tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192744702024-03-14T16:34:20.292+11:00Nordmann's Greenshank - A personal blog dedicated to this highly threatened shorebirdFirst inspired by my almost fortnightly sightings in 2003 of this very little observed bird in Malaysia. It is good to know that this non-descriptive shorebird has become much better accquanted ever since, with more sightings by more observers at more sites in the region.
However this is still one of the most threatened shorebirds in Asia.
Note: All photos are copyright of the respective photographers. Please seek blog owner's permission for any reuse of these photos.tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-91655320192234890322008-11-23T12:25:00.021+11:002008-11-24T21:00:07.030+11:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD2i_UATAg6vYqHnLSY7VM7f_fT1hRYKKmCg888Q-loRJQY1icYWMzInt-FRxPWD0be6Mi4eqfPqHhSQi3wFMY8FO6CJI-e1ZypH1mT2ft8SnacPToqYRBmJXSKiv91WgbuNUJw/s1600-h/NordmannsMendisTan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271746733625015218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD2i_UATAg6vYqHnLSY7VM7f_fT1hRYKKmCg888Q-loRJQY1icYWMzInt-FRxPWD0be6Mi4eqfPqHhSQi3wFMY8FO6CJI-e1ZypH1mT2ft8SnacPToqYRBmJXSKiv91WgbuNUJw/s320/NordmannsMendisTan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>A Gap of 27 Years in Singapore</strong></span><br /></div><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">A Nordmann's Greenshank at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 15 Nov 2008 (Photo copyright of Mendis Tan)</span><br /><br /></p><p>It has been a historical moment for many birdwatchers in Singapore when 2 Nordmann's Greeshanks turned up unexpectedly at <a href="http://www.sbwr.org.sg/">Sungei Buloh Wetlend Reserve </a>on 15 Nov 2008 - after 27 years since it was last reported in Singapore (<a href="http://www.nss.org.sg/">Nature Society Singapore</a>).<br /><br />The bird was first discovered by Tan Kok Hui, Danny Lau and Lau Jia Sheng and Tan Gim Cheong. Soon afterwards the ID was confirmed by David Li who has previous experience with the species in Malaysia.</p>The event coincided with a very high tide in the noon where most mudflats around Singapore and Johor had been flooded and many shorebirds were forced to retreat to few remaining wetlands still not submerged such as Sungei Buloh Wetlend Reserve.<br /><br />Nordmann's Greenshank is an Endangered species according to <a href="http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3020&m=0">BirdLife International</a> where its migratory routes are confined to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asian_-_Australasian_Flyway">East Asian Australasian Flyway</a>. Its global population is very low and is estimated at less than 1000 individuals. There has been many encouraging sighting of Nordmann's Greenshanks lately, many from the sites where this species was never officially reported previously, such as Sumatra, <a href="http://nordmannsgreenshank.blogspot.com/2007/12/some-special-moments-in-20062007-there.html">Java</a> and <a href="http://nordmannsgreenshank.blogspot.com/2007/12/some-special-moments-in-20062007-there.html">NW Australia</a>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JBh2AQ1562AiqVSEWOYOi06QAPF6Tcw_7HRz9uhmxuNkQvZJTomry6fIH2dEgt197wydlcZMgsLnBlQn4uw5hl9mIXBfIMpaXhUKr3lw4weO2ILv5zfJ2gLqy8aIU_74QeQq7w/s1600-h/106112345HowardBanwell.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLVZ3E0Zs6dPnVLhfZpHSVixsZpY-OySTA4QMorRO_inqajygWGA_xGmWtulvTHU2_9ljx9xM3U0N7WFjmsTrZAgaKJhoXp0ST6wz16py_ysg0CkU3BSFHSU-vVyv3bU2CQYXsw/s1600-h/Nordmann_HBanwell6490.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272157646940191682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLVZ3E0Zs6dPnVLhfZpHSVixsZpY-OySTA4QMorRO_inqajygWGA_xGmWtulvTHU2_9ljx9xM3U0N7WFjmsTrZAgaKJhoXp0ST6wz16py_ysg0CkU3BSFHSU-vVyv3bU2CQYXsw/s320/Nordmann_HBanwell6490.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">RIGHT: One of two Nordmann's Greenshank found strutting on the muds in Singapore. An inconspicuous rarity that has caused much excitement among local and international birdwatchers. (Photo Copyright: <a href="http://www.pbase.com/howardbanwell/wildlife">Howard Banwell </a>2008)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>However, this sighting in Singapore is signficant and unique because the birds were located within a nature reserve and have been observed feeding actively on the site. The combination of easy accessibility with hides as well as good number of local experienced birdwathcers and photographers mean that this is a rare opportunity to better study Nordmann's Greenshank's feeding and movement behaviour. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZPQhIfTfgnXMRrzRTKCqcD-pUXcRsFYC4PMCJI7lSFby9-jr3CxEOvmhoehO6PeaOtYb1B2ivUHFpCgQj5-kJEfvKFNfvdwm8Db55ucuoS6QqtbV2vDylWxVpaXW5rHTqi9mvA/s1600-h/Nordmann_SBWR_20081115_371_KimChuah.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271727122418717906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZPQhIfTfgnXMRrzRTKCqcD-pUXcRsFYC4PMCJI7lSFby9-jr3CxEOvmhoehO6PeaOtYb1B2ivUHFpCgQj5-kJEfvKFNfvdwm8Db55ucuoS6QqtbV2vDylWxVpaXW5rHTqi9mvA/s320/Nordmann_SBWR_20081115_371_KimChuah.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;">LEFT: A Nordmann's Greenshank showing its unique semi-webbed feet. (Photo Copyright: LIM Kim Chual 2008)</span></p><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1gMzlJAbyS5orPtU8We2eiuTZvZdzYEV6crf8LezXcFPUAy4pTHoCQp-kVQae5FDEPPymh-jpRT8aM8y80oCkYtRfbLtYT_XwmkUhS302g8BOWx5G6RMkMZdU_76_oDrLfioCw/s1600-h/NordmannGS_GimCheong5793.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272157974943850258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1gMzlJAbyS5orPtU8We2eiuTZvZdzYEV6crf8LezXcFPUAy4pTHoCQp-kVQae5FDEPPymh-jpRT8aM8y80oCkYtRfbLtYT_XwmkUhS302g8BOWx5G6RMkMZdU_76_oDrLfioCw/s320/NordmannGS_GimCheong5793.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">RIGHT: A Nordmann's Greenshank feeding on a crab. If you know the species of the crab, pls let me know copsychus at gmail dot com</span><br /><div align="right"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo Copyright: TAN Gim Cheong)</span><br /></div><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Well done to those who had discovered this little known and easily overlooked shorebird!! </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Hope the birds will hang around a bit longer so that every birder in Singapore or visiting international birder will have a Christmas Gift!!