addition, one photographed atSorae Reed Park, Incheon, on June 28th (KGY) perhaps hints at local breeding.

Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer P4A very scarce and local migrant. A general lack of survey effort in 2009 resulted in relatively few records in the pub-lic domain. At Namyang Bay, Gyeonggi Province, in May, singles were photographed on the 13th (JSS) and 17th(KJC). In September, three were photographed there on the 5th (JHS), one on the 6th (TE), and four on the 8th(SKS). At Yubu Island, Jeollabuk Province, fifteen were counted on September 19th (NM).

Little Stint Calidris minuta V1A very scarce migrant with approximately ten records since 1996. One was photographed on Ulleung Island onAugust 30th (PYO).

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea P5An uncommon passage migrant from late April to late May, and again from mid-August to early October. In 2009,about 20 were reported in total during northward migration and only two or so during southward migration.

Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus P5A rare, rapidly declining and very local migrant. Due to a paucity of coverage, the only spring record was of one inthe Nakdong Estuary, Busan (via Kim & Chung 2012). During southward migration, there were four at the NakdongEstuary on September 13th (JSJ, KHG, KBS) and at Yubu Island (Geum Estuary) two on August 21st (KSY); onephotographed on September 18th (CHS); seven seen on September 19th (NM) and two on the 20th (LYS); andthree photographed on October 5th, with one still there on the 18th (YHS). In early October, one was also photo-graphed on Jeju Island (via BIJ).




Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus P3An uncommon, local migrant. A count of 1,300 on Yubu Island on September 19th (NM) is remarkably similar to thehigh count of 1,251 within the (former) Saemangeum Estuarine System in October 2007 and of 1,130 at Yubu Islandon May 24th 2008.

Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius V1Rarely recorded. Four, probably three adults and a juvenile, were seen approximately eight kilometres west ofEocheong Island on August 28th (BF, NM, RN). There are apparently less than ten previous records nationally.

Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla P2, W3A locally common winter visitor to Korean waters, especially along the East Coast between October and March,and a locally abundant migrant through the Yellow Sea in October and November. Highest counts this year offSocheong Island included 2,320 on October 23rd; 4,320 on November 1st; and 6,300 on November 2nd (all NM)-the last presumed to be a new national high day-count.

Saunders's Gull Chroicocephalus saundersi P/W3, S4A very local breeding summer visitor to one or more sites, more widespread along the west and south coasts in winter.MOE (2009) reported 1, 944 nationwide in the mid-winter, simuilar to counts made by the same census in 2004 and2006. West coast counts for Birds Korea in January included 101 at Gomso Bay on the 2nd, 270 at Cheonsu Bay / Seo-san Lakes on the 9th, 278 at Asan Bay on the 10th, 184 at Namyang Bay on the 10th, 584 at Song Do on 11th and tenat Gangwha Island on the 14th (all TBV). At Song Do, at least 200 were still present on March 22nd (TE). By May 12thmuch of the area formerly used by the colony there had been built on or used as storage space (KDH), although breed-ing continued by shifting to adjacent newly reclaimed land, where chicks were observed on June 7th (KDH). The entirenesting area remains unprotected and open to disturbance. At Yeongjeong Island on April 4th, the former colony nearthe airport had been dispersed - apparently to reduce the risk of bird strike - by the emplacement of numerous red flagsand streamers over the nesting area (TE). However pairs were photographed engaging in courtship behaviour on April1st (JJM) suggesting possible breeding at an alternative, nearby site. In the DPRK, 82 were at Mundok between April26th and 29th (Riegen 2009).

Relict Gull Ichthyaetus relictus W5A rare and declining winter visitor now in very small numbers to a few preferred sites (most especially Song Do andthe Nakdong Estuary): more numerous in hard winters than mild ones. Not reported by MOE (2009). In January, aFirst-winter was at the Nakdong Estuary on January 3rd, followed by one at Song Do on the 11th (TBV).

Pallas's Gull Ichthyaetus icthyaetus V1A rare winter and early spring visitor, first recorded in 2002. One adult, of two seen on December 28th 2008, wasstill present at Goheung, Jeollanam Province on January 3rd (MR). Another adult was photographed on January18th at Guidok-ri on Jeju Island (KHM, JES) - becoming the 13th national record.

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus W4/SV2A fairly common winter visitor, mostly to the east coast, where sometimes forms loose aggregations of a dozen ormore individuals. Very rarely recorded in summer. One seen on Heuksan Island on March 23rd (NM), and one pho-tographed on Jeju Island on November 14th (JES) are rare records for the southwest.

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides V1A vagrant in winter to the east coast, not recorded annually. A First-winter was seen at Yangyang, Gangwon Prov-ince, on January 7th (MR).

Mongolian Gull Larus mongolicus P/W3, S4 Br:1At Song Do, Incheon, breeding at the mainland colony continued, with seven nests counted on April 8th (TE) and twelve




on May 23rd (TE, JP). A wing-tagged individual "AG33" (originally banded at Lake Baikal: see: http://www.birdskorea.org/Birds/Flagging/BK-FL-Watch-for-Mongulls-2004.shtml) was seen at Janggu Bay on the GeumEstuary on January 1st (TBV).

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica V2A rare and irregular migrant, mostly seen in spring. One seen at sea between Incheon Port and Socheong Islandon June 23rd (RN) is approximately the 14th national record known to Birds Korea.

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia V1In the present decade, a near-annual visitor, most regular in early spring. In April, one photographed at NamyangBay on the 12th (LSI) was followed by another at the Seomjin River, Jeollanam Province, on the 21st (KDW). Thelatter is approximately the 15th record for the Republic of Korea. One at Mundok between April 27th and 29th(Riegen 2009) is the first record for the DPRK known to Birds Korea.

Aleutian Tern Onychoprion aleuticus V2 (Cat.3)Presumably a scarce but regular offshore migrant, although still awaiting photographic documentation. Two wereseen between Incheon Port and Socheong Island on August 31st (NM).

South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki V1A scarce but regular migrant, usually seen from commercialferries in offhsore waters, first recorded in 1995. Oneseen near Socheong Island on April 16th (NM) is thefirst April record in Korean waters. Two photographedbetween Heuksan Island and Mokpo on July 29th (PJG)become the first adequately-documented record (previ-ous photographs were not clearly recognisable as thisspecies): it is also the first July record. This was followedby one pale bird and two more probable individualsseen between Gageo and Bigeum Island on the 31st ofthat month (NM). In October between Incheon Port andSocheong Island, one was seen on the 2nd (SKS), threeon the 16th (NM), and three on the 25th (MVR). Therewas also one between Mokpo and Gageo Island on the21st (RN).

