Scanning the shore at Con Luu islandA weekend jaunt to Xuan Thuy National Park produced several notable records including a lone Amur Falcon, a Northern Lapwing (only saw by Falk Eagle-Eye) and a group of 7 Black-Faced Spoonbills.
View of the shrimps pondsThe weather for the first afternoon (5th November) was hot and dry with little cloud cover. The following morning’s birding was done in more overcast conditions, though it was still warm and the sun came out later on in the morning.
Amur Falcon spotted at 6 am along the dyke. A lifer for all of us, except Falk The first day’s birding focused on areas of mangrove, separated by bunds supporting mixed grasses and scrub. The second day was done along the mudflats and in the stands of Casuarina on Con Luu island.
Other species recorded included the usual menagerie of waders, ducks and two gull species (Black-Headed and Heuglin’s). Combing through the Casuarina pine stands produced Grey Nightjar and several forest species including Large Hawk Cuckoo and Chinese Blackbird. Various small flycatchers and/or warblers were seen flitting in and out of the Casuarina but the dense stands prevented any good views.
Black-faced Spoonbills, one of the most wanted birds at Xuan Thuy 
Several raptors were seen during the trip including Eastern Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, Japanese Sparrowhawk and Peregrine Falcon.
A group of Black-tailed Godwits
At the end of the trip, we bumped into this leucistic Black-tailed GodwitOur guide for the weekend, Truong, had also recorded two Oriental Scops Owl and an Orange-Headed Thrush two weeks ago.
From left to right : Truong (NP staff), Daniel, Falk, Matt
A Large Hawk Cuckoo flushed in a Casuarina stand at Con Luu island
Group of adults Heuglin’s Gulls All in all a worthwhile trip with some good records though the wader numbers seemed to be low and there were no diving ducks. Thankfully, Xuan Thuy is sufficiently isolated and so there are no screaming hordes of Vietnamese students to contend with, only fishermen and their dogs. Though the latter are probably more threatening to the future of this National Park.
Adult Heuglin’s Gull
1st winter Heuglin’s Gull (for large gulls ID, good link here)
Intertidal mudflats and mangroves at Con Luu island
Wood hut of local fishermen. Fishing and shellfish harvesting
within the park boundaries are not prohibited...
"Chim này la chim gì ? To quá nhỉ ? Chắc là ăn nó rất ngon"
Adult Heuglin’s Gull 
1st winter Heuglin’s Gull (for large gulls ID, good link here) Intertidal mudflats and mangroves at Con Luu island
Wood hut of local fishermen. Fishing and shellfish harvesting within the park boundaries are not prohibited...
"Chim này la chim gì ? To quá nhỉ ? Chắc là ăn nó rất ngon"A huge thank you to Tien for organizing this trip and to Truong for being a very good guide and showing the group some good birding spots.
Participants : Falk Wicker, Sebastien Delonglée (photos), Matt and me, Daniel Willcox