</strong></span>tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-72124571403734404782008-04-05T23:55:00.006+11:002008-04-21T22:48:39.674+10:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>30 Nordmanns counted in Kapar, Malaysia Feb 2008, </strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJfTiN6xnjZ2w7j0QUic1WO-DaghccexYwVi-LJ1EsUiXkH3yvBDta_VYC3le6aZFj1GVNLR57TW51uFY0mUpO_MKW6wioRDieW4g_gAlRMp69Rk-UreOAQ4-XFJ1P6OL5e7OUA/s1600-h/Nordmanns+Greenshank+6237.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185745212201824434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJfTiN6xnjZ2w7j0QUic1WO-DaghccexYwVi-LJ1EsUiXkH3yvBDta_VYC3le6aZFj1GVNLR57TW51uFY0mUpO_MKW6wioRDieW4g_gAlRMp69Rk-UreOAQ4-XFJ1P6OL5e7OUA/s320/Nordmanns+Greenshank+6237.JPG" border="0" /></a>This year is again my anual rendezvous with the Nordmann's Greenshank at Kapar Ash Pond, Selangor, Malaysia.<br /><br />On 12 Feb 2008, I counted at least 30 Nordmann's Greenshanks. It is my personal highest count so far. It seems that this site is attracting more of this rarity shorebird.<br /><br />Possible explanations to the increase of number counted each year are:<br /><br />1) The number of Nordmann's Greenshank has genuinely increased. This has to be supported by consistent increase in numbers at its breeding sites as well as other non-breeding sites along its flyway, which I do not have at the moment.<br /><br />2) There are reclamation or deterioration of other nearby roosting sites and shorebirds are now more concentrated in Kapar Ash Ponds which is a protected Ramsar site.<br /><br />If you have any data or observations that either support or contradict to my hypothesis, feel free to contact me at tunpin dot ong at gmail dot com.<br /><br />Other interesting encounters are 1 Asian Dowitcher, 1 Great Knot with Black-over-White flag on its right upper leg - Chongming Dao, Shanghai?tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-90773645748952815152007-12-14T23:07:00.000+11:002007-12-15T01:10:18.991+11:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>A Rare Close Up Look</strong><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1ShCwx6OHzV6E2LORdouAkkIDXziBgi8J-t_6yPS8KE5at_8d5VjcPXH_TFdmAPR0I5gF5Uw3S83hNXevh_-iD5iE5rmYGmYtRESIJTkAMls_zino2uydj9qm7E_YUhIZUSCaQ/s1600-h/NordmannsGreenshankOnHand1316AdrianBoyle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143818106728566386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1ShCwx6OHzV6E2LORdouAkkIDXziBgi8J-t_6yPS8KE5at_8d5VjcPXH_TFdmAPR0I5gF5Uw3S83hNXevh_-iD5iE5rmYGmYtRESIJTkAMls_zino2uydj9qm7E_YUhIZUSCaQ/s320/NordmannsGreenshankOnHand1316AdrianBoyle.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is a very rare opportunity to have an intimate look at the Nordmann's Greenshank held in hand. On 05 April 2005, Adrian Boyle, a researcher from Australia, had caught 2 out of 3 Nordmann's Greenshanks present at Chongming Dao Nature Reserve, near Shanghai, China. <div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>The birds were on their spring northwards trip to the breeding ground. Photos have shown that the bird has assumed partial breeding plumage. The heavily spotted breast and head as well as dark upper parts with white notches are the characteristics of breeding plumage. </div><div>If you have any further comments/inputs on its plumage, feel free to write to myself (copsychus at yahoo dot com) or Adrian (adrianboyle at westnet dot com dot au)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oyyX4W_K6JzIVshyBwH8AwCHzRM7gb4nLoHDMzbefdDEPYV4OvesW7KFCAGk-YPED58u2bmU7JBKV5jVWQaeAaYxbVuiz1b25ZTRBLMYwYAvcv_eYtBDc97LpoMi1Zb3iqv7Iw/s1600-h/NordmannsGreenshank_Underwing1322_Adrian.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143815727316684338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oyyX4W_K6JzIVshyBwH8AwCHzRM7gb4nLoHDMzbefdDEPYV4OvesW7KFCAGk-YPED58u2bmU7JBKV5jVWQaeAaYxbVuiz1b25ZTRBLMYwYAvcv_eYtBDc97LpoMi1Zb3iqv7Iw/s320/NordmannsGreenshank_Underwing1322_Adrian.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Nordmann's Greenshank has pure white underwing and axillaries, whereas Common Greenshank has finely barred underwing and axillaries.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />^</div><div>^</div><div>^</div><div>^</div><div>^</div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMkBblvRDdh5YKxPokdbFeQDT4qi76PhXkf56a2hcN8ZTO7ofUzvApbLi39r8KlDVy6Nk7cBhh8gr2Yh2xo-Q7LSmUAov4XR4rzRZ8A1JlSjs3haw6X9SGnQDG3oPa1y2OLlqNg/s1600-h/IMG_1327.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143815735906618962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMkBblvRDdh5YKxPokdbFeQDT4qi76PhXkf56a2hcN8ZTO7ofUzvApbLi39r8KlDVy6Nk7cBhh8gr2Yh2xo-Q7LSmUAov4XR4rzRZ8A1JlSjs3haw6X9SGnQDG3oPa1y2OLlqNg/s320/IMG_1327.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the legendary web that many would love to see it in the field. Nordmann's Greenshank is quite unique among <em>Tringa</em> sandpipers in having partial toe-webbing especially the outer toe (left photo). </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>^</div><div>^</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLy3Via7S3Ow42ExWcomHy5wcCBd2lwWQSOTHZ_ODDNsoSFE3hOCDzFod5T0BWOG0ZxeauJLiNOdIuZ_MonWjU4wZS6vakg_vk_Iy_6Dmjhu43tz9kvYgaJAgYUJevW4XANzGUA/s1600-h/Common+Greenshank+foot+copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143816251302694498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLy3Via7S3Ow42ExWcomHy5wcCBd2lwWQSOTHZ_ODDNsoSFE3hOCDzFod5T0BWOG0ZxeauJLiNOdIuZ_MonWjU4wZS6vakg_vk_Iy_6Dmjhu43tz9kvYgaJAgYUJevW4XANzGUA/s320/Common+Greenshank+foot+copy.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>In contrast with the Common Greenshank (right photo, courtesy of Adrian Boyle and al) the web is significantly reduced in the outer toe(right) and almost webless in the inner toe (left).</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavsk0mHxs3TSpEyfKw8ko8LSM5D3JBUdp8JJtaf4kTINyRcfYWqa6E_Heq0qs60N7HboLaceu9hj79OQtrnglVbtWdnSIDCmew-fM88uFYxOcb59kzAntjyNm_HkeBglfO0Snjw/s1600-h/Tringa+Guttifer+after+release-AdrianBoyle.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143815731611651650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavsk0mHxs3TSpEyfKw8ko8LSM5D3JBUdp8JJtaf4kTINyRcfYWqa6E_Heq0qs60N7HboLaceu9hj79OQtrnglVbtWdnSIDCmew-fM88uFYxOcb59kzAntjyNm_HkeBglfO0Snjw/s320/Tringa+Guttifer+after+release-AdrianBoyle.