Shui Hau adventure

1/5/2023 - Shui Hau mudflats

Seeing a lot of commotion at Shui Hau from the Local Patchers WhatsApp group, I decided pay the mudflats a visit

I took the MTR to Tung Chung MTR station, and then hopped on a #11 NLB en route to Shui Hau village. After getting off, I walked down a narrow path through small wetlands where local water buffalos reside. The mudflat was vast, and there were already several groups of photographers at the site. Since it was my first time there, I figured I’d follow them and see if I end up with anything

As I approached the right end of the mudflat, I saw a group of photographers all crouched down onto the mudflat, taking photos of a flock of birds. I quickly set down my bag on a grass patch and zoomed in as well

There were a pair of **common redshank** out on the water

A flock of **red-necked stints** flew in

There were around 20 individuals in the flock

The red-necked stints were very photogenic and everyone just crouched there firing off photos at them

The pair of **common redshank** also showed well

After the stints flew off, I walked back and forth along the shoreline; after a short snack break on a grass patch, I set out for the patch of rocks on the right of the beach, where a big group of birders were huddled together

When I approached, I saw a distinguished pair of pied waders that I recognised immediately. I threw down my backpack, crouched down asap and started photographing the pair of ruddy turnstones