Thick-billed Murre Uria lomvia V1/W5A very scarce winter visitor to the east coast. Firstrecorded in 2006 but presumably much overlooked. OnJanuary 17th, up to ten were seen (and two of themphotographed) offshore from Gosong-Gun, GangwonProvince (PJG), becoming the highest national day-count.At the same location one was seen on February 15th(IKW). On December 9th, three were seen offshore fromGeojin Harbour, Gangwon Province (NM, SG, KG), andone was photographed from Gangneung on December13th (GCS). Additionally a murre, most likely Thick-billed,was seen at sea between Incheon and Socheong onSeptember 21st (NM). This is an exceptional date and location,being the first sighting of a large alcid species in the ROKpart of the Yellow Sea. Possibly the same individual was seen in the same area on October 1st (TE).

South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki, Photo © Park Jong-Gil

Thick-Billed Murre Uria lomvia, Photo © Park Jong-Gil


http://www.birdskorea.org/Birds/Flagging/BK-FL-Watch-for-Mongulls-2004.shtml



Common Murre Uria aalge V1/W5 Br:NNA scarce winter visitor to the east coast of the ROK, presumably much overlooked. At least formerly bred along thenortheastern coast of the DPRK, where current status unknown. Two seen from Hwajinpo, Gangwon Province onJanuary 5th (TBV) were followed by one off Geojin on December 9th (NM, SG, KG).

Spectacled Guillemot Cepphus carbo W5 Br:NNThe highest national count, at least in recent decades, was of at least 90 seen from a fishing boat off Hwajin Po onJanuary 5th (TBV). Neff (1956) describes a large breeding colony in 1953 of this "abundant" species on Konghuiand Nan Do Islands, some 150km to the north of there, at 40° North, now within the DPRK. "Several" were seenagain at Hwajin Po on January 6th (TBV), followed by one at Ayajin Harbour on January 18th (PHS) and February28th (LSI), and one or two near Daejin Harbour on March 8th (RN, IKW, SKS).

Long-billed Murrelet Brachyramphus perdix W5A scarce but annual winter visitor, presumably muchoverlooked. In January, two were off the GuryongpoPeninsula on the 4th; one was seen from Hwajin Po onthe 5th (TBV); four or five were at Gosong-Gun on the17th (PJG); and one was seen from Jukbyeon Port onthe 20th (TE, NM). In February, up to five were seen atYeongil Bay, Pohang on the 5th (LHW, CSK). In Decem-ber, four or five were off Geojin on the 9th (NM, SG, KG)and one was photographed at Jangsa Port, Sokcho, onthe 13th (OTS).

Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus P/W1, S4A common winter visitor and declining local breeder.Sample counts this year included 500 off the Guryongpo Peninsula on January 4th and 1,200 off Hwajinpo onJanuary 5th (TBV).

Crested Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume V1 Br:1/3A rare and very local breeder. Up to ten were seen and well-photographed in April and May off Mara Island, Jeju(JES). These are the first photographs of this species in Korea in recent years.

Crested Auklet Aethia cristatellaA small, all-dark alcid (considered most likely to be this species) was seen by NM briefly in flight and as it landed inamong a concentration of 1,000+ Rhinoceros Auklet close to Jukbyeon Harbour, Gangwon Province, on January 20th).

Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata P/W3 NNA locally common winter visitor especially to the eastcoast, most frequently-recorded between Samcheokand the Guryongpo Peninsula. Thought to possiblybreed in DPRK. High counts in January included: 1,450in a single scan 10km south of Uljin, the 4th (TBV); anestimated 2,500 off the Guryongpo Peninsula on the 6th(MR); and c. 1,000 in a single scan off the Jukbyeonharbour headland on 20th (NM, TE, PM).

Long-Billed Murre Brachyramphus perdix, Photo © Park Jong-Gil

Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata, Photo © Robin Newlin




Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris R5 Br:1A very small, relict breeding population survives in the ROK. Considered to be a scarce but relatively widespreadbreeding resident in the DPRK. At Hwaum Temple, in the Jirisan National Park, 14 were photographed on March9th (CSY), with 16 counted there on August 7th (IKW, JSS). At Cheonun Temple, also within Jirisan, 15 were pre-sent on December 31st (RL, HW).

Black Wood Pigeon Columba janthina R/S4 Br:1A very local offshore resident and summer visitor. A recent publication reported this species as a breeding residentin Chuja-Myeon (between Jindo and Jeju in the far southwest of the country) including Chuja, Peurengi, Sasu,Jupo, and Heukgom islands, and on offshore locations from Seogwipo (Jeju), including Mun, Bom and Seop isletsand Chigui Island (JES). On Gageo, targeted research confirmed that the species was resident on the island, withbetween 20-30 active territories in the north of the island (Birds Korea 2010).

Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica V1One was on Heuksan Island in early June (KNP 2009).

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto V1 Br: NN2Not recorded annually. One photographed at Gangneung City on October 9th (HJH) was followed by another atCheorwon on November 29th (KHK). The latter is considered the seventh record since 2000 (possibly involving onlysix individuals), most of which are supported by photographs. Earlier sight records of two from Gangwha Island onOctober 13th 2002 and from Osaek, Gangwon Province on June 26th 2009 are no longer included in the speciestotal as observers apparently did not consider possible confusion with escaped or released African Collared DoveStreptopelia risoria (See "Exotics" section below).

Spotted Dove Stigmatopelia chinensis V2One photographed on Socheong Island on May 17th (NM)is the second record for Korea, after the first in May 2006.It was still present there on May 23rd (RN, SKS, PJG).

White-bellied Green Pigeon Treron sieboldii V1A rare winter and spring visitor, recorded annually since2004. One female reported from the Halla Arboretum,Jeju in January (MP) was still present on April 23rd(YHS) and 24th (KSH). This was followed by a male onChilbal Island on September 30th (PJG). The latter isabout the 16th record for Korea.

Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus V2 Br:1A rare spring overshoot. The remains of one were found on Baek Island, Jeollanam Province, in late May (KHWY) –approximately the fifth Korean record.

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus V2In April, one was apparently reported on Socheong Island (KDW), and an all-dark cuckoo, most probably this species,was also seen briefly there on June 23rd (NM). There is only one previous, adequately-documented record of thisspecies (in 2001).

Large Hawk-Cuckoo Heirococcyx sparverioides V2One was seen and sound-recorded on Gageo Island on April 21st and 22nd (NM, RN). It was followed by an appar-ently different individual heard and seen on April 23rd, and a further individual seen at close range on April 28th(NM). These constitute the third to fifth records for Korea.

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis, Photo © Robin Newlin




Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Addition to Category ThreeOne heard calling on Gageo Island on April 29th (NM) is the first record of this species in Korea. The species willtherefore be added to the 2013 Birds Korea Checklist.

Owl Tyto spp.A medium-sized owl, considered to be a species of Tyto, was seen on Socheong Island at 0520 on October 25th,and again on October 26th at 0520 and 2030 hrs (NM).