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Nordmann's Greenshank released after ringing</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">^</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">^</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">^</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">^</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">^</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">^</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Special acknowledgements: Many thanks to Adrian Bolye who has kindly permitted the use of the photos.</div></div>tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-31496071651074755972007-12-01T23:18:00.000+11:002007-12-15T00:30:00.316+11:00<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Some Special Moments in 2006/2007</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mUbOxXzh-SFyIaPksWoeIn2jG8BvnuD9_UmgFrm1CCAPWf_wwcV4t3wnIVVXN4JakXqVPAtS5tr7kqEMhmv3teGwBFTPLwmb86R4ohyphenhyphenyvh9dIsuaYxSkWTF-6a429nT9EBisbg/s1600-r/NordmannGreenshank_Iwan_Londo_3299.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138980441074996290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspJxnGEvCRTUruY9pOqg1bPYFcH6N0m5AkKFG0BTGtlQ9qk0dDB2Vd3rYvJbfVipJzfrAN4ryuZ_LmvIOqmjPeRMDYTTU0jxjqFf9_UByZ-9Euh5Cbac9UPDHbk8NGf1nz27hJg/s320/NordmannGreenshank_Iwan_Londo_3299.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mUbOxXzh-SFyIaPksWoeIn2jG8BvnuD9_UmgFrm1CCAPWf_wwcV4t3wnIVVXN4JakXqVPAtS5tr7kqEMhmv3teGwBFTPLwmb86R4ohyphenhyphenyvh9dIsuaYxSkWTF-6a429nT9EBisbg/s1600-r/NordmannGreenshank_Iwan_Londo_3299.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">First record in Java (Photo courtesy of Iwan Londo)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There were at least 3 spectacular sightings in season 2006/2007 which is worth noting:<br /><br /><strong>1) First ever record in Java, Indonesia - 1 November 2006</strong><br />Photographed by Iwan Londo at Delta of Kulon Progo River, Jogyakarta (Central Java), Indonesia. This is the first confirmed record in Java.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO4frsD_iFzexmUtTK6ua05AaMVm2erhI5zNb4dQo-qTKkAUQshpMoSwOD5cmwtJRCqSEmx0r43B76PmQd9srRKgXa-bGmEV0SB3qd3iceOQfXPhgyitOArwWxM7qIagFoE-qAQ/s1600-r/NordmannGreenshank_Iwan_Londo_3322.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138980458254865538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgtL7OriiBv4FasavWj-xlGN2SRpVWmHqaIoXIhVHzOoUBfOHuK0Sj9vI3FExkY95zALbxhiLPyW7M43TASPIwXziDF7Z6zRsQX1bm-549D-HXpUHogOTye7PSDuOzyCU1vhdiQ/s320/NordmannGreenshank_Iwan_Londo_3322.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">First record in Java (Photo courtesy of Iwan Londo)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>2) First ever photographic evidence in Australia continent - 2 Dec 2006</strong><br />Sighted and photographed by Adrian Boyle and Tony Kirkby near Broome, Western Australia. This is the first photographic evidence of Nordmann's Greenshank in Australia.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq3S0MLIVRVSzEiuQwQuUvS1w9Qh9by4Cv2bljseyXvQ4najsrrrAcfLlNJwDhme6vo10_ye9s8zxBSiAnvjlPvNz-jpkhRVuYwmyqbWPhXf1QVwLFDBAZUx6_4qmLiUJamBcWg/s1600-r/NordmannGreenshank_Broome2_AdrianBolye.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138980445369963602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8IYH1BpfAdKZeQwdOmCGR3BoGqlpYJf7U0HnFWA_kSU9iL2s9Q84lzCGPM_JLek3c9nzNkex1aKqLopRNn9mmTicScXzm6fjJsPBLXQqjVfTLOSg27lgqI5aGAiqdRKWh0bfSw/s320/NordmannGreenshank_Broome2_AdrianBolye.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Smaller Nordmann's Greenshank with two Common Greenshank. Note the color of the legs. (Photo courtesy of Adrian Bolye)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNx95IXPBdeZ_35x7ILGbtZgD3lcYcXLCsGs20dZUkCydBJIjLthfdGE0hwneEFH6Y3CiHXrpJH5Erhi3r476c61eFoRJ96WhrW9-h5T9Cmdf8wgerFYLQZcNAXa9EWU623gFcw/s1600-r/NordmannGreenshank_Broome_AdrianBolye.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138980449664930914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOCr-LnmDP3rcbBclxe4zu8NrtcCcb7GIJjY5iZeF1XHfkPTurtRGPyXXuqGST2E_wndwtAnyFRLg1Z_7y2Ol6ZFYkpRMovLSU3Q0o8UmN8FfO4er-x_EufrDDmUWupMI7VNyiQ/s320/NordmannGreenshank_Broome_AdrianBolye.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">"Cutier" Nordmann's Greenshank infront of Little Curlew and Common Greenshank. The difference between NG and Common Greenshank can be very obvious when standing side by side.(Photo courtesy of Adrian Bolye)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>3) Sighting of at least 70 Nordmann's Greenshanks in west coast of Peninsular Malaysia - 3 Feb 2007. </strong><br />Recorded by David Li of <a href="http://www.wetlands.org/news.aspx?ID=e89a9080-16d2-4691-8b6b-e2ec4587b810">Wetlands International </a>near Sekinchan town, Selangor State, Malaysia. This is the largest number recorded in Malaysia, or probably anywhere in its wintering site.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjDcIiZlqYfvf_52_hVtIrcFFSZRAXkMXBkrt0h2h3erTLGk1U5OolY2EsDKMqD1quKuB9XP0zspzjRQNM4plXjCSReU-FFNKHC8sw_CVijSoJY25bANnTVlKYBfGsQCDIeT6Ng/s1600-r/NordmannGreenshank_Sekinchan_DavidLi1a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138980449664930930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3akoWyWe8L0Rp3oifwnno-ZTTl8JS-8eR7DHiMCpmtN1HLoyjbtzjWBbvqUboAXvBM4kXBjGgYR5GwjaJfIDcG_O8KWJENRkV2OC2_EWBSlFF6IfkMoU4ZjulS1p0ZPWqiVxhw/s320/NordmannGreenshank_Sekinchan_DavidLi1a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Unprecedented large flock of Nordmann's Greenshanks in Malaysia. (Photo courtesy of David Li)</span>tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-14211532296429241122007-11-12T23:57:00.000+11:002007-11-17T23:04:02.841+11:00<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">New wintering site discovered in Malaysia</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5qOzt9qYeuz8luHV7q2t_pUsLcw10nFlnj5XCXcJdakqZ_pT6dMR2b_SzzVdOz-YsaPg8VPkmngIvmwE-hKDMHsNRZYYm7CwSRPLF4GrDg6emRidjJa7TB4GZl6acc_OXsUmnA/s1600-h/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+1ANG.