Happy Mondays…

Monday was a good day.

We originally decided we would go to Sihwa eco marsh reed park (that’s pretty much what it translate from in Korean). It’s the birdwatching place nearby that we keep meaning to go to. However, it was closed. Boooo!! We got a cab there because we didn’t really know where it was and then when it was shut the cab driver took us back home!! That was a waste of money but at least we know where it is and there is a bus stop nearby, which is good! It also looks pretty good for birds too.

Our misfortune with Sihwa eco park turned in major fortunate when we went to Ansan lake park. We decided to head towards what we though was the sea. Turns out it is more of a river/estuary but en route through the lake park, we saw a group of birds feeding. At first, I thought it was just a group of bulbuls which are very common. As it turns out, it was a mixed flock of finches!! Yeah!!! Here’s some pictures:

These are Chinese Grosbeaks. They are really striking birds. The males have black heads, the females don’t. At the back of this group on the right is a female brambling too. However, the best spot is below. I was super-duper excited after waiting along time to see this bird…

Hawfinch!!! Yes!!! Not the world’s best picture but a record shot nonetheless. There were about three Hawfinches in the group of Chinese Grosbeaks. Here’s a couple more pictures…

A male Chinese Grosbeak.

And here’s a female Chinese Grosbeak and a Bramling. Then, the flock flew off as there were lots of people walking around. However, this made me realise there was a woodpecker about and for once it wasn’t a Greater Spotted Woodpecker…

This is a Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker. Very small and nice little birds. He wasn’t shy either. If only I had a better camera (birthday coming soon……)

We then walked through the Lake Park and found there is a nice path round the back of some apartments on the rivers edge. We saw lots ducks including Spot Billed Duck, Mallard, Pochard, Goosander and Teal. In the reeds at the side, I saw Bearded Tit but Rich only heard them. They were a tad elusive. We also saw a Common Buzzard and an Upland Buzzard flying and hunting over the reed beds. The difference was obvious when you see them together.

Then the strangest thing happened. Rich said he saw a deer. I obviously didn’t believe him, what with us being in the middle of a city. But turns out, he was right. Don’t believe me? Check it out…

The deer ran out from the side of the reeds and into the river. It struggled in the middle and got a bit stuck. We though it was a gonner. But it did make it to the other side but hmmm, not sure what it’s chances were, it was pretty damn cold. Here’s a super zoom in:

Stupid deer.

So that was interesting. Here’s a picture of Rich looking cold, yet interested.

This river is a bit like Seal  Sands from home. In fact we have pretty much labelled it “Korean Seal Sands”. Except there are no seals here. Only deer.

So we walked round the apartments. We could have gone further but it was unnaturally cold. We went back home. I’d say we went about 3 – 4 miles. It was a long way. We made all the calorie burn meaningless by then having a cheesy stuffed crust pizza. Mmmmmm.

To finish, here’s a picture of one of Rich’s kids in his kindy class. So cute. And his hair is AWESOME!