Ural Owl Strix uralensis R5 Br:1Apparently a scarce resident in upland areas of Gangwon Province especially, with some apparently moving to lowlandand coastal areas in the winter. A study from 2009 to 2010 found this species to be resident in Odaesan NationalPark, Gangwon Province, being frequently observed inat least twelve different locations within the park (Kim etal. 2011). At Mt. Seorak, Gangwon Province, one wasphotographed on June 27th (RN).

Little Owl Athene noctua V1 Br:1A rare species recorded most frequently during migrationand in winter, in recent years recorded annually. One atChungju on February 26th (PCW) was present until atleast February 28th (TE, RN, IKW). One was reportedfrom Beka Island on May 13th by local birders (via TE),and one was photographed on Socheong Island on October1st (TE, SKS, KSUH).

Northern Boobook Ninox scutulata japonica P/S3 Br:1A fairly common migrant and breeding summer visitor.One photographed at Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, onDecember 1st (JSS) is an exceptionally late autumnrecord.

Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris V1During the decade, a near-annual visitor with most recordsduring the northward migration period. In May two werephotographed on Heuksan Island on the 16th, with onestill present on the 17th (PJG).

Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus P/S2 Br:1A common but apparently decreasing passage migrantand local summer visitor. A count on May 23rd of 480 onGageo Island, where small numbers breed, (NM) is thelargest count of the species this year known to Birds Ko-rea.

House Swift Apus nipalensis V1A rare, primarily spring migrant through southern and western Islands, not recorded annually (but probably muchoverlooked). Sightings of one from Gageo Island on June 27th and July 2nd (NM) are the first national records forJune and July.

Little Owl Athene noctua, Photo © Tim Edelsten

Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris, Photo © Park Jong-Gil




Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops P/S3, WV2 Br:1Reports of overwintering have continued to increase in recent years. At Shihwa Lake one was photographed onJanuary 22nd (PHS). In December, one was at Seogwipo, Jeju on the 3rd (MP); one on Yongjeong Island, Incheon,on the 6th (NM, SG, KG); two at Junam on the 8th (DLC); and one at Eulsuk-do, Busan on the 28th (JB).

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus R5 Br:1A rare resident, formerly much more common (especially in the northwest) and now apparently slowly increasing again. AtGwangneung Arboretum, where most regularly recorded, one was seen on January 2nd (TE). In February in Chungcheong-nam Province, one was photographed at Cheongju on the 3rd (SJE) and one at Gongju on the 6th (KJH). At Munsan inGyeonggi Province, one was photographed on the 26th (KGS). In recent years records have come from e.g. Jichuk, Gupa-bal, Hoegi and Nowon-Gu in Seoul; Goyang City, Ilsan, Namyangju and Paju in Gyeonggi Province; Sikjangsan in DaejonCity; Jirisan National Park; Muan County and Yeosu in Jeollanam Province; and Okcheon in Chungcheongnam Province.

Fairy Pitta Pitta nympha P/S4 Br:1A very local breeding summer visitor, primarily to Jeju Island, but also known from a scattering of sites across themainland (scarcer northwards), from mid-May to September. Also occasionally recorded on offshore islands onpassage. Between April and November 2009 a survey found a total of 64 individuals at 32 sites on Jeju Island, and11 individuals (including 5 juveniles in 3 nests) were also observed in Hampyeong County, Jeollanam Province(Kim et al. 2010). Also on the mainland, one was photographed in Daejeon on June 5th (LSW).

Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis V2Korea’s first record, found and photographed on Mara Island, Jeju, on May 30th (GCH) apparently remained there until at leastJune 7th (via MP). 2009 was an exceptional spring for “overshooting” Blue-winged Pitta, with singles also found and photo-graphed in Hong Kong, Shenzen Province, and Taiwan (GC).

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus V2One found and photographed on Socheong Island on June23rd (NM) is the first record for Korea of this presumedlargely sedentary species. It was still present on June 24th(NM, RN, KSH), but could not be found in July. The first re-cord of this species for Guangdong Province, China, wasfound in late April 2009 (GC), while the first national recordfor Malaysia was in mid-February 2008 (DB).

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus P3 Br:1A rare and local summer visitor, formerly common. Alsoa fairly common passage migrant, especially throughoffshore islands. Among interesting observations in May,three confusus showing unusual white wing-patcheswere seen on Socheong Island on May 16th, where ahigh count of 78 was noted on May 17th. In addition, amale superciliosus (V2) was poorly photographed onGageo Island on May 22nd (all records NM).

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio V2A juvenile seen and photographed on Gageo Islandfrom September 29th was joined by a second from the30th, both remaining until October 5th (NM). This is onlythe third adequately-documented record for Korea. Inaddition to the first records from 2004 and 2005, there

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus, Photo © Nial Moores

Juvenile Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio, Photo © Nial Moores




are at least six more suspected records, all juveniles,with several showing possible hybrid features. Most ofthese records probably also pertain to “pure” Red-backed Shrike.

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach V1A rare but increasingly reported species, most regular asa migrant. The species appears to be becoming residentin tiny numbers in the southwest. On Jeju Island twoover-summered (MP, PJG) and one was also present inDecember (JES). On Gageo Island one was seen fromFebruary to late June, and again in October (NM). Like-wise on Heuksan Island, a pair was present throughoutthe summer (PJG) and until at least the end of October(KHK). On the mainland, one was at Junam Reservoirfrom November 26th (DLC) until at least December 10th(NM, SG, KG), with singles also at Gurye-Gun, JeollanamProvince on April 14th (JH) and Chungcheongnam Provinceon April 23rd (LHW).

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor V2A juvenile sibiricus, photographed on Socheong Islandon October 24th (NM), is only the seventh record of thisspecies for the ROK and the first record of this subspecies.There are six previous records, from November to March.

Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus V2Apparently first recorded in 1953 (JES), with annual re-ports since 2003. This year a probable on Gageo Islandon May 23rd (NM) was followed by one photographedon Chuja Island, Jeju in August (JES). There are aboutten previous records known to Birds Korea, with perhapsan additional two or three other records which at presentremain less well-documented.

Black Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone atrocaudata P/S4 Br:1An uncommon breeding summer visitor especially to Jeju Island and to a handful of sites on the mainland. Also ascarce migrant through through offshore islands from late April to late May, and again in September. In 2009 a breedingpair (first discovered in 2007) was again photographed in Gunsan on June 13th (RN).

Northern Raven Corvus corax NN Br: NN3One seen and very poorly photographed from Socheong Island on October 21st (NM) is the first record for theROK. There are (at least) three previous records of this species in Korea, all from the northernmost province ofDPRK (Tomek 2000-2002).

Japanese Waxwing Bombycilla japonica P/W4A scarce passage migrant and irruptive winter visitor. Reports of flocks this year included 27 at Pohang on March 14th(RL, HW, AB); 20 at Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk Province on April 3rd (LSH); and at least fifteen at Wonju, Gangwon Prov-ince on April 4th (PCW). Elsewhere, lesser numbers or singles were seen at Mt. Halla, Jeju in March (JES); OlympicPark, Seoul on March 28th (LSY); Hongneung, Seoul, on April 18th (PHS); and on Socheong Island on May 22nd (RN).