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131939017140913634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5qOzt9qYeuz8luHV7q2t_pUsLcw10nFlnj5XCXcJdakqZ_pT6dMR2b_SzzVdOz-YsaPg8VPkmngIvmwE-hKDMHsNRZYYm7CwSRPLF4GrDg6emRidjJa7TB4GZl6acc_OXsUmnA/s320/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+1ANG.JPG" border="0" /></a> A contact from Malaysia, Mr TH Ang, had sighted 3 Nordmann's Greenshanks near Muar in November 2007. This is a migratory bird roosting site not previously surveyed by birdwatchers. (Muar is a coastal town in Peninsular Malaysia situated between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">A first winter young adult Nordmann's Greenshank surrounded by many Common Redshanks. (Copyright TH Ang)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9S05WeYVgAGzM97poVyryFv0fMu2b7qTY8K5EcsdETfBB0OR36pCysoiiFpclWhS3d32_15k6jXcahbAtSTyw-VkeAN2aQwvEPbrS1AmlZSbGdnL3DC78oMGOaTfFx-IS1aAEw/s1600-h/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+ANG2.JPG"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">A <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9S05WeYVgAGzM97poVyryFv0fMu2b7qTY8K5EcsdETfBB0OR36pCysoiiFpclWhS3d32_15k6jXcahbAtSTyw-VkeAN2aQwvEPbrS1AmlZSbGdnL3DC78oMGOaTfFx-IS1aAEw/s1600-h/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+ANG2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131938282701506002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9S05WeYVgAGzM97poVyryFv0fMu2b7qTY8K5EcsdETfBB0OR36pCysoiiFpclWhS3d32_15k6jXcahbAtSTyw-VkeAN2aQwvEPbrS1AmlZSbGdnL3DC78oMGOaTfFx-IS1aAEw/s320/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+ANG2.JPG" border="0" /></a>Portrait pose of a non-breeding adult. (Copyright TH Ang)<br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9S05WeYVgAGzM97poVyryFv0fMu2b7qTY8K5EcsdETfBB0OR36pCysoiiFpclWhS3d32_15k6jXcahbAtSTyw-VkeAN2aQwvEPbrS1AmlZSbGdnL3DC78oMGOaTfFx-IS1aAEw/s1600-h/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+ANG2.JPG"></a><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9S05WeYVgAGzM97poVyryFv0fMu2b7qTY8K5EcsdETfBB0OR36pCysoiiFpclWhS3d32_15k6jXcahbAtSTyw-VkeAN2aQwvEPbrS1AmlZSbGdnL3DC78oMGOaTfFx-IS1aAEw/s1600-h/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+ANG2.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks to the extensive coverage of local birdwatchers, this elusive wader is gradually unfolded in Malaysia.tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-66964260732602647302007-04-24T23:52:00.000+10:002007-04-25T00:15:53.113+10:00<span style="font-size:180%;"></span><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Summer Fashion in Hongkong</span> </strong><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo taken on 08 Apr 2007 at Maipo Wetlands, Hongkong. (Copyright and Courtesy of Wai Hung YIP)</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3IckrrNWnl3VWKuxV8hAPnRFXWaCFHRcv61Qu1xcxWG5d2NF_9_cTcrGyzsHqXRFjqQPw_qURp2Cq5ZfROPmuL6RUPZZhJzMbAFtWzMh3GCIhYaIGuNkdxdcAZQY43S-sCBlow/s1600-h/NordmannGreenshank+Maipo+Wai-Hung+20070408.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056992939062454418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3IckrrNWnl3VWKuxV8hAPnRFXWaCFHRcv61Qu1xcxWG5d2NF_9_cTcrGyzsHqXRFjqQPw_qURp2Cq5ZfROPmuL6RUPZZhJzMbAFtWzMh3GCIhYaIGuNkdxdcAZQY43S-sCBlow/s320/NordmannGreenshank+Maipo+Wai-Hung+20070408.jpg" border="0" /></a>You need a different set of eyes to look for Nordmann's Greenshank in breeding plumage. This is a rare photo that puts both closely resembled Greenshank species side by side for comparison. The Nordmann's (now can be conveniently called Spotted) Greenshank on the right shows very distinct bold black dots and broad white fringed tertials.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span>tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-1167455467192212462006-12-30T16:09:00.000+11:002007-04-25T00:17:48.447+10:00<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">My Sighting in Dec 2006</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo: A Nordmann's Greenshank flanked by closely resembled Common Greenshanks)</span><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4259/1212/1600/517932/NGreenshank5086LargeS.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4259/1212/320/982457/NGreenshank5086LargeS.jpg" border="0" /></a>I managed to obtain a permit to visit Kapar Power Station Ash Ponds, Selangor, Malaysia to conduct survey on waders, particularly on my two main targets - Nordmann's Greenshank and Spoon-billed Sandpiper.<br />Kapar proves to be a very reliable site for NG. However, we did not manage to spot any Spoon-billed Sandpiper despite scanning thru > 300 Red-necked Stints. (The only official record of SPS in Kapar was a single bird in early 2002)<br /><br /><br />Kapar is only 1 hour expressway drive from KL. The highlights from 2 days survey on 26 Dec and 27 Dec 2006 during morning high tide are as following:-<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Day One 26/12/2006</span> </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Ruff</strong> - single bird among black-tailed godwits. Orange leg (easily confused with Redshank), short bill and big eyes. Too bad I did not have enough time to ascertain its gender.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Eastern Curlew </strong>- one bird flying among a flock of 40+ Eurasian Curlews. Overall dark plumage with same dark rump.<br /><br /><strong>Nordmann's Greenshank</strong> - At least 5 birds but hard to id because most stood with their heads tucked in. This is the 2nd time ever that I had observed Nordmann's Greenshank standing on dry ground. One NG held a twig and chased another NG - is this Courtship display?<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4259/1212/1600/811204/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%205088.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4259/1212/320/634134/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%205088.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></a>Compare the head-bill pattern</span></em><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> and unspotted plumage of the Nordmann's Greenshank (Centre) with Common Greenshanks (behind and left). The brown-headed wader in the far left is a Black-tailed Godwit</span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Day Two 27/12/2006</strong><br /></span><strong>Nordmann's Greenshank</strong> - About 15 birds - 13 birds counted side by side among a large group of waders. There were a few individuals with more prominent white eyebrow. Could this be first wintering juveniles?<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Red Knot</strong> - 3 birds among hundreds of Great Knots.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Caspian Tern</strong> - 31 birds, an unusually high count.