Introduction
As well as being one of the easiest places to record many common Hong Kong species, a long list of rarities has been recorded at the Peak and this site is particularly worth visiting during migration time in the spring. Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler has become firmly established here in the last ten years, although the population is believed to be derived from captive birds.
Key Species
Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Black-throated Laughingthrush, White-cheeked Laughingthrush.
Other Species
Crested Goshawk, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (introduced), Common Koel, Collared Scops Owl, Barred Owlet, House Swift, Blue Whistling Thrush, Siberian Thrush, Eye-browed Thrush, Grey-backed Thrush, Japanese Thrush, Pale Thrush, Rufous-tailed Robin, Asian Stubtail Warbler, Chinese Bush Warbler, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Blue and White Flycatcher, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Fork-tailed Sunbird, White-backed Munia, Blue Magpie, Grey Treepie, Black-faced Bunting, Little Bunting, Chestnut Bunting, Tristram’s Bunting.
Other Wildlife
Small Indian Civet, Thai Squirrel (introduced). Many species of snakes are relatively common here including both species of krait and both species of cobra. Many morning joggers have been unnerved to find one of these crossing the path in front of them.
Birding
The best time to go is slightly later in the morning (around 8am) after the majority of the early morning crowds of tai chi practitioners have departed. This is a stronghold in Hong Kong for the scimitar babbler and Black-throated Laughingthrush. White-cheeked Laughingthrush is more common further east along the island but has become scarce everywhere. Blue Magpies are particularly common here, as are the introduced Thai Squirrels. Rarities recorded here include Chestnut-bellied and White-throated Rock Thrushes and very occasionally Lesser Frigatebirds join the winter roost of Black-eared Kites.
Habitat and Vegetation
Secondary woodland, some of which is quite old.
Getting there
From Star Ferry Central you can either a) get minibus no.1 which leaves from alongside HMS Tamar, which is beyond the City Hall on your left as you emerge from Star Ferry; b) take the no.15 bus from below Exchange Square on your right but this is a very slow way to get there or; c) take the Peak Tram which you can get to by walking 10 minutes or by getting the free Peak Tram Bus in front of the Star Ferry.
General Information
Altitude: 300-552m Disturbance: many people exercising early in the morning.