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach, Photo © Robin Newlin

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, Photo © Nial Moores




Yellow-bellied Tit Periparus venustulus V1Increasingly recorded in the ROK since the first in 2005 (which was also the first observation of this species outsideof China). The pattern of records in 2009, with records on both the west and east coasts, suggests that Yellow-belliedTit is now both a migrant and a rare winter visitor to the ROK. In January, one was seen at Dadapo, Busan, on the 3rd(JL), with two males then found at the same location on the 5th (MR). A male was photographed at Gangneung City(Gangwon Province) on February 16th (HJH), and on March 30th, a flock of eight (mostly males with at least one female)were photographed on Dokjeok Island, Incheon (JBS). In April, two adult males were photographed on Wonsan Island,Boryeong, Chungcheongnam Province on the 6th (PUN, GJH); an adult male was found dead at Ansan city,Gyeonggi Province on the 9th (PUN, GJH); and an adult female was also seen on Eocheong Island on the 27th, withan adult male photographed there on the 28th (JT). In October records included: a female banded on Heuksan Islandon the 11th (KSJ); a female photographed on Bigeum Island, Jeollanam Province, on the 14th and 15th (GKN); ajuvenile on Socheong Island on the 19th (NM); a First-winter male at Namhansan, Seoul on the 29th (IBH); a First-winter male and a female photographed at Seosan City on the 29th (JHS); and a different, adult male photographedat the same location on October 31st (LKG). Two or three were then seen on Socheong Island on November 4th(NM). Finally three, including a female, were seen and photographed by multiple observers on Dongbek Islet, Busan,from December 8th until the year’s end (KGS). The latter record becomes the 24th record known to Birds Korea.

Eastern Great Tit Parus minor R/W1 Br:1An abundant and apparently increasing breeding resident, including on offshore islands, and an occasionally abundantmigrant and irruptive winter visitor. Noteworthy observations in 2009 included up to 100 moving out to sea in one houron October 18th and 2,400 counted moving northwest out to sea between 0630-1500hrs on October 21st (NM).

Asian Short-toed Lark Calandrella cheleensis V2 NNA rare vagrant to the ROK. In October, one seen andphotographed on Socheong Island from the 16th-27th(NM) was followed by two on Hong Island from the 22ndor earlier (PJG), which remained until at least November1st (SKS), and one or more on Heuksan Island (KNP2009). Also in November, one was seen on GageoIsland on the 17th and 18th (NM). There are probablyonly two genuine previous records of this species in theROK within the past decade, and fewer than five previousrecords in total, despite the large numbers claimed insome literature.

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris V2One, of subspecies brandti, was photographed on HongIsland on April 2nd (KNP). This is only the second recordfor Korea. The first involved one of the subspecies flava,photographed at Sohwang Sand Dune near BoryeongCity, in Chungcheongnam Province on October 7th 2007(Kim et al. 2007).

Light-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis S5, RV2 Br:1This species has been steadily colonising the ROK sincethe first record in 2002. On Gageo Island in February, oneor two on the 22nd, and two others at a different roost siteon the 23rd (NM) constitute the first confirmed records ofmultiple overwintering of this species in Korea. Smallnumbers were recorded there each month during monthly

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris, Photo © Park Jong-Gil

Asian Short-toed Lark Calandrella cheleensis, Photo © Park Jong-Gil




survey, from April 21st (NM, RN) through to at least September 28th. Notably during this period, however, between twoand four juveniles- clear evidence of local breeding- were seen on July 27th. Gageo Island’s peak day-count was ofseven on September 28th (all latter records NM). On Socheong Island, this species was recorded at least monthlybetween March 17th to November 9th, with the highest counts being of up to nine on March 17th and eight on May18th. Interestingly, one was seen to depart the island and head toward the DPRK (where as yet unrecorded) on May14th (all records NM). New locations for this species in 2009 included Mara Island (Jeju), where one was photographedin May (JES), and Aphae Island, Jeollanam Province, where one was photographed on June 10th (JMH).

Sand Martin Riparia riparia P4An uncommon passage migrant. One very late northward migrant photographed at Donghae, Gangwon Provinceon June 17th (PHS) foreshadowed a Sand or Pale Martin-like bird seen on Socheong Island on June 23rd (NM).This latter individual featured a very pale mantle and rump, a shallow tail fork and upperwing contrasting with flightfeathers.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica S/P1, WV2 Br:1Formerly one of Korea’s most abundant birds, now a declining summer visitor and migrant. Autumnal congregationsincluded 300 at Hwaseong on September 19th (TE, SKS) and 250 over Socheong Island on October 3rd (TE).Overwintering was attempted at Junam Reservoir, where low numbers were seen between November 20th andDecember 15th, with a peak of 14 on December 8th (DLC).

Common House Martin Delichon urbicum lagopodum V1First recorded in 2003, thereafter a scarce but increasingly reported migrant through offshore Islands in April andMay, and again in September and October. In April, on Gageo Island one probable on the 3rd (NM) was followed byone on the 19th, two on the 26th, and one on the 28th (NM, RN). Three were also seen (one photographed) on April26th on Eocheong Island (JT). Between one and three were recorded on Heuksan Island in early May (KNP 2009).Further records (all by NM on Gageo Island) were two on May 23rd; one on May 24th; and singles on September28th and October 5th.

Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus P3, S/WV2 Br:NNMostly an offshore migrant through the ROK. Two seen on Heuksan Island on March 2nd (PJG) are markedly early;and singles seen on Gageo Island on June 27th and July 1st (NM) are rare midsummer records.

Japanese Bush Warbler Cettia diphone R, W3 Br:1A widespread but perhaps uncommon breeding summer visitor to subapline habitat on the mainland (widespread inJeollanam, more locally extending as far northeast as 37° 46’ N in Gangwon Province): KNP (2009). Also a residentand locally common breeder in the southern coastal zone and on southwestern and western offshore islands, as farnorth at least as Weiyeon Island. A count of 140+ on Gageo Island during a whole island survey of breeding birdsbetween June 26th and 28th (NM) provides a useful indicator of local abundance. On Socheong Island (at 37° 45’N), two singles seen and heard (NM) on November 4th and 6th (where no mid-winter or summer records) providethe first clear evidence of migration through the northwest.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus caudatus W3/4The white-headed subspecies (generally considered to be nominate caudatus) is an irruptive winter visitor, veryscarce most years. One photographed and sound-recorded on Heuksan Island on March 23rd (NM) is unusual sofar south, although it is apparently sometimes recorded there in winter (PJG pers. comm. 2009).

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix V2First recorded in 2007. One seen (very briefly) on Gageo Island on April 21st (NM, RN) is the second record for Korea.




Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus P3, S4, WV1 Br:1A fairly common migrant from late April to late May, and again from late September to early November (especially inthe northwest). Also a scarce breeding summer visitor to the far northeast of the ROK. One seen on Gageo Islandbetween February 19th and 24th (NM) is at least the seventh record of overwintering since 2001.