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Common Redshank</strong> - strangely the most abundant wader in Kapar was very few (~20) on this date. Other common birds observed are:-<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Eurasian Curlew</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Whimbrel</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Bar-tailed Godwit</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Black-tailed Godwit</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Common Greenshank</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Common Redshank</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Common Sandpiper</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Marsh Sandpiper</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Terek Sandpiper</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Great Knot</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Curlew Sandpiper</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Broad-billed Sandpiper</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Grey Plover</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Greater Sandplover</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mongolian Sandplover</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Little Ringed Plover</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Little Tern</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Gull-billed Tern</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Great Egret</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Grey Heron</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Intermediate Egret</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Little Egret</span>tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-1146053601230182502006-04-26T22:11:00.000+10:002006-09-28T23:11:47.423+10:00<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20-%20K%20Gula%20-%20Chan%20AL%20195S0014s.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20-%20K%20Gula%20-%20Chan%20AL%20195S0014s.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">An Endangered Bird Under Siege?<br /></span><br />A juvenile Nordmann's Greenshank (<em>Tringa guttifer</em>) was spotted feeding on the soft coastal mud among the 'ferocious' crabs. It should be able to get out from such natural hostile environmet. But will it cope up with loss of habitat caused by uncontrolled modern development?<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo courtesy of Dr AL Chan, taken 17 Nov 2002 Kuala Gula, Perak, Malaysia. The first ever sighting record at the site.)</span><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204334a.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204334a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After reclamation of Saemungeum in South Korea in April 2006, an important staging site for many migratory birds, there will be negative impacts to migratory birds that winter in South East Asia and as far as Australia and New Zealand. Normann's Greenshank as an endangered species with estimated total global population of only 500-1000 individuals (less than Orang-utans and tigers!) should be rigorously studied and closely monitored to ensure its future survival. Other threats include conversion of coastal wetlands along its flyway in South Asia and South East Asia.<br /><br /><strong>A treacherous <img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%20-%20Distribution%20Map.2.jpg" border="0" />journey along the most densely populated and polluted region in the world.</strong><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Nordmann's Greenshank (Tringa guttifer) Distributation Map(Source: Waterbird Population Estimates: 3rd Edition - Snipes, Sandpipers and Phalaropes, 2002) Yellow area represents breeding range; blue represents wintering range. Equally important staging sites along coastal areas in Korea Peninsula, China are not illustrated.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/NordmannsGreenshankDavid%20Bakewell5s.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/NordmannsGreenshankDavid%20Bakewell5s.jpg" border="0" /></a>Left - A rare shot of Nordmann's Greenshank in flight, 29 March 2005, Bagan Tambang, Penang. A high count of 28 birds where 6 birds can be seen here together with Pacific Golden Plovers.(Courtesy and Copyright of David Bakewell)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Peter%20Ericsson%2049189270.3.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Peter%20Ericsson%2049189270.3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Thailand - a well known wintering site<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">On the right is a photo taken in inner Gulf of Thailand. (Photo courtesy by Peter Ericsson, follow </span><a href="http://www.pbase.com/peterericsson"><span style="font-size:78%;">link</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> to view his other bird photos, mostly from Thailand)</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Inner Gulf of Thailand is also another important wintering sites for migratory birds including this Nordmann's Greenshank.</span><br /><br /><br />Thanks to supports from Nial Moores/<a href="http://www.birdskorea.org/">Birds Korea </a>and Taej Mundkur/<a href="http://www.wetlands.org/">Wetlands International</a>, I now have more details to share. I also start to approach a few photographers from different countries to get their permissions to post more photos and information. Please come back later to check on the progress.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20-%20Nial%20Moore%20DSCN0474a.2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20-%20Nial%20Moore%20DSCN0474a.2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Photos courtesy of Nial Moore/</span><a href="http://www.birdskorea.org/"><span style="font-size:78%;">Birds Korea </span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">at Saemungeum, 20 Apr 2006. A lone Nordmann's Greenshank roosting with its favourite 'friend' Grey Plover, just like in Malaysia. </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">With the reclamation of Saemungeum, the future is bleak for many shorebirds, including the Nordmann's Greenshank, Spoon-billed Sandpiper & Great Knot. