Mai Po Wetlands Black-faced Spoonbills and waterfowl wonderland

It is such a wonder to encounter this flock of Black-Faced Spoonbills, amongst egrets. The Spoonbill shape, and larger size of the former stood out immediately! The feet of the Black-faced Spoonbill are half-webbed and according to an article in The Japan times, which can be read HERE, this species seems to have a monogamous mating system i.e. same pair mates and remains together for the rest of their lives. It is sad to learn of the Black-faced Spoonbills' habitats in South Korea, as a consequence of the Korean War.Black-faced Spoonbills were actively preening and resting near the egrets. Three Black-faced Spoonbills flying in to join the rest (as pictured above).Green Humour portrayed the Black-faced Spoonbill in a quirky comic-style blog which can be read HERE. The last sighting by my friend and I of the Black-faced Spoonbills was three individuals (as below) seen from afar, inside one of the bird hides in the wetlands.

  There were a good number of bird hides in Mai Po wetlands which enabled my friend and I to observe the waterfowl and ducks, from within those hides, as well as for both of us to take short breaks, after long walks in and around the park. This team of ducks were seen out and about in the waters, inside one of the bird hides. 

View of modern Shenzhen, China beyond the wetlands of Hong Kong (above and below).

Mai Po is also well-known for its diversity of waterfowl species, particularly DUCKS! Some of the ducks seen are described further below.Northern Shovelers, 2 females (with orange spatulate bills) and male (black bill) above.

A Garganey amongst the Northern Shovelers above.Northern Pintail (Male and Females) amongst N. Shovelers as pictured above. When the ducks dip their heads underwater, I cannot tell them apart anymore.

Some of the Northern Pintails (females) have such long necks (as pictured above) and the Male's pin-shaped tail feathers were quite visible and lends such an elegant look to it!Northern Shovelers, male and female above. There's one swimming near the edge of this lake, with colours almost blending against the muddy banks! A team of Tufted Ducks which according to Birds of HK and China book, is a fairly common winter visitor to Mai Po wetlands, found near fish ponds. Ducks in South China fall into one of four different groups in the book, which are the Diving ducks, Dabbling ducks, Sawbills and Sea ducks.  View from one of the bird hides in Mai Po Wetlands.Moorhens in the middle of shrimp pond.