Tickell’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis V2One on Gageo Island on May 3rd and one on SocheongIsland on May 12th and 13th (NM) - both photographedand sound-recorded- are only the fourth and fifth na-tional records. All records are attributable to the newly-separated P. occisinensis (see Martens 2010).

Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii. V2One seen and heard at close range on Socheong Islandon May 10th (NM) is the second record of this species inKorea, after the first in May 2007. This was followed by afurther probable individual at the same location and bythe same observer on May 17th. In the autumn, one wasphotographed on Socheong Island on October 26th(NM), becoming the fourth national, and first adequately-documented record.

Pallas's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus P3, S4, WV2 Br:1A locally common migrant, particularly through the northwest. Also a scarce breeding summer visitor to the far north-east. One or two seen at Hampyeong on December 12th (NM, SG, KG) is apparently the first mainland mid-winterrecord. There is one previous mid-winter record (from Jeju, in 2006).

Hume's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei mandelli V1 humei V2A very scarce, annual, but probably much overlooked passage migrant, occurring from late April to early May, andagain from late October to early November. This year one seen on Gageo Island on April 27th (NM, RN) was followedby singles on Socheong Island on May 9th and 10th; on October 17th and 20th; and on November 7th (NM). Onewas reported on Heuksan Island in mid-October (KNP 2009).

Sakhalin Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus borealoides V2Apparently a very scarce but regular migrant through the ROK, particularly southern islands, from late April to earlyMay (and perhaps again in mid-August to September), although status is clouded by the difficulty of separation inthe field from the much more numerous Pale-legged LeafWarbler P. tenellipes. In April, one possible on SocheongIsland on the 12th (NM) was followed by a probable onGageo Island on the 19th. Also on Gageo Island, onewas sound-recorded singing in 3-Gu on the 29th (whenimages of presumably the same bird were also taken),followed by another heard singing on the 30th in forest atthe top of the island (NM).

Claudia’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus claudiae V2One photographed and sound-recorded on SocheongIsland on April 14th (NM) is the first record for Korea, andhas been added to Category 1 of the Birds Korea Checklist.

Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis, Photo © Nial Moores

Claudia's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus claudiae, Photo © Nial Moores




Thick-billed Warbler Phragmaticola aedon P4 Br: NNA scarce migrant to offshore islands in the ROK part of the Yellow Sea, commoner northward, recorded in mid- tolate May, and from late August to late September. In May, first recorded on Socheong Island on 17th (NM), with tenthere on the 22nd (RN) and three on Gageo Island on 25th (NM). On Socheong Island, there were three on August21st, one on 22nd, six on September 15th, and one or two daily until September 18th (all NM).

Baikal Bush Warbler Bradypterus davidi V2 Br:NN2A rarely recorded species. One was photographed on Socheong Island on May 22nd (SKS). There are fewer thanten previous records.

Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella ochotensis P3An uncommon migrant recorded from late May to early June, and again from August to early November. Seventeenseen on Gageo Island on May 22nd (NM) is apparently the second-highest national day count to date.

Styan's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella pleskei P/S3A scarce and local summer visitor primarily to southern and western Islands, from late May to late September. OnSocheong Island, three were heard in song on June 23rd-24th, but not in late May or susequently (NM). On GageoIsland, first heard on May 20th; with a total of 32 logged during whole-island survey between June 25th and 28th.Approximately 15 pairs were considered to be breeding in four well-separated areas of bamboo. The first fledglingswere seen on July 5th, and the last observation (that of a juvenile present in the same area since early September),was made on October 1st (all NM). On Eochong Island, where two were seen on June 6th (SKS), breeding territorieswere threatened by the mass-removal of their bamboo habitat. On Mara Island, Jeju, breeding was again observedin August (JES), where a survey found eleven breeding pairs in 2008 (Kim, E-M et al. 2009).

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca V2One photographed on Bigeum Island, Jeollanam Province on August 27th (GKN) mirrors a similar record fromnearby Heuksan Island in August 2008. There are seven previous records for the Korean Peninsula, mostly in winter.

Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus R2 Br:1 simplex P4Eight simplex were seen on Gageo Island on April 29th (NM). Japonicus is a common resident breeder and migrantthrough the south coastal zone and along the west coast, breeding at least as far north Eocheong and Weiyeon Island.Until the present decade, it was considered to be much scarcer further north, and Park (2002) traced only two recordsfor Gyeonggi Province. However, since then there have been multiple records. In 2009, one was photographed atNamhansan on June 13th (IBH), becoming the first June record for Gyeonggi Province. In October, one was alsophotographed there on the 20th (PHS), followed by one at Mt. Gyeyang, Incheon, on the 22nd (KHJ). At least one wasalso at Namhansan on November 3rd (KJC).

Chinese Nuthatch Sitta villosa W5 Br:NNA barely annual irruptive winter visitor. The only record of the year appears to be of three at Hwajinpo, GangwonProvince, on December 9th (NM, SG, KG).

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris R/W5 Br:1An irregular irruptive winter visitor, very scarce in most years. Also considered to be a rare breeding resident. InOdaesan National Park, three fledglings were observed on June 14th (Kim C-H et al. 2010). Although breeding hadpreviously been strongly suspected based on frequent summer records, this is apparently the first adequately-documented breeding record of this species in the ROK. The only known winter record this year away from Odaesanwas of one at Hampyeong on December 12th (NM, SG, KG).




Red-billed Starling Spodiopsar sericeus P/W4, S5 Br:1First recorded in 2000. By 2009 an uncommon migrant, overwinterer and local breeder, and apparently present invarying numbers all year-round on Jeju Island, where breeding first confirmed in 2007. Fifty-one, photographed atJumunjin, Gangwon Province on February 9th (PHS, KWBS) is the largest overwintering flock yet recorded. Elsewhere,a flock of 32 was seen on Jeju Island on December 20th (MP, KYH).

White-cheeked Starling Spodiopsar cineraceus W/P/S2 Br:1A flock of at least 300 at Jeju City on January 12th (TBV) was the highest mid-winter concentration known to BirdsKorea in 2009.

White-shouldered Starling Sturnia sinensis V1A scarce but annual overshooting migrant, usually recorded singly on offshore islands. One photographed at Daejeoncity on April 26th (KJC) is a rare mainland record. One was on Hueksan in late April, with records of the speciescontinuing through to late May, and one was also on Hong Island in early May (KNP 2009). Additionally, four wereon Gageo Island on May 3rd (NM).

Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica P4, SV2 Br: NN2A scarce migrant, mostly through offshore islands. Thirty coming in off the sea on Socheong Island on May 16thwere followed by at least 30 (and probably many more) grounded around the island on May 17th (NM). On themainland, where typically very scarce, three were at Gwacheon, Seoul, on September 13th (TE, RN). This has apparentlybeen a regular site for this species in recent years.