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20-%20Bagan%20Tambang%20-%20Chan%20AL.jpg"></a><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/nordmannsapril26Y06geum_estuary.3.jpg"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/nordmannsapril26Y06geum_estuary.3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Latest photo from Nial Moores (From </span><a href="http://birdskorea.org/"><span style="font-size:78%;">BirdsKorea</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">) taken </span><span style="font-size:78%;">April 26, 2006, at the Geum estuary, next to Saemungeam. Even the future of this site is not optimistic after the damage of Saemungeum. (There are 4 Nordmann's Greenshanks in the photo, one in the middle left and 3 in far right. Other shorebirds are Grey Plovers and Far Eastern Curlews)<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">A stunning photo of 8 Nordmann's Greenshanks roosting at high tide at <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20-%20Bagan%20Tambang%20-%20Chan%20AL.jpg"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20-%20Bagan%20Tambang%20-%20Chan%20AL.jpg" border="0" /></span></a>Bagan Tambang, Penang, Malaysia 10 April 2005. (Photo courtesy of Dr AL Chan). This inconspicuous muddy coastline has attracted international attention lately when 43 Nordmann's Greenshanks were reported by Mr CHOY Wai Mun on 08/11/2004.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/NordmannsGreenshankDavidBakewell3s.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/NordmannsGreenshankDavidBakewell3s.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Left - Nordmann's Greenshank caught in the flight. 29 March 2005 Bagan Tambang, Penang, Malaysia. Note the legs protude only slightly beyond the tail. (Copyright and Courtesy of David Bakewell)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20%20Owen%2020060419.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmanns%20Greenshank%20%20Owen%2020060419.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nordmann's Greenshanks are found reliably only in a few sites along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Even fewer are the sites that have protected status - these include Mai Po Wetlands Reserve in Hong Kong and Kapar Ash Ponds in Malaysia.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Nordmann's Greenshank assuming breeding plumage foraging in one of its popular stop over in Hong Kong en route to eastern Russia - Not at Lantau International Airport but at nearby Mai Po wetlands reserve. Photographed on 19/04/06. Courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.pbase.com/bluetitan/wildbirds"><span style="font-size:78%;">Owen Chiang</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">. </span>tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19274470.post-1132839298334797342005-11-25T00:34:00.000+11:002007-11-17T22:59:36.102+11:00<div align="right"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204313.6.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204313.6.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">Normann's Greenshank with a Grey Plover at Kapar Ash Pond, its 'best friend' in Kapar</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">*</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">*</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">*</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">Overview</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">*</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">*</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">*</span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The <strong>Spotted</strong> or <strong>Nordmann's Greenshank</strong> (<em>Tringa guttifer</em>) is a very rare wader confined to East Asian - Australasian Flyway. It breeds very sparsely along the coast of eastern Siberia and winters in small number in several countries in South East Asia. The total global population is estimated at about 500-1,000 individuals (Source: <a href="http://www.wetlands.org/publication.aspx?id=cc50d3d8-b073-4a2c-a15c-9198cb55452c">Waterbird Population Estimate 3rd Edition</a>, 2002 ). The Nordmann's Greenshank is currently categorised as globally <strong>Endangered</strong> according to </span><a href="http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3020&m=0"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">BirdLife International</span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">, due to its low number, threats to its wintering and breeding grounds.<br /><br />In Malaysia, one of its wintering ranges, this little brown shorebird is better known as Nordmann's Greenshank because it is in fact among the least spotted wader in non-breeding plumage. Therefore 'Spotted' Greenshank appears to be very misleading to its observers in Southeast Asia.<br /></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></div></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><p></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></p></span><div align="left">The photo in the right proves to be very challenging w<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/NordmannsGreenshank_MaiPo_Geoff_Welch.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/NordmannsGreenshank_MaiPo_Geoff_Welch.jpg" border="0" /></a>hen the Nordmann's Greenshank assumes partial breeding plumage. Photographed by Geoff Welch on 19 April 2006 at Mai Po, when the greenshank stopped over in Hongkong on its returning trip back to the breeding ground in eastern Russia. At this stage it is as equally spotted as the Common Greenshank. The few differentiating features are broad white notches at the edge of upperpart feathers, giving a broad white v-shaped edge. The bill is supposed to be thicker and blunter but it is not obvious in this photo. Yellow base of bill is often useful only in wintering gound in Southeast Asia and not in this case. Fortunately the shorter upper thigh is evident when comparing with a Common Greenshank next to it. <span style="font-size:78%;">(For those who is lost in the long-winded explanation and demand only the answer - Nordmann's Greenshak in the right and Common Greenshank in the left.)</span></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><div align="left"><br />Following are some accounts of my personal sightings of Nordmann's Greenshank on a particular site in Malaysia since late 2002.