Bird Brain's Big Bird Race Report

The 1997 Big Bird Race saw some new (and definitely a lot prettier) faces on the University’s Bird Brains team. Members from the Hong Kong University included Ice Ko (recorder), Shaun Nicholson and Jo Taylor, with expert assistance from Geoff Carey and Rupert Griffiths (driver).

On a fine Friday afternoon, the Big Bird Race was ceremoniously launched at the Peter Scott Field Studies Centre at Mai Po. Rupert and Geoff enthusiastically volunteered to attend the ceremony and swore blind that it had nothing to do with a flock of Miss Hong Kongs who were leading the proceedings. Bird watching of a more carnal nature!

Our Bird Race started at 6pm (and not before) at Kam Tin. A lovely Painted Snipe and its two cute chicks promptly made a bolt for the long grass at about 5.59pm so could not be counted in the total of 144 birds which we saw or heard during the 24 hours. Other sites visited and interesting birds encountered that evening included Chau Tau (Chinese Francolin and Savannah Nightjar), Ho Sheung Heung (Collared Scops Owl call) and Kadoorie Farm (Slaty-legged Crake call). At 4.30am on the following day we arose and set off for the Peak, visiting Magazine Gap and the Zoological and Botanical Gardens by 6.30am. With the help of Rupert’s Formula One style driving (Macau Grand Prix next year, Rupert?) we were up in Tai Po Kau by 7.00am and spotted or heard the usual forest birds including a sighting of a family of Greater Necklaced Laughing Thrushes.

During the rest of the day we travelled between Tin Shui Wai, Tsim Bei Tsui, Shek Wu Wai and ended up at Mai Po for the afternoon. The weather was fine and breezy which was great for developing a sun tan but apparently not for birding. Every team complained about scores being down but spirits were not dampened. Enthusiasm was high until the very end and efforts of all teams were amply rewarded with a very relaxed, enjoyable dinner and free-flowing beverages at the Police Mess in Fanling.

The Bird Brains Team raised over HK$80,000 as part of the grand total of HK$1.8 million which will help towards keeping Mai Po up and running for another year. Many thanks go to our sponsors, the Swire Group, and to all those who sponsored us individually.

JO Taylor

P.3

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