Common Blackbird Turdus merula mandarinus P5, RV1 Br:1A scarce migrant, mostly through offshore islands in spring. Overwintering was again noted on Jeju Island, where an adultmale was photographed at Hanrim-eup, Jeju City, on February 27th (CSK), with another or the same male photographedthere again throughout December (JES). There are at least three or four previous records of overwintering.

Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus P2A locally common migrant, mainly through offshore islands from early April and especially in May, and again fromlate September to mid-November. Peak counts in 2009 came from Socheong Island, where at least 300 on May16th and 230 on May 17th (NM).

Brown-headed Thrush Turdus chrysolaus P3/4An occasionally locally common spring migrant, from early April to mid-May, commonest on southwestern offshoreislands. Scarce on the mainland. In 2009 the maximum count was of 20, on Gageo Island on April 25th (NM, RN).

Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis P/WV1A very scarce winter visitor and migrant, from early October to late April. There was a First-winter on Gageo Island onMarch 25th (NM); at least one on Hong Island (in early and in mid-April) (KNP 2009); and one First-winter on SocheongIsland on April 14th (NM). In the autumn, one was photographed on Socheong Island on October 5th and 6th (BDB).

Red-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis P/W5Typically a rather scarce winter visitor and migrant, from early October to late April. In January, three (including oneadult male, one First-winter male and one female) seen at Namhansan on the 7th (TBV) were followed by one atCheorwon on the 8th (JL); one photographed at Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province on the 30th (IKW); and one again atNamhansan on the 31st (KJC). A First-winter was at Paju on February 27th (YHS), and an adult male was still presentat Namhansan on March 6th (RN). In April, one or two were on Hong Island early in the month (KNP 2009); one wasphotographed on Socheong Island on the 14th (NM); and a First-winter male was photographed at Daejeon City onthe 23rd (PHS). In October, one probable was sighted on Gageo Island on the 19th (RN) and two were seen onSocheong Island on the 28th (NM).




Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus P/W2A common migrant and local winter visitor, especially in the south. On Socheong Island on April 15th, a conservativeestimate of at least 4,000 seen to arrive in off the sea (NM), is perhaps the highest day-count nationally.

Redwing Turdus iliacus V2One found and photographed in Cheorwon County onJanuary 8th (TBV) is the second record for Korea, andthe first supported by images. It could not be relocatedsubsequently. Eurasian Redwing has apparently beenrecorded ten or more times to date in neighboring Ja-pan, where coverage is more extensive, with recordsfrom Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south.

Chinese Thrush Turdus mupinensis V2At least one was on Hong Island in early April and againin late April. One was photographed on theChungcheongnam coast on May 1st (CHY) (althoughinitially thought possibly to be a Song Thrush T. philo-melos, the image matched Chinese Thrush much betterin several details). Soon after, one on Weiyeon Island,Chungcheongnam Province, from at least May 2nd-5th (SKS, KSH) was seen and photographed by multiple ob-servers. This becomes approximately the seventh record for Korea, all in spring.

Japanese Robin Luscinia akahige P5A scarce migrant (primarily in spring), mostly through the southwest and southeast. One was photographed onMara Island in April- apparently the first record for this most southerly Island (JES). Further north, one was photo-graphed on Weiyeon Island on April 12th (ODP). On Socheong Island, one was seen on April 12th, and a differentindividual was seen and photographed on April 14th and 16th (NM).

Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane P/S2 Br:1A fairly common breeding summer visitor and spring migrant, peaking in late May. Scarce in autumn, when re-corded into October. On May 14th, on Socheong Island, there was a noteworthy high count of 110 (NM).

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros rufiventris V1First recorded in 1999. A very scarce overshooting mi-grant recorded from early April to early May. In April, onemale was photographed on Mara Island on the 7th(KHM). Another found on Eochong Island on the samedate remained until the 10th (NM, MS, ES). On Hong Is-land, one was present on the 18th, where one was alsobanded on the 22nd (both latter records PJG).

Guldenstadt's Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogastusA male, perhaps a First-winter, was seen on GageoIsland on October 16th (RN). Unfortunately it was notphotographed. As a first record for Korea seen only by asingle observer without prior experience of the species,it has been added to Category 3 of the 2009 Birds Korea checklist.

Redwing Turdus iliacus, Photo © Kirsten Kraetzel

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros, Photo © Michael Stubblefield




Grey Bush Chat Saxicola ferreus V2One was on recorded on Hong Island in mid-April (KNP 2009)

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti V2One on Eocheong Island from May 2nd - 5th (CSHN)was seen and photographed by multiple observers (e.g.RN, IKW, SKS). Another was photographed on GageoIsland on October 5th (NM). The latter is only the thirdrecord for Korea, after the first in January 2008.

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius pandoo V2One was on Hong Island in mid-April (2009) and a pre-sumed Second Calendar-year pandoo was photo-graphed on Socheong Island on May 18th (NM). Thereare probably only three or so previous records of thisvagrant taxon:

Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina narcissina P4 owstoni V2An uncommon migrant, mostly through southern and western Islands, from mid April to late May. Rarely recorded inautumn (October). On Gageo Island on April 17th, a male with greenish tones to the mantle also showed a whitewing-spur, recalling owstoni. This was followed by a Second Calendar-year male owstoni on April 29th (NM).

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva V1A vagrant to East Asia which has been increasingly reported in the ROK since the first in 2003. Much of the in-crease in records is likely due to greater survey effort on offshore islands and improved identification criteria. In2009, one was photographed and sound-recorded on Gageo Island on April 27th (RN, NM) and one was sound-re-corded on Socheong Island on May 13th (NM). In the autumn on Socheong Island, one was photographed on Oc-tober 19th (NM), followed in November by one on the 2nd (RN) and 3rd (NM), and two separate individuals (bothphotographed; one sound-recorded) on the 6th and 8th (NM). Lastly, one on Gageo Island on the 16th (NM) becomesapproximately the 14th record for Korea.

Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla P3An uncommon migrant, mostly in May, and again from mid-September to mid-November. Highest counts came fromSocheong Island in May, where there were sixteen on the 16th, and 26 on the 17th (NM). The latter is apparently anew national day-count.

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus V2First recorded in 2001, one photographed on GageoIsland on November 18th (NM) becomes the seventhrecord for Korea. To date, all have been of single birdson offshore islands, on Jeju or in the West Sea, betweenSeptember 23rd and November 27th.

Russett Sparrow Passer rutilans R/W/P4 Br:1A large wintering flock of c.250, photographed at Pohangon February 22nd (LYS) is assumed to comprise birdsfrom the breeding population on Ulleung Island. Thismainland flock had apparently dwindled to eight by March14th (RL, HW, AB). Elsewhere, one on Gageo Island onApril 17th (NM, RN) is a noteworthy record.

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti, Photo © Cho Seung-Ho

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus, Photo © Nial Moores




Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata V2Six photographed at Seogwipo, Jeju, on November 14th(MP) is the fourth record for Korea, after the first threerecords in late October 2003.