</span></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This elusive wader has been reported in Kapar Power Stations annually, albeit in small number, usually not more than 10 individuals, with declining trends from 80's to 90's. My first sighting of Nordmann's Greenshank was on 24 Nov 2002 at small ash pond of Kapar Power Station, Selangor, Malaysia. See my first photo from </span><a href="http://www.orientalbirdimages.org/search.php?action=searchresult&Bird_ID=1218&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Bird_Image_ID=2291&Bird_Family_ID=&p=17"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Oriental Bird Club</span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">. Ever since that, I had been having <em>rendezvous</em> with this enigmatic shorebird almost fortnightly without failure between February 2003 and April 2003.</span></p><br /><br /><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%201730.0.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%201730.0.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This is my first decent photo taken on 13 November 2003. On the right is the closely resembled Common Greenshank(<em>Tringa nebularia</em>). Note the subtle differences in the upperpart plumage. Nordmann is very 'plain' and has two-toned bill. The yellow base of bill is a key feature to rule out Common Greenshank. However this feature of yellow base of bill is not always obvious in partial breeding or breeding plumage. [Sometimes I wonder how the ornithologists managed to conclude that the little plain brown bird in Malaysia and the strongly spotted shorebird in coastal eastern Siberia are actually the same species. That must have gone through a lot of research and cross-examinations of specimens.] </span></p><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Dowitcher%203785a.6.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Dowitcher%203785a.6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">Catching the first sunlight - 2 rarities standing side by side - Nordmann's Greenshank (left), Asian Dowitcher (right) - 12 Feb 2005</span></p><br /><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Dowitcher%203785a.6.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></a> </p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I was not able to follow up with my favourite shorebird as often as I had wished since 2004. This was due to my relocation to Sydney after completing my project based work in KL, 2004 Feb. However a holiday trip in Feb 2005 to Malaysia to visit my parents in KL had allowed me to revisit the site and showed it to 2 of my contacts who had not seen it before. By knowing some jizz and its usual habits, it is not too difficult to locate a Nordmann's Greenshank among hundreds or even thousand of other shorebirds. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204250a.6.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204250a.6.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><br /><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">Nordmann's Greenshanks roost in 'sea' of shorebirds on 03 Jan 2006. At least 14 Nordmann's Greenshanks were counted by one 'scan' of spotting scope along horizon. The middle taller bird could be a sleeping Asian Dowitcher. Can you spot 4 Nordmanns in the frame? There could possibly be another 5th bird at the right of the tall bird. What other shorebirds can you identify?</span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">In Kapar, the Nordmann's Greenshanks are often found roosting prominently at the edge of large group of shorebirds. That makes it easier to spot these VIP members on the 'VIP' stands. Its preference to stand on deeper water and softer mud might explain why it has partial webs on feet, which is unusual among Scolopacidae sandpipers. Based on my past observations at Kapar, the Nordmann's Greenshank usually associates with other similar sized waders such as Grey Plover, Common Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Great Knot, Asian Dowitcher, Black-tailed Godwit. Although the very similar Common Greenshanks are also found roosting at the same pond, the Nordmann's Greenshank rarely mingles with its close cousin. Nordmann's also rarely stand on dry ground (I have seen only once so far)</span></p><br /><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%203852.6.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%203852.6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:78%;">A small number of Nordmann's Greenshanks roost among few thousands shorebirds in Kapar Big Ash Pond on 12 February 2005. I also showed the birds to 2 other friends who had seen the bird for the first time.</span><br /></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></p></span><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204225.0.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204225.0.jpg" border="0" /></span></a>Transformer</strong></span> </span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">It is amazing that a very spotty shorebird in east Russia is actually the very same bird in Malaysia, albeit in much plainer plumage. It must have taken scientists lots of efforts to reconcile two different looking birds and concluded it as the same bird species.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The best time to look out for this greenshank is<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDw9qgXYWIjwcK0_qlpNd-aJyP9Ax9uPJebmq2GZFVWckWxdUbfYp1Xfpe8ptwTUaVjUSF3AoCjrX02PJEUE-XSdBXpHyDxYrwJKEFvkRjOeEn5_mdm39HYCdDEs5jdwXaDhUcA/s1600-h/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+3ANG.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133775209915415618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDw9qgXYWIjwcK0_qlpNd-aJyP9Ax9uPJebmq2GZFVWckWxdUbfYp1Xfpe8ptwTUaVjUSF3AoCjrX02PJEUE-XSdBXpHyDxYrwJKEFvkRjOeEn5_mdm39HYCdDEs5jdwXaDhUcA/s320/Nordmanns+Greenshank+-+3ANG.JPG" border="0" /></a> during highest tide, where a large number of shorebirds congregates in the Ash Ponds.</span><br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%203838.4.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></a></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></p><div align="right"></span><span style="font-size:78%;">First winter Nordmann's Greenshank in Muar, Johor State, Malaysia Nov 2007. A newly discovered wintering site. 3 individuals were sighted. (Photo courtesy of T.H. Ang)</span><br /></div><p></p><p>The optimal wader watching time in Kapar Ash Pond can be very brief, often between 7:30am - 9:30am. There is a high probability that the bird would have dispersed to coastal mudflats before one could locate a Nordmann's Greenshank.</p><p>@</p><p>@<span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Dowitcher%203785a.6.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204262.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204293.0.