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Birding in Qingdao with Brian Westland

Wednesday, 08 November 2006

I was lucky to meet up with a bird guide from Canada, Brian Westland, right here in Qingdao.  He has loads of experiences and has appeared in newspapers such as the Toronto Star, the national Globe and Mail in Canada for identifying two rare birds in his area -- the Hermit Warbler and the Eared Grebe (also called accidentals or birds that are out of their range).  He got me into identifying different species of birds here in Qingdao. Unfortunately, I missed the fall migration time which is late April to May, the summer time and the fall migration which is in its peak in August to September. There are still quite a few birds that are hanging out in the winter.  The Black Billed Magpie is commonly seen.  They have been a symbol of good look for hundreds of years in China.  They are seen commonly, flying around feeding areas.  Of course the most common bird to be seen in Qingdao is the Eurasian Tree Sparrow which hangs out in groups or “flocks”.  The Tree Sparrow is very fond of hanging out on wires, walls and branches in rows of up the ten.  So far I’ve also seen Barn Swallows and Great Tits hanging out with the Tree Sparrows. Brian has spotted all sorts of birds such as the Vinous Throated Parrotbill at the Shi Lao Ren Garden. He spotted and identified a Red Billed Chough nesting behind the Chinese Character Bai at the Baishan School in Shazikou. The White Wagtail is interesting bird as it changes colors different time of the year but always wags its tail.  The Barn Swallows are like fighter jets, sweeping and diving around. His favorite places to go birding are Shi Lao Ren Garden and Zhong Shan Park. He would love to take bird tours of Laoshan and to eventually go to Yunan for some birding. Brian is a great bird guide and inspired me to continue studying nature and birding. He gave me the following tips.  Basically Qingdao isn’t a haven for birding, though it's still fun to go out and see what's out there. Generally speaking going to parks and mountains is where you can spot birds. Usually you see more off the beaten track.  They are usually hanging out on the edges of habitats such as forests & fields.  Many birds will hang out in trees, brush and flower beds.  Dusk and dawn is generally the best time to see them flying around and doing their thing. If you have a yard you can plant different flowers and trees to attract different birds.  Bird feeders can also bring birds to your yard.  Though keep in mind only feed them if you can do it for the whole winter.  Bird baths are also very nice to get birds near your yard's view.  Keep in mind though place the feeders and bathes away from hidden corners where cats can hide. The art of Birding comes to those that truly appreciate nature and its calling.   Below are the species Brian Westland identified in Qingdao: If you happen to identify different species other than those below please email us. 1.  Great Tit (Parus Major) 2.  Black Billed Magpie (Pica Pica) 3.  Light Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus Sinesis) 4.  Daurian Red Start  (Phoenicurus Auroreus) 5.  Eurasian Tree Sparow (Passer Montanus) 6.  White Wagtail (Motacilla Alba) 7.  Vinous Throated Parrot Bill (Paradoxornis webbianus) 8.  Eurasian Hobby (Falco Subbuteo) 9.  Spotted Dove  (Streptopelia Chinensis) 10.  Great Egret (Camerodius Egret) 11.  Red-Bill Chough  (Pyrrhocorax) 12.  Siberian Blue Robin (Luscina Cyane) 13.  Barn Swallow  (Hirunda Rustica)                                                                                              Birding is North America’s No. 1 participant sport.  Millions of people go birding which means they go out into nature to relax and identify different species of birds.  Many armed with bird guides, binoculars and cameras write down or journal what species or describe new birds that they can’t quite give a name too.  Birding is a sport that is often ridiculed but tunes you into nature and is a great way to relax. Enjoy Qingdao Parks and beaches.  And go birding… References Oxford Field Guide to the Birds of China, John Mackinnon and Karen Phillips, Oxford University Press, USA (August 1, 2000), ISBN: 0198549415 Brian Westland, Canadian Birder and Guide, http://www.earthfoot.org/guides/westland.htm http://www.earthfoot.org/places/ca003.htm Submitted by Michael Scirocco November 7th 2006