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris R/P/W4 Br:NNA scarce but sometimes more widespread winter visitorto mountain peaks with open areas of bare rock, frommid-October to early April. It may also more rarely beencountered on offshore islands or lowland areas onpassage. In 2009, one photographed on Mt. Halla in April(JES) is only the 2nd record for Jeju Island after the firstin 2001. Up to fifteen on Mt. Gaya, ChungchongnamProvince, on November 7th (JJIM) is a notably largeconcentration. Elsewhere in the ROK, this species was recorded in 2009 from Mt. Geumjong, Busan, where twowere present from January 7th (JSS) to at least March 1st (JB, CB); Mt. Dobong, Gangwon Province on January7th (RN); Mt. Suam, Ansan, on February 25th (JJOM); Mt. Mani, Gangwha Island on February 25th (PHJ); and atYeongam, Jeollanam Province on February 28th (JHJ).

Japanese Accentor Prunella rubida V2One photographed at Goncheol-Eup, Gyeongju City on April 9th 2009 (KTG, JYG, LYM) is the first adequately-documented record of this species in Korea. There is one previous multi-observer sight record of this species, fromBusan in March 2001.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis taivana P3/W5Continuing the recent trend of overwintering, two taivana were at Hadori, Jeju, on January 13th (TBV). This is onlyapproximately the seventh overwintering record since the first in 2007, all apparently involving taivana.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba personata V2In an amazing series of observations (especially consid-ering the relatively poor coverage of West Sea islands)the first personata White Wagtail for Korea was seenand photographed on Hong Island, Jeollanam Provincebetween 3pm and 6pm on April 7th by KNP staff. Thesame (or an extremely-similar looking individual) wasthen observed and photographed “fresh-in” at the light-house on Eocheong Island (175 km to the NE fromHong Island, across open sea) shortly before midday onthe 8th (NM, MS, ES) where it was seen for less thanten minutes. On April 11th apparently the same individ-ual was then photographed a further 15 km to the NE,on Weiyeon Island (PJH, YHS).

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis V1A rare but annual migrant to offshore islands. In 2009, one was on Hong Island in mid-April (KNP 2009) and anotherwas photographed on May 2nd (KJC). One was also seen on Mara Island in May (JES).There are about twenty orso previous records since the first in 2000, in April and May, and again from early September to late October.

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata, Photo © Mathew Poll

White Wagtail Motacilla alba personata, Photo © Michael Stubblefield




Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni P1, W3, S5 Br:1A common migrant and uncommon but widespread winter visitor. On July 28th, one was seen in song-flight andapparently on territory at the top of Mount Halla, Jeju (MP). This comes after a pair and nest with four chicks wasphotographed in the same area in July 2007 (JES)- which remains the first and only adequately-documentedbreeding record of this species for the ROK. Elsewhere, at least 1,000 on Socheong Island on April 15th (NM) is anoteworthy count.

Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus V2One non-breeding plumaged individual photographed on Mungap Island on May 25th (KJC) is about the 8thnational record (six of which have been in the present decade).

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus P2, WV2One at Gomso Bay on January 2nd (TBV) is apparently only the fifth mid-winter record known to Birds Korea.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta V1An extremely scarce migrant and winter visitor. Thisyear, one photographed at Misari on the Han River onFebruary 6th (IBH) was followed by another individualon Eochong Island, Jeollabuk Province on April 18th(CSK). On Socheong Island, presumably the same indi-vidual was seen on November 4th and 8th (NM). Thereare at least 17 previous records.

Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea V1At the Namdae Stream in Yangyang on February 1st,one was found dead (KHK) and another was photo-graphed (JJOM). On February 18th, a flock of 30+ wasfound on Heuksan Island (KWY). Four were also seenon Gageo Island on February 22nd (NM). On February23rd, a flock of 25 was found in Paju, which was seenby numerous observers and remained until at leastMarch 1st (JDM). Finally, on Socheong Island, one washeard on March 20th (NM). These are the largest num-bers of Common Redpoll recorded in recent decades inthe Republic of Korea. It appears that the species mightonce have been much more numerous as Gore andWon (1971) wrote that in some years “huge flocks maybe encountered throughout the country.” However, in areview of the literature Park (2002) could only trace 30or so records of the species in total.

Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni V2At least two, and probably up to four, were photographed accompanying the flock of Common Redpoll C. flammea onHeuksan Island on February 18th and 19th (NM, PJG). This is apparently only the second record for the Republic of Ko-rea, after the first (poorly-photographed individual) on Eocheong Island in late October 2002.

Asian Rosy Finch Leucosticte arctoa V2A flock of up to twenty on Mt. Gumjeong, Busan, first found in late December 2008, remained until at least January 21stwhen 17 were counted (TE). This is apparently the first flock to have been seen by a large number of observers in Korea.In addition, a flock of 28-30 finches, probably of this species, was seen on Gageo Island by NM on November 17th.

Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni, Photo © Park Jong-Gil

Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea, Photo © Robin Newlin




There are less than ten previous records listed in Park(2002), with exceptional numbers last seen in 1998, whenthere was one on Dobongsan, six on Bukhansan (inSeoul) and 300 in Taebaek City, Gangwon Province.

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus P4, WV2 Br:NNOn the mainland, where very scarcely recorded in winterand spring, one was at Namhansan on January 7th(TBV), two were at Uiwang on April 5th (TE), followed byone at Seongnam, Seoul, on November 28th (KJC).

Pallas's Rosefinch Carpodacus roseus W3/4 Br: NN2An irruptive winter visitor to ROK, uncommon mostyears, recorded from late October to early April. Thisspecies was virtually absent in the previous two winters, and early 2009 was another poor year. The only recordtraced by Birds Korea involved two or three heard at Namhansan on January 7th (TBV). In the second half of theyear, there were seven on Socheong Island on November 3rd, followed by one or two on the 4th, and nine on the8th (all NM).

Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra W/P3, SV1 Br:2A fairly scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, recorded from early October to mid-May. This year, two mainlandflocks were noted. At Seosan, 23 were seen by multiple observers between April 4th (LHW) and April 30th (CHS).At Jumunjin, Gangwon Province, a flock of at least ten was present from April 30th (SHS) to May 3rd (KJC).

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes W2 Br:NNA widespread and irruptive winter visitor, commoner northward, from mid-October to late April. This species wasrelatively abundant in the winter of 2008 / 2009. In January, at least 100 were seen at Cheorwon on the 8th (TBV),followed by 230 at Imjingak on the 9th. The irruption reached as far south as Jeju Island, where the species wasseen on February 14th (MP) and Gageo Island in the far southwest, where there were four on February 24th (NM).Possibly among the last of the season were six at Gangwha Island on April 29th (JB). Hawfinches were also unusu-ally common in the second half of the year, with for example 40 seen at Cheorwon on December 7th (NM, SG, KG).