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204293.0.jpg" border="0" /></span></a>My latest sighting on 03 Jan 2006 was a significant milestone as I had counted at least <strong>14</strong> Nordmann's Greenshanks - my highest record and also one of the highest at Kapar in recent years. It was not easy to organise this visit as my trip to Malaysia was only a week and I had to communicate with the Kapar management via emails and phone many times in order to secure a special visit permit. [<strong>Note</strong>: Kapar Ash Ponds, although designated as a East Asian-Australasian Shorebird Site Network, is a highly restricted premise, permit must be obtained in advance and photo ID (Passport or driving license) must be surrendered at the security entrance]<br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204286a.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204286a.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Most shorebirds found in Malaysia are very timid and get spooked easily. Being a highly restricted area, the Kapar Ash Ponds have become a safe roosting haven for a large number of shorebirds. Among them are small number of endangered Nordmann's Greenshank (2 yellow-legged birds in the pic) and Spoon-billed Sandpiper.</span></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></p></span><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204262.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204262.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br />Although the sightings of Nordmann's Greenshank in Malaysia have been encouraging in these few years, we still cannot safely conclude that the population of Nordmann's Greenshank has increased. It could be partly because of increase in birdwatcher surveys. There is so little we know about this bird such as its movement, site fidelity, specific ecology requirement, etc.</p><br /><br /><p>%</p><p>%</p><p><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">The Future is Bleak</span></strong></p><p>The future of Nordmnn's Greenshank is not optimistic, compounded by recent reclamation of Saemangeum estuary, South Korea, an important staging site along its migration route. </p><br /><p>Source: <a href="http://www.birdskorea.org/">Birds Korea</a>. Or see related links in <a href="http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2006/03/saemangeum_decision.html">BirdLife International</a>.</p><p>The impact of this reclaimation, along with development of coastal wetlands in Asia will have enormous impacts on migratory birds in long term.</p><p>See <a href="http://www.birdskorea.org/saemhome_apr2005_images.asp">photos</a> on how disastrous it will pose to the migratory birds in next few years. </p><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204337.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/320/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204337.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;">A lonely Nordmann , just before leaving the ash pond when the tide receded in nearby mudflats.</span> </p><br /><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4259/1212/1600/Nordmann%20Greenshank%204337.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></a> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">My thoughts</span></strong></p><br /><br /><p>Although my knowledge of birds is still amateur and my photos are not so great, I still hope I will be able to help generate some awareness and interests in its conservation. This unattractive wader deserves high attention due to its endangered status and its dependancy on ever diminishing coastal wetlands. Often the conservation of migratory birds requires efforts from across the nations. What I could do is to keep reminding the general public the significance of many unsightly places in Malaysia such as Kapar Ash Ponds or any muddy coastal mud along Peninsular Malaysia that actually house some globally endangered birds. They are so hard to detect until some may doubt if it ever exists. Well, it does exist - the photos are the living proofs.</p><p>Please send your comments or opinions to c o p s y c h u s @ y a h o o . c o m</p><br /><p>Have a Great Day!!!</p><p align="center">~ ~ ~</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Notes:</strong></span> </p><br /><br /><div align="left">1) All photos on this page are the <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>copyrights</strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> of the respective photographers. Please seek the photographer's permission for use of any of the photos.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="left">2) Kapar Ash Ponds Station was dedicated as Malaysia's first site on the East Asian-Australasian Shorebird Site Network. (Source: <a href="http://www.wetlands.org/">Wetlands International</a>)</div><br /><br /><div align="left">3) Access to Kapar Ash Ponds Station is strictly regulated by permit obtained prior to visit.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">4) Shorebird surveys are regularly conducted by <a href="http://www.mns.org.my/">Malaysian Nature Society</a>. Birdwatchers are encouraged to take part in the survey on designated time slot, often coincide with highest tide line.</div><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><strong>Acknowledgements:</strong></span></div><br /><div align="left">1) Special Thanks to Kapar Power Station's management for granting me access to conduct shorebird survey on 03 Jan 2006.</div><br /><div align="left">2) Special thanks to Swee Seng from <a href="http://www.mns.org.my/">Malaysian Nature Society </a>for facilitating the visit permit and providing valuable information on tide table.</div><br /><div align="left">3) Thanks to those who either contribute in form of photos or advices and supports.</div><br /><div align="left">4) Any suggestions/questions/comments please write to me with email given below: </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center">c o p s y c h u s @ y a h o o . c o m</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Disclaimer</span></strong></div><br /><div align="left">This is my personal blog and I do not obtain any commercial benefits from posting this site. All informations are presented to the best of my knowledge. My apology if any soure of information is not correctly or fully acknowledged. </div>tippytommihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841754134837232315noreply@blogger.com6