Japanese Grosbeak Eophona personata P/W5A scarce migrant and winter visitor. A flock of 25 at theNational Arboretum, present since late December 2008,remained until at least March 8th 2009 (JJIM).

Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos P/W5A very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, recordedfrom late October to late April. On Socheong Island, singleswere recorded on October 25th and November 1st (NM).

Tristram's Bunting Emberiza tristrami P2, S3, W5 Br:1Unseasonal birds included four at Halla Arboretum, Jejuon January 13th (TBV); one at Gurye, Jeollanam Prov-ince on January 17th (BDB); and one at Hampyeong,Jeollanam Province on December 12th (NM, SG, KG).There are at least nine previous records of overwinteringsince 2001, all from the southern provinces.

Asian Rosy Finch Leucosticte arctoa, Photo © Robin Newlin

Japanese Grosbeak Eophona personata, Photo © Robin Newlin




Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata P/S3, W4 Br:1A breeding area, apparently supporting a loose "colony" of more than ten pairs, was discovered along the banks ofthe South Han River near Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. Unfortunately, this area has already since been lost to “land-scaping” as part of the Four Rivers Project (SKS, KWBS).

Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans W/P1, R2 Br:1A common winter visitor, migrant and (less numerous) breeding resident. A count of 490 on Socheong Island onNovember 1st (NM) was noteworthy.

Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola P3/4 Br:NN3An uncommon and fast-declining passage migrant. Passage generally from late April to late May and in autumnfrom late August to early November. At least 50 on May 16th on Socheong Island (NM) appears to be the highest-recorded concentration of the year. One on Gageo Island on November 18th (NM) is unusually late.

Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila P2, WV2A fairly common but declining passage migrant, mostly from late April to late May and again from late August to lateOctober. Peak counts of this species in 2009 came from Socheong Island in May, where there were 1,220 on the12th, 120 on the 13th, 350 on the 16th, and 300 on the 17th (all NM).

Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps V2A female was photographed on Eocheong Island on May 13th (LYS). On Gageo Island on September 27th, one ormore probably two large buntings (either Emberiza bruniceps or E. melanocephala) were found. On the 28th one E.bruniceps remained and was photographed, last being seen on September 30th (NM). There are at least five previ-ous records, although the total could be rather higher, as several additional records of E. bruniceps / E. melano-cephala remain unidentified to taxon.

Yellow Bunting Emberiza sulphurata P4A scarce spring migrant, mostly to southern (and to a lesser extent western) islands from early April to late May. OnGageo Island, one bird photographed with a Japanese ring on April 17th (RN) is, according to Kiyoaki Ozaki of theYamashina Institute, only the second such re-sighting out of Japan (even though more than 5,000 have beenbanded there). On Gageo, there were twelve on April 21st; 19 on April 24th; and at least 26 on April 26th (NM, RN)- the latter perhaps the highest day count of this species yet recorded in Korea.

Grey Bunting Emberiza variabilis P/W4A somewhat irregular, typically scarce and local migrant through the southern coastal zone and western Islands, from lateFebruary to the end of April. Winters locally in small numbers in the far southeast and Jeju Island. On Jeju Island therewere between ten and fifteen at Halla Arboretum on Janu-ary 13th (TBV), and one at Seogwipo on April 22nd (MP).On Gageo Island, one or two on March 28th were followedby one on April 2nd (NM). In the second half of the year,one or two on Socheong Island on November 4th (NM)were followed by one or two there on November 11th 2004.

Ochre-rumped Bunting Emberiza yessoensis P/W4A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, much over-looked, recorded from mid-October to mid-May. Wintersightings included one at Eulsuk-do, Busan on February28th (JB, CB). In April, one was on Eocheong Island onthe 9th (NM, MS, ES), while on Socheong Island, singles Ochre-rumped Bunting Emberiza yessoensis, Photo © Michael Stubblefield




were recorded on the 14th and 16th (NM). Two were also photographed on Mungap Island on the 25th (LSI). InMay, singles were seen on Socheong Island on the 9th and 10th (NM). In October one was on Gageo Island on the18th, where also two on the 20th (RN). On Socheong Island one was present on the 20th (NM). Apparently the lastrecord of the year was one at Seosan on December 13th (NM, SG, KG).

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis V1One winter-plumaged male was seen - but not photographedat Kongreung stream, Paju, on February 4th (KSMI).There are fewer than ten previous Korean records of this species.

Newly Traced Exceptional pre-2009 records

Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialisA paper in Russian by Kosygin et al. (1984) traced and translated by Alex Bond includes the following: "Fulmar: Aflock of 50 birds (one collected) observed on March 23, 1962 (See Figure A, number 2). As VP Shuntov (1972)notes, this species is rare in the Sea of Japan during cold times of the year." Based on the figure, this observationwas made approximately 50km from the DPRK coast, well within the maritime military boundary that, according toWikipedia, lies 50 nautical miles (92.6 km; 57.5 mi) offshore in the East Sea. This species will therefore be added tothe 2013 Birds Korea Checklist.

Tufted Puffin Fratercula cirrhataA specimen held in the Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo, Japan, was apparently collected fromDumangang, Gyeongheung-Gun, Hampgyeongbuk Province, DPRK on August 2nd 1933. This species will there-fore be added to the Birds Korea Checklist in 2013.

Exotics

The following are non-native species believed to have escaped or been released deliberately. They are includedhere for completeness and as they could pose a potential identification challenge.

White Stork Ciconia ciconiaTwo from Jeonju Animal Park were deliberately released into the Saemangeum area on August 6th 2007, appar-ently to "improve" the local environment. These individuals survived on a regular feeding programme and were fre-quently photographed at the Mangyeung and Dongjin Rivers, most recently in 2009 on January 3rd (LHC), andSeptember 19th (ODP).

African Collared Dove Streptopelia risoriaThe domesticated form of the African Collared Dove S. roseogrisea, otherwise known as the Barbary, Ringed,Ringneck or Ringed Turtle Dove, is frequently kept as a pet in the ROK. Occasionally escapees or deliberately re-leased birds are encountered in the wild, typically close to habitation. In 2009, free-flying individuals were photo-graphed in e.g. Gyeonggi Province on April 22nd (IBH) and at Uiwang (KHK). Observers in the ROK should beaware that this highly variable taxon nonetheless often appears rather similar in the field to Eurasian Collared DoveS. decaocto. African Collared Dove, however, is shorter-tailed and may also show a relatively odd-shaped fore-head; usually has greyish (not black) primaries and whitish (not grey) undertail coverts. It also tends to show lessblack on the underside of its relatively shorter tail, warmer rufous tones to the upperwing; and is often much tamerand more approachable.

Black-headed Munia Lonchura malaccaAt closest, native to Taiwan, where resident. Introduced populations exist in Osaka and Tokyo. One was photo-graphed in Olympic Park, Seoul, on August 22nd and 23rd 2009 (LSY).




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